Rogaine foam - Not working for me.
- Thread starter frontal
- Start date
Frontal, I would try upping the dosage to twice a day as prescribed and maybe adding finasteride to your regimen. It's hard to tell from the pics but at face value it looks like your are improving some. The right pic looks a little darker which is why I'm not sure if that's actual hair growth.
Also, in regards to your right and left sides not improving, Rogaine is notorious for not having much success in the temple areas. That being said, I am curious as to what your crown looks like since it's blocked off by that large black bar.
I am on month 5 of using the Fincar, Rogaine, nizoral, (I know, the big 3) and added Tgel. I've seen some significant improvements to the top of my head although I'm still an NW3 due to my crown having minor success. I regard any improvement, however minimal, as a good thing.
Also, in regards to your right and left sides not improving, Rogaine is notorious for not having much success in the temple areas. That being said, I am curious as to what your crown looks like since it's blocked off by that large black bar.
I am on month 5 of using the Fincar, Rogaine, nizoral, (I know, the big 3) and added Tgel. I've seen some significant improvements to the top of my head although I'm still an NW3 due to my crown having minor success. I regard any improvement, however minimal, as a good thing.
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- 8
The 13 July 2007 picture, I cut my hair shorther.
This picture is better for comparisons.
11 Sept 07 - 15 Feb 08.
No difference correct?
I don't see any hair growth on the bald spots.
I haven't start finasteride yet...I would if Rogaine foam is working but now...
This picture is better for comparisons.
11 Sept 07 - 15 Feb 08.
No difference correct?
I don't see any hair growth on the bald spots.
I haven't start finasteride yet...I would if Rogaine foam is working but now...
I don't understand this. Finasteride and minoxidil operate differently. Just because Rogaine doesn't work doesn't mean finasteride won't.
Also, I wouldn't count on Rogaine regrowing hair anywhere you already don't have miniturized hairs, so your temples (and mine!) likely won't be affected.
I agree with PS1. You've at least maintained and that in of itself is progress. I do notice the top of your hair is a little thicker since I don't see the hair-part on the second pic.
You actually started using Rogaine about the same time that I did. I've noticed considerable improvements with my treatment in that I don't get the usual "sheen" on the top of my head under direct light, including sunlight. My hair is actually more manageable and has a better texture too. I even started letting my hair grow out longer since I wasn't able to do that before without it looking unkempt.
Except for the crown, where there is minimal growth, I'm pretty happy using the Big 3 regimen that a lot of people suggested on this site. Since you stated earlier, that you only apply Rogaine once, why don't you increase it to twice a day and get started on the Big 3?
I don't know your age, but I'm in my 40's and have read that my age is really difficult, if not impossible, to see any significant results. Yet, my results in my opinion, have exceeded my wildest expectations.
I'm going to retry to upload some pics and hopefully I will be able to post my "before" and "after" shots for you to see. I won't make any promises since I'm technically challenged when it comes to posting pics on some of these sites.
I understand your discouragement. I gave up on the laser comb because I felt that for the money, I wasn't getting the kind of results that I wanted. I was on it for roughly 7 months until I decided to return it after having the company that I bought it from, extend the warranty.
Best thing to do, and forgive me for sounding repetitive, is get on the Big 3. You can check throughout this site and read the postings from other users and get their feedback on the Big 3. Your hair looks salvageable and to be honest, your crown area, even in your first pic, looks much better than mine. In other words, you still have a lot of hair to work with. Wish you all the best, man.
You actually started using Rogaine about the same time that I did. I've noticed considerable improvements with my treatment in that I don't get the usual "sheen" on the top of my head under direct light, including sunlight. My hair is actually more manageable and has a better texture too. I even started letting my hair grow out longer since I wasn't able to do that before without it looking unkempt.
Except for the crown, where there is minimal growth, I'm pretty happy using the Big 3 regimen that a lot of people suggested on this site. Since you stated earlier, that you only apply Rogaine once, why don't you increase it to twice a day and get started on the Big 3?
I don't know your age, but I'm in my 40's and have read that my age is really difficult, if not impossible, to see any significant results. Yet, my results in my opinion, have exceeded my wildest expectations.
I'm going to retry to upload some pics and hopefully I will be able to post my "before" and "after" shots for you to see. I won't make any promises since I'm technically challenged when it comes to posting pics on some of these sites.
I understand your discouragement. I gave up on the laser comb because I felt that for the money, I wasn't getting the kind of results that I wanted. I was on it for roughly 7 months until I decided to return it after having the company that I bought it from, extend the warranty.
