Proposed Regimen Feedback/Help (Pictures attached)

[HageJaNai]

I would like some feedback about my proposed regimen. I am going to use finasteride 1.25mg a day and Nizoral shampoo every other day. Also, I am going to take Saw Palmatto in addition to the multi-v, fish oil, and B vitamins I already take. I also am going to use a mix of emu, lavender, and tea tree oils after using nizoral to keep my scalp from burning/itching/drying out. (Does anyone know how much oil you should use?)

Now here's where I need your help. I think I want to start minoxidil and a topical treatment. However, I am in Japan and can only get minoxidil online and the websites I've found are very expensive. Any suggestions on where to get it? In addition, what brands have negative or positive feedback? Also, instead of spironolactone cream do you think a retin-a cream would be as effective? These are the two things I really can't figure out. Any feedback and comments would be greatly appreciated. Putting my pictures on here was not an easy thing to do. I know were all dealing with the same problem but I still feel embarrassed/depressed about it. Lastly, I can't figure out where on the norwood scale I am...the shape is a 2a but the thinning on top makes me think it's worse. Thanks, I look forward to your responses.

 

[HageJaNai]

No one...even with pictures? C'mon guys.

 

[Doug Douglas]

I'd say you're at least a 2, though your thinning makes it a bit more progressed than that. Maybe a diffused 2.5 or 3. How old are you? Why have you waited to start using treatments? Congrats for having the courage to post on here and ask for help though, it's a big step. No time like the present to get started!

One other thing: shaving your head will help your look immensely. Growing your hair out at this stage isn't a great idea, keep it as short as possible -- shaved or closely buzzed.

 

[HageJaNai]

Hey thanks for your post! I'm only 21 actually, which is why I guess I tried to pass it off to myself as other things. But now I realize I can't be in denial and need to attack. Any other comments?

 

[Tyler_Durden]

Go Ebay for your Kirklands minoxidil, cheap as chips.

I reckon with Propecia and minoxidil you are a prime candidate to get most of it back, a great example of this is Da Bears, check out his story in the success thread.

 

[HageJaNai]

Ebay suggestion was great. Wow, thank you so much. You just saved me $100!

 

[Tyler_Durden]

No worries brother.


How come you're in Japan btw, you don't look overly Japanese if you don't mind me saying

 

[HageJaNai]

No no not japanese at all. I am just taking some time before graduate school to work for the government here. It's great except finding things can be a real pain in the ***...especially because of the kanji.

 

[kalbo]

Yup, kirkland minoxidil from ebay is the way to go. You get the same results as rogaine and you save a hell of a lot more money.

And if you don't mind me saying, I too would recommend buzzing your hair short. Not only will it give you a better look, but it'll also be much easier for you to apply minoxidil.