How bad does my hair look? (pics)

[Draco88]

So i registered on this forum a year ago, to get some advice on my hair and the likes. I didn't really get around to starting any sort of regimen last year, in a way i 'forgot' about my hair loss, but now i'm seriously considering on starting something since a round of pictures earlier today have me worried:

January 31 2010
It's brushed up here (not that i ever wear it like this)


And brushed down (how i always wear it)


With flash


Right side

Left (for some reason, i can always cover this side so well)


The back part of my head has me worried the most, does it look like i'm losing hair here too?




With flash

I ruffled my hair a bit, and this photo freaked me out..i'm thinking it's coz of the lighting? Since when i use the flash it doesn't look at all bad..



No flash

From the beginning of January:




This is me from a year ago (took these in february):



So what do you guys think? I'm seriously going to start a regimen this coming month, i've put this off long enough. I'm leaning on starting the famed 'big 3' treatment, but i may just start finasteride or minoxidil firstly since i'm usually low on money and i'd hate to stop half way through because i can't afford it.

I'm actually a bit unsure about finasteride, especially with the latest news that it may cause breast cancer in males. Plus minoxidil is around $40 here in Australia, compared to $100 for finasteride.

Actually, would it be better to firstly start with minoxidil (5%) + nizoral (2%), wait til i see signs of improvement, then jump onto finasteride and try to keep what i gain(ed) with minoxidil? Or the other way around? I'm just worried about the side effects of finasteride, that's what puts me of ultimately.

 

[mpbsux20]

Mate get on nizoral and Min....Thats what I am on right now and the results so far have been satisfactory.I use the liquid minoxidil once a day mainly on my hairline and nizoral twice a week to contorl DHT activity in the scalp.Minoxidil does cause some irritation and mild damage to the skin but its bearable.Just make sure to get yourself some moisturizing lotions and apply them on your face every time you use min.Good luck mate and I am pretty sure that crown area would get filled up in the next few months

 

[Draco88]

^^I'm definitely going to start with a regimen this coming month, i just want to do some extra research, ask some questions then start. I'm just unsure as to start with minoxidil firstly or finasteride. Of course i'll be using nizoral along with them, plus MSM and other supplements.

But you said you're using the liquid version of Minoxidil? I've read that this isn't as effective as the foam? And that the foam doesn't cause any irritation?

About finasteride: Which would be recommended? Propecia cut in half, or Proscar cut up into quarters? Is it true that taking a lower dosage, say 0.5mg or even 1mg, won't make you as prone to the side effects compared to taking 5mg?

 

[heynow1234]

Hey man, you still got a good amount of hair, so if you start soon chances are youll be able to keep it! I would say take propecia, and take the reccomended dose of 1 pill daily. In my opinion minoxidil should be a back up, as its a pain in the *** to apply and not nearly as effective as propecia. I would say use one treatment by itself for a year and see how it works before adding others that may be unnessacry.

Honestly i wouldnt worry about the sides effects of propecia, i was a little nervous at first but, have not experienced any sides in the year ive been taking it. I havent had amazing results but, its pretty much keeping the hair I have, and im happy with that right now.

Good Luck!

 

[mpbsux20]

^^I'm definitely going to start with a regimen this coming month, i just want to do some extra research, ask some questions then start. I'm just unsure as to start with minoxidil firstly or finasteride. Of course i'll be using nizoral along with them, plus MSM and other supplements.

But you said you're using the liquid version of Minoxidil? I've read that this isn't as effective as the foam? And that the foam doesn't cause any irritation?

About finasteride: Which would be recommended? Propecia cut in half, or Proscar cut up into quarters? Is it true that taking a lower dosage, say 0.5mg or even 1mg, won't make you as prone to the side effects compared to taking 5mg?

I have been using the liquid min only for a couple of months and I am planning to switch to the Foam when I run out of supplies.Yes the foam is far more effective and easier to apply than the liquid version.

Proscar is a better buy considering the price as long as you dont mind cutting it into 5 pieces.Regarding the dosage I would say 0.5 mg is the recommended dosage for starters.If you decide to take finasteride then do not even consider using Minoxidil as you would never know which one is working.Only a minority suffer from side effects so dont start your regime thinking that you might end up getting man boobs or low libido.

My derm has asked me to try Min for a few months and if it doesn't do sh*t apart from giving me headaches and irritation,I would quit Min and try Finasteride with total commitment.

Its totally your choice mate.I would recommend you to get some tests and an opinion from a decent Doctor before starting finasteride.Whatever you decide to do,remember to stay positive and believe things will get better.I consider our generation to be pretty lucky in one way,we might not have heave artillery yet but at least we have knives and stones to defend ourselves from the beast[Male Pattern Baldness]. :woot:

 

[Draco88]

^^Well i plan on seeing a doctor about finasteride, since if i do go onto it, i'll need a prescription. I'm just unsure which one to start first.

Hey man, you still got a good amount of hair, so if you start soon chances are youll be able to keep it! I would say take propecia, and take the reccomended dose of 1 pill daily. In my opinion minoxidil should be a back up, as its a pain in the *** to apply and not nearly as effective as propecia. I would say use one treatment by itself for a year and see how it works before adding others that may be unnessacry.

Honestly i wouldnt worry about the sides effects of propecia, i was a little nervous at first but, have not experienced any sides in the year ive been taking it. I havent had amazing results but, its pretty much keeping the hair I have, and im happy with that right now.

Good Luck!

I hope i can keep what i have, since i know how much i've lost in 2 years, and 2 years ago my hair was great, now i'm going down hill. Thanks for your suggestion though. The application of Minoxidil does put me off it, however i've seen a lot of guys on this forum experience some good regrowth with it. I'll have to see.

 

[Draco88]

Well after two straight days of just reading this forum, people's stories, other websites and the likes, i have to say i've had enough of it..i was taking notes as i went along and ended up with two A4 pages of information. I'm a bit confused and lost as to where to start but i think i've narrowed it down to this so far:
Start with Propecia cut in half and Nizoral 2%.
Supplements of MSM, Vitamin C, Aloe Vera. Those three seem rather helpful.
And Minoxidil 5% a month late.

So yeah :/

 

[mpbsux20]

You dont have to throw the kitchen sink yet....Give Propecia atleast a year's time and you might not even have to consider minoxidil by then.

 

[let-it-grow]

You dont have to throw the kitchen sink yet....Give Propecia atleast a year's time and you might not even have to consider minoxidil by then.

:agree: Vitamins won't help you if your hair loss is genetic and it's obviously a male pattern baldness what you're having. Stick with what was proved scientifically. Finasteraide was proved scientifically and also Minoxidil, some people claim that Nizoral help.

Minoxidil twice daily is annoying and it's a life long commitment and makes your scalp feels crap. Finasteraide is taking a small pill everyday and it's much less hassle. Start with finasteride, give it a year, I think that you'll see some good results.. If not you can consider adding minoxidil.

Shampooing with Nizoral 2% two or three times per week is also simple and won't hurt. Do both those things for a year and don't even consider that natural crap, male pattern baldness is caused my hormones.

 

[Draco88]

^^Thanks for the responses guys.

I was just leaning towards these supplements mainly because going through many stories where other men have regrown their hair, many have included supplements and the likes. I'll start with Finasteride and Nizoral, see how i go from there.

 

[Draco88]

I'm 21. The photos from last year that i have up were when i was 21 as well.