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Hi all, I'm 30 years old now - my hair doesn't grow no more than a few mm a month now, it's about 4-5 inches from base... I use to be able to grow it past my ears and neck - but I think all the relaxing with chemicals (had curly hair) I did back in my early 20's and wearing a baseball cap for a few years did the damage.
Now, I know I need a miracle! :) I've started taking Propecia now.... are there any other things, shampoos or other natural treatments, massaging my hair to re-stimulate, to help?
It's a bit thin now, if I use one of the shampoos mentioned below, it'll be thicker, temporarily until the next shower/day. I might have a few thinner areas than other parts, like my front center and on the upper back right top side...
I wake up sometimes with this crappy "bed hair" which only if I shower would I be able to comb it into place...
I've only recently used T/Gel and Nizoral as my shampoo options.
I haven't tried Rogaine 5% Foam yet - afraid if I stop it for some reason, my hair will all fall out.
I know this is a long post - appreciate your suggestions and comments - I couldn't perform a search on here, so I am sure this question has been repeatedly been asked. Thanks for your time!
Hi antigen,
I assume you have seen a doctor (preferably a dermatologist) if you have started on propecia, he can assess your hair to see if you have MPB and also whether propecia is the best thing for you. I am not sure how long you have actally been on propecia, and I cannot tell how bad the thinning is from your post. I know that it can take from 6 months, and even up to a year, to determine if propecia is going to do the trick for you. The best thing is to take any medication along with a doctor's advice, as a doctor is the best person to assess the state of your hair.
You may have some damaged areas from your earlier chemical damage, I know that chemicals can cause VERY serious damage, far worse than a straightening iron. As the damaged hairs are gradually replaced by undamaged hairs with time, you may actually find your hair to be growing faster again, so never give up hope. Be sure to keep us posted on how everything goes, and best of luck to you.
Take care,
David
hey david, thanks for your reply... I had already spoke to my doctor - who had given me the prescription, I spent the extra $$ and got the non-generic version. I've only started to take propecia again recently (July) and will continue now along with rogaine foam which I haven't, this will be my second month. I took the first month, I'd say about 4 months ago then stopped - I know the effects and adverse affects which might happen - but it's up to each individual on what exactly might happen.
Of course, treatments such as rogaine/propecia should be used continuously and not intermittently as I had done with the first month dosing... it was a trial out of frustration...
Propecia has been proven to some degree - I do have MPB affecting my father - but I think most of it has been exacerbated from my past chronic/habitual use of relaxers and baseball caps, perhaps excessive lifestyle choices - i.e. smoking/drinking....
Otherwise, I know there's much controversies based on different levels and subtypes of "DHT" and different meds, i.e. dutasteride,- just looking for some other alternative, holistic/natural approaches - apart from surgery, transplant etc...
Thanks for your comments, and I hope to hear more from some of y'all when time permits!