Followers of Dr. John Watts regularly flood his educational videos with queries about hair transplants and hair growth. In this article based on his Q&A video, Dr. John Watts — noted dermatologist, trichologist and one of the leading hair transplant surgeons in Hyderabad — answers select shortlisted questions from viewers.
Can you switch Minoxidil brands?
A viewer who had been using Tugain brand Minoxidil for a year asked what to do now that the brand is unavailable. Dr. Watts clarified that any brand of Minoxidil can be used for hair growth.
"Yes! Generally, reputed brands are known to maintain quality standards, so they could be used as a priority. However, if your brand is not available, you can try another brand," said Dr. John Watts.
Hair straightening damage and colour change
Another viewer noticed a brownish tinge and some hair loss after a hair straightening procedure. Dr. Watts reiterated that hair straightening is always a bad idea. "Hair straightener can harm the hair in two different ways," he informed.
First, chemical colours are used in the process and the scalp absorbs some of these harmful chemicals. Second, the ironing heat can damage the cuticle — the superficial layer of the hair. "In this process, the hair colour may change from black to brownish due to over exposure to heat. The ideal solution is to eat nutritious food and use a hair conditioner to come out of this mess. It would be good to see a dermatologist to ensure there is not much damage," he advised.
Can Minoxidil-grown hair be used as transplant grafts?
A viewer using Minoxidil and Finasteride asked if hair regrown with these medicines could later be used as donor grafts for a transplant. Dr. Watts explained that this growth is not permanent. "No sooner you stop using these medications, the hair growth stops and they fall. Hence, this hair cannot be used for transplantation," he answered.
For transplantation, surgeons generally extract non-DHT influenced hair, which grows long and stays permanent. Minoxidil- or Finasteride-influenced hair does not grow long enough. However, these medications can still be continued to improve growth in the donor region — the hair is simply unfit for grafting.
Does hair lost during a head bath grow back?
Hair lost during a head bath usually grows back, but whether it returns with the same quality and length is not certain. "If one is taking poor nutrition, then definitely the hair growth would not be the same as earlier. Similarly, if one is facing hair loss under the influence of androgenetic alopecia, the next phase of hair growth would see the size become smaller and smaller till it becomes invisible to the naked eye," Dr. Watts informed.
Eventually such hair becomes vellus hair — still growing, but visible only under a microscope.
The bottom line
Minoxidil brands are interchangeable if quality is maintained, straightening treatments genuinely damage hair, medication-induced growth cannot be transplanted, and regrowth after shedding depends on nutrition and whether androgenetic alopecia is at play. When in doubt, get your scalp professionally assessed.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch to a different Minoxidil brand?
Yes. Dr. John Watts says any brand of Minoxidil can be used. Reputed brands are preferred for quality, but if yours is unavailable, another brand is fine.
Does hair straightening damage hair?
Yes. The scalp absorbs harmful chemical colours and the heat can damage the hair cuticle, sometimes turning hair brownish. Nutrition, conditioner and a dermatologist visit are advised.
Can hair regrown with Minoxidil and Finasteride be used for a hair transplant?
No. This growth stops and the hair falls once you discontinue the medication, so it cannot be used as donor grafts. Only permanent non-DHT influenced hair is used.
Will hair lost during a head bath grow back?
Usually yes, but the quality and length may differ. With poor nutrition or androgenetic alopecia, regrowth becomes progressively thinner, eventually turning into vellus hair.
