Treatment for a guy who likes short hair

[Giff]

Hello everyone,

I'm new here - I've been reading all of the threads regarding treatments and appreciate all of the info. I definitely think I'm on the right track now, but was hoping I could get some advise regarding my situation.

I'm 24, and don't believe I have had any problems with hair loss until about 5 months ago. I recently went on some hormone treatment (AndroGel) for temporary sexual problems, and the doctor originally believed it was low testosterone. Obviously I don't think the treatment helped the matter on my head any.

For the last 10 years I have had a very closely cut hair style - usually use the clippers without any of the attachments. I really am not a fan of hair, which is ironic that now I am worrying about it. I have always had very thick hair and it bothered the hell out of me, which is one of the reasons I loved short hair. Then I started growing it out a few months ago, and man it hit me. The top of my head is thinning like no other. I can see my scalp, when I never could before. Its definitely a strange feeling when you initially realize that this fairly common issue may be affecting you.

I really don't need thick, rich hair. I like my short hair style, and I think I will be doing it that way till the day I die. But I don't want a Bic-ed head as they say. I still want there to be hair on top of my head. I wouldn't be absolutely depressed if I can just keep what I have left, and never grow anything more.

I do not want to use the internal meds due to the side effects - considering that this problem was probably accelerated by a treatment for an issue that is a common side effect on Proscar/Propecia. So I am limiting myself to topicals, at least for now.

I am shampooing with Nizoral twice a week, but that is the extent of my treatment right now. I know I should use Minoxidil, but should I use 5%, 2%, the Dr. Lee thing? Where should I buy it from? What other, fairly cheap, fairly easy-to-maintain regimens would you suggest for someone who is just trying to keep whats left of the hair on his head - and not needing some GQ hair style?

I really appreciate any input anyone has regarding this specific case. I'm definitely getting worried about what an untreated head may look like in a year or two. I can only be thankful that I hate long, crazy hair styles.

One last thing - my buddy suggested Nioxin products for preventitive hair loss treatment - says his "hair stylist" told him. But I went on the Internet, and found nothing conclusive regarding the products, and its glaringly absent from any of the major sites like this one. Should I let my friend know that Nioxin is snake oil?

Thanks again.

 

[flux]

nizoral by itself will do next to nothing. If you are looking at the long term, you MUST use some kind of anti-DHT agent (and depsite their claims, Nioxin doesnt count). If you are opposed to Finasteride/Propecia (and with your history I dont blame you) there are topical options. There are a few 'new' treatments that are supposed to do a good job of this but are not easily found (RU & Fluidil), so your best option is probably Spironolactone, which can be purchased through Dr Lee's website.

Minoxidil is a great tool, and it will set male pattern baldness back a few years (maybe five or so), but after that you will continue to lose hair and yet must still continue to use Minoxidil or you will lose a LOT of hair. Remember that Minoxidil doesnt actually fight male pattern baldness in any way! It only makes hair grow despite the onset of male pattern baldness, but it can still only do so much and the follicle will still die eventually. When combined with an anti DHT treatment, however, it will really help your hair thrive.

However, considering your goal is maintenece, that your hair probably looks fine as it is with your chosen hairstyle, you may want to just try to actually combat male pattern baldness with an anti-DHT treatment and save the Minoxidil for backup.

If you do go with Minoxidil, I swear by the 5% kirkland stuff. Its super cheap and every bit as good as Rogaine.

Should I let my friend know that Nioxin is snake oil?

If he's relying on it to keep his hair, yes! He was trying to help you, so return the favor and help him actually keep his hair. Let him know about this site. This is by far the best hairloss site on the internet, full of unbiased information and rational thinking.

 

[BadHairDecade]

Nioxin is a good shampoo and conditioner.....That's it! Their conditioner is one of my favorites. It doesn't do anything for hairloss or even maintainance. It's marketed to hair stylists because they're the people that the general public think knows the most about hair and hairloss. From my experience they seem to know the least about male pattern baldness. It's actually quite a good marketing plan.

I suggest getting on 5% minoxidil and keep using the nizoral 2-3x a week. It's proven to work. Take some before treatment pictures because it's really hard to tell if your getting results since you see yourself every day. Then take some more at about the 3-4 month mark. Try to take the pictures the same way (setting,angle, and lighting). Good luck

BHD