| Author | Message | ||
     Patrick |
Hey Tom, Just a few questions for you. I'm in my early 20s and am not really losing hair in the back of my head, but my frontal hairline has thinned out a lot and even has receded. I know Rogaine and Propecia isn't used for frontal baldness, so what is the best thing to do for this? I know the FDA makes them state it isn't intended for frontal baldness, but is it possible that it can work for frontal baldness? Also, how do surgeons determine who has enough donor hair in order to do a hair transplant? One more quick thing...Is it possible that my receding hairline could be could be caused by a hair dryer and alcohol products? If so is that a reversible process? Thanks for your info and where do you think your scalp exercises can fit into all this? I really would like to get my hairline back and I know the longer I wait the less of a chance I have at doing so! | ||
| Freddie |
Hi, Whatever you do, stay the hell away from hair transplants. What you see on TV does not reflect what you will get in real life. Most of those doctors are just crooks out to get thousands of dollars from you and leave you disfigured for life. You are in your early 20s. As you grow older, your hair loss will progress even with propecia + minox. As you lose hair in front and on top, your unsightly hair transplants become more and more noticable. It looks like insects have eaten through your hair. And god help you if you get conned into a scalp reduction. You'll have frankenstein like scars running all over the top of your head coming into view as you thin out. Hair transplants leave a large scar at the back of your head where the donor hair is taken in strips and sewn up. If at any point you wish you shave your head (the last decent option for a hair loss sufferer), you're stuck. You will look like you had brain surgery. Lots of hair transplant victims are so badly disfigured, they have to wear rugs not out of choice but necessity. These pages may be of interest to you : http://members.aol.com/LongScars/index.html www.bosleymedicalviolations.com | ||
| Tom Hagerty (Admin) |
Patrick: First of all, read what Freddie wrote about hair transplantation. This is right on target. A young guy like you shouldn't even consider this option. Hair in the donor area will look thick and full in a good prospect for hair transplant surgery, but doctors or their sales reps might still suggest surgery even if the hair in the donor area is not adequate. But as Freddie said, "...stay the hell away from transplants." Some people say that they have seen regrowth of terminal hair in the frontal region, but the percentage of people with success in this region is small. A hair dryer can cause damage to the shaft of the hair, but it is highly unlikely to cause damage to the follicle where the hair is generated. When you use a hair dryer dont get it too close to the scalp and keep moving it around - but I'm sure you know this already. Alcohol might dry your scalp but it will not cause hair loss. In fact, the base of Rogaine is alcohol. You can be sure that Upjohn would not use alcohol in their product if it contributed to hair loss. "Where do... the scalp exercises fit into all this?" Read My Approach again and figure this out for yourself. | ||
| Anonymous |
Hey thanks for the response. I really appreciate it. I am no longer considering hair transplants as an option. However, I am thinking of starting Propecia and taking Minoxidil 2% for my frontal hairloss. My frontal hairline just keeps getting worse. Is there any site on the Internet you can suggest that I can order Propecia without a prescription? Also, if I take Proscar and cut the pills up in 4 would that be just as effective as taking Propecia? It seems like it so much cheaper to do that. Also, I would love to hear any other suggestions you may have for me as of what to do for my hairline. I am at the point where I am getting so depressed to be having this issue at my age. It's good to know there are other people out there that I can talk to about this with because it's to embarrassing for me to bring up with anyone else. | ||
| Tom Hagerty (Admin) |
Anonymous: There is not too much evidence that Propecia and Minoxidil will help with the frontal hair line. These drugs are more effective in halting further hair loss and in growing new hair in the crown area. The companies that developed these drugs say this explicitly in their brochures. Proscar pills are not scored but I'm sure you can still cut them to get the right dose. The ingredients in Proscar are exactly the same as in Propecia. Do your own cutting and save money. I'm sure there are Web sites that sell Proscar and Propecia without prescription, but I don't know which ones. I'd be careful of doing business with sites south of the border. | ||
| Anonymous |
Hey Tom I'm thinking about getting Propecia online to spare myself the embarrassment of going to the Dr. to get a prescription. I think I'm gonna get the Proscar pills to try and save money and buy a pill cutter at the store. Do you think that's a good idea if I'm just starting out? I'm gonna purchase the pills at www.viagrakeywest.com . have you or anyone else heard anything good or bad about this site? Please let me know what you think. I'm running out of options. I'm 21 and receding badly. Thanks for your advice and i'm sure not just me but everybody that uses this site appreciates what you do! | ||
| Tom Hagerty (Admin) |
Anonymous: If you're receding badly and running out of options, viagrakeywest.com probably is as good as anyone for Proscar and a cookie cutter. I hope you don't need Viagra yet. I hope you keep this site in mind. In six or eight months I'd like to hear from you again. Tell us about your progress or lack of progress. I hope you're ready for a long journey. | ||
| Anonymous |
