2017-11-08 06:32:122017-11-19 15:33:05I have this bald spot, what is it? (photo)
What do miniaturized hairs mean?
The picture on the left shows a high degree of miniaturization (12 miniaturized hairs and 41 normal hairs) with a ratio of 29% miniaturized hairs. The magic number is that miniaturization is present if the number of hairs exceed 20% of the total. The picture on the left shows just that. Miniaturization means that the hair is in some stage of being lose, going through Apoptosis (cell death) that is certainly a problem for this patient. The drug finasteride can reverse this on some patients. You can purchase a video microscope on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=video+microscope) for as low as $19. You can become your own doctor making your own diagnosis just by counting hairs as I have done here.
Balding by Race?
Dear Doctor,
How do reconcile your two statements below?
“Studies have shown that there is little difference in balding statistics between races.” source – Sept 29, 2008
“Asians (non-balding) generally have less hair than their Caucasian counterpart and also have less balding than their Caucasian counterparts according to studies I have researched in the past.” source – March 11, 2009
Touché.
There is a common belief that Asians bald less, but I really do not know this. The only race that does not bald is the American Indians who migrated over the Alaska Bridge.
Minoxidil and Hair Loss Options
I am 27 and currently experiencing baldness in the crown and the vertex region. I also have a receding hairline. I am currently using minoxidil 5%. It has shown some results but I am not sure if it will be effective for the receding hair line. There is general thinning of hair too. I want to know the options that I have and whether I should go for propercia or surgical procedure.
Thanks.
Minoxidil is not as effective as Propecia generally speaking. It is also not very effective in the frontal area. Generally growth with Minoxidil is in the 3-15% range for noticeable clinical growth. Propecia works best in young men of your age with benefits in excess of 50% and better results in the crown, but sometimes surprising results in the frontal area in a small percentage of men. Please meet with a competent doctor- that is always the best way to start the analysis. Don’t rush off to surgery until you know the impact of Propecia.
2005-07-07 08:18:422005-07-07 08:40:52Minoxidil and Hair Loss Options
Balding when I was 16, now I’m 23 and now fairly bald
I’ve been thinning since the age of 16. Now I am 23 years old. At first it wasn’t anything I thought was serious. After a few years it got super aggressive and I didn’t do anything about it like an idiot. Now I stand a Norwood Class 5. I will be going for multiple transplants and getting on Fin very soon. I’m going to buzz my remaining hair for easier application of Min. Any positive suggestions?
See a doctor and develop a Personalized Master Plan for your future fight against hair loss. Don’t rush to start the hair transplant process until there is no real better alternative. Men with genetic balding continue to bald no matter what we do to try to stop it. If we are lucky, we can slow the time line down enough never to face the end stage balding we are genetically programmed for, even with the use of finasteride (best drug to slowing and possibly reversing hair loss). But to be safe, you must assume that you will not be the lucky one and figure out a worst case scenario with your doctor. Think about this and its meaning. Best to find a great doctor and then develop a long term relationship with that doctor working according to a Master Plan that this doctor will put into writing for you, something I do on every patient at your stage of genetic hair loss.
2020-07-10 03:33:472020-07-09 14:38:32Balding when I was 16, now I’m 23 and now fairly bald
Minoxidil Causes Wolf-Man Like Facial Hair?
Can Regaine cause hair growth all over even if i don’t put it on that part of the skin? I think I read something about this happening, but i can’t find the source. thanx
A patient reported last week that when he used minoxidil regularly (also known as Rogaine/Regaine) some years ago, he eventually saw hair grow over the entire face and forehead, giving him a Wolf-Man type look. I wish I had photos, but it was just a story he told me. After stopping the medication, he said the abnormal facial hair disappeared. This might sound ridiculous to some people, but I believed him. There have been similar reports posted before.
I asked some other prominent hair doctors (part of an email group of physicians I am in) about this, and some reported seeing this rare phenomenon in patients as well. We do see facial hair growth in some people that can be substantial, and it’s a particularly rare problem for some women on this medication as well. And when I do have photos, I’ll do my best to get permission to publish them…
Been on 1mg a day finasteride for a year. Should I switch to Dutasteride?
Minoxidil is causing me problems
I stopped taking minoxidil because of chest pain and my heart was racing
Made my hair greasy and looked puffy (im used the foam 5%)
I felt like my heart was racing fast, idk if it was nocebo but whenever i put my hands on my heart it felt like it was beating fast. But i didnt have any headaches or chest pain or whatever. I stopped due to this reason as well, maybe i was hyper aware??
Can I try to restart it now?
Heart racing and chest pain from minoxidil is a worrisome side effect. Speak with your doctor.
2019-09-04 04:35:322019-04-08 10:35:58Minoxidil is causing me problems
Best Comb to Use on Thinning Hair?
What kind of comb is best for men’s hair…my hair is thinning. I was using Dupont Nylon comb — it is smooth and does not irritate. Then I switched to a Ace comb — it is ok, but after a few uses my scalp hurts. What’s best – nylon, rubber, or plastic…
Thank you.
I generally recommend the use of a wide tooth brush or comb and not tugging on your hair when you groom yourself. Rough handling of your hair will cause you to pull out weak hair that may be in the process of miniaturizing. Hair loss from a comb or brush is a mechanical problem. With respect to material: nylon, rubber, plastic, metal, etc… there is no real clinical difference.
Minoxidil, Propecia and Frontal Hair Loss
Dear Dr. Rassman,
I am male, from Nebraska US. I’m suffering hair loss for about 4 years, as far I can see I think I lost hair on every region of my head… but basically I can see baldness on the front the most. I didn’t consult a dermatologist yet because I’ve been told that there is not alot that I can do to get my hair back. My questions are: Do you think is worth it to go to a dermatologist (I have a dandruff case also)? Since I have frontal hair loss, will a minoxidil treatment work for me?Thank you
It is worthwhile to visit a dermatologist for your hair loss. He/she can decide which type of hair loss you have and possibly the cause for it. There are many reasons for hair loss besides just male pattern baldness. Minoxidil and Propecia will mostly likely help slow down your loss, if not stop it completely and in men, Propecia for stopping hair loss in the frontal areas is more effective than minoxidil.
2006-02-08 08:36:472006-02-08 08:37:43Minoxidil, Propecia and Frontal Hair Loss