Martin M

Hi everyone, I've been on Propecia (and Rogaine) for a little over a year now, so I'm fairly certain that if I am a responder, I should be seeing a noticeable decrease in the amount of hair I lose on a regular basis. This much is indeed true, but I notice that I am still losing a few handfuls of hair whenever I wash my hair, or even when I brush it. Is this a sustainable amount of hair to be losing? Will they grow back? Or am I not responding to the meds as well as I should be? Any experiences from those who are on the meds and who have not suffered much cosmetic loss since getting on is muchhhh appreciated. -Martin

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think with the advice, I should be able to reduce or eliminate the redness in my recipient area. But I don't think the Toppik and Dermatch will do much in the way of making this area look more full. It's relatively still bald with only a few hairs sprouting, and concealers work best on areas that are thin, not totally barren. Is a temporary hair system really out of the question at this point?

So I'm about 3 months post - op, and am seeing very small hairs starting to sprout from my scalp. The problem is that I'm having a big family reunion about a month and a half from now that will undoutably require me to reveal my head. No one in my family is aware of my HT, in fact none are even really aware of my hair loss. What should I do? Is it even possible/feasible to get a hair system while your HT is growing in? Are there any temporary solutions? My recipient area is a bit red/shadowy and looks as if work has been done. Thoughts?

So I'm about 3 months post - op, and am seeing very small hairs starting to sprout from my scalp. The problem is that I'm having a big family reunion about a month and a half from now that will undoutably require me to reveal my head. No one in my family is aware of my HT, in fact none are even really aware of my hair loss. What should I do? Is it even possible/feasible to get a hair system while your HT is growing in? Are there any temporary solutions? My recipient area is a bit red/shadowy and looks as if work has been done. Thoughts?

Hi, Does anyone have any insight onto the correlation mentioned above, or if there is any such relationship at all? I've heard rumors that the longer it takes for grafts to shed, the faster the hair will grow back, but haven't been able to confirm any of this. Of course, there are also rumors of the mysterious few who "skip" the shedding process. ... Any thoughts? -Martin

Danny, Thanks for your post. I saw your website and the work by Dr. Kulahci looks great. I'm sure you'll be pleased down the road.

Thanks all contributors, particularly Thana and Mike. I'm 22 and am on the verge on taking "the plunge" as they say. Over the past year or so while living beneath the auspices of hair loss hell, I've tried to maintain a practical and intelligent approach to solving this problem. The issue is of course young age and future loss. I've thought through all the possible future consequences of getting an ht versus not getting one, and I've drawn many of the same conclusions that Thana beautifully articulated: ultimately, the utility of our younger years is of such importance to warrant an intelligent gamble of an ht (as all hts are, essentially, gambles). The fear of an unknown future is indeed threatening, and we're often reminded of this from older ht patients. But calculated risk is not the same thing as a shot in the dark. If I had to wait until I as 40, even if I got ALL my hair back, I'd be lamenting the loss of much more than my hair ...

KWIH, If you're totally comfortable with your solution of taking estrogen, more power to you. But if not, then I agree with brentipold that you should give the meds time to work. I am also a 21 year old who has been suffering from hair loss for about a year and a half or so. My hair loss seemed to be free falling and no matter what it never seemed to slow down. Eventually though, 9 times out of 10 it will. And any benefit from hair restoration (meds, ht, etc.) will take TIME. Try your best to be patient, evaluate your progress on the meds, and proceed with an HT when you have a good sense of where your loss is headed and want to respond.

Thana, It looks like you are in great shape, particularly for someone with hairloss so early. Do you know how much graft availability Feller said you have? Also, anyone else had an HT sooner than later?

Any youngsters on the site care to update their hairloss battle progress? Have any - dare I say - taken the plunge and had an HT? Just curious to see how the forgotten demographic is doing out there.

Pimenton, You would probably do well with some concealer like Nanogen or Toppik that could thicken up your hair since you are - like you said - not TOTALLY bald anywhere.

Thanks all!

Any opinions on who the best doctor on this forum is with regard to graft placement? I understand that as far as results go, other factors come into play like hair characteristics. But, assuming that a Doc's skill of placing grafts does influence results, does anyone have a favorite doc who seems to have great results with a small number of grafts used? All posts much appreicated.

Any opinions on who the best doctor on this forum is with regard to graft placement? I understand that as far as results go, other factors come into play like hair characteristics. But, assuming that a Doc's skill of placing grafts does influence results, does anyone have a favorite doc who seems to have great results with a small number of grafts used? All posts much appreicated.

