I Am Lost And Need Advice Please Help Me Out

[-Synergy-]

Hi everybody, I am new to this forum and am willing to try everything if it helps me keep my hair. As you can see my current regimen is finasteride, iRestore's low-level laser therapy (If it doesn't work they have a six-month return policy) and Lipogaines minoxidil. I started losing my hair all over my scalp when I was 16 years old and between the age of 16 and 20 did as much research as possible. When I was 16 I thought I was experiencing telogen effluvium because I was going through a very stressful turning point in life and my hair loss was all over the scalp. I didn't get on finasteride right away because the idea of having male pattern baldness at the age of 16 didn't make any sense to me. However, my uncles and grandfather on my mom's side are all bald or balding. I guess you just don't expect this kind of thing will happen to you when you're young, so you get blindsided. Eventually, after trying everything and doing all I could do, I went to a dermatologist and was prescribed finasteride. The 1 mg finasteride I was prescribed worked great, however, the price was too much, so for three years I started and stopped finasteride about 2-3 times. I started having mild hair loss again when I was 23 and off of finasteride. I knew what was coming but knew how expensive finasteride was also. I did research on this forum and found that some of you guys get the 5 mg and split it into fours. I wen't back to my dermatologist and got 5 mg finasteride and started sliting it into fours thinking I would start regrowing hair again. Unfortunately/fortunately, it gave me some regrowth but my hair loss continued at a very slow rate. This hair loss being so slow didn't cause me to freak out and instead I thought I would give finasteride one whole year before adding another treatment to my regimen. After a year nothing had changed and I was losing about 10 hairs in the shower, but my hair seemed to be gradually getting thinner. I did more research and found Nizoral and Rogaine 5%. I thought this would be a great combination because finasteride is doing 80% or 90% of the heavy lifting. However, I was wrong or could still be right, but I am having increased doubts with each passing day. The Nizoral and Rogaine increased my shedding to 40 hairs a day and made my entire scalp painful from I think the dryness. I have lost about 65% density throughout my entire scalp within about 3 months. This is starting to kill me inside, and I know there is a shedding phase but 65% of my hair gone really!!! I decided to drop the Rogaine and Nizoral for awhile while waiting for a lllt helmet to come in. While I was waiting and not using Nizoral or Rogaine my hair loss went back down to pre Nizoral and Rogaine level. I started to contemplate Avodart, but no dermatologist will prescribe it and I am afraid of the sexual side effects and what it could potentially do to my hairline. Anyway, I did receive my iRestore laser helmet and have switched to Lipogaine because it only has ethanol in it. This is really bothering me because I am afraid I will never get the hair I lost in the last three months back. All of the hair on my scalp seems to be in some kind of limbo state where it's not falling out too much, but not growing either. I had a haircut about a month or two ago and none of it has grown since. The stress from this is making me dizzy not the minoxidil sides. I am 24 years old right now in college, trying to start my career and be confident for the first time in my life like a young guy should be but this is screwing everything up for me. At this point, the Lipogaine for sensitive skin might be even starting to bother my scalp. I really don't know where to go from here and based on my story maybe you guys with a lot of experience or similar experience can help me out. I will try to answer every question you have for me and if your wondering I was a Norwood 2 before and now I am transitioning into a Norwood 3. My hairline goes straight up by the temples and my derm said I only have a slight recession, but it is getting very thin and receding little by little. I have two small very thin spots at my crown that want to keep growing so that they can eventually connect with my hairline. I would just really appreciate some advice and I am sorry this story is so long. Also, when I was using Rogaine I might have overused it because I applied 4-5 ml over my scalp once a night because I am diffuse. I am trying to see a dermatologist and an endocrinologist and maybe I can ask again about Avodart or oral minoxidil but either way this will be a slow fight until the bitter end.

 

[Parity07]

Any chance you can post a photo or two? Preferably with dry hair.

 

[-Synergy-]

Hello, Parity thanks for replying I was starting to worry that nobody would respond. I have some pictures of my hairline and crown, but like I said there is thinning everywhere and this makes my crown more prominent. I really hope more people respond, I know there is a user by the name of Retinoid that had a bad experience very similar to mine with Rogaine liquid. I switched to Lipogaine sensitive to avoid the PG and alcohol, but just the other night I had another outburst where my entire scalp was burning while I was trying to sleep. This outburst wasn't as bad as all the past ones that destroyed my hair because I felt the symptoms of it coming on and decided to not apply Lipogaine that night. I am really starting to think I might be allergic to the minoxidil itself but I have never encountered anything in my life that has caused me to be allergic except for some strange plant I encountered when I was younger that is really uncommon. I plan to see a doctor and get patch tested for minoxidil allergies. Again Parity thanks for dropping in and if there is anyone viewing this don't be afraid to offer some advice even if it's just off the top of your head because I would appreciate it. I tried to get every angle so you have decent pics to judge on. My hair quality is horrible and when I took these pics my hair was also kinda greasy. I have been told by family and friends that I am over reacting, but I know my hair and right not it is very unhealthy so I would like to help it before it is to late.

