alexmillne

You only use Minoxidil? No finasteride?

Is it more beneficial to start using topical Minoxidil later in life when Finasteride is no longer effective? I am currently 37 years old with a Norwood 2/3 hair loss pattern. I have been taking Finasteride for 1.5 years and have plans to undergo a hair transplant in October. I have never used topical Minoxidil before. My belief is that once I have the hair transplant, I will be satisfied with the improved hair density and volume. My question is whether I should begin using topical Minoxidil now to maximize further hair loss progress. I have come across conflicting information on the internet regarding the effectiveness of topical Minoxidil. Some sources claim that its effectiveness diminishes over time as the hair follicles become accustomed to the treatment, leading to reduced stimulation. This makes me think that perhaps it is better not to use topical Minoxidil. Instead, I should get the hair transplant and continue taking Finasteride until many years later when I notice that I am losing more hair again. At that point, I can introduce topical Minoxidil. This way, I would have another stimulant "ready" for the future that will surely be effective. Is my thinking wrong, or does it make sense? Thanks in advance!

I live in Switzerland. It was a Swiss doctor, and it was the second Swiss dermatologist I visited who specialized in hair conditions. The first doctor was even at the University Hospital in Zurich, where they have a special "Hair Consultation" service. I left that doctor because he was reluctant to prescribe Finasteride and wanted me to use Minoxidil first for a year, believing that if my hair grows with Minoxidil, there is no need to take Finasteride until the hair loss progresses further. I refused because I told him that I don't want to "artificially" grow my hair with Minoxidil and keep the DHT from further damaging my hair. I have read your points, and I already know everything you're saying. I am aware that DHT reduction is only around 70% and so on... It's so frustrating that I feel like I know more than the doctor. In my view, this Swiss doctor is relying more on his clinical experience treating patients and may not be up-to-date with the latest numbers. Moreover, what made me suspicious is that he was offering PRP treatments at his clinic. This makes me think that perhaps he always claims that combining Finasteride with Minoxidil would yield similar results as using a monotherapy, like only Finasteride or only Minoxidil. Maybe he says that to encourage patients to opt for his PRP treatments. But okay, this is just me speculating and having negative thoughts about people. As you can see, it has been quite a struggle. What is your opinion as to where Minoxidil works best on the head? I read that Minoxidil is most effective at the crown and back, and less so at the front. But im not 100% sure if this information is correct

From my understanding, taking Finasteride early, specifically at the Norwood 2 stage of hair loss, can potentially prevent visible signs of balding for a lifetime. However, there is an important caveat. If you start taking Finasteride when you are already at the later stages of the Norwood scale, such as Norwood 4, the likelihood of Finasteride stopping your visible balding becomes significantly diminished. In fact, it is almost guaranteed that you will experience baldness at some point. The reason for this difference lies in the fact that at the Norwood 4 stage, there is already a noticeable reduction in hair volume. Consequently, the small amount of hair loss that occurs while using Finasteride becomes more apparent over time. This means that the balding process accelerates between Norwood 4 and 5, whereas it progresses at a slower pace (in terms of visible hair loss) between Norwood 2 and 3, even up to the point where you actually have no visible signs of bolding for a lifetime. I hope this explanation clarifies the concept for you. I came across this information in a recent YouTube video where Matt Dominance discussed the topic:

Hey, thanks a lot for getting back to me. I totally agree with you. Mind helping me out with Questions 1-4? It would be super awesome if you could share your current knowledge and provide answers. I'd really appreciate it!

My Dermatologist makes false claims?? Help! During my recent appointment with a dermatologist specializing in hair-related issues, I underwent a trichoscopy, which involved using a scalp camera to assess the miniaturization of my hair and other factors related to alopecia. With 1.5 years of experience taking Finasteride, I had acquired substantial knowledge about alopecia and felt confident discussing my hair concerns and potential future outcomes with the doctor. However, I left the appointment feeling perplexed and uncertain due to the dermatologist presenting claims that appeared contradictory to what I had previously learned. As a medical professional, his unwavering confidence in his statements further compounded my confusion. Despite my attempts to question or counter his assertions, he consistently reassured me of his correctness. Here are the claims he made, along with my objections: 1.) The dermatologist stated that there is no significant benefit in using minoxidil if I have already been taking Finasteride for over a year. He referenced studies suggesting that both minoxidil and finasteride are effective in combating hair loss, and there is no substantial difference in the degree of improvement when using them together or separately. 2.) I contested his claim that minoxidil prevents hair loss. I explained that minoxidil actually stimulates hair growth and increases hair thickness, but it does not prevent hair loss caused by DHT-sensitive hair follicles. However, he disagreed and argued that minoxidil prevents DHT from affecting the hair, thereby halting hair loss. 3.) The dermatologist provided reassurance that as long as I continue taking finasteride, I will not go bald. However, I expressed concern regarding the potential loss of effectiveness of finasteride over time. In response, he confidently dismissed this concern. 4.) Interestingly, he later contradicted himself by asserting that minoxidil is slightly more effective in restoring the hairline, while finasteride works better for the crown. However, when I pointed out that it is typically the opposite, he insisted that his original statement was accurate. Given the conflicting information presented by the dermatologist, I was left bewildered and began to question the accuracy of my understanding of these matters. Anyone here knowledgeable and can share some advice? What's fact and what's fiction?