Tom, This is my current situation. Any feedback would be great. Right now I don't want to get caught up in too many different things. I tried minox 2% for about 1 1/2 - 2 months before giving it up because the shedding never slowed up a bit. I'm thinking now about going on minox 5% for just my hairline as it has receded and the entire hairline has thinned out. I have a longer face so this is almost unacceptable to me. I'm already at the age of 21 am thinking about saving for a HT down the road in 2-3 years. I have been taking Proscar for exactly a month(july 10). So far I went through a shed in the first 2 weeks which was pretty bad, but now I really don't lose much hair. The problem is my hair is so thin and has a light color that it looks thinner then when i started. I've started taking L-Lysine and the GNC multi v with saw palmetto in it 2 weeks ago. What are your thought about L-Lysine? Do you think I should add the minox 5% maybe just one application a day at night? If i put minox on my scalp where I already lost hair and not actually where the hair is thinner will I go through a shed? Basically will I shed where I don't apply the minox? And do you think it's ok to just start out with 5% minox one time a day at night with my current regimine? Thanks for your advice in advance, I really appreciate it! | ||
| Freddie |
Just 3 things : 1) Take propecia daily without fail 2) Use 5% Rogaine 3) Try out Tom's scalp exercises The sooner the better. If this does not slow down your hairloss, then my humble opinion is that nothing else will. Don't worry about the endless if and but scenarios. Nobody really has all the answers and you will only know if it works for you when you try. Just make sure you stay with it for at least a year without jumping from one treatment to another. Take photos of your head every month to help track your progress because you won't remember what your head looked like 12 months ago. Good luck. | ||
| james patrick |
I am 24 years old and have been balding at the temples since my late teens. I was considering surgery but thanks to your site and all the people who have wrote in i have decided to drop this idea. I have begun your exercises but i was wondering if there was any other form of treatment i could use for the regrowth of my hair. If Rogaine and Propecia dont work for front balding is there anything that does, be it a chemical or herbal treatment ? | ||
| Tom Hagerty (Admin) |
James Patrick: Before you decided to drop the idea of the surgical option did you read So You're Going Bald? by William Lenihan that I have a link to on my Hair Transplant Surgery page? This is a powerful and persuasive piece of writing. Even contemplating a transplant at age 24 is a disaster according to Lenihan. Of course I recommend continuing with the scalp exercise, but, as I have said many times, do not expect progress fast. Concentrate on doing the exercise right - full movement of the scalp. The absolute honest truth is that I know of nothing, chemical or herbal, that will work for frontal balding. There are many promises out there on the Web and there are many "testimonials" of success but I don't believe them. | ||
| Anonymous |
I'm using Rogaine and am thinking of using Propecia as well. Will I have to go through the whole shedding process again ? If so, is it as bad as Rogaine shedding?, and can I reduce the Rogaine useage to once a day ? | ||
| Tom Hagerty (Admin) |
Anonymous: Both Propecia and Rogaine often produce initial shedding for one, two, and even three months. Rogaine usually is worse than Propecia when it comes to shedding. You have to experiment on how often to apply Rogaine. People are different in how they respond to this drug. Another thing about these drugs that has recently attracted attention - both are subject to "resistance." The body can build up a tolerance to Propecia and Roagine. The dose that was first effective may no longer be as effective. | ||
| Anonymous |
Would the person in their early 20's using Propecia and Minoxidil please give us another update on your progress!?  Thanks! | ||
| Anonymous |
I'm 22...I've been using Proscar 1/4 everyday for 5 1/2 months. So far I really haven't noticed anything to speak of. My hairline is definitely worst than when I started, which was my main reason for starting proscar. I'm thinking of adding Minox to my regimen, but I really don't like the sticky feeling of it on my scalp. I'm going to keep taking Proscar like I have been for about another 6 months before I decide on whether or not to stop taking it. It might be helping to maintain my crown, but I'm not sure of this. I feel like I still lose about the same amount as I did before, so I'm just hoping for a turnaround. | ||
| Anonymous |
Are there any 5-piece pill cutter for cutting 5 mg tablets? A star shaped cutter-correct dose (impotence scares me!) and 20% cheaper. | ||
| Anonymous |
Anyone! Do Rogain and propecia acutally cause an increased hair loss the first month. Has anyone noticed that? | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Anonymous: Most everyone experiences an initial hair loss with both Rogaine and Propecia. This is not a new revelation. The inserts of both products warn you about this. | ||
| thinning21 |
minoxidil 5% works in the front..I have no doubt about it, you just have to put more than 6 sprays(1 mL) there so that that area completely absorbs at least one mL. Im on my sixth week of using minoxidil and im noticing light light hardly visible brown hairs definitely come in. In a few weeks, they'll definitely be visible..I started putting the crap on my temples just to experiment to see if it would regrow anything or at least keep what I have...I have no doubt now that it is working. Just remember to use more than one mL in those areas to ensure that your receding areas absorb at least one mL . Leave room for error...it runs off your scalp down your face it could get wiped off from brushing against someone or something etc etc...all reasons for why it may not be effective. If you do this, you may see results like me but then again nothing is certain but its certainly worth a try. GOOD LUCK | ||