Pimenton, Are you sure it's MPB (Male Pattern Baldness)? Hair loss is mostly about genetics so if you don't have any family history I'd follow up with a doctor to confirm that your problem is MPB and not something else

Great topic, TAC. I'm also curious to hear from some ppl who have depleted their donor supplies and still have not achieved a decent density or even coverage. As a younger person interested in exploring the possibility of an HT in the near future, I am constantly being told by doctors about the looming difficulties of working with less donor. Is there anyone out there who wishes to have more work done but can't because they've maxed out?

Thanks Jotronic. Was this before, or after your transplants? I am still hoping that I will respond better to the medications if I can get rid of all the gunk on my scalp.

Very recently I had a consult with a clinic in New York City. Up until this point I have been on Propecia and Rogain for roughly 8 months. I have seen very little improvement; the frontal 1/3 has gone unchanged and more or less continues to thin at the same rate (Didn't have high hopes for this using Propecia and Rogaine anyway), my crown has shown a bit of very small improvement, the hair is very thing there but has strengthened just a little bit and the loss has slowed. The doctor I spoke with said I have severe seborrheic dermatitis and that I must have a dermatologist "scrape" my scalp and solve this problem before I can do anything else. Does anyone have any knowledge of this or any experience with it? Can I assume that the heavy dandruff and build up has adversely affected the medication's progress? I am considering buzzing/shaving my head after I find out where to get this "scrape" so that maybe the meds may work better. ANY comments/advice/experiences from Docs or Posters ALWAYS appreciated.

wanthairs: thanks for sharing your story. believe me I'm going through what you did. I agree that other aspects of one's self can be enhanced to make up for hair loss. But I think there's a limit to this; ultimately it comes down to not if these things are enough for other people (girls, popularity, etc.), but if it's enough for you to be at peace with yourself. Honestly I think I can get the former down; the latter, I'm not so sure. Clint: I appreciate your advice. I agree that I have not yet reached my "prime," and hope to experience that in full, whether I have hair or not. I have been working out and also try to maintain an attractive personality to keep my confidence and self-esteem afloat. -Thanks everyone for the comments and support. It is REALLY appreciated.

Raphael: You're definately right about the meds. It's important to stay on them and be realistic about expectations. Although I don't think I'm an incredible responder like you, I honestly don't know where my hair would be today if I didn't take them consistently. I'm just really happy I'm not experiencing any side effects. You're also right about the Docs; it's extremely difficult to hear from a medical professional bad news because you feel that they know best. But I think that if I can stabilize my loss, less Doctors would be reluctant to work with me. imissthebarber: you make a good point about the level of committment to hair restoration once a procedure is taken on. As miserable as this whole thing has made me, I know that worst case scenario, I can still shave my head (as terrible as that might look). Once you take that leap in the Doc's chair though, there's no turning back. dakota: cloning is always a distant hope that I keep in the back of my mind. I really hope some substantial advancements are made in the next decade. I have to say, though, that the demand for transplants will probably skyrocket then and I don't know where I would end up on that list. Can't imagine that the companies that make Rogaine and Propecia or virtually any other medical hair loss drug would be too excited about that development, either.

THANK YOU everyone for the comments and advice believe me I appreciate it; one of the worst feelings hair loss can produce is loneliness, and as I am constantly in class, on the train, or around looking for people my age with my level of hair loss, I can't help but feel alone. Just browsing and sharing stories on this site helps that a lot. mmhce: I am familiar with Bill's story, and indeed it is an inspiring one. I am just worried that I will not be able to achieve the same results because he has had extensive work (I think it's something like 3 procedures with 7K grafts or so) done to achieve such a great look. I'm not sure if my 4K will go that far. Your other advice on the difficult psychology of all this is much appreciated though, and definately something I hope will come easier as time passes. Ceaser: yes I think my hairline is a priority; currently it is the area where I am most concerned, because my balding crown and vertex can be concealed more easily. If I can get my front repaired, I think concealer and clever styling can manage the rest. But yes I do understand and am preparing to shave my head at least once before I get any work done. Mike: your thoughts about diffuse thinning are exactly what I've thought before. I am sure as you can be how I will bald, in fact my pattern is quite clear when I let the back of my hair (underneath my horseshoe) grow out. Some doctors, however, I think view my age and react conservatively. I will take and post some pics as soon as I get a chance. HTHELP: thanks for your kind comments. I guess we're more or less in the same boat. At this point I am praying that the meds do some mediocre cosmetic work and slow/stop the loss. At that point I think at least SOME docs can take me seriously about having a consevative HT. If I ever make it out of this alive (and that might be a BIG "If") I will definatly donate money to this cause (among others) and help young people who struggle with this.

