new thread
Hey all,
I used to post here under a different name but since I decided to start over, I thought I'd pick a different name as well...
Long story short, in November I came to terms with the fact that my hair was thinning and the long hair I had grown was completely unmanageable and looked pretty bad. It was literally so thin it was like cobwebs and the slightest breath of wind would send it flying all over. Even walking indoors made it go straight up! Also, I could see the scalp clear as day.
So I decided to buzz it completely off and start over for New Years 2011, sucking up my pride and throwing everything I could at it to improve it and reverse the thinning process, including common hair-loss medications. After 5 months, the results are almost unbelievable! Here are some pics... hopefully they will speak for the results.
Here's me in November about 3 weeks before the buzz, my hair back in a tail:
Here's me about 3 weeks ago, 3.5 months of growth from the December 31st final #1 buzz:
Now a couple comparison shots between my hair as of 3 weeks ago and how my hair looked right after the buzz, just starting my new hardcore hair growth and restoration regimen:
Side:
Back:
It's pretty obvious from the buzz pics that I was suffering some sort of hair loss, but after only 4 months of my regimen my hair is COMPLETELY different than it was before. I don't know that it's ever been as thick as it's become and despite the fact I've always had this high hairline/big forehead, I do have some intermediate hairs growing in places they never have before in the temple and hairline region. Hopefully it will continue to get even thicker and more dense than it is now. Amazing what hair feels like when it actually has a little WEIGHT to it!
I can't WAIT until my hair gets long again. I hated to buzz my hair off, I really did... but considering the difference in quality I think it was well worth it.
It really does suck growing it out from a buzz though, haha. It seems like it'll take FOREVER!
What do you think guys?
I think it will be worth it. Just keep at it and enjoy every stage of your new hair growth. Keep you updates coming and good luck. Once a longhair, always a longhair!
Ian
Inspiring story, man! I'm deathly afraid of hair loss (as are all younger longhairs, I'd comfortably assume), but even if things get to the worst point, there's a chance of restoral. What products did you use for hair growth?
Good luck with growing it out again, man! ^_^
Thanks guys! I'm using generic 5% Minoxidil, Nizoral 1% Shampoo, and Saw Palmetto combined with Nettle Root to hit the "big 3" of restoration, plus a bunch of supplements and vitamins. Don't want to use Propecia due to chance of side effects.
Definately looks MUCH thick, P! Our stories are kinda similar. I buzzed my mid-back hair off in Feb due to thinning and damage myself. i too have been using Rogain and Nozoral but I have also been using propecia and i have seen a VERY dramatic difference in my own thinning. i consider propecia a miracle drug and have not experienced a single side effect.
Thanks!
I think the Saw Palmetto and Nettle Root extracts are doing a good job considering the results I'm getting so for the time being I don't need to think about Finasteride. Glad it's working for you though without side effects!
Hi Paladin,
Looks like you're off to a good restart - sounds like you have fine hair which just needs a little extra TLC while growing out. Just keep steady, and don't let a fit of doubt knock down months/years of hard work.
- Oren
Thanks Oren! Well my hair used to be very fine but my follicles are more Medium now I'd say. It's neat to look at follicles that shed because you can see them "taper" from having a tiny diameter at the tip to getting much thicker as you go towards the root due to my progress. They have so much more mass now as well as a huge increase in density, I think it will look amazing once it gets long again!
Hi Paladin,
Hmmmmm,I'm trying to remember you old handle but it seems to elude me at the moment.lol.Regardless I have to feel for you reading what you have been going through with your hair.Thankfully you seem to have found a way to achieve your former hair glory:)The fact that you had to shave your head had to be devastating but it looks like it was the ticket to another shot at a great mane.I certainly will be cheering you on:)To go through what you are doing to get your hair back shows that you are a true longhair my friend.Do keeps us posted on your progress.Cheers
Mark
Thanks brother! The choice was tough but I decided to take the shot for a chance at improving my situation. Buzzing it effectively wiped the slate clean and got rid of the old thin hair so my new mane will consist of nothing but thicker, denser, healthier hair.
Good luck in your new hair journey Paladin, sorry to hear of your problems - you're right in starting again from fresh.
With the shaved head you look like the singer from Dillinger Escape Plan!
Cheers Dave
Haha nice. Thanks Dave!