| Trekker |
Hi, I'm 24 and am going bald from the front. I have been using minoxidil 2% for the past seven months, and have noticed an improvement in my frontline. Not very much, but it is still an improvement, and i am optimistic. | ||
| Anonymous |
Hi guys, I am in 20's and am suffering have been suffering from frontal baldness. I think the best solution is to forget about it and just maintain a clean scalp. Meditate and keep your mind calm. I know how it feels to be going bald, but be confident and forget about what the world thinks... | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Anonymous: Your prescription might be good for you but not for most people who visit this forum. Image means a lot, especially to young people who are heavy into the dating game. Just being "confident and forgetting about what the world thinks..." is hard for most mortals. Being bald definitely is a disadvantage if you're out in the world. | ||
| Bobby |
Actually Tom, he IS right... hair may be important cosmetically, but isnt really all that important to the mind, body or spirit... Being happy with who you are is way more important than being accepted into society, whether you believe it to be true or not.. but the only problem with that is, those who still have hair dont seem to accept this fact as easily, and they tend to discriminate, probably without even realizing it. I maybe bald one day, i may not, i may only go partially bald, i may go completely and utterly bald.. no matter what happens i'm still gonna be who i always was. Hair should really have no effect on this (but unfortunetly it does..).. | ||
| Anonymous |
hey. my hair has begun to go back on the temples.. if i was to rub minox on my temples and not on my hair to see if it would do anything.. would i still shed?? even it it doesnt touch the hair? | ||
| Anonymous |
I've been going bald since I was 17. I started shaving my head when I was 22 and now I'm 25. I recently saw that I have lost more hair in the front and crown areas. I meeting with a dermatologist in one month and I just want to get the most out of it. Using Propecia/Rogaine/Minox. all seem pretty scary seeing as how I have to lose more hair before I can gain some. If I use Rogaine for my crown will it destroy my frontal area? | ||
| Anonymous |
I have had a receding hairline since I was 17, but it was well hidden because my hair was pretty thick. The only time anyone ever said anything was when I got a haircut or I pulled my hair back (I had REALLY long hair). Anyway, I recently started taking the drug Adderall for ADD and after 2 months my hair started falling out at an alarming rate. I can now see my scalp and am really stressed out. I stopped taking the Adderall (amphetamine) because I read that one of its (unlisted) side effects is hair loss. My doctor is ignorant to this fact, so my questions are: can I (should I) do anything about it? And will it grow back like all the websites on baldness say it will? My head is too large to be a skinhead. | ||
| matt |
Hey, I'm 33 and have been losing my hair slowly for 2 or 3 years now. I was in denial for quite a while, since it really didn't look bad, and I still had quite a bit of hair. Well, recently, it was becoming more obvious to others, to the point where a woman commented on it on a date, lol. I still thought, "oh, it's not bad, but i'll watch it and be ready". Well, there was an incredible stress event in my life, which kept going and going, including 2 weeks of living out of a fast food bag, and it became noticeable, and very alarming. I quickly got on propecia, and noticed no effects, of course, for the first month or 2. There was no progress on that, so I added NANO shampoo, followed shortly thereafter by minoxidil 2 times daily, along with Nizoral, and you know... I think it's stopped. It took a long time (like 4 months), and was noticeably worse up until recently, but I really believe I've stabalized, and am now improving thickness and coverage somewhat. I went through the 1 to 1.5 month shedding stage, especially after starting the minox. I use the nizoral 3 times a week (following instructions to wash/rinse, repeat), the NANO on the other days, and the nano conditioner 2-3 times a week. The important thing to me is that my regimen of Propecia/Minoxidil/NANO/Nizoral seems to be HOLDING BACK THE PROGRESS, and gives me a feeling of control. It's a pain in the ass, and I use 3 ML's of minox each time (3 times the dose, but remember, their recommended dose only covers the crown, and I use it everywhere). I hit the frontal area very hard with the minox, using a full ML on it, making sure it's saturated. | ||
| PKA |
Sounds like things are heading in the right direction, you must be relieved! How long since you started on Propecia? | ||
| mike |
Matt: Nizoral has to be used only once, you should not repeat it, and you only have to leave it on your scalp for 4 minutes. | ||
| Jared Helembrant |
I am 23 and I'm going into the television industry and my rapidly receding hairline could ruin my career (unfortunately, but that's how the industry operates.) I have taken all sorts of vitamins to slow the process down but have experienced nothing but disapointing results. I'm hesitant to use minoxidil and finasteride since the effects have proven to be minimal or next to nothing around the hairline. This forum helps temendously but I have not read one remarkable recovery. Does anyone have any idea how much time will elapse until a cure is discovered for those who are suffering? Are researchers even close to a cure? Hairloss may just be reality even for years to come. How do I cope with the loss and gain my confidence back in the meantime? Thanks J-man | ||
| michael |
It is believed that type I of 5-alfa reductase is also and mainly responsible for receiding hairline. There are also positive results reported by doctor Lee starting with Xandrox 12.5% for hairline. If I were you I would use Avodart which inhibits also I type of 5 alfa reductase up to 50 % and I would also use Xandrox 12.5% or 15%. | ||
