new thread
I'm 22, and have been experiencing hair loss for about eight months now, mostly in the front/hairline area (the classic M-shaped hairline phenomenon). For the last two months, I've been using Rogaine 5% foam on my hairline and my shedding rate is *way* down. I am already having some regrowth.
I know I may sound like a shill here but I'm not (I used to post here under the name "Foppy" as a teenager, perhaps some of you may remember me). If anyone here is dealing with hair loss but is wary of Propecia's more potential side effects, Rogaine 5% foam is a great solution.
I cut my hair quite short a little after I started using it, because it admittedly is harder to use with very long hair. Now my hair is just shy of "awkward stage", ranging from 2" at my nape to about 5" on top. I can see Rogaine working very well for hair up to a foot long though, and it certainly *could* be used with very long hair. A few drops of jojoba oil combats the drying properties of the foam's solvent base.
I know some people get side effects with Rogaine, but I haven't had any problems myself. Just thought I'd share; I've found it to be great stuff.
I've been using Rogaine since I was in my 20s, and Propecia since I was 30. (Now in my 40s). I think if I had not started when I did, I'd be as bald as my grandfather by now. The hair on my scalp is definitely thin .... but at least it is there! (And there is a very thin patch on the crown which annoys the h*** out of me, but like I said, at least the rest is still clinging on!) Most of my hair is about 14 inches long, but the scalp hair is shorter. Not sure why.
I have not experienced any of the notorious side effects of Propecia, and none that I know of with Rogaine. I wish I'd started in my early 20s like you have, so my hair would have thinned less.
But, who knows ... by the time you get to be my age there will probably be an app for fixing hair loss! Best of luck to you.
I have also been using rogaine and propecia for sometime now (appox 4 months) and have been having GREAT results. its working great in what WAS my thinning crown (not so thin anymore!)and especially working well in the front, which is where they typically say not to expect great results. But its working wonders for me. And no sexual side effects from the propecia either. Actually, quite the opposite. I have even noticed a slight increase in libido since taking propecia.
Ralph aka Foppy!
Welcome back - it has been a while.
I hope your regimen produces long term lasting results. I love the Jojoba oil too for its ability to protect hair from drying out.
- Oren
I've been on Propecia for a long time (was part of the original study - which was quite interesting!), and really haven't had any side effects. The growth didn't bring back all my loss, but in looking at the study pictures back then, there was a marked improvement.
Now if it would just go generic. It's still running about $75 a month. My one concern is wondering what would happen as far as hair loss if I were to discontinue it.
Hmmm... what about Proscar? Many people use that and save a lot of money.
I've used Propecia for a long time, too--maybe 10 years or more. It is expensive but nice to pop a pill than deal with the mess of Rogaine, which I did try once. I had planned to try it again recently because I thought (?) that it dealt with a different area than Propecia. Doesn't one work most for the hairline and the other for the top? I can't remember.
Of course everyone who uses it is an "experiment of one sample" and you will never know if you really needed it. But, if you stop, they warn you that hair loss will return. For me I think it works, although I have changed the way I wear my hair that could help, too. When I had it very long I wore it mostly in a ponytail and I think that pulling it back all the time is hard on it. Now it is still long, but shorter--a couple of inches longer than chin length in the front and short in the back (sort of a bob), and I wear it down almost all the time, sometimes just tucking a little of the front behind my ears. I really think it is under a lot less strain.
Any guy who wants to keep his hair and has a family history of Male Pattern Baldness should consider starting something before it is too late! If you weren't interested in keeping your hair you would not be reading this board!!
Never2long, your style is awesome. I really like the look of it and it complements your face very well.
I'm waiting for this to happen to me. Judging by my family, I should start having a noticable receding hairline by like 21. I think I'm just going to accept it though. I mean, that's what my hair does so I'll just let it be
Ack! Jarvis, you have hair too nice to lose it!
Indeed, I believe this is the best approach. Losing hair is a natural part of growing older for many males and it seems like a losing battle to fight against nature so earnestly. Not to mention having to deal with all those expensive treatments and side effects...ugh.
Who knows though, Jarvis, maybe you will win the genetics lottery and get to keep all your hair!
-Dan H.