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 08:40:52Minoxidil 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.


2020-07-09 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

Wolf ManA 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…

Minoxidil is causing me problems

I stopped taking minoxidil because of chest pain and my heart was racing

  1. Made my hair greasy and looked puffy (im used the foam 5%)

  2. 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.


2019-04-08 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 08:37:43Minoxidil, Propecia and Frontal Hair Loss

What Is the Best Way to Use Minoxidil?

The best way to use Minoxidil is to apply it at night after a hot shower, so the pores of your scalp can absorb the drug. Then, wash it off in the morning, so you can style your hair normally. It will take up to a year to see the value of this drug.

Biotin for Hair Growth?

I have heard Biotin can aid in hair growth. Is this true? If so what daily dosage do you recommend?

I do not believe that biotin can aid hair growth, but I’m sure I’ll get plenty of emails or comments from people disagreeing with me. There’s a lot of websites out there that go on and on about the virtues of taking biotin for hair growth, but I’ve yet to see a credible site that isn’t pushing supplements for sale talk up those virtues.


2009-11-10 09:30:27Biotin for Hair Growth?