Hair loss treatment takes time. Here's what to expect.
One of the most common reasons men stop finasteride or minoxidil early is that they don't see results quickly enough. The reality is that hair grows slowly — around 1cm per month — and the biological process of stopping hair loss and stimulating regrowth takes time to show up visibly.
Understanding the timeline upfront prevents unnecessary disappointment and, more importantly, prevents you from giving up before the treatment has had a real chance to work.
Months 1 to 3: stabilisation.
In the first few months of finasteride use, the primary goal is to stop the progression of hair loss rather than regrow hair. You likely won't see obvious regrowth yet, and some men experience a temporary increase in shedding — this is normal and actually a positive sign.
This temporary shedding, sometimes called the telogen effluvium phase, happens because the treatment is pushing dormant or weakened hairs out of a resting phase to make way for new, healthier growth. If it happens to you, it typically resolves within 6 to 8 weeks.
Men using minoxidil may also notice a brief shedding phase in the first few weeks as the follicles are stimulated into a new growth cycle.
Important: Increased shedding in the first 6 to 8 weeks of finasteride or minoxidil treatment is common and is a sign that treatment is working — not failing. It resolves on its own and is followed by improved growth.
Months 3 to 6: early regrowth.
By the three to six month mark, most men begin to notice that hair loss has slowed or stopped. Some start to see early signs of regrowth — finer hairs appearing in previously thinning areas. The hair is still fragile at this stage.
Minoxidil tends to show early regrowth results before finasteride, as it works by directly stimulating follicle activity and improving blood flow rather than addressing the underlying hormonal cause. Using both together produces the strongest combined effect.
This is typically when men start noticing a difference in how their hair looks and sits. Photographs taken at this point compared to the start of treatment often show clear improvement even if it doesn't feel dramatic day-to-day.
Month 12 and beyond: full results.
The full benefit of finasteride treatment is typically visible at the 12-month mark. Clinical trials consistently measure outcomes at one year because that is when the complete picture emerges. In the landmark finasteride clinical trials, 83% of men experienced no further hair loss and 66% experienced measurable regrowth.
For minoxidil, similar timelines apply — most clinical studies report peak results between 12 and 16 months of consistent use.
Both treatments must be continued long-term to maintain results. If you stop finasteride, the hair loss process will resume within 6 to 12 months as DHT levels return to baseline. If you stop minoxidil, any hair grown with its support will gradually shed.
Take a free 2-minute assessment and get a personalised recommendation from a NZ-registered doctor.
Start free assessment →