Second shed or losing the battle? Finasteride and minoxidil Progress Pictures 11/22/2025
The user experienced initial regrowth with finasteride and minoxidil but is now facing increased hair thinning, possibly due to a second shedding phase. They are considering increasing finasteride dosage or adding dutasteride, despite availability issues, and have started microneedling.
View this post in the Community →
Similar Community Posts Join
5 / 1000+ resultscommunity 3-Month Progress: 5% Topical Minoxidil + Microneedling (No Finasteride)
The user shared their 3-month progress using 5% topical minoxidil and microneedling with a 1mm dermaroller, noting significant hair growth without using finasteride. They applied minoxidil twice daily and used the dermaroller three times a week, experiencing a short shedding phase after 2-3 weeks.
community Third shedding phase on less than 6 months of treatment
The user has been using minoxidil for almost 6 months and finasteride for almost 4 months, experiencing significant shedding and minimal stabilization. They are considering switching to dutasteride if no improvements are seen and are advised to be patient, as results may take up to 2 years.
community Finasteride gel + Redensyl (RPC) - safe to use in conjunction? Ideal routine?
The user is using Finasteride gel and considering adding Redensyl to their routine, along with weekly microneedling, but is hesitant to use Minoxidil due to its initial shedding phase. They seek advice on the safety and ideal routine for combining these treatments.
community New baby hairs are popping out. Question though: what are these black dots on hairline? Clogged pores?
The user is experiencing new hair growth after using oral dutasteride, topical minoxidil, and microneedling, but is concerned about black dots on the hairline, which might be clogged pores or dormant follicles. The user previously used a topical minoxidil/finasteride spray and had good results, despite a shedding phase after switching treatments.
community Insane shedding after upping minoxidil dose.
The user experienced increased hair loss after increasing their minoxidil dose to 5mg and is considering switching to dutasteride while on testosterone replacement therapy. They are also using finasteride, microneedling, and considering adding Nizoral and caffeine serum to their regimen.
Related Research
6 / 1000+ results
research Managing patterned hair loss – a hair raising task!
Hair loss can be managed with treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and others, but there are still gaps in effectiveness and off-label usage is increasing.
research Sulfotransferase SULT1A1 activity in hair follicle, a prognostic marker of response to the minoxidil treatment in patients with androgenetic alopecia: a review
Sulfotransferase SULT1A1 activity may predict minoxidil treatment success for hair loss.
research Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapy Update
There are many treatments for common hair loss, but more trials are needed to decide which are best.
research Safety concerns when using novel medications to treat alopecia
Consider benefits and risks of new alopecia treatments for safety.
research A review of the treatment of male pattern hair loss
Finasteride and minoxidil work best together for hair loss.
research Treatment-Induced Hair Shedding (Dread Shed) Associated with Androgenetic Alopecia Therapies
"Dread shed" is common with minoxidil but less so with other hair loss treatments.