| Nick |
Hey, im only 15, and my dad is pratically bald. he does that sweep over hair style to cover up the spots. Anyways, i was wondering about myself also. Since hair loss is hereditary, i know that eventually i will become bald. But i want to know if there's any way to prevent it, or atleast slow it down. Ive been noticing that my scalp gets itchy and im afraid to scratch it cause i think it mite my my hair fall out, and not grow back again. Can i scratch it? Oh, and seondly, if i use rogain now, will it noto work when im older? Or would it be a waste to use it now | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Nick: Heavy scratching irritates the scalp. An irritated scalp is not a good environment for hair follicles. My advice - don't scratch. Rogaine is not advertised as a drug for preventing hair loss; it's to deal with hair loss once it has started. Remember what Nancy Reagan said when her husband was President - "Say no to drugs." Especially at 15 you don't want to start on Rogaine. Of course, I never paid any attention to Nancy Reagan, but what the hell. | ||
| Nick |
Hey Tom, Thanks for the advice. But i have one more question. Just because my dad's bald ( as well as his father) doesnt mean im going to bald does it? I understand it could be hereditary. But does it mean i will definitely go bald as well? | ||
| Anonymous |
hey nick, you'll know in about 2 more years. enjoy your hair while you still have it. | ||
| Joseph Walters |
I have been using Rogaine, but only applying it once at night before going to bed. I am using the 2% solution and have really thick hair in the back, but my frontal area has been receding for 2 years now. I think it is working a little bit, but I am still seing some recession. Should I apply twice a day? | ||
| Onehair |
Hi guys, Just found this chat room by accident, searching the answers for the same question you have. I do strongly believe that hair loss has a lot to do with stress. My dad is partially bold and my mother has very thin hair. No people in my family are bald ecxept my grandpas. My brother's hair are very strong but mine are falling out like crazy. I figured that I have hard times fighting stress and simple things are getting to me. So a year ago I had a chance to get away to europe and leave all my wories at home. My hair had thickened because I felt spiritually and physically strong person. I got back to my home and entered professional school, my girl left me and parents got a divorced, had a car accident...my castle of confidence crubled down together with hair. I think I will start meditate and massage my scalp, before I start anything chemical treatment. Diet means a lot remember that we are not only animals we are vegetables too. I know is sounds crazy but fact is hair and nails of a dead man grow for a certain period of time. So make sure you eat a lot of vegetables. Cut on sugars and fast food. | ||
| Bryan B. |
Dear Tom: I am 26 now, but have been experiencing a receeding hairline since I was about 17. The odd thing is that there is no history of hair loss in my family (both my grandfathers and dad all have full heads of hear, though my mom's dad has a receeded look). Anyway at one time I was using Propecia and Rogaine and seemed to improve. Now I am just on Propecia, but am thinking of going back to the combination again. My questions are: (1) is it possible that I maintain a "receeded" look like my mom's dad; (2) Why would I loose my hair if no one in my immediate family really has; (3) do you think a Rogaine/Propecia combo is, indeed, helpful; and (4) have you heard anything about this new Nisim treatment that uses shampoos and conditioners with a special growth stimulant, all on the surface? | ||
| Anonymous |
Hi guys, I had to comment as I see a lot of people asking the same question. To figure out if you are going to go bald in the future, look at your mother's father, not your father's father. Hair loss is a trait passed on from your mother's side, not your father's. Good luck! | ||
| Anonymous |
Actually that's just a myth, it can be passed by both sides. | ||
| Anonymous |
Im 41 and have been on propecia and minoxidil for for 4 1/2 yrs. I had been receeding in the front scalp and thinning pretty quickly, but started the dual regiment right away. Almost 1/2 a decade later im better than when i started by about 15%. All my old friends say how did you keep your hair? haha...it works...stick with it...even for us old guys.... | ||
| jon |
Hey guys, Im 21 and have been using propecia now for three years and had good success with it, although my thinning has recently sped up along my frontal hairline. Having read around a little i thought id give minoxidil a go to see what happened: 1) I started 2 months ago 2) Especially in the last month, i seem to have noticed dramatically increased shedding from all parts of my scalp, even though i am only applying minoxidil to the front 3) I am seriously considering stopping because it seems to be making things worse The question is - 1) i know minoxidil isnt approved for frontal hairloss, but is that just because the clinical trials (which take years to approve) only focused on the crown area? 2) Or is there a scientific reason why it is less likely to work at the front? 3) Is using it, even if ineffective, able to make things worse? 4) I have noticed a couple of small hairs near the application area, but on average i think the quality and number has declined. Whats your advice as to whether i should stop? thanks for your help... the forum is great Jon | ||
| Anonymous |
I am 36. Sad story but just went out and bought my first dose of Extra Strength Minoxidil. I was hoping that by now they would have some wonder drug. Guess I will have to stick with the old regiment, for the time being. All the best and Power to Bald People! EM | ||
