Hello all, first post 
A few months ago I noticed my hair was thinning, especially right in front of the crown and right behind my hairline. I did a little bit of research and got worried I might be going completely bald. My father is, and if I understand correctly I'll probably inherit his "pattern". I wouldn't have any qualms about going bald... at 35-40. I am 17, turning 18 in october.
I made an appointment with my gp after doing some very quick research and asked her if minoxidil might be a good idea. She said it was, as it does not work through hormones (puberty and all) it is the safest option. In a few months we would have another look and decide if I should pay a visit to a dermatologist. I ordered a years supply of minoxidil 5% and in 2 weeks it arrived in the Netherlands. 30 dollars shipping anyways so I figured I might as well just get the 12 months supply rather than 6.
I have been using it for about 3 and a half months now (once in the morning, once in the evening, 1ml every time) and I have some questions.
- Is a change in hair colour an indication that it is working? I have blonde hair and I can clearly see that the newest 2 cm or so are quite a bit lighter and brighter too. Nice effect.
- Minoxidil is intended for use on the vertex of the scalp and the recommended amount is 1ml. If I use it on my entire scalp, should I use more? If so, how much? I can cover my entire scalp with the 1ml, but I don't imagine it has an optimal effect when it is spread that widely.
- At what point should I contact my gp again? From what I've gathered online it can take from about 3 to 6 months for minoxidil to take effect, but I have also read stories of it taking a full year to work. Should I ask to see a dermatologist right away to get more specialised advice? He/She would be more informed about possible other treatments such as propecia as well.
I would appreciate any and all replies, thank you for taking the time to read this.
A few months ago I noticed my hair was thinning, especially right in front of the crown and right behind my hairline. I did a little bit of research and got worried I might be going completely bald. My father is, and if I understand correctly I'll probably inherit his "pattern". I wouldn't have any qualms about going bald... at 35-40. I am 17, turning 18 in october.
I made an appointment with my gp after doing some very quick research and asked her if minoxidil might be a good idea. She said it was, as it does not work through hormones (puberty and all) it is the safest option. In a few months we would have another look and decide if I should pay a visit to a dermatologist. I ordered a years supply of minoxidil 5% and in 2 weeks it arrived in the Netherlands. 30 dollars shipping anyways so I figured I might as well just get the 12 months supply rather than 6.
I have been using it for about 3 and a half months now (once in the morning, once in the evening, 1ml every time) and I have some questions.
- Is a change in hair colour an indication that it is working? I have blonde hair and I can clearly see that the newest 2 cm or so are quite a bit lighter and brighter too. Nice effect.
- Minoxidil is intended for use on the vertex of the scalp and the recommended amount is 1ml. If I use it on my entire scalp, should I use more? If so, how much? I can cover my entire scalp with the 1ml, but I don't imagine it has an optimal effect when it is spread that widely.
- At what point should I contact my gp again? From what I've gathered online it can take from about 3 to 6 months for minoxidil to take effect, but I have also read stories of it taking a full year to work. Should I ask to see a dermatologist right away to get more specialised advice? He/She would be more informed about possible other treatments such as propecia as well.
I would appreciate any and all replies, thank you for taking the time to read this.
