Minoxidil Only Remains Effective for a Few Months, Then I Need to Shave My Head

I am 29 years old, and I started noticing hair loss when I was 20. I have been using Regaine 5% since almost 4 years and Propecia since almost 3 years.

I have seen very good results with Regaine 5%, but these results are mixed. When my hair is extremely short (trimmed by the machine to level 1 or 2), Regaine is very effective. When I let it grow, it remains effective until a period of 4-5 months, where I start experiencing hair loss again. Then I shave my head, and it starts working again, and the cycle continues. This is not due to the fact that I cannot see hair loss when the hair is short; I am testing my hair loss even at very short length.

When minoxidil (Rogaine/Regaine) works, it usually works as long as you use it. When you stop using it, you lose the benefits quickly.

Shaving your head has nothing to do with the hair loss or hair growth, and what you are reporting is likely more illusion than reality. Shaving your head was commonly thought to increase hair growth, but contrary to this myth that has been around for centuries, it does not impact new hair growth at all. I can’t comment on what you’re seeing, because it doesn’t make sense to me.