You've probably read about it: shedding. Increased hair loss at the beginning of a hair growth treatment. With minoxidil, it's almost a certainty. With many other serums too. And then you're there, with more hair in your brush than before, wondering if you've made the right choice.
In this article, we explain what shedding actually is, why it's inevitable with certain products, and why that's not the case with Hairborn.
What is shedding?
Your hair grows in cycles:
- A growth phase (anagen)
- A transitional phase (catagen)
- A resting phase (telogen)
At the end of the resting phase, the hair falls out, and the cycle begins again.
Shedding occurs when a product disrupts the hair cycle. Hairs that were still in the resting phase are, as it were, expelled more rapidly. That sounds alarming, but the idea behind it is that the follicle can then enter the growth phase sooner and stronger.
In practice, it means: you see more hair loss in the first few weeks before improvement occurs. For some people, this phase lasts two weeks, for others two months.
Why does minoxidil cause shedding?
Minoxidil is a blood pressure-lowering drug originally used as a pill that incidentally stimulated hair growth as a side effect. It works by dilating blood vessels in the scalp, bringing more blood and nutrients to the hair follicles.
The problem: minoxidil actively pushes hairs out of the resting phase and forces them back into the growth phase. This doesn't happen gradually. The body reacts with a sudden expulsion of hairs that weren't actually ready to fall out yet. Hence the shedding.
For most people, the shedding passes. But it's not pleasant, it's difficult to explain to yourself or those around you, and for people with already thinning hair, it can be an anxious period.
Why does Hairborn not have a shedding phase?
Hairborn does not work on this shock principle. Our formula, including Redensyl, Procapil, and Baicapil, gradually supports the hair follicle without forcing the hair cycle.
The result: no shedding phase. You simply start with the serum, you see a change over weeks and months, and you don't lose hair as a reaction to the product.
What if you are already experiencing shedding from another product?
If you switch from minoxidil or another serum to Hairborn, you might still experience some hair loss related to the previous product wearing off. Minoxidil, in particular, has a known rebound effect: if you stop using it, a period of increased hair loss may follow as the follicles return to their own rhythm.
In that case, it is advisable to make the transition gradually, or to consult a doctor if you have been using minoxidil for a long time. Hairborn is not a medicine and is intended for daily support of healthy hair, not as a tapering agent.
How do you know if a product causes shedding?
Not every brand is transparent about this. Look at the active ingredients. Minoxidil and finasteride are substances that actively influence the hair cycle. If a brand claims that shedding is "a good sign," you are probably using a product that works on that shock principle.
With Hairborn, shedding is not an expected reaction. If you experience more hair loss than usual in the first few weeks while only using Hairborn, it can almost always be explained by something else: stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal fluctuations, or an existing underlying problem. In that case, it is worthwhile to also look at your diet, sleep, and stress levels.
How long does it take for Hairborn to show results?
Hair growth is slow. That applies to every product, including ours. On average, people see a difference in hair thickness and quality after eight to twelve weeks of consistent use. For visible growth in cases of baldness or thinning hair, it can take longer.
What you notice earlier is less hair loss and hair that feels stronger. These are signs that the follicles are better supported. Visible growth comes after that.
Use the Growth Serum daily, apply it to dry or damp scalp and massage it in. Combine it with the Derma Roller if you want to enhance its effect: micro-needling increases the absorption of active ingredients and stimulates blood circulation in its own way, without disrupting the cycle.
Finally
Shedding is not universal. It is a side effect of specific mechanisms of action, not of hair growth products in general. If you choose a product that supports the follicle instead of shocking it, you don't have to expect it.
With Hairborn, that's the starting point. No shock phase, no weeks of doubt. Just consistent use, and the time hair growth simply needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much hair loss is normal during a shedding phase?
There's no exact number, but a noticeable increase compared to your own normal pattern, often a few dozen extra hairs per day for a few weeks, is consistent with a typical shedding phase. If significantly more hair falls out consistently, or if it lasts longer than two to three months, it's advisable to consult a doctor.
Can you prevent shedding by building up usage more slowly?
With products like minoxidil, you usually don't gradually increase the dosage because the concentration is fixed, but you can start with once a day instead of twice to make the transition a bit smoother. This won't completely prevent shedding but may slightly temper its intensity.
Is shedding the same for women as for men?
Yes, the underlying mechanism is the same regardless of gender: a product that actively disrupts the hair cycle can cause a temporary shedding phase in both men and women. Women also regularly report this when starting minoxidil for female hair loss.
Is it better to temporarily stop using the product during a shedding phase?
No, stopping during an expected shedding phase usually means you never reach the subsequent phase where new, stronger hairs emerge. As long as the shedding remains within the usual timeframe of a few weeks to months, continuing is the common approach.
How do you distinguish shedding from an allergic reaction?
Shedding is usually not accompanied by itching, redness, or scalp irritation, whereas an allergic reaction often is. If you experience skin complaints in addition to increased hair loss, this points more towards a reaction to the product than a normal shedding phase.
Can shedding occur weeks after discontinuing a product?
Yes, for some people, shedding only starts after a few weeks of use rather than immediately, and when discontinuing a product like minoxidil, a similar period of increased hair loss may occur later as a reaction to the loss of stimulation.
Is there a difference in shedding risk between a lotion and a foam version?
No, it's not so much the delivery method (lotion or foam) that determines the risk of shedding, but the active ingredient and its concentration. The same concentration of minoxidil in both forms carries a similar chance of a shedding phase.
Does shedding get worse if you apply the product too often?
Yes, applying more often than recommended can disrupt the hair cycle more severely and potentially intensify shedding, without making the final result faster or better. Stick to the recommended frequency on the label.
Can you still take photos to track progress during shedding?
Yes, that can actually be helpful, as it helps you see if hair density genuinely improves after the shedding phase compared to before you started. Make sure to take photos consistently so you have a fair comparison over a longer period.
Why do some brands call shedding a good sign?
For these brands, shedding is seen as a sign that the hair cycle is actively moving, which in theory can indicate an upcoming growth phase. This is not necessarily untrue, but it doesn't change the fact that the experience for the user at that moment can be unpleasant and sometimes unsettling, regardless of the underlying mechanism.
