First Date Coming Up, Not Sure What To Do.

[azmyth]

So, I've had this issue for several years now but I haven't really been super concerned because my partner was already aware and didn't care. Well, we broke up and now I have a date with someone new.. she's unaware, and I don't really want that to be the thing that mucks this up before we even get to know each other. I know it shouldn't be a thing, but we all know it is.

I have long hair, and I have always had long hair, and girls like it.. so I keep it. I also work in a theater gig that sort of requires it? So, I want to do what I can..

For the past few years I've used all sorts of hair fibers.. toppik, caboki, Amazon generic brands, you name it.. I've tried them all.. Viviscal, Bosley, etc. They all work fine to "hide it" but I can tell it's getting worse, and it's getting harder to just hide it.

I have shyed away from trying Minoxidil or Finasteride, due to the side effects, and because I need to keep a fairly long/fullish mane for work I was worried the shedding would just be too much.

I haven't found a single "concealer" that doesn't rub out or get on your hands if you touch the hair. So, I'm worried if my new date tries to touch my hair, she will get a handful of black powder, and wonder what the heck is wrong with me.

I've been using a DHT blocking shampoo I got from Amazon, and rosemary oil (not really to any regular basis because I suck at sticking to regimens) But, I'm willing to try to be better at that if I can grow any of my hair back.

It's embarassing and frustrating and was once one of my best features. I don't want to shave my head.

I'd feel like Samson, if I had to cut my long hair.. lose all of my strength.

I have had trouble finding a specific regimen to try, and this stuff gets really expensive, really quickly, trying all of the things people suggest.

Pictures attached. Mine is at my hairline and at the crown. The crown is the worst, but the hairline has gotten much worse than it used to be.. I didn't really have an issue with my hairline before, and now I feel like I've got to start adding concealer to that too, which doesn't work anywhere near as well as the crown does.

If anyone knows of a fiber solution that won't come off on your hands if you touch it? That'd be great as a temp solution while I try to grow it back.

And suggestions for a regimen would be helpful. I read the "getting started" thread, but it's too much info and I have no idea what is what.

Pictures attached.

I appreciate any help.

 

[CrownBalding]

I’d say use toppik if it’s working for you. You don’t have to say anything to her, I never do.

On top of that, it’s going to get worse if you don’t get on finasteride. If you’d want any chance of keeping it, get on finasteride ASAP. I’ve been on it for like 17 months and no side effects.

 

[azmyth]

I’d say use toppik if it’s working for you. You don’t have to say anything to her, I never do.

On top of that, it’s going to get worse if you don’t get on finasteride. If you’d want any chance of keeping it, get on finasteride ASAP. I’ve been on it for like 17 months and no side effects.

Thanks for the quick reply. I've read so much stuff about Finasteride, I'm just terrified.

Would you suggest finasteride over Minoxidil (rogaine)?

 

[Ollie]

Obviously concealer for the date and i guess not say anything as CrownBalding said. You need to consider finasteride though or you'll be forced to shave in the next few years for sure - and if your occupation really does require the hair then its almost unavoidable to get on finasteride (as im sure many hollywood actors are for their appearance driven work).

If you take finasteride make sure you get blood work done before you go on it !

 

[MrClean1]

Stop reading about finasteride online. You can always find horror stories about any medication but most people do fine with it.

 

[azmyth]

Obviously concealer for the date and i guess not say anything as CrownBalding said. You need to consider finasteride though or you'll be forced to shave in the next few years for sure - and if your occupation really does require the hair then its almost unavoidable to get on finasteride (as im sure many hollywood actors are for their appearance driven work).

If you take finasteride make sure you get blood work done before you go on it !

Blood work? This is the first time I've ever heard that. (See what I mean about reading all sorts of different stuff online?)

 

[CrownBalding]

Thanks for the quick reply. I've read so much stuff about Finasteride, I'm just terrified.

Would you suggest finasteride over Minoxidil (rogaine)?

Definitely finasteride over minoxidil. Dude the side effects are so over played ask the members on here that take it

 

[Ollie]

Blood work? This is the first time I've ever heard that. (See what I mean about reading all sorts of different stuff online?)

Yes you need to know your hormone levels before you start. If you do get sides in a large % of cases it can be just raised E. My E went up 68% yet was still in 'normal' range. If i didn't know my pre-finasteride hormone levels i would have never known my E had increased so much. If i control my E i have no sides.

 

[stachu]

it looks really bad, would shave head and jump on regimen asap.

 

[Who Farted]

Dude....

Right now you have pushed as you can down the concealer rabbit hole. You’re literally a matter of weeks from being unable to conceal it at all. If you want to save it you have to cut it and start the big 3 immediately. Given how long you’ve waited it’s unlikely you will regrow much, but you can at least stop it where it is now. You’ve got to decide right now whether or not you are comfortable with a hair system as that’s where this is headed without immediate intervention. Consider the situation and choose which path suits you (meds or hair system), but don’t take too long or the decision will be made for you.

You also need to cut it short as soon as you can; all that length creates tension that weakened hair follicles can’t handle. This will expedite the process of your male pattern baldness and may even make it worse via traction alopecia.

 

[Maxx79]

Blood work? This is the first time I've ever heard that. (See what I mean about reading all sorts of different stuff online?)

Another thing with finasteride I would recommend is to start low (some people have results with 0,5mg/day or even 0,25mg/day), you can always increase it after a couple of month if you don't have any sides. And as others have already advised get the a full hormonal check before you start, and do regular check-ups afterwards

 

[Capone]

You’re coming to the end of the road.. concealers have got you as far as they can, they only really look good when there is plenty of hair to attach to, otherwise it’s just a trying to powder an egg!

 

[Balding Boulder]

About 2% of finasteride users will experience what would be considered major side effects regarding their sexual ability, although it is a much bigger percentage of people who get the minor side effects, like watery semen and less voluminous semen. You have to weigh up the risk and just go for it. Given that the odds are still comfortably in your favour, it's probably worth doing if hair loss is affecting you.