Category: Uncategorized

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Minoxidil and Retin-A

I have been taking Propecia for sime time and I recently ran across a site that talks about a combination of 2% Minoxidil and Retin-A. Should I switch?

Propecia works at the cause of hair loss, by blocking the action of DHT on the genes that impact hair loss. Minoxidil is a drug that has a side effect: growing hair. The side effect of a noticeable growth of new hair occurs in between 3-15% of the Minoxidil taking population. Minoxidil does not block DHT, so its action is very different than Propecia. Retin-A is an acid which produces a burn to the skin. I generally look at burns negatively; why burn the skin? The burn causes increased vascularization and therefore allows a higher absorption of the Minoxidil. Retin-A also has it’s own side effects and warnings. Retin-A possibly may make the Minoxidil more effective, but at what cost to you and your skin? That is the question!

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Beard growth on young man

I see questions about if a beard will grow with finasteride on here, and for me it doesn’t seem to affect my beard! I’ve seen improvements and have used minox for my beard, even before my hairline started going. I was aware of the results from minox research I’d done for my beard, so thank god I knew of treatment when my hair started to go, because it went quickly..

I use a simple routine of fin oral 1mg and minox foam on my beard and hairline once per day before bed and that’s it. Tried oral minox for a bit and actually lost ground, so swapped back to topical foam and got the hairs back. For me, topical is more superior than oral even at once per day.

Your beard response is dramatic. I would not rush stopping the minoxidil on the beard, as these hairs may be dependent on minoxidil until your genetic kick in. The big question for you is that at some point, your beard should grow independent of minoxidil, so ask yourself, when do you stop the beard minoxidil? Possibly when you are in your later 20s, to be sure that your genetics are controlling the beard.

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Minoxidil and finasteride 10 weeks

I buzzed my hair down out of depression for my rapid hair loss in 2020 but simultaneously started treating the condition with finasteride and minoxidil off of a friends recommendation when my buzzed hair came into conversation (oddly I was taking photos purely to keep track of how much I was loosing not to see if treatment was working). I was not expecting much but thought ‘why not’ anyway decided to take pictures every week and yesterday when examining them was shocked to see what looks like a great density and color improvement.

This man took photos along a 10 week course of finasteride and minoxidil showing the slow build-up of hair because of consistent use of these drugs. This shows that you are remarkably sensitive to the combination of minoxidil and finasteride. It’s too early to see enough results at this stage. Maybe in another 6 months the photo comparisons will have more value.


2021-07-05 12:07:21Minoxidil and finasteride 10 weeks

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Benadryl and Hair Loss?

Hello Doc. I was wondering if long term use of benadryl could cause hair loss or hair thinning. I usually take two 25 mg tablets before i go to bed. Sometimes I take three. Also, could taking a large dosage of benadryl have any adverse effects on hair? I was wondering this because i accidentally took two doses(total of 4 25mg pills)in the span of an hour. This is a really great website. Thanks.

I’ve not heard of any connection between Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and hair loss. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine are not known to cause any kind of hair loss, even at higher dosages. There could always be exceptions, but I doubt you’ll see a problem.


2010-03-18 09:22:05Benadryl and Hair Loss?

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Minoxidil Making My Pores Larger and Eyes Red?

Dr Rassman, I have been using minoxidil 2% for 12 months and have found it quite effective on my crown. But in the last 3 months its having a strange effect on my eyes making them red and my facial skin is looking more grainy with larger pores. I have read other reports of this but of course they may be incorrect so a professional opinion would be appreciated. Thanks

Assuming that you do not apply the minoxidil to your face or get it in your eyes, I do not know what is the cause of your problem. It may not be related at all, or perhaps you are having a systemic reaction to the drug. I would follow up with your physician.

I have not heard of minoxdil making pores larger and eyes red, though I did get an email that I posted about a year ago from a reader that claimed the medication was giving him black rings under his eyes.


2010-03-26 14:30:18Minoxidil Making My Pores Larger and Eyes Red?

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Best Post-Op Hair Transplant Shampoo?

what is the best shampoo to use after H.T. my head is peeling its been about 2 weeks and when can i start using rogaine again. Thanks

After 2 weeks you head should not be peeling. You need to just use your regular shampoo and make sure you are washing your scalp properly. Follow up with your doctor and make sure you are washing your hair correctly.

Usually, I’d recommend waiting 7-10 days before using Rogaine after a hair transplant. Talk to your surgeon.

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Beware of claims like: you can achieve density with a low graft count

I’ve heard of new “DPI” hair transplants that are supposed to look even more natural. Does anybody have any opinions? I heard the biggest advantage is the density you can achieve with a low graft count. I just want to reconstruct my temples (I am 25 and they are just starting to go). If I could do this with only 500 or so grafts so I have more when I am older that would be fantastic.

DPI? When a new name is invented without a real new validated technology, it is a marketing ploy. There is no such thing as: ” advantage is the density you can achieve with a low graft count” other than to get your money. Use your brain and read my blogs at: https://baldingblog.com/ to educate yourself.

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Mixing Latisse and Minoxidil?

I have been reading a lot about the drug Latisse as a possible use for MPB. My doctor prescribed me a generic version to try.

Do you think I could mix it in a bottle of minoxidil and use it or do you think it might need a different carrier agent or a stronger version to work.
I know you are not involved in this kind of research but I would appreciate your opinion

While I am not directly involved with this type of research, I have seen patients who have tried Latisse (bimatoprost) on their own scalps without success. I also have been told by a scientist (a patient) who is familiar with Latisse that just applying it to the scalp does not work. If only it was that simple.

As Latisse is packaged in very small quantities for use on the eyelashes, the costs for applying it to the scalp are out of reach for most people. I’m not aware that a generic version is available for sale in the US. The last I remember reading, a generic drug manufacturer was seeking FDA approval to market a generic bimatoprost, but it was being challenged by Allergan (makers of Latisse). If there’s anything more recent about this, I’m not aware of it.

As for your question about mixing Latisse and minoxidil — this isn’t something I’ve heard done before, and I don’t know what kind of results could be attained by going this approach. Have you talked to your prescribing doctor about it?


2012-06-21 10:36:14Mixing Latisse and Minoxidil?

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Bleaching and Hair Loss

Hi Dr Rassman.

You have posted before that hair bleaching can damage the scalp. Is there any risk to hair through bleaching outside of the scalp issue?

My hair looks much better highlighted, and to do this the hair is pulled through a cap then highlighted by a hair stylist. Can bleaching accelerate the balding process? Is this something I have to give up?

Thanks for your time

If you bleach the hair and do not get the chemicals on the scalp, there will be no problem to the scalp; however, bleaching can damage the hair if not managed well. If you’re thinning already, risking damage to already weakened hair probably isn’t in your best interest. I don’t know anything about your hair loss situation though.