brogain

3 hours ago, JohnAC71 said:

Some really good European names to consider are Dr Bisanga, Dr Freitas, Dr Pinto, Dr Lapunzula, Dr Ferreira, Dr Feriduni, Dr Lorenzo and Dr Villa. Just for example 🤩

Thank you good sir.

I will certainly be checking out those names. 

2 hours ago, JDEE0 said:

By the looks of things, it seems to me that fin has kept his hair that was still strong and evidently largely unaffected by MPB back in the first photos (i.e. the bulk of his hair up top, right behind the hairline) in a very similar state 10 years down the line. This hair looks pretty much just as dense and healthy as it did back in 2011 to me. 

It is clear that the frontal hairline has thinned out nearly completely, but I think it needs to be taken into account just how miniaturised this area was 10 years ago in his original pictures. Look at the one from July 10th; you can see how see through the area that has now thinned out was back then, it provided some sort of illusion of an outline of hair, but it was extremely weak in reality and looked like it had miniaturised way, way past the 50 percent mark. It doesn't look like the present day thinning area has expanded much if at all beyond the area that was thinning back then; just that the hair that was still hanging on has since gone.

The fin definitely strengthened this area up somewhat as time went by, but ultimately, the damage was probably already done and this didn't last for too long/it wasn't able to fully recover as a result. Who knows though, maybe the OP just isn't really heavily predisposed to lose hair behind that original zone that he was losing in 10 years ago and that's why it hasn't progressed rather than the fin preventing things. I think probably a bit of both, but with that said, I would definitely bet things would be visibly more recessed without the meds, no question.

I do get the feeling that you're generally likely to be able to hold onto any hair that was initially very healthy and non-miniaturised when starting finasteride, probably for decades (perhaps indefinitely as long as your genetics aren't particularly strong in these areas of the scalp) without any real change, in comparison to hairs that were miniaturised when starting and then recovered. I feel like these recovered follicles will pretty much always inevitably reverse at some point if they were so far gone like OP, whereas you have a decent chance the other way round.

It's kind of just a feeling though (and generally just a logical thought process that makes sense). The pictures from the Japanese 10 year study for example actually show the vast majority of patients recovering noticeably from diffused type loss, and being at least slightly above baseline visually at the 10 year mark, so it would suggest that OP has actually been unlucky to lose his hairline in the same time-frame going by that evidence.

At the same time, most people probably wouldn't even re-grow as much as OP did in the same situation, just maintain and probably continue to lose those already heavily miniaturised hairs on the hairline. I know I didn't, I only have temple loss in a barely NW3 pattern and after 2 years on fin, the rest of my hair is unchanged, but the areas in the temples that were all probably 90+ percent thinned have just continued to do so. 

Some really good observations and thanks for your post. I think you are correct that by 2010 my hairline had weakened significantly with hairs miniaturising. I remember shaving my hairline around the 2010 picture which prompted me to start taking meds. My hairline certainly responded well to meds in the first few years and thickened up a fair bit in 2012. My loss became a bit more noticeable from 2018 onwards. I have thrown up a yearly comparison from 2006-2021 for anyone who is interested in seeing hair loss progression over 15 years. 

Behind the hairline remains thick and strong and has allowed me to style my hair without the loss being so obvious. Hopefully I can hold on to as much hair as I can for the next decade which is why I am thinking a transplant might be beneficial to recover my hairline. 
 

March 2012

 

March 2013

March 2014


March 2015

March 2016

March 2017

March 2018

March 2019

March 2020

41 minutes ago, LaserCaps said:

Seems your front even improved with the use of medical therapy when you started.  You then started playing with the meds and used less Fin.  Seems it's been a gradual process, but now your front is gone.  You may want to consider returning to the 1mg, add PRP and laser and consider a transplant.  PRP combined with laser therapy has shown reversal of the thinning and help with enhancement of the native hair.  That should keep what you have and perhaps even see some visual enhancement.  It is unlikely, however, that your front will improve greatly.  