How long should I stay in Turkey for my hair transplant? I have a hair transplant scheduled with Dr. Turan from Fuecapilar on October 4th. Here's my planned itinerary: Departure: I will be flying to Istanbul on Saturday, September 30th. During my stay, I plan to arrange my own accommodation and take some time for sightseeing. Hotel Check-in and Blood Test: On Tuesday, October 3rd, I will check into the hotel provided by Fuecapilar and complete the necessary blood test. Surgery: The surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, October 4th. I will be having a hair transplant to address my receding hairline, involving approximately 2500 grafts. Post-Surgery Care: On Thursday, October 5th, I will have a wash. THEN FLY OUT?? OR NOT.....? Now, I have a few questions regarding my return flight. Should I fly back home on the same day as the wash? Should I stay an extra night after the wash day? Or should I extend my stay by two nights and leave on Saturday? Considering that the surgery is on October 4th and the wash is on October 5th, I have the option to book a return flight for either the 5th, 6th, or even Saturday, October 7th. The flight duration is approximately 2.5 hours. I have planned to arrive four days earlier to explore Istanbul, but I understand that after the surgery, I will need rest and may be more comfortable recovering at home. Therefore, I am considering having my wash and flying straight back home. However, I would appreciate hearing from others who have undergone a similar experience and can provide guidance on the recommended duration of stay. If you have any insights or personal experiences to share, I would be grateful. I have additional time off work until October 11th, providing me with a full week of rest. However, I believe it would be best to rest at home. My job mainly involves sitting with some movement, but it is indoors. Thank you for any advice and assistance you can provide in determining the ideal duration for my stay in Turkey.

Minoxidil - when to start? I am a 37-year-old, who has been using Finasteride for around 2 years to address my hair loss at the Norwood 2 stage. In October, I have a hair transplant scheduled, and the recommended protocol suggests discontinuing the use of minoxidil approximately two weeks before the procedure, then resuming it two weeks after. This would mean a total of four weeks without minoxidil. Since I have never used minoxidil before, I am seeking advice on the best course of action. Should I start using minoxidil now and take the four-week break in October (resulting in 2.5 months of minoxidil usage, followed by a 4-week break, and then resuming), or would it be wiser to wait until after the hair transplant and begin using minoxidil for the first time two or three weeks after the procedure? I'm also curious about the advantages of using minoxidil now, especially since I am getting a hair transplant to address my receding hairline, whereas minoxidil is commonly known for its effectiveness in the crown area. Thanks guys in advance for any help and guidance.

Thank you for your response. I would appreciate your opinion regarding the appropriate timing to begin using minoxidil. I have been taking finasteride for nearly 1.5 years and have noticed some minor improvements. However, the results haven't been as significant as I had hoped. It seems that finasteride has mainly helped stabilize my hair loss, reducing the amount of shedding compared to before. In October, I am scheduled for a hair transplantation procedure. I am considering starting minoxidil to potentially enhance the thickness of my hair. However, I am contemplating whether it would be better to wait a few months after the hair transplant before initiating minoxidil usage. My concern is that if I start using minoxidil now, the surgeon may not have an accurate "picture" of my miniaturized hair bulbs (MHB) during the transplantation procedure. Moreover, I want to avoid the doctor harvesting "minoxidil-dependent hairs" from my donor area and transplanting them into my hairline. Do you believe my reasoning is correct?

Minoxidil reach a point of ineffectiveness ?? Does Minoxidil reach a point of ineffectiveness? If you observe significant results from using Minoxidil, will its effectiveness diminish after five years of continuous use? I want to clarify that I'm not referring to the natural hair loss associated with male pattern baldness (MPB). Although hair loss may still occur over time, even when using Finasteride, it typically happens at a slower rate compared to not using Finasteride. My main inquiry is whether Minoxidil loses its efficacy after five years, resulting in no noticeable hair loss if you decide to discontinue its use (since any potential hair loss would have already taken place due to Minoxidil no longer being effective), as it no longer provides any benefits beyond that time period.

Here are more photos of me. I'm planning to have a hair transplant with Dr. Dogan Turan at Fuecapilar.

Should I get a hair transplant? When should I start using Minoxidil? Limits on the number of hair transplants and their potential unnatural appearance? I've been experiencing hair loss since I was 17, reaching a Norwood 2 stage. At 37, I believe I'm still at a Norwood 2/3 level. I've been taking Finasteride 1.25mg daily for about 1.5 years. I've been grappling with several questions regarding my hair: 1. Are others also unsure about getting a hair transplant? Some days I feel like my hair loss and bad hairline are noticeable, and I strongly consider a hair transplant. However, on other days, I think, "Maybe it's not that bad. Do I really need a hair transplant?" My hair looks somewhat decent when freshly cut and styled, but most days it doesn't look great and resembles the less flattering photo of me eating (see photo). Do I truly require a hair transplant? The reputable surgeon I consulted in Turkey suggests I need around 2200-2400 grafts for my Norwood 2/3 stage. 2. My surgeon recommends starting Minoxidil as well. However, my hair transplant is scheduled for October. Is it sensible to begin using Minoxidil now, knowing I'll have to stop it shortly before and after the procedure (around 3-4 weeks in total)? Would this starting and stopping cycle be counterproductive and potentially worsen the situation? 3. Assuming I proceed with the hair transplant and get 2200 grafts... As I've been a Norwood 2 since age 17 and I'm now 37, what would happen when I'm 45? Could my hair loss continue despite using Finasteride and Minoxidil (or is this unlikely)? Would I potentially need another hair transplant, perhaps another 2200 grafts? But isn't there a limit? I recall reading that individuals generally have a maximum of around 5500 grafts in a lifetime. So, let's say I have two hair transplants. If my hair loss persists (is this probable?), wouldn't my hair look unnatural with hair on the hairline but nothing in the back? I'm concerned that my hair would appear completely artificial and worse than if I had allowed natural progression. I've also heard that shaving the head after a hair transplant looks odd. Is this true? In summary, I would appreciate guidance on whether to proceed with a hair transplant, the ideal timing for starting Minoxidil, and the potential limitations and unnatural appearance associated with multiple hair transplants.