During the early stages of treatment with Finasteride and/or Minoxidil, it is very common to experience more hair loss than normal — a phenomenon that is often referred to as hair ‘shedding’.
Healthy hair follicles go through a multi-phase process to produce new hairs, also known as the hair growth cycle, which involves distinct periods of hair growth, regression, rest and shedding. During one phase of this cycle, which is referred to as the Anagen phase (or “growth phase”), your hair grows to its full length before resting and falling out. Around 85-90% of your hairs are in this phase of the growth cycle at any given moment.
The second phase of the hair growth cycle is the Catagen phase. During this phase, new hairs stop actively growing and begin to thin in diameter. A bulb of keratin develops at the root of the hair, cutting off the hair’s blood supply and resulting in the development of a club hair.
The third phase is referred to as the Telogen phase. During this phase, the hair follicles enter a resting state in which growth completely ceases. Around 10-15% of your scalp hairs are in the Telogen phase at any time.
The fourth and final phase of the hair growth cycle is the Exogen phase. During this phase, the club hair fully detaches from the scalp, allowing it to shed as new hair grows from the follicle to replace it.
The usage of Finasteride and/or Minoxidil treatments can reset your hair's natural growth cycle, and this period of shedding older, weaker hairs is therefore commonly experienced within the first few months of starting treatment, though for some individuals this can happen at a later stage in their treatment cycle.
If you do start to experience hair shedding after you begin using Finasteride and/or Minoxidil, it’s important to stay the course. Although it can seem counterproductive, any hair shedding that occurs after you start treatment is not permanent hair loss, and typically will resolve over the course of a few months.