Best thing to do, and forgive me for sounding repetitive, is get on the Big 3. You can check throughout this site and read the postings from other users and get their feedback on the Big 3. Your hair looks salvageable and to be honest, your crown area, even in your first pic, looks much better than mine. In other words, you still have a lot of hair to work with. Wish you all the best, man.
Hey Frontal, there's no time like the present when it comes to fighting male pattern baldness. At 32, you're still a young man and have the luxury of time on your side. It sounds like you're giving up on the Rogaine idea, but as others have implied here, you need to add to your regimen not subtract.
I can't claim to be as knowlegeable as some of the "veterans" on this site, however, I have notice certain trends with some of the most successful people on these forums:
1. They don't give up.
2. They use their treatments as subscribed.
3. They tackle male pattern baldness from the inside and out. In other words, they take oral such as Propecia, finasteride, dutasteride, etc. and use topicals such as minoxidil or a topical such as Revivogen, which I'll clearly admit not knowing a lot about.
4. They use shampoos such as Nizoral 2% or 1% (some claim there really is no difference as to benefits), T-Gel, and/or TSal.
5. Some use vitamin supps as a back up to the Big 3 such as Biotin, Kelp, etc. or herbals such as Green Tea.
6. Being patient.
7. Anything else anyone wants to add.
The trick is, is finding the right formula that works for you. I've been experimenting without "breaking my bank" since cost is a factor that you have to consider. I've tried Avacor and the Laser Comb without any satisfaction. So far, again, not to be repetitive, the Big 3 has had the most positive affect on my male pattern baldness.
You'll just have to use your own judgement and try to familiarize yourself with some of the risks (side effects).
Good luck, Frontal.
I can't claim to be as knowlegeable as some of the "veterans" on this site, however, I have notice certain trends with some of the most successful people on these forums:
1. They don't give up.
2. They use their treatments as subscribed.
3. They tackle male pattern baldness from the inside and out. In other words, they take oral such as Propecia, finasteride, dutasteride, etc. and use topicals such as minoxidil or a topical such as Revivogen, which I'll clearly admit not knowing a lot about.
4. They use shampoos such as Nizoral 2% or 1% (some claim there really is no difference as to benefits), T-Gel, and/or TSal.
5. Some use vitamin supps as a back up to the Big 3 such as Biotin, Kelp, etc. or herbals such as Green Tea.
6. Being patient.
7. Anything else anyone wants to add.
The trick is, is finding the right formula that works for you. I've been experimenting without "breaking my bank" since cost is a factor that you have to consider. I've tried Avacor and the Laser Comb without any satisfaction. So far, again, not to be repetitive, the Big 3 has had the most positive affect on my male pattern baldness.
You'll just have to use your own judgement and try to familiarize yourself with some of the risks (side effects).
Good luck, Frontal.
cleverusername
Established Member
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- 7
Yea it definitely looks like there's some improvement. Maybe because its your head and you look at it closer and see every little flaw but as a casual observer I'd say the 2nd photo is a definite step up. I guess you can't expect miracles and for the temples to completely fill in. I know how you feel I've gotten on and off propecia a couple times because I didnt see the results i wanted in a few months. It's frustrating, trust me I know but my hair looks similar to yours and I'm 10 years younger so take some comfort in that. I'm taking fincar, rogaine foam and using nizoral and I'm trying to be patient and not expect any visible changes until the summer.
Keep at it and don't lose hope.
Keep at it and don't lose hope.
Hello Philly,
You are entitled to your point of view, of course. I'm simply relaying my own personal experiences, which have been positive so far, although not perfect. Also, I've experienced no sides.
Others on this site, other than me, have proclaimed their positive results using the Big 3. That's how I got the idea.
If you read the full text of my response to Frontal, you'll note that I mentioned to try what he considers better for him AND to consider the sides. I'm in no way forcing anyone to do the "Big 3" or that it will work for them. I've indicated that it works for me and many other people. I don't delve in percentages.
One more thing, the purpose of this site is to offer help and alternatives to others who suffer male pattern baldness by relaying our own experiences. I think to simply tell someone to just "shave their heads and go on with their lives" defeats the purpose of this forum. That type of advice is better suited coming from a mental health expert or a religious/spiritual mentor.
Thanks for your input.
You are entitled to your point of view, of course. I'm simply relaying my own personal experiences, which have been positive so far, although not perfect. Also, I've experienced no sides.
