Monitoring and Evaluation of Temporary Increase in Hair Shedding Induced by Topical Minoxidil in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

August 2025 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”

Yujing Zhang, Liang-Hong Wu, Wei Zhao, Xiangqian Li, Jianzhong Zhang, Yuanyuan Li, Cheng Zhou

topical minoxidil androgenetic alopecia hair shedding FDA-approved therapy Rogaine AGA

TLDR Minoxidil can temporarily increase hair shedding, causing anxiety and treatment discontinuation.

The study investigates the temporary increase in hair shedding often observed with the initiation of topical minoxidil treatment in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a common hair loss disorder. This multicenter prospective cohort study aims to systematically evaluate this phenomenon, which frequently causes patient anxiety and leads to treatment discontinuation. Despite being the only FDA-approved topical therapy for AGA, minoxidil's side effect of increased shedding has not been extensively studied. The research highlights the need for better understanding and management of this side effect to improve patient adherence to treatment.

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