26m, new - Help With Regimen Please

[ushy]

Hi guys. Just had a few quick questions as I have had a slight hairline recession for a few years and recent thinning near the crown which I noticed my last haircut. (i have fine hair, since i was a youngster)
Anyways I went to the Doctor, had blood work done to rule other factors out. I was then prescribed Propecia 1mg daily. My current regimen on day 3 is:
-1mg propecia daily
-nizoral shampoo 2% twice a week

My question to you guys is: as an early male pattern baldness inheritance at 26 and right on some kind of treatment asap, should I indefinitely add rogaine to my current regimen or continue to test out propecia + nizoral for a few months? I ask this because I have seen some great success on these forums from people on propecia alone.
Also what can I expect propecia to do for me at this age and with my situation? Fill in the thinned crown or thicken hairs out? or only maintain what I have?
Thanks guys, any feedback would be appreciated, and awaiting a reply

 

[ryokohunter]

Rogaine does help stimulate the regrowth of new hair. Must be used religiously twice a day and can be applied to any any area of the scalp.

 

[ushy]

I figured that much, but I'm just looking for some insight if I would be okay on just PROPECIA + NIZORAL for the time being. As this stuff can become costly, especially when applying 2x a day.
What kind of results can I expect to see on finasteride alone, as I heard Propecia can work wonders on younger people especially when first noticing thinning etc..

Because like many, I'd rather commit to the pill, than be committed to the 2 products for life, or until some sort of breakthrough cure.

 

[antman]

should I indefinitely add rogaine to my current regimen or continue to test out propecia + nizoral for a few months?

lots of people just use nizoral and finasteride instead of including min cause min makes your hair feel like sh*t. however, some people respond very well to min; so its up to u.

Fill in the thinned crown or thicken hairs out? or only maintain what I have?

you can expect your crown to fill in, the hairs to be thickened and to maintain what u have with finasteride. you'll probably only get a little bit more with min.

here are 3 very useful graphs ~
1. hair count on finasteride.
2.hair weight on finasteride.
3. finasteride vs min

 

[Rawtashk]

I would suggest staying on finasteride + nizoral for about 12 months, or at least until you know what finasteride is going to do for you. Then add the minoxidil. This way you can tell if minoxidil actually helps you. I started them both at the same time....and now I'm not sure if I can quit minoxidil or not. I don't think it's doing much of anything, but I'm also not positive, so I can't just drop it from my routine :-/

 

[ushy]

Great points guys, thanks so much for the replies in that extent!! I will stay on finasteride and nizoral for awhile as you say. I just really want to fill this crown area in bad so I can style my hair. I'm so not used to this shaved/buzz look nor do I like rocking hats.

One more question.... While staying on the finasteride alone without Min at the moment, can I say I'm safe that my hair will not continue thinning while on it? I mean this finasteride kicks in asap once you use it correct? It just takes months etc for the hair to refill/thicken and in chances regrow yeah?
Much Appreciated!

 

[IrishFella]

I only use finasteride & nizoral also. Started finasteride around the start of February this year and I'm already seeing re-growth on the hairline and thicken of existent hair.

Touch wood it stays this way for years and/or gets even better. Good luck, lad.

 

[antman]

I'm safe that my hair will not continue thinning while on it?

imagine a situation where
finasteride = seatbelt
a car crash = the process of balding
injury from the car crash = your resultant Norwood.

As long as your body is healthy enough, chances are the seatbelt with absorb most of the force from your car crash and you will end up perfectly fine.

BUT there are still situations where despite the seatbelt absorbing a portion of the force, you still die or get injured.

it depends on how aggressive your situation is.

 

[ushy]

So given the example you just gave, should I add minoxidil quickly to my regimen to not lose any more by adding an 'airbag' to my situation? Or like the others said stay on finasteride+nizoral and see what it does?
This is on my head constantly, and I can't figure out what to do.

As for my progression this was my hair about 3weeks ago underneath. I now have a buzz cut which for some reason makes it look in certain lights etc.

Thoughts ?? Stay finasteride / nizoral or add minoxidil quickly to the mix?

 

[antman]

try buying one 60ml bottle and using it.
if you don't mind putting in your hair twice a day; then u may as well use it.
if you don't like it; then don't use it until u need it. but you won't know if u need it for like another 18 months.