Others on this site, other than me, have proclaimed their positive results using the Big 3. That's how I got the idea.
If you read the full text of my response to Frontal, you'll note that I mentioned to try what he considers better for him AND to consider the sides. I'm in no way forcing anyone to do the "Big 3" or that it will work for them. I've indicated that it works for me and many other people. I don't delve in percentages.
One more thing, the purpose of this site is to offer help and alternatives to others who suffer male pattern baldness by relaying our own experiences. I think to simply tell someone to just "shave their heads and go on with their lives" defeats the purpose of this forum. That type of advice is better suited coming from a mental health expert or a religious/spiritual mentor.
Thanks for your input.
- Reaction score
- 8
Hi.
Reviving old thread.
From the 1st page, you all can see me on Rogaine.
viewtopic.php?f=42&t=44383&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
Now, nearly three(3) months on Proscar only.
6th August 2009
26th October 2009
Your comments are appreciated.
Reviving old thread.
From the 1st page, you all can see me on Rogaine.
viewtopic.php?f=42&t=44383&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
Now, nearly three(3) months on Proscar only.
6th August 2009
26th October 2009
Your comments are appreciated.
beaner
Senior Member
- Reaction score
- 45
I don't understand how you could not see an improvement in the before and after pics from the first page of this thread and make the decision to stop using Rogaine. You now have noticeably less hair than you did in the "after" pic.
My advice is to stick with the finasteride and go back on Rogaine immediately.
My advice is to stick with the finasteride and go back on Rogaine immediately.
Einstein
Established Member
- Reaction score
- 110
What gets under my skin is when someone asks for advise but never takes it.
The worst thing you can do is use a treatment for a long time and quit because you "see no difference". Seeing no difference is success all on its own. If you wanted to see a difference maybe then you should have never used rogaine and then you'd have no hair at all. See, now that's a difference.
As obviously shown, you will shed a lot after getting off rogaine. The sheds normally start about 4 weeks after stopping.
Also another mistake on your part: you can't use a treatment incorrectly and then claim it's not working. Rogaine/minoxidil is supposed to be used TWICE daily. After 1yr you may drop to once daily to maintain your results. You started using it only once a day from get-go so obviously any benefits you get from it will be only maintaining, if not some minor thickening as well.
Get back on rogaine/minoxidil5% and use it like you're supposed to: 2x/daily. Add propecia as recommended. I don't even know why you're posting pictures of propecia's usage after only 3months of taking it. You have to give it a good year. Usually people see improvement between months 5 and 6, but others may shed during this time. So a full year after taking it as prescirbed...."the correct way"...you are in a better position to determine if you want to stay with it.
The worst thing you can do is use a treatment for a long time and quit because you "see no difference". Seeing no difference is success all on its own. If you wanted to see a difference maybe then you should have never used rogaine and then you'd have no hair at all. See, now that's a difference.
As obviously shown, you will shed a lot after getting off rogaine. The sheds normally start about 4 weeks after stopping.
Also another mistake on your part: you can't use a treatment incorrectly and then claim it's not working. Rogaine/minoxidil is supposed to be used TWICE daily. After 1yr you may drop to once daily to maintain your results. You started using it only once a day from get-go so obviously any benefits you get from it will be only maintaining, if not some minor thickening as well.
Get back on rogaine/minoxidil5% and use it like you're supposed to: 2x/daily. Add propecia as recommended. I don't even know why you're posting pictures of propecia's usage after only 3months of taking it. You have to give it a good year. Usually people see improvement between months 5 and 6, but others may shed during this time. So a full year after taking it as prescirbed...."the correct way"...you are in a better position to determine if you want to stay with it.
Einstein
Established Member
- Reaction score
- 110
rcom440 said:
I was looking for the study (I could have sworn I saved it in my fav's) but found Dr. Lee's perspective instead. He sais after 2 yrs you can maintain, but studies I've come across indicates 1yr.
"After two to three years of treatment, most patients can maintain the hair growth with a single daily application of 5% minoxidil or 5% Xandrox. It is unlikely that you will recruit any more hair follicles to restore a thicker hair shaft unless you take more aggressive measures with either 12.5% Minoxidil Solution, 5% Xandrox or Xandrox15" (Dr. Lee, Minoxidil dot com).
There's also a text on dutasteride that dropping the dose to 0.5mg to once per week after taking 0.5mg everyday will maintain the results as well. Take this with a grain of salt, I know quite a few guys that seen better results at or after the 18th month mark.