The problem with minoxidil is it causes facial bloating and water retention. Secondly, your hairs become dependent on it. I know this is debatable but I also think surrounding non-miniaturized hairs that make contact with minoxidil also become dependent on minoxidil as a super enhancer too. And at some point you may feel its not helping much especially when you get that synchronized shedding and want to quit. Well, I did quit and it was about a year later I noticed my hair starting going downhill very very slowly. I have been back on it for almost a few months and things have thickened up again. So obviously Propecia and minoxidil together are really more powerful then by themselves. Mostly likely too, I made so many new hairs dependent on minoxidil as well. I noticed Casperz had the most progress when he was on Propecia and minoxidil as opposed to just being on minoxidil. Unfortunately, if you want maximum results you have to commit to it for life or until something better comes along. I think the best way to counteract the facial swelling and water retention is to drink lots of water, sweat a lot, and keep the carbs low. IWP, if I were you I would have tried Proctor's Prox-n along with Nano shampoo and conditioner first before minoxidil because it does not cause facial swelling and water retention. Prox-n too works best on recent loss and your type of thinning.