In the old days, say 20 years ago - and still today - there are some doctors who are in the belief that a separation between grafts is required for survival of a graft.  So, you do a procedure and 9-12 mo later you do another and fill in the gaps.  Now-a-days, there are others who can achieve great density with a single procedure.  Not sure if it's graft placement, but the effect is unreal.  Visit Dr. Arocha's website and look at photos of results.  2500-3000 grafts may be possible.  (Always do as much as you can afford).

Seems you keep your hair rather long.  FUT would allow full use of the donor.  FUE would always be available in the future if needed.  The other thing that benefits you is the fact that you are anglo and have blond hair, (less contrast), which gives you the look of a fuller set of hair.  

Are you open to travel?

 

I certainly saw the biggest gains in the first couple of years of medication. I didn't see any dramatic changes reducing from 1mg to 0.5 but over the gradual process of 11 years the gains minimised just like the hairs. 

My preference is for FUE as my hair is very short at the back and would like to avoid a large scar. 

Based in the UK now (returned from Australia) but open to travel to Europe. 

59 minutes ago, TommyLucchese said:

You're in great shape hair-wise for almost 40 if that's the extent of your loss. It's significant enough to justify a HT but without the considerations many have like being too young or having too big an area that needs work. 

From first viewing you look like a classic case of 2,000  / 2,500 grafts on the hairline and frontal third and looking 15 years younger.

Thanks for your comment. 2-2.5 grafts is a great place for me to start my research. 

When I started out on my journey it was very much about saving my hair as I thought I was destined to be bald like my dad. But over the years I have come to realise it really is more about slowing down hair loss. I have only very recently given surgery consideration. 

10 years on from my original hair loss story I thought it was time to check in with the forum which was so helpful when I first started researching hair loss in 2010. 

Quick recap

My hair: My dad is a Norwood 6 and lost the majority of his hair by the age of in his early 20's. I started to notice my temples receding in my mid 20's and started medication at 27.5 and have recently turned 38. 

Meds: I have been on the big three for almost 11 years with no side effect. I started out taking 1mg Finasteride before reducing to 0.5mg and using Minoxidil whenever I wash my hair which is usually every other day. 

My thoughts 10 years later

Looking back I feel the meds have made a real difference in combatting hair loss. Particularly in the early years where meds helped my hairline responded very well. My crown thickness remains strong with only some minor signs of thinning. The most noticeable area of hair loss for me is in the front with my hairline thinning gradually over the years. 

Where to next?

I intent to continue taking the meds to slow hair loss but realise at this point I am unlikely to make any significant gains in the hairline. Therefore I am starting to think for the first time about having transplant. I am currently taking a break from work so recently began thinking about this option and naturally have a lot research and questions ahead of me.

There are a couple of things I would love to know:

* Based on my ten years of hair loss, would I be a good candidate for a transplant?

* How many grafts would I require to restore my hairline back to what it was ten years ago?

* Is restoring my hairline back to its original shape and thickness a realistic expectation with a good surgeon?

Where I started (2011)

Where I am at (2021)

Thank you

OK - So i have not posted an update on here since March 2011! So thought it would be time to review my progress.

First I thought it would be good to give a quick summary of my regime and story so far. My earlier photos can be found at the beginning of the thread so I wont repost any of those.

2006 - Started to notice receding hairline

September 2010 - Started Propecia (1mg daily) and Nizoral

March 2011 - Started using Minoxidil (Rogaine but switched to Kirklands Foam later)

November 2012 - Changed to 0.5mg Propecia daily

So I have pretty much consistently kept the above routine of the big 3 to date. In the early days I would never miss an application or dose but over time I have become a little more relaxed and not so worried if i miss 1-2 of these per week.

Let me know what you guys think.

I am currently using Rogaine Foam in the mornings and Kirkland Minoxidil. There are a couple of reasons for this.

Firstly, I find the foam very fast drying (5 minutes) which makes it a great option to apply before styling. The liquid takes a good couple of hours to fully dry. Secondly Kirkland Minoxodil is a lot cheaper than Rogaine foam.

Ok.. So I want to let you know how I apply my Minoxidil.

