Self-medication, surgery prep and gadget fixes — three viewers, three very common hair loss dilemmas. What happens when you stop Minoxidil and restart it? Must you shave your head before a transplant? And can an 18-year-old regrow temple hair with a derma roller?
In this article based on his educational video, Dr. John Watts — dermatologist, trichologist and hair transplant surgeon in Hyderabad — answers each question.
Restarting Minoxidil after stopping: will hair return?
A viewer said he used Minoxidil 5% solution without doctor consultation, got good results, stopped — and promptly lost the gains. He has now restarted and wants to know if he will regain the lost hair.
Dr. Watts called out the core mistake: using Minoxidil without prior doctor consultation. Self-medication may often backfire with adverse consequences.
"Stopping use of Minoxidil should not have been done as getting good results again on continuing Minoxidil is not guaranteed," said Dr. Watts, advising the viewer to consult a dermatologist.
Do you have to shave your head before a transplant?
Viewer Virtue Creation asked whether people with long hair must shave their head before hair transplantation.
Dr. Watts explained that not shaving may create a problem, as the surgeon may miss clear vision and clarity during the procedure. "However, if the transplanted area is very less, there is no need to shave one's head before a transplantation," he said.
Can a derma roller regrow hair at the temples?
An 18-year-old viewer, G Virender, asked whether using a derma roller on hair loss at the sides is safe and whether he can regain the lost hair.
Dr. Watts was direct: lost hair at the sides or temples cannot be regained with a derma roller. "The best solution is to opt for a hair transplant. You cannot hope to achieve it with derma roller, or through PRP or medication alone," he said, advising a dermatologist consultation.
He added a reassuring note: with maturity, one tends to lose some hair at the front, and this recession is seen as male pattern hair loss common to all — for which one need not worry.
The bottom line
Minoxidil is not a start-stop product: discontinuing it can cost you your gains, and regaining them on restarting is not guaranteed — which is why it should always be used under a dermatologist's supervision. Shaving before a transplant helps the surgeon see clearly, though small areas may not need it. And temple hair loss won't respond to derma rollers, PRP or medication alone — a transplant is the realistic fix, after proper evaluation.
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
If I stop Minoxidil and restart it, will I regain my lost hair?
Not guaranteed. Dr. John Watts warns that stopping Minoxidil should not be done, and getting good results again after restarting is not assured. Consult a dermatologist.
Is it necessary to shave the head before a hair transplant?
Generally yes, because not shaving can compromise the surgeon's vision and clarity. However, if the area to be transplanted is very small, shaving may not be needed.
Can a derma roller regrow hair lost at the temples or sides?
No. Lost hair at the sides or temples cannot be regained with a derma roller, PRP or medication alone — a hair transplant is the best solution.
Is some frontal hair recession normal?
Yes. With maturity, some hair loss at the front is common to all as male pattern recession, and one need not worry about it.
