About to start minoxidil... questions

[doubleindemnity]

I'm a diffuse NW5 with a NW2 hairline. At 25 years old, I'm expecting to be a full blown NW6 in two years. I just want to slow everything down for a few years. At age 30, I feel like it's acceptable to become a NW6 and either wear the horseshoe haircut, shave the head completely, or get a transplant. But, at this age, being NW6 would make me feel abnormal and I feel that way now with such low hair density. So, although I am afraid of anti-androgens, I just want to use minoxidil to buy me a few more years. I'm hoping that I respond well because my hair loss was completely thinning, with no receding (the NW2 is my mature hairline, I'm sure). Here are my questions.

1. I'll be using Rogaine foam. I tried liquid minoxidil (Lipogaine) once for about 3 servings and quit because it took so long to dry. Should I just use the recommended amount (half a cap) each time or do I need more to cover the whole NW6 area?

2. When is the dreaded shed set to begin? I have a graduation ceremony in about 5 weeks and I don't want to be shedded out in front of my family then.

3. If I decide to quit it for some reason (e.g. an unexpected side effect), am I completely screwed? I heard that you shed madly for 6 months and then, if you're lucky, you'll revert to where you had been if you had never taken it.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[lell123]

1. Well, ive heard liquid works better than foam, yeah it takes long time to dry.

2. i never had a shedding phase or atleast i didnt notice my hair getting worse, ( im Norwood 2 i think) but yesterday i really did notice like 15 hairs coming out at once and im 8 months on minoxidil right now.

3. yeah if you stop minoxidil it will revert ur growth and u end up like u were before or even worse so you are basically stuck with it forever.

 

[lionheart]

1 - i use the liquid as i dont feel like the foam hits my scalp, i have longer hair tho so thats why liquid is easier, i agree it takes longer to dry tho which is a bit of a downfall. but i guess if you need to use more to cover the area then thats all you can do, i know i have to.

2 i havent shedded or not that ive noticed.. ive been on it for almost a year now if not over a year. so you may not shed either.

3 - im not sure but stopping anything thats made some positive difference wouldnt be the best idea i guess

best of luck tho