My story: one year under Minoxidil 5%, no real response. Not sure what to do next.

[mwdpp]

Hello everyone. I'm 28 years old, started noticing thinning around 25-26. My current situation is a 5V on the Norwood scale. Many hair still cover the "hole" though, but it is noticeable.
in April last year I decided to go to a dermatologist which suggested Minoxidil 5%. I started right away (I believe it was end of April), and followed the instructions: 10 spurts on the balding spot and around twice a day (every 12 hours). I followed the instructions for 8-10 months, but then realised these spurts were not enough to cover the area I wanted, moreover I have long-ish curly hair so it is pretty difficult to wet the scalp. I recently (1 month) started to apply more in order to feel the scalp wet, just to be sure I am giving the scalp enough minoxidil. Also, ever since I started my head is madly itchy some times, I can't help but scratch it.

Anyways. My head didn't seem to respond very well. I could notice my hair slightly stopped to fall, but I can't see the great results people are having over here after just a few months of usage. My girlfriend told me my situation hasn't changed from last year, so she thinks the hair fall stopped. I think I am still slightly suffering from it. Unfortunately I haven't took a picture when I started my treatment.

This is my current situation: http://imgur.com/hcwyC6v

What should I do? I think I will keep going with the minoxidil 5%, is there something more I can do? Should I change my diet to favour new hair? Should I change shampoo (I'm currently using a generic one)?

Thanks everybody. This is really frustrating and depressing.

 

[Divxup]

have you tried biotin and shampoo with ketoconazole ??

 

[mwdpp]

have you tried biotin and shampoo with ketoconazole ??

Nothing of the sort. I have no idea what those are to begin with, online there are many resources saying many different things. I don't know what and who to trust, I think the only way to find out what's best is asking to people actually using such treatments.

 

[Divxup]

i have ordered this DHT blocker , http://www.xandrox.com/minoxidil-5-azelaic-acid-solution/ , https://www.etsy.com/listing/222660...-for-men-contains-pure?ref=shop_home_active_8 "These powerful DHT blockers work to stop hair loss in its tracks. Keep in mind that minoxidil alone does not block DHT and without powerful DHT blockers, you are reducing your chances of hair regrowth success."

i have read somewhere on this forum success story , he was using Minoxidil only and have no effect , then he started to use Minoxidil + AZELAIC ACID (DHT blocker) and it helped a lot.

 

[mwdpp]

So you are saying to switch from my current minoxidil 5% to one of those two which also contain DHT blockers? Are there any side effects to these DHT blockers?

 

[Divxup]

i don't think there is much side effects with that tonic, but for example DHT blocker pills like propecia have side effects

 

[mwdpp]

i don't think there is much side effects with that tonic, but for example DHT blocker pills like propecia have side effects

Thanks for the tip, I'll discuss it with my doctor and see what he suggests . Also, about the shampoo with ketoconazole?

 

[kuca]

Get on finesterid

 

[science_d]

Hello everyone. I'm 28 years old, started noticing thinning around 25-26. My current situation is a 5V on the Norwood scale. Many hair still cover the "hole" though, but it is noticeable.
in April last year I decided to go to a dermatologist which suggested Minoxidil 5%. I started right away (I believe it was end of April), and followed the instructions: 10 spurts on the balding spot and around twice a day (every 12 hours). I followed the instructions for 8-10 months, but then realised these spurts were not enough to cover the area I wanted, moreover I have long-ish curly hair so it is pretty difficult to wet the scalp. I recently (1 month) started to apply more in order to feel the scalp wet, just to be sure I am giving the scalp enough minoxidil. Also, ever since I started my head is madly itchy some times, I can't help but scratch it.

Anyways. My head didn't seem to respond very well. I could notice my hair slightly stopped to fall, but I can't see the great results people are having over here after just a few months of usage. My girlfriend told me my situation hasn't changed from last year, so she thinks the hair fall stopped. I think I am still slightly suffering from it. Unfortunately I haven't took a picture when I started my treatment.

This is my current situation: http://imgur.com/hcwyC6v

What should I do? I think I will keep going with the minoxidil 5%, is there something more I can do? Should I change my diet to favour new hair? Should I change shampoo (I'm currently using a generic one)?

Thanks everybody. This is really frustrating and depressing.

Using minoxidil alone is not always the most effective treatment. A study showed that using minoxidil and finasteride (an oral prescription medication) in combination produced a stronger effect than using either one on its own (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12227482). If you want to deliver a stronger "punch" to your treatment, add finasteride and keep using minoxidil.

The ketoconazole shampoo is often marketed as Nizoral, and studies have shown that the 2% concentration can increase hair density in men experiencing hair loss (https://attackplan.wordpress.com/2016/02/27/helpful/). It also helps reduce dandruff and inflammation.

On my blog, I discuss what to do in general to maintain your hair if you are experiencing male pattern baldness (https://attackplan.wordpress.com/2015/09/18/maintain/). Best of luck.