 

[Parity07]

If it's in the family Synergy you're well up against it from day 1. If it's gonna go, it's gonna go. Your hair now at 24 is eerily similar to mine at the same age, but I will admit to not taking any medication whatsoever at that time which with reflection was probably not the wisest move.

I've just had to have a 3600 FUE which you will probably need in the future too going by the info given IF you really care about keeping some of your hair. Genetics are a b**ch!

The shed you're experiencing really could be the result of the medication, once the miniaturisation occurs it can take quite a long time for the new, stronger hairs to show their faces.

In the meantime I would strong recommend the use of hair building fibres such as Toppik and perhaps a root concealer spray to colour the scalp. It's not a long term solution, but it literally got me through from 2010 to 2018 before it became a real struggle to hide it anymore, hence the hair transplant 4 weeks ago.

You may think at 24 you shouldn't need to resort to this and to have to clean the black stuff off your bath after you've washed your hair, but it's a war now mate, 'fly or die'.

This just my two pennoth and I know it doesn't explain why what's happening is happening, but I'm no doctor. Just another lad who has seen his hair vanish over the last 20 years.

 

[Unacknowledged]

Hi everybody, I am new to this forum and am willing to try everything if it helps me keep my hair. As you can see my current regimen is finasteride, iRestore's low-level laser therapy (If it doesn't work they have a six-month return policy) and Lipogaines minoxidil. I started losing my hair all over my scalp when I was 16 years old and between the age of 16 and 20 did as much research as possible. When I was 16 I thought I was experiencing telogen effluvium because I was going through a very stressful turning point in life and my hair loss was all over the scalp. I didn't get on finasteride right away because the idea of having male pattern baldness at the age of 16 didn't make any sense to me. However, my uncles and grandfather on my mom's side are all bald or balding. I guess you just don't expect this kind of thing will happen to you when you're young, so you get blindsided. Eventually, after trying everything and doing all I could do, I went to a dermatologist and was prescribed finasteride. The 1 mg finasteride I was prescribed worked great, however, the price was too much, so for three years I started and stopped finasteride about 2-3 times. I started having mild hair loss again when I was 23 and off of finasteride. I knew what was coming but knew how expensive finasteride was also. I did research on this forum and found that some of you guys get the 5 mg and split it into fours. I wen't back to my dermatologist and got 5 mg finasteride and started sliting it into fours thinking I would start regrowing hair again. Unfortunately/fortunately, it gave me some regrowth but my hair loss continued at a very slow rate. This hair loss being so slow didn't cause me to freak out and instead I thought I would give finasteride one whole year before adding another treatment to my regimen. After a year nothing had changed and I was losing about 10 hairs in the shower, but my hair seemed to be gradually getting thinner. I did more research and found Nizoral and Rogaine 5%. I thought this would be a great combination because finasteride is doing 80% or 90% of the heavy lifting. However, I was wrong or could still be right, but I am having increased doubts with each passing day. The Nizoral and Rogaine increased my shedding to 40 hairs a day and made my entire scalp painful from I think the dryness. I have lost about 65% density throughout my entire scalp within about 3 months. This is starting to kill me inside, and I know there is a shedding phase but 65% of my hair gone really!!! I decided to drop the Rogaine and Nizoral for awhile while waiting for a lllt helmet to come in. While I was waiting and not using Nizoral or Rogaine my hair loss went back down to pre Nizoral and Rogaine level. I started to contemplate Avodart, but no dermatologist will prescribe it and I am afraid of the sexual side effects and what it could potentially do to my hairline. Anyway, I did receive my iRestore laser helmet and have switched to Lipogaine because it only has ethanol in it. This is really bothering me because I am afraid I will never get the hair I lost in the last three months back. All of the hair on my scalp seems to be in some kind of limbo state where it's not falling out too much, but not growing either. I had a haircut about a month or two ago and none of it has grown since. The stress from this is making me dizzy not the minoxidil sides. I am 24 years old right now in college, trying to start my career and be confident for the first time in my life like a young guy should be but this is screwing everything up for me. At this point, the Lipogaine for sensitive skin might be even starting to bother my scalp. I really don't know where to go from here and based on my story maybe you guys with a lot of experience or similar experience can help me out. I will try to answer every question you have for me and if your wondering I was a Norwood 2 before and now I am transitioning into a Norwood 3. My hairline goes straight up by the temples and my derm said I only have a slight recession, but it is getting very thin and receding little by little. I have two small very thin spots at my crown that want to keep growing so that they can eventually connect with my hairline. I would just really appreciate some advice and I am sorry this story is so long. Also, when I was using Rogaine I might have overused it because I applied 4-5 ml over my scalp once a night because I am diffuse. I am trying to see a dermatologist and an endocrinologist and maybe I can ask again about Avodart or oral minoxidil but either way this will be a slow fight until the bitter end.

