Minoxidil recovery — week by week

What healing actually looks like — week by week — for minoxidil.

Recovery timeline

1. Months 0–3
   Initial shedding common — old hair cycling out as new growth begins. Frustrating but expected.
2. Months 3–6
   Slowing of shedding. First subtle improvements in density.
3. Months 6–12
   Visible improvement in 50–60% of patients.
4. Lifelong
   Maintenance required. Stopping reverses the benefit over 3–6 months.

What's normal vs. what to call about

Some swelling, bruising, asymmetry, numbness, and tightness are expected in the first weeks. Sudden severe pain, fever above 101°F, drainage, spreading redness, or one-sided swelling that worsens after improving warrant a same-day call to your surgeon.

See minoxidil results across the recovery curve on the main Minoxidil page.