4.5 mnths on minoxidil. Should I be encouraged or discouraged?

[nyhair19]

I started using rogaine in early October. I usually apply 5% rogaine foam in the AM, then 2% liquid in the PM. This is my report:

POSITIVE: I am seeing small hairs popping up around my hairline. Particularly in the / section of my V shape hairline. I am sure of this because I actually started minoxidil because I have a small birthmark there and noticed my hair receded for the birthmark to be completely exposed. Now little hairs are seemingly growing completely over it, which is certainly a positive.

NEGATIVE: I feel that since starting minoxidil it has also caused a bit more shedding around my temples. I used to be able to completely cover up my exposed temple area with relative ease, and now it is becoming harder and harder to do and I need much more concious of it.

I just wanted some feedback on whether or not I should be looking at this as a positive or a negative. I am also taking .5 mg finasteride/day, and using nizoral a few times a week, as well as some other stuff.

I would post pictures up, but the lighting in my bathroom sucked and I couldn't really point out what I wanted to. I am going to try to take some more pics from my bedroom when I am back home.

Please let me know!

Thanks everyone.

 

[ohmanohno]

Keep at it I guess. I'm in the same bot as you. Started 4 months ago and went through a shed where I lost a lot of hair. My hair line took a hit but I still see tons of little black hairs where my juvenile hairline used to be. Hope they fully grow. My crown did thicken up though.

 

[maximiliandreams]

Keep the regimen,i hope that you will have a success.And remember,shedding is not a bad sign !