Hello. It seems like your hair is pretty thin and are destined for hairloss/ sensitive to dht. Nizoral should be good but be sure to have the 1%. 2% can dry out your hair. I think you should keep going with finasteride but make sure you get the right vitamins as well. Biotin etc. Leave in some keratine cream over night and next day use the nizoral shampoo. I use regenpure dr and its amazing for me. I have maintained my hair for 7 years now and both my brothers are bald. I havent had regrowth but my hair thickened and is healthy.

Good luck.

 

[ButWhyTho]

Minoxidil will increase shedding before visible growth occurs. Give it another 3 months and you'll notice more density. Further I think a hair transplant is a good idea. But make sure you research well.

 

[-Synergy-]

Thanks guys for saying something because I feel really alone going through this. Parity I don't really know if an FUE is an option for me because my donor hair seems to have also takin a really big hit in the last 3 months. If my hair now was eerily similar to yours then what Norwood do I have to look forward to. In other words, what Norwood are you now? I wen't to Bosley awhile back to discuss hair options and I was told PRP, hair transplant($12,000 on average), and or laser. I guess the laser it equally effective to PRP and I have gone through reading a ton of studies that indicate lasers are effective mainly because with a device you can use it every day. Also, I might end up going the hair system route through my 20s and 30s because I am just too young for this nightmare to be happening to me. I would prefer and be prepared to spend fifteen hundred a year on a realistic hair system because my donor hair sucks I think and I want a look that has the thickness on top like when I was 20 just yesterday lol. Anyway, my grandfather was already bald at my age and started wearing a system that looked really nice on him, so I am told. I know another older guy that's a friend of the family that has been wearing a system for decades and it looks nice. The only reason I know is because he told people and the word was eventually passed on otherwise nobody would probably ever guess. The best part is if I ever feel like getting a hair transplant I can just take it off and get one. I don't trust Bosley because they seem greedy, so could you give me any advice on a good place to go for a hair transplant and how is yours turning out?

These guys make systems look nice only I would disguise the hairline with bangs and be careful with way too much thickness on top. I could also wear a hat over the hair to protect it against the sun and make it last longer. I just hope that the glue and tape being used doesn't irritate my scalp, but hey if it does oh well it's not like I have hair to hurt under it right:

Unacknowledged I tried the Nizoral, but it dried out my scalp horribly, creating more inflammation and as a result more hair loss. I am dumb because prior to minoxidil and Nizoral my hair was twice as thick and growing. I am going to a hair salon soon also and I might take a look at their shampoos. If I pick something up I will make sure it has a blend of vitamins and DHT blockers plus keto and caffeine, but I don't think going back to Nizoral is an option because of the dryness. I didn't shower for a day and it was greasy if that helps you believe its thicker....no probably not it just sucks.

ButWhyTho I am getting creeped out by minoxidil because it is so drying and inflaming. What if I went down to applying it only three times a week so if there are any minoxidil dependent hairs they will stay or grow, but at the same time if it is harming me the side effects will be less. As I said before I think it is time for me to get a patch test to see if I have allergies to minoxidil or if my scalp just can't handle the drying effect. I plan on getting this patch testing in the next couple of days.

