Using Minoxidil After Hair Loss from Chemical Burn?

Hello Dr. Rassman,
about 3 weeks ago I had a procedure done called l’oreal x-tenso which is basically a hair relaxing (rebonding) treatment. The original goal was to grow my hair longer, which is normally not an easy thing given that my hair is normally very thick and wavy/curly. Anyway, a couple of weeks after the procedures I decided to get my hair cut and a couple of days after that my hair started to shed a lot and has continued to do so over the past week, although it seems that the shedding is somewhat decreaing over the last couple of days. I’ve seen 3 different trichologists here in London and they all seem to think that the chemical from the relaxer cause some bad breakage but that should reverse once new hair grows out. Instead they all seem to agree that I also exhibit signs of androgenetic alopecia. There is no history of hair loss on both side of my family, isn’t genetic baldness always hereditary? The trichologists that I have seen here in London are suggesting that I use different topical solutions, Minoxidil has also been suggested. If the hair loss is caused mainly by breakage and it is not a genetic condition, would it still be safe for me to use Minoxidil? Also, looking at my hair when it falls, some of it but not most of it, has the bulb attached. Is that a bad sign, i.e not simple breakage but damage to the follicle? I’m a 38 year old Italian male. Thanks in advance for your reply

Without seeing you there is little I can do or diagnose. Yes, genetic hair loss is hereditary. Minoxidil will grow hair even if you’re not losing it by genetic factors, but you shouldn’t use a medication that you don’t need, even if it is available over the counter. Stay with someone in your area that you trust. See a doctor and find out if what you’re seeing is genetics or a chemical problem.