| cb |
i'm 24 and have been using 5% for four months now. i put 1mL on the crown twice a day and also, just like someone said earlier, 1 mL in the front twice a day; and after shedding, i now have regrown my hairline. but, it did take much longer to grow back than the crown and it's not quite as thick, but that's ok with me. i think this may be related to the fact that i am just 24 and the follicles in the front of my head haven't totally dried up and died yet. anyway, i'd say that being persistent is key and also accepting the fact that the results may not quite be what you want. but, 5% worked for me. oh yeah, and i also just started taking an inositol supplement as of two weeks ago. | ||
| John Jones |
I have been using monoxidil 5% and propecia for the better part of two years quite successfully. i would advocate that anyone who can takes it as early as possible, because I have had great results. tom, i have balding only on one side upfront- the side that i put minoxidil on- it is dramatically different from the other temple. i've heard that if balding is assymetrical it is not alopecia, but related to something else. should i stop using the minoxidil on that side? | ||
| Anonymous |
John, I have had the same problem for more than a year, that is only recession on my left temple, the right looks perfect. My hair has always been a bit thinner on the left side, And I guess that my left side is just eaiser affected by the dht. The whole idea with minox is the put the follicles into overdrive so the dht don't have the time to kill he follicles as fast. It's really a pain with the assymettric look, I almost wish that I could loose hair on booth sides. Anyway, I have been on minox for only 2 weeks now, but the initial shedding are making me mad, I don't want to loose anymore, buhu! In the rogaine instructions it says that if the shedding are longer than a week one should look for a doctor. John, when did you notice improvement? Anyone, is the minox a right battle against assymetric balding?? | ||
| Anonymous |
I'm 26 and just starting to see my hair receeding. I live in Germany, so we have some of the same products, but all require a prescription. I have no thinning on the crown (vertex area), but I am convinced that my hair on the sides temples is going at an alarming rate. I really need help here. We can get Proscar (those pills are hard to cut into four pieces) and Minoxidil and also something called Aminexil. Aminexil works quite well and does not cause shedding. It is easy to apply, and you only need to it for about 6 weeks every 6 months. I don't know if there have been clinical trials on it, but it seems to have helped a lot of people. Also, there is a special shampoo with Aminexil in it that you can use every day to keep your scalp full of Aminexil. I am just wondering if the Propecia(Proscar) seems to be working. I found a PDF file on hairlosstalk.com regarding frontal hair loss. It basically says that it CAN be effective. God, this stuff is depressing. Has anyone else contemplated suicide because of their hair loss? I used to go out and get lucky every time... I am afraid I will become a monk. Also, can anyone on Propecia say anything about their ability to get and maintain erection? How's sex and sex drive? Also Propecia messes with your testosterone. Anyone experience muscle loss and/or notice anything wierd with their workouts / muscle mass / firmness? | ||
| Anonymous |
To answer your question on propecia: I am 26 and have been taking propecia for a year. I have experienced no side affects at all. My sex drive has not wavered. It is still as high as it has ever been. | ||
| Anonymous |
Hey guys, I just turned 30 and have been on propecia for about 2 years now. My DR. says that it's working well for me. The hair on the top of my head is really thick. My problem was my hair line. and still is. My Dr. says that it is possible to be growing hair in the back and top, but lose it on the hair line. I was considering transplant surgery until I came across this site. I guess I'll just tough it out until it's time to start buzzing my head. as for side effects, I have none. sex drive is fine, and I lift 4 times a week and run 3 times and haven't had any problems. I still play lacrosse actively and am a firefighter. I haven't had any problems with muscle fitness or strength. I just eat healthy, for myself, not my head, and everything seems to work out. good luck all..... | ||
| Anonymous |
im only 19 and i have frontal hairline and temple problems. ive been saying that i am going to get a HT, but the way you all talk i dont think i will. all that i know is that i need to do something soon because, im starting to get depressed about it, all my friends make fun of me, and i want to have full hair again. give me all and any advice you have.i have no idea where to start. | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
If hair is really important to you, spend a few hours and read through the pages of My Website. Before you understand what most of the messages on this discussion forum are about, you have to understand the basics of hair physiology - what makes hair grow and what makes it stop growing. | ||
| Anonymous |
Hey guys, I've been hearing many advertisements over the radio about lazer treatment as a means of hair restoration. Does anyone know if there is any truth to its effectiveness; or is it just another one of the many scams that are out there? Thanks | ||
| Michael Thomas |
