When Hair Medications Don't Work (and What You Can Do)
Starting a hair treatment always brings hope: "This time it will work for me." But sometimes weeks go by... and you see no improvement. Don't worry, this happens to thousands of people. Here we explain, pharmacy-style, why this can happen and what to do to make it really work.
1. How Long Should It Take to See a Change?
Almost all hair treatments—lotions, minoxidil, ampoules, serums, specialized shampoos— require consistency. The average time to see changes is 8 to 12 weeks.
👉 If you've been using it for less than two months, you're still within the normal range.
2. Reasons Why a Medication "Doesn't Work"
✔ You Apply It to the Hair, Not the Scalp
Mistake #1 at the pharmacy. The medication needs to reach the root, not the hair. If you only "wet" the hair fiber, it won't work.
✔ You Use It at the Wrong Time
Many treatments are applied to a dry scalp. If you use it right after showering or with moisture, absorption drops significantly.
✔ You're Treating the Symptom, Not the Cause
Hair loss or weakness can be caused by anemia, stress, thyroid issues, genetics, seborrheic dermatitis, or damage from dyes. If the cause isn't correct, the medication won't work.
✔ Other Products Block Its Action
Heavy oils, creams, or waxes applied over the treatment can prevent it from reaching the skin.
💡 Medixapp Clarifies
Myth or Reality: "If the Treatment Works, Hair Loss Stops Immediately"
This is a very common myth.
In fact, many hair treatments cause weak hairs to fall out first, so stronger ones can grow later. This is called initial shedding and is completely normal.
👉 If you notice slightly more hair loss during the first 2–4 weeks, it doesn't mean it's harming you. It's usually part of the process.
3. Clear Signs You Should Change Your Strategy
- You've gone more than 3 months without any change.
- Hair loss appears in clumps or specific areas.
- You have constant itching, burning, or irritation.
- Hair loss worsens even when using the treatment correctly.
In these cases, it's time to evaluate alternatives.
4. Practical Tips That Work in Real Life
✔ Massage for 30–60 Seconds When Applying
Improves absorption and stimulates circulation.
✔ Avoid Mixing Too Many Products
Use one main treatment and, if you want, a light supplement.
✔ Change Your Shampoo Based on Your Scalp
It doesn't cure hair loss, but it prepares the ground: if you have oily hair, dandruff, or dryness, the treatment works worse.
5. What If Nothing Works?
That's when specialized options come in: peptides, growth factors, microneedling, combined treatments, and advanced serums.
👉 You can read more here about the most modern treatments: modern hair treatments
Conclusion
If a hair medication isn't working for you, it could be due to insufficient time, incorrect application, or an unidentified cause. With some adjustments—or switching to a more specific treatment—results are usually possible.