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Hey, I'm in my early 30s now, and I've noticed for the last couple years at least that my hair hasn't been growing as it use to. Early 20's, past my chin... mid 20's-now... I'd be lucky if it gets past the forehead.
I've tried rogaine foam for a few months well over a year ago, but never stuck to the full regimen. Hairline isn't receding but just overall thinness throughout the scalp. My crown area is thinner than my sides and lower occipital area. It just seems to be getting worse and I'd feel real bad if I can't keep what I have left.
Should I try out the rogaine foam again? I tried for maybe 5-6 months, but the cost was getting to me. I really never gauged to see how effective it was, and I'm wondering if that is what's causing me to thin out more now. Genetics, only my dad has real thin hair that happened over his 5th and 6th decade.
I've heard of other products like Nizoral, Nioxin and Phyto(sp?) but I'm not sure on whether these are something I should use.There are other shampoos/conditioners out there from Aubrey Organics called Men's Stock and from Avalon - B-complex thickening shampoo/conditioner.
I just started taking a B-Complex vitamin, Fish Oil. In terms of vitamins, I'm not sure on multivitamin brands - never knew if they were as effective in comparison to getting things from our foods. I'm aware of propecia being out there... It's just if there was anything more "natural" that would be awesome to know.
Ok thanks for the time. I really would appreciate any advice on tips and miracles! Thank you!!
Hi Joeseph,
Of course I am sorry to hear about your thinning hair, and there is no harm in trying the rogaine again if it did help in the past.
However, my best advice to you is to see a dermatologist, who can assess your hair loss and determine the best course of action. There is an excellent chance that he might suggest propecia, which works very well, especially in the young, and this drug can stop, and even reverse the hair loss. This medication works by suppressing the action of an enzyme that is resposible for male pattern baldness.
Best of luck to you!
David
Hi David, thanks for the reply. I'd have to take those for life huh?
Have you heard of anything as an alternative that has helped those in the past/present? i.e. something more homeopathic/natural/cheaper?
Are there more natural shampoos/conditioners that would help remove excess DHT from the scalp, many claim to do so. What do most people here use anyways? Daily washing?
One another annoying thing is, if I don't shampoo/condition/wash my hair, it's very hard to comb and manage the next morning unless I wash it.
I've heard about massaging and tapping the scalp to stimulate blood flow as well.
Thanks for the thoughts, I realize this isn't much of a "hair loss" discussion place, but I thought I'd look to those that happen to have much more of it than I do to get any tips on saving it. :)
I'm not David (Hi, David) but thought I'd chime in here.
Saw Palmetto, it has DHT inhibiting properties similar to Propecia. I should note that Propecia is costly, but Proscar is generic. So, if you can somehow get your doctor to prescribe the generic Proscar, you can split them into smaller doses. I don't think the Saw Palmetto is all that expensive, you can get it in the supplement sections of most chain pharmacies (I've seen it at CVS), so you aren't restricted to health food/nutrition stores. Also, Rogaine is available in generic versions, look for sales and twin packs where you get 2 for 1. I often see these ar CVS and Rite Aid. Whether you go with Rogaine, Saw Palmetto, or one of the prescription DHT inhibitors, it is a daily lifetime commitment.
MSM (Sulfer) is also good for hair and nails, it helps build keratin. Also very inexpensive. I buy mine at CVS when they have the BOGO Free sales. I take two caplets a day. It will make what hair you have, stronger. A balanced nutritious diet is also important. Fruits, vegetables, grains (especially whole grains which are rich in B vitamins), lean protein and dairy. If you are deficient on any nutrients, you will suffer hair loss.
None have been proven to work, except the Rogaine ones, and they are pricey. Just use any shampoo, look for ones that add volume. They make thin hair look fuller.
Massaging with fingertips to stimulate the scalp to increase circulation can help existing hair, but won't stop the DHT.
Hair loss is very much on topic, it is something that many deal with in trying to grow out hair. A number of members are taking Propecia, Avadart, and Proscar, with successful results. And as David pointed out, the younger you are when you start, the better your results. As you can see from David's avatar, he has a full head of hair, due to the Propecia. I use Proscar, for an adrenal problem, and it helps with my hair thinning issues. Even women can get MPB, especially if they have Adrenal Hyperplasia or Polycystic Ovary Disease, which cause elevated testosterone levels. I have the former, the Proscar lowers the testosterone my adrenals put out. As you can see in my avatar, the hair is there, but very fine (I've always had baby-fine strands). I do have a thin area on the crown that stubbornly refuses to fill in, but that loss was due to iron loss, and since the iron loss has been addressed there are baby hairs growing in, It looks like a cowlick forming back there.
Look into the Saw Palmetto, add the MSM. If you are not seeing improvements, considering going the doctor route and get a scr ipt for Propecia. Give yourself at least 6 months to see if things improve. It can take that long for the DHT inhibitors to show results. You'll see a lot of fine baby hairs cropping up in the thinning/balding areas if the Saw Palmetto is successful.
Ok! Thank you so much for all the great info! It was really useful!