Hey, I've just finished browsing this forum and figured I might as well put my two cents in. I noticed my hair thinning before my 21st birthday. Watching it get worse scared me so I found out from a dermatologist about androgenetic balding (where everthing on top goes at once) and how rogaine works with that specific type of balding. Anyway, I started it during the summer I turned 21. By the end of the summer I thought I was looking middle-aged with how much fell out, but the following fall it all grew back in and it even got darker. For a few years I used that stuff and for the most part, it worked pretty well. At present day, I'm 25 years old. My hair is thinner now and I've recently noticed my right temple is receding pretty badly. My left temple isn't receding but there's a circular patch of peach fuzz. Even though I'm buzzing my hair to the scalp now, I still think it looks weird (might all be in part to not applying rogaine on a regular twice-a-day basis lately). I'll be honest... it's gotten me pretty depressed and I do torture myself by looking in the mirror alot. I'm gonna be frank (and I think some people can relate to this)... I'm perfectly happy with who I am as a person, but the only thing that scares me is the prospect of no longer being able to attract the women that I want until I reach an age where baldness is more acceptable amongst women of similar age (when I'm no longer young). Basically, I'm afraid of ultimately looking back on my 20's and getting depressed. This fear may sound immature but I had to vent it. Anyway, on a lighter note... at present I actually have gotten more attention from women since I started shaving my head. Maybe that's a good sign? | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
"Anyway, on a lighter note... at present I actually have gotten more attention from women since I started shaving my head. Maybe that's a good sign?" No maybe about it. This is a good sign. | ||
| Anonymous |
Hi, I'm currently 20 years old and I have noticed that my hair has been thinning ever since I went to college. For a short period of time, I had some sort of flakiness on my scalp in certain areas. I'm now wondering if it was some sort of fungal infection. I would constantly pick at it and when it came off, there would be an oozy feeling. Sometimes I would pick at it until my scalp was visibly red. This was approximately 2 years ago. Lately I've noticed that my hair looks really flat, and when I cut my hair short, my scalp is easily visible. However my frontal hairline is not receding and the hair near my temples does not seem to be receding as well. However I have dandruff and severe itching if I do not wash my hair for just one single day. I've been noticing that a lot of hair has been falling out during showers. I've heard that some sort of injection may be used if the cause of the hair loss was a fungal infection. No one in my family is going bald although I do lead a somewhat stressful life. I do not want to try using Rogaine or Procepia, and was wondering if this hair loss is reversible, or if anyone has any comments/advice. Any input would be appreciated. | ||
| Anonymous |
I'm 21 years old and started balding in the frontal region of my head about a year ago. At first it wasn't so bad, but then it got to the point where I got extremely depressed and went to a dermatoligist. He gave me a three month supply of Rogaine and told me to try it on the frontal part of my head. He told me that it is a very rare case for it to work but he told me to just try it. I took it for about 3 1/2 months and honestly I grew a decent amount of my hair back, my friends were amazed that this stuff really worked. Supprised by this I stoped using the Rogaine because I it seemed weird that I grew a lot of my hair back seeing as though he said it was very rare and it was a short periode of time. I had heard that high protien diets cause hair lose, which i was on and off of a lot at the time. i just thought it was because of that. Well saddly after stopiing the use of it, Im back to where I was. Now I'm back to using it again along with Propecia and honestly again my hair is growing back. Im getting A LOT of small hairs close to about a month into using both of them. This time I guess I won't stop using it. Good luck to all you guys. | ||
| Daviddd |
I have been taking Propecia (and latterly Finpecia) for 6 years... I now use Finpecia which is the same as Propecia..just the generic form... It is made by CIPLA in India under new drug patent laws...and is much cheaper than Propecia but be careful which webiste you use...there are some dodgy ones based in the former Soviet Baltic republics..some sell the genuine Finpecia but at a mark-up... www.inhousepharmacy.com sells the genuine Cipla at very good rates and they export abroad (to the UK anyway) in plain envelopes... I have suffered from frontal thinning...which I THINK (not sure as I cannot carry out a double-blind test on myself!!) has stabilized things... I gave up using Rogaine/Regaine/Minoxidil a few years ago....difficult using it twice a day and it tended to make my scalp look like it had dandruff....and it had to be applied to dry hair etc...kot of hassle... Also make sure your vitamin intake is balanced and try Pantene Prov (Vitamin B5) tonic to massage in your hair afrter washing,..... Hope this is of some use... | ||
| Richo |
I am 24 and have been noticing that my hair has been thinning for the last year or so. At first it was'nt to bad and I thought that it would just sort itself out (denial) I have just purchased Extra Strength 5% Rogaine and will start using soon. I realise this may be a silly question, but could someone tell me if prior to using Rogaine it matterz if I shave my head quite close? As I mentioned my hair is thinning but I still have full coverage over my head (No receding on the temples etc) Would really apprecite if anyone can offer any information | ||
| Anonymous |
Quick question. I know the finasteride does not help promote new hairs in frontal hairline. However, will it stop hairs in that region from falling out? I have never found the answer to this and realize that alot of people have hairline that are all the way at the anterior part of the head. So is it really true that it does not promote hair rejuvenation in frontal hairline, or was it that all the test patients that merck tested on were in fact extremely thinning or bald and chances of them growing hair in the front was way off because they had nothing in the front? | ||
