Should I go off minoxidil?

[Johnny24601]

I have been on minoxidil and Propecia for about 2 months and have gone through a bad shed but things are improving. I am starting to rethink the minoxidil application because I am not so sure minoxidil works and it dries my scalp and creats dandruff not too mention the cost and the constant application. Plus I am afraid that if I use the minoxidil now, it will be less effective later when I really need the regrowth. I am 25 and am between Norwood-1 and Norwood-2 with thiniing hair. Not too bad yet, but I clearly have male pattern baldness, but have been able to catch it early. I could use some extra growth, but I ad really thick hair therefore the recent thinning is not too noticable.
My question is whether you kids think I should go off the minoxidil. I also would like to know what you guys think about a potential shed of minoxidil dependent hairs after using mnox for only two months.

 

[Guest]

Before undertaking any kind of treatment you have to understand the long term commitment that goes with it. This is 10 times worse with minoxidil. Once you start you have to keep with it. + it's expensive. Unless you buy a generic.

Should have started with finasteride and nizoral, then gone onto minoxidil when your desperate....

 

[Trent]

if you're not committed now, you won't be for years to come... my recommendation since you're not too far into the minoxidil treatment is to get off it, and save it for later. propecia MAY be all you need, and its worth it to wait it out some. beside, i was on minoxidil for a little over a month, and then stopped, and that didn't really change too much in the way off massive shedding or anything.

 

[global]

I agree with the others, come off the minoxidil now and see how you go with propecia alone.

minoxidil is a big commitment, save it for when your desperate.

 

[Full Head of Hair]

Thank God for these forums! The first thing I almost went on for my treatments a few months ago was gonna be rogaine. After reading these forums for awhile, I realized it wasn't a good idea. Keep up the good work guys.

 

[MiddleAgedManiac]

I would agree. If you have already started the finasteride, keep using it and wait on the minoxidil. I went with only minoxidil and Saw Palm. 7 months ago and in six months went from a NW1.5 to a NW3V. (It may have been the Saw Palm. - or a combo of both that caused this...I am not sure yet). I am 35 yo.

 

[Hairport]

How is minoxidil such a big commitment? I don't understand.

 

[williteverend]

minoxidil is quick and easy, and if you think you have lost a lot of hair, NECESSARY. i dont regret starting it i have been on minoxidil for about 6 months and it has been a rollercoaster. but i am pleased with the results its giving me. the big three is called the big three for a big reason.

 

[Johnny24601]

re:

I have a very good amount of hair. Normally, I have very thick hair and only recently have I noticed a thinning which has turned my hair from very thick to perhaps normal or just slightly below normal. I have the diffused thining plus my hairline is slowly receding (maybe a Norwood-2). This means finasteride is a no brainer, but why add minoxidil if finasteride is all I need. Not to mention I am less then convinced that minoxidil is even effective, it itches, dries the scalp and creates dandruff. The application is not too bad but is just another negative to add onto the pile.
I have been on minoxidil for about 2.5 months and actually feel like it has helped, but could it be the finasteride I have been on for 2 months? The constant minoxidil application really dries up my scalp and I think a dry scalp is an awful place to grow and stabalize hairs. I agree that starting minoxidil and finasteride at the same time can make it so one has no idea what is working (or not working), but at the same time, I would hate to lose 6 months it would take to evaluate either treatment by itself.
My solution, which may not be the best choice for all, is to apply minoxidil once a day with a about 1.5 times the normal application volume to assure my entire head is covered. This will assure that any minoxidil dependent hairs are fed and will also reduce the dry scalp problem.
I will post some photos soon. I really believe I have see results in the short time I have been on treatment.

 

[Guest]

How is minoxidil such a big commitment? I don't understand.

For a start you have to apply it twice a day. And you have to take it for as long as you want your hair. It does not block DHT in anyway. The reason I don't take minoxidil is because of the twice a day thing. It would just be a complete pain in the arse. Where as finasteride. You just pop a pill once a day and that's it.

Granted, if you stop treatments with both then you will just go back to base line (where you started).

I would recommend finasteride first of all with Nizoral 3x a week. You need to stabilise your hair first. Then if you need to add the minoxidil for an extra boost.

It's easy to get on minoxidil, but you would soon get pissed of putting it on twice a day. maybe ok for the first week. What about six months from now. And you have the cost as well.

 

[GeminiX]

I tried minoxidil briefly, it was a pain and I am allrgic to it too (Sneezed myself silly every morning).

I came off it after two weeks, just too much hassle.

D

 

[MiddleAgedManiac]

minoxidil

I have been on minoxidil for about 2.5 months and actually feel like it has helped, but could it be the finasteride I have been on for 2 months? The constant minoxidil application really dries up my scalp and I think a dry scalp is an awful place to grow and stabalize hairs. I agree that starting minoxidil and finasteride at the same time can make it so one has no idea what is working (or not working), but at the same time, I would hate to lose 6 months it would take to evaluate either treatment by itself.
My solution, which may not be the best choice for all, is to apply minoxidil once a day with a about 1.5 times the normal application volume to assure my entire head is covered. This will assure that any minoxidil dependent hairs are fed and will also reduce the dry scalp problem.

I stopped minoxidil two weeks ago after 8 months of use. I had to stop for the reasons you cited. The problem is, now I see tons of litle hairs sprouting and am afraid if I don't continue to use minoxidil, they will fall out or not grow any further. I haven't started finasteride because I am horrified of the sides. I use lots of Vites....ecercise a lot...and have cut out the fatty foods.

Wonder if I should get back on minoxidil immediately?

 

[Guest]

That's the golden question. Those little hairs you see will fall out very soon.