been on min for two years...finasteride for 3...nizoral for three...and folligen for 1 month...but what started as temples is now attacking the hairline as well...i know ive tried alot but is there something i should be trying as last resort on hairline?...hairs in corners are getting so thin and weak that they wont stay in with the thicker hairs...sucks...anythn?...let me know, especially if u have had success... thanks
any thing i havent tried to save hairline?
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Cornholio
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I was going to whip my hairline back into shape with Dr. Lee's 12.5% minoxidil lotion in addition to 5%xanadrox with retin-a, but am having trouble tollerating the retin-a. In any case, my theory is that the hairline may benefit from extra attention with higher dose minoxidil and even retin-a... Just need to find a way to tollerate it so I can prove that theory. Other than extra meds Hair Transplants can strengthen the hairline, if youre ready for that step.
Cornholio
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sherwood said:
Dr. Lee's site is http://www.minoxidil.com
His minoxidil formulations have the benefit of being less greasy than Rogaine or other forms of minoxidil, and dry really quickly.
In Xanadrox he adds azelaic acid to the 5% minoxidil, and doubles the price. A. Azelaic acid... From his website "Azelaic acid has been proven to be a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase in the human skin. In a study reported in the British Journal of Dermatology (Stamatiadis. 1988;119: 627-632), inhibition of 5-alpha reductase is virtually complete (98%) at 3 mmol/l. The Xandrox solutions contain eighty eight times the amount necessary for 98% inhibition of Type 1 and Type 2 5-alpha reductase. Both types of 5alpha-reductase are present in the scalp with Type 1 being the predominant isoenzyme. Allowing for the usual 4 or 5% absorption into the dermis and epidermis upon topical application, the amount of azelaic acid at the level of the hair follicles is at least 3 times the amount required for virtually complete inhibition of DHT synthesis." He claims that it helps his patients more than minoxidil alone. However, I cannot find an actual clinical trial showing azelaic acid's effect on regrowth (independant of Dr. Lee's testimony).
The 5% minoxidil was shown to be alittle more effective than the 2% solution in men, so minoxidil is "dose related." I have not seen a clinical study showing an incremental benefit increases beyond 5% minoxidil, but Dr. Lee does say on his site ...." The stimulus effect of minoxidil on hair follicles is dose dependent. Xandrox 12.5% Lotion has been successful in halting and/or reversing male pattern baldness in cases where other therapeutic measures have not worked well. There appears to be a threshold level at which some hair follicles will become responsive to minoxidil in regenerating terminal hairs."
Retin-a is claimed to help minoxidil's absorption, along with some other effects. Not many studies, but at least 1 showing retin-a alone independantly promoted regrowth. One concern I have about it is that it does so while promoting collagen formation and inflammation (both of which have been blamed for more hair loss... (sigh)).
From article >>> "Tretinoin (Retin-A): Tretinoin is medication for reducing skin wrinkles, and is sold under the brand name Retin-A. It increases collagen production and causes inflammation on the skin when applied topically. Tretinoin is not approved for use as a hair loss treatment, however when used on the scalp in combination with minoxidil, it has been shown to increase hair growth more than minoxidil used alone. One theory is that retinoic acid works by reducing sebum production from the sebaceous glands. The idea is that sebum which contains DHT is secreted on the scalp, then reabsorbed into the hair follicles to do further damage.
In one study, retinoic acid alone and in combination with 0.5% minoxidil has been tested for the promotion of hair growth in 56 subjects with androgenetic alopecia. After 1 year, the combination of topical retinoic acid with 0.5% minoxidil resulted in terminal hair regrowth in 66% of the subjects studied. Retinoic acid alone was shown to stimulate some hair regrowth in approximately 58% of the subjects studied. One female subject with pronounced alopecia for more than 20 years had regrowth of hair using only retinoic acid for a period of 18 months. (Bazzano 1986) Some dermatologists claim that the combination of 2% minoxidil and retinoic acid works better than 5% minoxidil alone.
While minoxidil works best on the vertex of the scalp, the combination of retinoic acid (Tretinoin, Retin-A) and minoxidil results in improved hair growth in all regions of the scalp. The combination treatment of topical minoxidil and retinoic acid is said to be very effective in women.
The main problem with retinoic acid is the skin irritation include blistering, altered pigmentation, and increased sensitivity to light. Because of this irritation, a lower strength of retinoic acid (0.025%) is recommended. Folligen users report that it works well with retinoic acid and markedly reduces scalp irritation.">>> It bruned the crap out of my scalp, first use. Fair skinned people have more trouble with it.
Sure, Dr Lee is making some big bucks and has an interest in promoting his products, but he does supply some unique products.
PS- Most people doubt the clinical efficacy of azelaic acid due to lack of studies or even reports on this site of people doing better with it. It falls into the category of "unproven" and "throwing in the kitchen sink." Similar questions exist regarding retin-a, but there are reasons to think it might work... If you can take it.
Minox_Baby
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Dutasteride is your last hope. But its a scary drug and I'd advise caution.