| Downunder |
A couple of questions: There seems to be a large following for Minoxidil/Rogaine. Has anyone considered the possible dependence of hair on such products? That is, stopping treatment looses the hair. For those who benefit typically peak at 12 months or so and then it drops off. Has anyone considered that before using it, or is it that you see it as the only option? A lot of people have mentioned that they have front hairline recession. If you had the option of no drugs and an exercise routine just like SE's, would you do that? Wanting to get feedback if people are looking for chemical solution, a real solution or a natural solution. | ||
| Bon |
Anonymous: you don't "know" that finasteride does not help promote new hairs in frontal hairline as this is not the case. The drug is expected to work better in the vertex area(as minoxidil) as the FDA approval focused on tests in that area. Merck cannot claim results in that area but that does not mean dht inhibition cannot lead to regrowth there. Downunder: Finasteride spares hair some dht. This means that you can "lift" above your baseline hair growth image even if results fade after a while. I do not think it could lead you to a worse head of hair in the long run. Unfortunately having a healthier head of hair when drugs are in play is not a manifestation of an improvement in overall health. I am not convinced that dependence is not the case on minoxidil use though. Healthy hairs "used" to minoxidil could possibly suffer a shock after stopping regular application. | ||
| Common sense |
If you stop using minoxidil your hair goes back to the previous state ans sometimes worse. If you use it then be prepared to use it for life. You can decrease dosages after 2 or 3 years to maintain the hair that has been regrown. Minoxidil stimulates hair follicles and propecia decreases dht so using a chemical solution that incorporates the two should be the best approach. | ||
| Anonymous |
But seriously, will finasteride stop hair loss in frontal hairline? Or will you continue to lose those while growing more hair in the middle of your hair? At some point your hairline will end up being in the middle of the top of your head so where is the point of no return? | ||
| Common sense |
Don't know.. never used the drug and never will. Playing with hormones and testosterone levels is a bit scary and OTT if you ask me. | ||
| Anonymous |
"Hi, I'm currently 20 years old and I have noticed that my hair has been thinning ever since I went to college....." Beta-Sitosterol seems to work good. it's also natural. I suffer the same problem as you, in that my hair i sthinning yet every single hair is there. I have not tried BS yet, though i plan to. I feel, my hair loss may not be MPB, or maybe MPB is not the primary factor. I say this because my hair has been thinning for over 5 years. I would imagine, i should have some hairs lost, yet none are. | ||
| Anonymous |
Propecia is expensive. I have Kaiser, and Propecia is not covered under my normal prescription plan. A 100 day supply of Propecia(1mg) costs $200. Each pill costs $2 dollars. That's ridiculous. I am thinking of going back to the doctor to ask him for a prescription for Proscar; that way I can just cut the pills in quarters. Or maybe see if I can get a prescription for generic propecia. I have only used Propecia for 3 months; no improvement really. But I'd like to try it for at least a year. Where do you guys get your propecia????? | ||
| shannon lindstrom |
I am 29 and have been using Folicare for 5 months now. This product contains a shampoo, dietary supplement and 5% Minox. I =have had pretty good results. Not sure if they are due to Minox, Follicare or a combo of both. Just thought I would share that. http://www.follicare.com | ||
| E. Lee |
Im 24, almost 25. Started losing my hairline when I was about 15-16 years old. As of now its really not that bad. Lately Ive been using Hair Regain (Yes one of those internet companies, lol, and its all herbal). I have noticed that this has slowed the receiding down (although in the last 10 years it really hasnt receided that much so it might all just be in my mind). Im not losing anything in the back and I have thick THICK curly hair so even my hairline isnt noticable unless its real short or shaved.. But when I grow my afro out you cant see it at all. For anyone who just has a receiding hairline and it isnt that bad, just grow your hair out if you can. I had short hair all the way til I was 16 and ever since then its either been bald (shaved) or afro... Only time its like a normal short hairdue is when its growing back. But anyway, Hair Regain works for me. There is also studies about caffiene preventing hairloss but these are very new and not much known about the after affects and everything. As of now thats all I want is preventing the rest for falling out. I dont care if any of my old hair grows back as long as I keep what I have...... Also, a lot of men lose a little bit of their hairline in puberty do to androgen I believe. This is just part of growing up. How many old men do you really see walking around with hair like they had when they were teens? I even went to high school with kids that were completely "horseshoe" bald. Only hair on the sides.. Take care.. | ||
| Anonymous |
"I even went to high school with kids that were completely "horseshoe" bald." I hope by "kids" you mean 2. That's just crazy. | ||
| Will Monson |
I'm 38 and have a problem with frontal loss- even had a small widows peak of extra hair at the front center - but the sides have gone back 2 inches or so - If I wear a "Ceasar"/Roman style ( push it up front to have bangs ) it looks OK, and such- there's enough fullness overall. I've tried Saw Pawmetto and also Fo-ti , a chinese herb that really seems to at least help the lusture and keep what i've got. I thought about a type of hair transplant called ((Micro-sugery)) where plugs of various small sizes are used - I have a very rich low hairline in back and a thick crown- so ????? Has anybody had any good results with minor frontal replacement via this less invasive "plug/microsurgical" method ? thanks - Will. | ||
