not sure if I should start minoxidil

[zeroheat]

I'm 25, and I have a problem with my temples. It's in the genes. Top is OK for now, although I can notice a very slight thinning. It's not noticeable right now, especially with some hair wax.

I've started Proscar (cut into quarters) about an week ago. I'm debating whether to go on a minoxidil or not..

My reasons for not starting minoxidil yet:
1) It's a life long commitment. I have no problem with taking finasteride every morning for life, but applying minoxidil twice a day for life and my hair becoming "minoxized", and losing hair again if I go off of minoxidil kinda bothers me.
2) Although I'd like to have more hair, I'm content with what I have right now. If I can stop and not re-gain, I'm ok with that.
3) very tight financially at the moment (finishing up college)
4) I was thinking of holding onto what I have right now, and getting a small hair transplant at 33 or something like that. By then, there might be a new revolutionary product; if not, $5000 to get my hair back on the temples wouldn't be a big deal, since I'll be working.
5) I've heard of terrible "shedding" from many people.. some people report losing more hair permanently.. it's scary.

Now, do I sound valid? I was thinking of doing Proscar/Nizoral only, but I really don't need Nizoral if I don't use minoxidil, right? Any comments are appreciated..

 

[jonsie150]

if you're content with what you have now, i say hold off on the minoxidil for a while. see what happens in 8-12 months and you should get a good idea of the efficiency of the finasteride. if you're not happy with what happens after that, then go on the minoxidil.

i know it sounds like such a big hassle (it is, i guess), but after you start using the minoxidil you don't really fret over the process so much. you do hear about people complaining about the application process, but then again, the people who are ok with the process (imo, the majority) won't be making posts about how little it bothers them. so all you're mostly going to hear about the complaints.

and i dont think you have to use minoxidil to use nizoral. the only real reason to not use nizoral is if its rough on your hair/scalp.

 

[longtime]

i agree, try starting with just finasteride and nizoral see where that gets you, but also i've been using minoxidil for 10+ years, i've never found it to be that big of a pain to apply, especially if you use fast drying foam or dr lee's, etc....