After 16 Years on Minoxidil, I’m Getting Scalp Irritation

Hi Doctor,

Started Rogaine 16 years ago at 40. Now 56. Only applied it once a day after about a year. Developing scalp irritation and plan to stop. Are there any long term studies showing effectiveness? I’ve read about immunity after a few years but nothing specific. Could my hair still be dependent on it after so many years and at my age?

What works better or if at all at my age? minoxidil or propecia?

Thanks

I am not aware of any long term studies on topical minoxidil/Rogaine showing effectiveness. Your hair may be (or may not be) dependent on Rogaine after so many years. If you are going to stop the use of Rogaine, I would consider slowly weaning off of it over the course of several weeks. For example, apply once a day rather than twice a day. Then maybe every other day, etc. Perhaps even switching to a lower dosage. Unfortunately, hair loss may be a price that you have to pay for stopping the medication.

It won’t retain any benefits you’ve seen from the minoxidil, but Propecia might work for you.