| TheShedder |
I’m 29. I’ve been at war with my scalp for three years and it keeps winning. I’m fine in back but my hairline keeps heading north. I’ve been taking Propecia for about 2 years and it is helping, or at least, stemming the progression of my hair loss. One key point to remember is that hair loss, and gain, goes in cycles. We all shed and grow new hair every six weeks or so. So at times your loss may seem more acute because you are shedding, but some of the shedding is natural, its just that (for those with alopecia) some of the follicles that shed, don’t regenerate hair. I’ve gone through many cycles where the hair loss or gain seems significant but then the process reverses again. Propecia has definitely helped my frontal hairline (despite what the drug maker says, or doesn’t say about it). Ultimately, however, for the receding hairline crowd, I think most of us are in a progressive recession, that current technology cannot address. I don’t know much about hair transplants but I’m not willing to go there, even if the procedure works and is undetectable. I can take a pill every day but I don’t know if I could face myself in the mirror (even if I look better) after undergoing surgery for aesthetic purposes. I suppose that's a personal decision. Dudes, I feel your pain. I am, or at least I was, a pretty good looking guy. I used to be able to get the attention of most of the girls I wanted and I enjoyed every vain and shallow minute of it. Now, increasingly, the girls who notice me are a little older and not quite so gorgeous. I’m still single and haven’t yet nailed down my “ungettable-get” but what can I (we) do? I had my fun as a younger man and now life is changing. Its not just the hair, we’re getting older, fatter, saggy, etc. I wouldn’t criticize anyone’s efforts to deal with this problem because I know how traumatic it can be, but if you find yourself without viable options you’ve got to learn to derive self worth from somewhere other then your looks. Think of men you admire and ask yourself how much they care about how they look. Sorry, I’ll get of the pulpit now. I just want to let people know there is life after hair. Here are two practical lessons I’ve learned for receding hairliners: 1. Blur the line: Minimize the contrast between your skin color and hair color. If your hair is black and your skin is pastey white, the contrast is stark and it draws attention. Get a tan. Not a George Hamilton tan, just a light base. Then, lighten your hair a smidge (I know, now who’s the sissy). Trust me though, this works wonders. 2. Shorter hair: Shorter hair can, ironically, look much better. If you can’t get away with the shaved head bit, try to shorten it and see how it looks. If nothing else, its honest and confident. That’s all I got. Good night and Good luck. | ||
| Anonymous |
I am 21 and i have been losing hair in the frontal hairline and at the vertex. I have decided to go on propecia and was also wondering about Xandrox 12.5% | ||
| Anonymous |
Has anyone used Xandrox 12.5%? | ||
| Jose Vicente |
Hi, I just spotted this site and well, I wanted to ask, is there any way to stop or to counter the cappability of the body to develop tolerance to Propecia or Minoxidil? I mean I am 33, and I have been going bald since I was 24 but it was a slight amount, but after I turned 30, the changes starting to be way more drastic! And that was the reason why I started using first Minoxidil 2%, wich worked very fine for over a year, but then my hair started to fall again even if I was using the drug, so I switched to Minoxidil 5% but the hair loss was no longer stopping, and then I decided to give Propecia a shot, and well I can tell everyone here that IT WORKED! extremely fine I must add for almost 4 months, but suddenly I started to notice some hairloss again, my hairline improved a lot in the last four months, and right now this new loss is not too visible yet, but I know is back since I shake my hair with my hand a little and I can see a lot of hair falling again like it did before I started with Propecia. Man! I am so depressed about this, since I was having some great results and now aparently the alopecia is back, that's why I am writting this lines asking: Can anybody tell me if it is possible that my body is reacting diferently to the drug now? Are there any other options to counter this? What can I do? I really aprecciate any comment or suggestion you guys can give me. Thanks. | ||
| Anagen |
Jose: Your limited results with minoxidil were to be expected. Minoxidil does not interfere with the fundamental balding process- your follicles were still being destroyed by dihydrotestosterone. Minoxidil creates an offset of growth-just some more hair to carry around-nothing more. When combined with a dht inhibitor though this offset does not wear off with time that easily. As for your recent shed, I doubt this is your hairloss picking up again after 4 months. You are obviously shedding to your own benefit. Sheds are relatively common during the first year on treatments and my suggestion would be to ride it out as it is probably comming in thicker during the next cycle. Good luck. | ||
| Anagen |
I am sure you are already using Nizoral 2 to 3 times weekly. Some do not experience results until inflammation is under control. Scalp health plays a major role to optimizing results, so the SE is also a must. | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
This page is getting too long. Please post new messages here - Rogaine and Propecia - effective for frontal hairline? 2. Jose Vicente, read what I have to say on this new page about the potential for drug "resistance." |