I will be seeing a dermatologist on the 18th hopefully and I plan to ask about Avodart, Oral minoxidil/Loniten, topically applied spironolactone with aloe, and if there is anything I can take orally or topically to reduce PGD2 and increase PGE2 like seti. What Norwood do you guys think I am? This is depressing me along with other things in my personal life right now so my grades are getting messed up and I am really close to graduating. I know the Admin of this site uses topical spironolactone and finasteride worked for 3.5 years for him same as my situation he had to add the topical to maintain for another 10 years. If anyone could provide an extremely low alcohol or no alcohol recipe for topical spironolactone I would appreciate it. I really feel like **** and life is over this is a crash and burn moment for me because I really don't see enjoying my life without any hair or know what my life will be like without it. I don't know if anyone else ever gets that feeling like your not destined just for hair loss, but just to go through life humiliated and crushed in general.

 

[Unacknowledged]

Thanks guys for saying something because I feel really alone going through this. Parity I don't really know if an FUE is an option for me because my donor hair seems to have also takin a really big hit in the last 3 months. If my hair now was eerily similar to yours then what Norwood do I have to look forward to. In other words, what Norwood are you now? I wen't to Bosley awhile back to discuss hair options and I was told PRP, hair transplant($12,000 on average), and or laser. I guess the laser it equally effective to PRP and I have gone through reading a ton of studies that indicate lasers are effective mainly because with a device you can use it every day. Also, I might end up going the hair system route through my 20s and 30s because I am just too young for this nightmare to be happening to me. I would prefer and be prepared to spend fifteen hundred a year on a realistic hair system because my donor hair sucks I think and I want a look that has the thickness on top like when I was 20 just yesterday lol. Anyway, my grandfather was already bald at my age and started wearing a system that looked really nice on him, so I am told. I know another older guy that's a friend of the family that has been wearing a system for decades and it looks nice. The only reason I know is because he told people and the word was eventually passed on otherwise nobody would probably ever guess. The best part is if I ever feel like getting a hair transplant I can just take it off and get one. I don't trust Bosley because they seem greedy, so could you give me any advice on a good place to go for a hair transplant and how is yours turning out?

These guys make systems look nice only I would disguise the hairline with bangs and be careful with way too much thickness on top. I could also wear a hat over the hair to protect it against the sun and make it last longer. I just hope that the glue and tape being used doesn't irritate my scalp, but hey if it does oh well it's not like I have hair to hurt under it right:

Unacknowledged I tried the Nizoral, but it dried out my scalp horribly, creating more inflammation and as a result more hair loss. I am dumb because prior to minoxidil and Nizoral my hair was twice as thick and growing. I am going to a hair salon soon also and I might take a look at their shampoos. If I pick something up I will make sure it has a blend of vitamins and DHT blockers plus keto and caffeine, but I don't think going back to Nizoral is an option because of the dryness. I didn't shower for a day and it was greasy if that helps you believe its thicker....no probably not it just sucks.

ButWhyTho I am getting creeped out by minoxidil because it is so drying and inflaming. What if I went down to applying it only three times a week so if there are any minoxidil dependent hairs they will stay or grow, but at the same time if it is harming me the side effects will be less. As I said before I think it is time for me to get a patch test to see if I have allergies to minoxidil or if my scalp just can't handle the drying effect. I plan on getting this patch testing in the next couple of days.

I will be seeing a dermatologist on the 18th hopefully and I plan to ask about Avodart, Oral minoxidil/Loniten, topically applied spironolactone with aloe, and if there is anything I can take orally or topically to reduce PGD2 and increase PGE2 like seti. What Norwood do you guys think I am? This is depressing me along with other things in my personal life right now so my grades are getting messed up and I am really close to graduating. I know the Admin of this site uses topical spironolactone and finasteride worked for 3.5 years for him same as my situation he had to add the topical to maintain for another 10 years. If anyone could provide an extremely low alcohol or no alcohol recipe for topical spironolactone I would appreciate it. I really feel like **** and life is over this is a crash and burn moment for me because I really don't see enjoying my life without any hair or know what my life will be like without it. I don't know if anyone else ever gets that feeling like your not destined just for hair loss, but just to go through life humiliated and crushed in general.

Yeah it can have a bad effect on your view of the world but you are not alone. Millions and millions of people experience the same frustration on a daily basis. Make sure you dont obsess. I am 32 now and have maintained my norwood 2.5 for more than 7 years. Recently i started the route of minoxidil but i cant take it. I almost pass out because it gets my blood pressure way to low. I do have to say that it seems that my head takes in allot of stuff easy. I can even taste the minoxidil (no its not running down my face). Recently i started using pumkinseed oil and saw palmetto pills. Gonna try this for 6+ months to see if i can get regrowth. Regenpure DR is solid. Search for it on the internet.