4-6 months of Minoxidil use is needed to see significant results, but some people see results 2 months in. Stopping Minoxidil use too early may cause a slow return to initial state before Minoxidil use [2008/1985].
The hairs become permanent once they turn terminal, and no we don’t know when that will occur for you or anyone for that matter.
Vellus Hair vs Terminal Hair
Vellus hair is short, fine, and soft hair that grows over most parts of the body, usually less than 2mm in length. These hairs will fall out when Minoxidil use is stopped.
Terminal (fully developed) hair is generally longer, coarser, thicker, and darker. These hairs are permanent and will stay after Minoxidil use is stopped.
Vellus hairs do not become terminal, they must shed and be replaced with a terminal hair.
How Long Should I be on Minoxidil
When you stop using Minoxidil only the hairs that have matured into terminal hairs will stay (they are permanent), the undeveloped vellus hairs will fall out.
We don’t how long till your hairs turn terminal. And every person is different.
We recommend between 1 and 2 years of consistent Minoxidil use.
We also recommend tapering off when you are nearing the end of your journey, though it’s not necessary. There’s no standard way of tapering, just use your best judgement.