In the morning after I get out of the shower I towel dry my hair till it is as dry as it can be without using a hairdryer. I then quickly apply the foam to my hairline where I am experiencing hair loss and a little to the crown (although I currently have no signs of hair loss here). Five minutes later I apply my styling products and I’m done.

At night I generally apply the liquid Minoxidil about a hour before I go to bed. I will normally wash my hair in hot water before towel drying. I then slip on a headband to pull my hair back and pop on a plastic glove, the type they use when prepping food in kitchens. I then drip between 0.5 - 1ML on to my hairline and rub vigorously with my finger making sure the liquid does not run down my face. I have heard that rubbing in topicals can help in their absorption.

My question to you guys is do you think applying Minoxidil to a recently wet scalp is better than applying to a dry scalp?

My opinion is that washing your hair before applying will aid absorption I use Nizoral three times a week to help remove sebum. I think that washing your hair must relax the skins surface (in a similar way to washing your face before you shave). This must help in aid the Minxodil on its long journey to the papilla. This is just anecdotal evidence but I feel like the liquid absorbs better as you can direct it straight on to the scalp. The foam while quick drying tends to absorb a lot in to the hair and feels as if its not as successful in reaching the scalp.

Time for a new year update.

My hair is now extremely thick and the hairline has almost completely filled in. I am amazed at how much hair I have managed to grow back and just how good my hair looks now compared to before.

I had to take some passport photos yesterday, and comparing my hair now to when I was 16 there is almost no difference. I find this amazing considering the history of MPB in my family and how bad my hair was looking after going through the initial Minoxidil shed (see August 2011 photo).

All I can say is that my regimen is pretty solid right now. Consistency is absolutely key! It's the only way to know if you are getting results or not from the treatments.

Comments and questions welcomed

Thanks checking in at the five month mark. Hair still looking great!! I've been a little relaxed as far as my regimen goes in the past couple of weeks with work and travel. However, this does not seem to have impacted on my hair which is still improving.

Will update photos over the Xmas hols

Don't stop with Minoxidil. Your story is the same as mine it seems. I used Propecia for a little less than a year which stopped the loss but never helped to replace what I lost. After two months on Minoxidil I saw some wicked regrowth in my hairline. I'm now at the three month mark and I'm happy with my progress check out my thread for pictures.

Can't wait to see how much has regrown in 6 months to a year. If I can maintain my current hairline I will be very happy.

Three months to the day since I started minoxidil to my temples and I couldn't be happier!

My hairline is filling in nicely!!!

I will continue taking pictures every three weeks over the next year to monitor progress.

I just turned 28 in August so feel I've caught my hair loss relatively early in life. Both my father and the men on my mums side went bald at an early age, so I feel very lucky to have the amount of hair that I do have! My goal is to maintainnp this for as long as possible.

My hairline has deffiantly been getting worse since 2006 when I first noticed some thinning in that area. Gradually my hair at the front was becoming more and more see-through. Even when I started Propecia in 2010 my hair did not noticeably change (although it did stop getting thinner).

I saw Minoxidil as a bit of a gamble because of the shedding period. Six weeks in I though to myself, what have I done! I was depressed to loose more and more hairs every day. I'm so thankful that I'm having a positive reponse to the drug two months on. That's why I want to share my story and hopefully help anyone else who is in a similar position.

I think Minoxidil without Propecia is almost useless. Propecia on it's own is fine if you are only happy to keep what hair you have. If you want significant noticeable improvement you need to add the Minoxidil. I just wish I started sooner!

Wow, you stabilized your hair loss on Fin and your manhood didn't even fall off. I'm shocked!

 

Looking good there brogain!

Hahahahahahahhahah

I know right.... Shocking story

Apart from 2011 photos I did not take the 6 year pictures to show my hairloss. They are just snaps I had on my computer from holidays, party's etc, but are really useful to see how my hair has been thinning and see what I'm up against.

Its really difficult to evaluate success when your constantly striving for something better. It really was not until today when I saw my photos and thought... God damn it's actually working!! Taking regular photos for anyone who's on meds is a must!

