Hair Thinning After 35: Is Minoxidil the Right First Step?

This article includes affiliate links, which may earn us a commission, to support truthful and independent journalism (at no extra cost to you).

Hair thinning after 35 is more common than most people expect. Hormonal shifts, stress, nutritional changes, and genetics all start playing a bigger role. Suddenly, the hair you once took for granted may feel thinner, weaker, and slower to grow.

For many, the first solution that comes to mind is minoxidil. It is clinically studied, widely recommended, and often considered the standard starting point for hair regrowth.

But how do you know if it is the right first step for you?

Think of your scalp like soil and each hair follicle like a tiny sleeping seedling. Minoxidil works by waking those seedlings up. By increasing blood flow and extending the growth phase, it encourages follicles to reenter active production. This is why many people begin to notice small new hairs appearing after consistent use.

At the same time, minoxidil can accelerate the shedding of weaker or miniaturized strands. This temporary shedding phase, often referred to as the dread shed, typically lasts several weeks to about a month. While it can feel concerning, it is usually part of the transition as older hairs make room for stronger growth.

However, there is an important detail that many people overlook.

Minoxidil stimulates growth, but it does not nourish the scalp.

If the scalp is dry, irritated, clogged with buildup, or lacking proper support, newly activated follicles may struggle to produce thicker, healthier strands. When short hairs grow in but fail to mature and continue falling out, it often signals that the scalp environment needs additional care.

This is where scalp serums become important.

If minoxidil wakes up the follicles, scalp serums help improve the conditions that allow new hair to grow stronger over time. They can support circulation, reduce buildup, calm irritation, and improve overall scalp health.

Before choosing a product, it is essential to understand how to select the right concentration and format based on your level of thinning, scalp sensitivity, and daily routine.

• 5% Minoxidil Hair Growth & Beard Growth Kit for Men and Women (Best Value 5% Minoxidil with Rosemary)

• Men’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam (Best Clinically Trusted 5% Foam for Men (Twice-Daily Use))

• Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam (Best Clinically Trusted 5% Foam for Women (Once-Daily Use))

• Keranique 2% Minoxidil Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women (Best 2% Gentle Option for Women)

• The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum (Best Peptide Scalp Serum for Thinning Hair)

• VEGAMOUR GRO Hair Serum (Best Premium Plant-Based Growth Serum)

• OUAI Balancing Scalp Serum (Best for Dry / Sensitive Scalp)

• Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Treatment (Best Scalp Detox Serum)

• Divi Scalp Serum (Best Scalp Serum for Oily or Product Buildup-Prone Scalp)

• Pacifica Scalp Love Rosemary Mint Serum (Best Budget Hydrating Scalp Serum)