What was your experience with dread shed? I'm hitting the two week mark and noticing it starting and I'm getting nervous
    Minoxidil 5/24/2026

    From the encyclopedia
    Minoxidil →

    An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

    Finasteride →

    Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

    At a glance
    In this question or advice post, the primary subjects mentioned are
    💊 Minoxidil (oral) 1.25mg 2 weeks
    the tone is anxious.

    Other terms

    Minoxidil can cause initial hair shedding, but it's a sign the treatment is working. Users suggest combining it with finasteride and being patient, as hair often regrows after the shedding phase.
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    6 / 6 results

      community Someone hold my hand through dread shed! Shedding so bad!

      in Chat  38 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation discusses the emotional struggle of hair shedding while using finasteride and minoxidil, with users sharing encouragement and tips like using hair fibers, cutting hair shorter, and trusting the process for eventual regrowth. Many users emphasize that shedding is temporary and a sign that the treatment is working, suggesting patience and temporary solutions like hats and hair fibers.

      community The dread shed is obliterating my hair (22M). Been on treatment for about 1.5-2 months. First 8 pics are from a month ago and the rest are my current state. Will this regrow?

      in Progress Pictures  6 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 22-year-old is experiencing significant hair shedding and is using multiple treatments, including oral and topical minoxidil, finasteride, topical dutasteride, ketoconazole shampoo, and considering adding RU58841 and stemoxydine. Others advise patience, suggesting sticking to finasteride and minoxidil for at least a year before evaluating results, as initial shedding is normal and adding too many treatments can be counterproductive.

      community Hair coming back from the dead

      in Update  30 upvotes 11 months ago
      Hair regrowth progress using finasteride, minoxidil, and dermarolling. Visible improvements started around month 6, with initial shedding from minoxidil.

      community Hair back from the dead (2020-2026)

       214 upvotes 8 months ago
      A user successfully regrew hair using 1mg finasteride, switching to 0.5mg dutasteride, and maintaining 5mg oral minoxidil, with significant improvements noted after switching to dutasteride. The user experienced shedding phases but ultimately achieved regrowth and is now comfortable without wearing a hat.

      community After 4 months of DREAD SHED it seems to have ended!

      in Chat  70 upvotes 1 year ago
      The user experienced a severe hair shedding phase after switching to a combination pill of finasteride, minoxidil, and B12, but the shedding has now significantly reduced. Other users shared similar experiences, noting that shedding can be a sign of treatment effectiveness.

      community Why we shed on finasteride after getting results

      in Chat  23 upvotes 1 year ago
      Finasteride can cause initial hair shedding as part of its cycle, but it can also lead to hair regrowth and thickening over time. Users discuss the effectiveness of finasteride alone, with some considering adding minoxidil or switching to dutasteride for better results.

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    6 / 6 results

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      research Male androgenetic alopecia (Part II)

      9 citations , February 2005 in “The Journal of Men's Health & Gender”
      This article reviews treatment options for male androgenetic alopecia, including their distinct aims of arresting progression, stimulating regrowth, and concealing hair loss, and reports no new clinical results.

      research Oral Presentations

      July 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”
      This article discusses various aspects of hair and scalp health, ancient philosophical perspectives on hair, and causes of hair disorders in children, without reporting new clinical results.