Agreed!

Propecia is the only thing inhibiting the DHT and stopping more of my hair falling out. The big 3 are working for thankfully so I won't be changing a winning formula. I will always strive for improvement and will add anything which could help me with further gains. Im just so stoked that I'm slowly getting my hold hairline back again.

At this point I would say my hairline is heading back to how it was three years ago. If it returns to anything like the 2006 hairline when I first started to notice thinning I will be over the moon!

My advice too anyone reading this thread who is just starting to experience hair loss attack it with the big3 sooner rather than later. Be sure to take plenty of photos to monitor your progress and do your research. I've learnt so much from reading this forum!

Cheers man!

I can see a ton of vellus hairs on my hairline. The area on my right temple which had no hair is now filling in with thicker hairs. If this is what Minoxidil can do in two months I can't wait to see what my hair is like at six months!

They really should not put that it is only for the crown on the bottle. I understand this is because the crown was the only place it was tested in the clinical trials. I brought a bottle of Rogain three years ago and then returned it when I read it was not for use at the temples. How stupid I was!! I should never have waited to get on this stuff

I would like to stop Propecia but feel it would be detrimental to my progress even though it has not done much in terms of regrowth.

Hi guys,

I wanted to share my story with all of you. I have been using Propecia since September 2010. I have found that Propecia for the most part halted the hairloss but not have much impact in terms of regrowth. It did however thicken the hair I already have and I did not experience any side effects from the drug.

On the 21st July I started using Minoxidil x2 a day applied to the hairline only where I am experiencing thinning. I have been taking photos every three weeks to document my progress. On the 1st August photo you can see how the shedding has had an effect on the general thickness of my hair. In the past six weeks I have noticed a real decrease in shedding and my hairline is getting thicker and easier to style.

Let me know what you think!

More typical Daily Mail BS then

I love how the papers speculate differing amounts with every column they write. Even if he paid a millions pounds for a hair transplant it's his money and he can do what ever he wants with it.

Back on topic...

This was an interesting read with some great recent photos of Rooney. I was not aware that having a transplant could turn your hair grey.

Wayne Rooney hair transplant: Doctors say going grey is common side-effect | Mail Online

You don't want to be combing too much after adding the fibres as they will come loose eventually. When styling in the morning after a shower I apply Rogaine foam and allow this to dry for 5 minutes. Then I style my hair with fibre putty and allow to dry for 20 minutes while I get changed and have brekkie. Right before I leave for work I apply a small amount of fibres and spray with hairspray to style and comb once again. I will sometimes add another small application of fibres as they seem to stick even better the second time after hairspray has been added.

There was an Italian that I had no idea that he was wearing toppick. He was a NW5+ and even played soccer with it on. I asked him how he did it he said the secret is putting hairspray over top of the toppick.

The more I see the pictures the more I am convinced he is wearing a concealer.

I think Rooneys hair post op is looking great and he is most likely using some type of consealer.

Nanogen fibres are bloody brilliant! A real life saver and pretty much undetectable if used correctly.

I posted on them recently.... See below.

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/161499-secret-thick-hairline-pictures-included.html

I have recently added Minoxidil to my regimen. I have only been applying it to my hairline as this is the only area where I am currently affected by hairless.

I am currently shedding 10-20 hairs a day which are mostly coming out on my comb when styling my hair. They seem to be shorter thinner hairs and not the thicker, longer and more dense hairs. However. This is having a nock on affect on applying the nano fibres. My aim is to not have to use any fibres nice my hair thickens up with the added minoxidil. you have got to wish right guys?

4 weeks in I'm disappointed to have lost more hair from my hairline than I previously had but excited by the though of potential regrowth in the coming weeks and months. I will be sure to keep everyone updated with picture of my progress.

What I would say is I am glad I experimented with concealers before starting minoxidil which will certaintly make your hair thinner before it will get thicker. They are a lifesaver!

The Toppik applicator is the nuts!

It makes applying the fibres as easy as 1-2-3

If your using fibres already you should defiantly pick one up as I'm sure it will pay for itself in the longrun.