As I've been "getting by" as they say in the hair loss world, I haven't been frequenting this site as much as I did when I was a newbie, mainly because of the fact that I didn't want hair loss consuming my life if it didn't have to. But alas, as my hair as been getting worse I find myself back here. I'm 21 and well on my way to a NW 5A or 6. I have diffuse thinning in the crown, vertex, and frontal 1/3. I first noticed hair falling out in April of 2008, and what was first the first month or two a potential threat has morphed into the monster of MPB. Around August when density became threatened I started on Rogaine and Propecia, and also did a couple of in-person, online and over-the-phone consults. The most optimistic advice I received was that I have favored hair characteristics (black and curly) and that a small, conservative procedure might make a dent in this cosmetic defect. Though, all clinics expressed their wariness about my age, and also my weak graft availability in the donor area (around 4,000 lifetime grafts according to one doctor). One renowned doctor told me "I would never operate on you. Never." I do appreciate his frankness, though. In any event, I was told to stay on the meds and cross my fingers, which I've been doing. There has been a very minor slowing of hair loss during these 6 months, though I still lose a considerable amount each day. And more and more, I have to drown my hair in concealers (Toppik, Nanogen) and turn my hair into what looks more like a "creation"; obscure and unnatural, but nonetheless a look that is NOT bald. Though it's been a while since I've seen what my hair looks like with the complete absence of concealer, I'm fairly certain I am about as bald as any 21 year old on this site. I never understood why so many people on this forum say that "the hardest part" is to "play the waiting game" after having a procedure done. To me, the hardest part is behind you, and that's losing hair, and living day to day while trying desperately to put the brakes on what a lot of people see as a living nightmare. If there is a point to any of this ranting it's that I'd like anyone's input on what my expectations should be, particularly with the meds and what I can do until I "reevaluate" my progress in another 6 months. I haven't seen any regrowth, though I know regrowth is rare @ 6 months. I am seriously considering shaving my head if the thinning doesn't slow some more in the next few months. Honestly, I'd be okay with a procedure that could just give me coverage and not great density, because I'd be content with using concealers for as long as I have to. Currently I only have about 10-15% of the hair on the top of my head left, and still I can pull of a look that, while awkward, gives the appearance of FAR more hair than I have. Any advice/support from posters, doctors, etc. extremely appreciated. _Martin

As I've been "getting by" as they say in the hair loss world, I haven't been frequenting this site as much as I did when I was a newbie, mainly because of the fact that I didn't want hair loss consuming my life if it didn't have to. But alas, as my hair as been getting worse I find myself back here. I'm 21 and well on my way to a NW 5A or 6. I have diffuse thinning in the crown, vertex, and frontal 1/3. I first noticed hair falling out in April of 2008, and what was first the first month or two a potential threat has morphed into the monster of MPB. Around August when density became threatened I started on Rogaine and Propecia, and also did a couple of in-person, online and over-the-phone consults. The most optimistic advice I received was that I have favored hair characteristics (black and curly) and that a small, conservative procedure might make a dent in this cosmetic defect. Though, all clinics expressed their wariness about my age, and also my weak graft availability in the donor area (around 4,000 lifetime grafts according to one doctor). One renowned doctor told me "I would never operate on you. Never." I do appreciate his frankness, though. In any event, I was told to stay on the meds and cross my fingers, which I've been doing. There has been a very minor slowing of hair loss during these 6 months, though I still lose a considerable amount each day. And more and more, I have to drown my hair in concealers (Toppik, Nanogen) and turn my hair into what looks more like a "creation"; obscure and unnatural, but nonetheless a look that is NOT bald. Though it's been a while since I've seen what my hair looks like with the complete absence of concealer, I'm fairly certain I am about as bald as any 21 year old on this site. I never understood why so many people on this forum say that "the hardest part" is to "play the waiting game" after having a procedure done. To me, the hardest part is behind you, and that's losing hair, and living day to day while trying desperately to put the brakes on what a lot of people see as a living nightmare. If there is a point to any of this ranting it's that I'd like anyone's input on what my expectations should be, particularly with the meds and what I can do until I "reevaluate" my progress in another 6 months. I haven't seen any regrowth, though I know regrowth is rare @ 6 months. I am seriously considering shaving my head if the thinning doesn't slow some more in the next few months. Honestly, I'd be okay with a procedure that could just give me coverage and not great density, because I'd be content with using concealers for as long as I have to. Currently I only have about 10-15% of the hair on the top of my head left, and still I can pull of a look that, while awkward, gives the appearance of FAR more hair than I have. Any advice/support from posters, doctors, etc. extremely appreciated. _Martin

Jupiter, I am in a similar situation. I have lost a vast amount of hair on my vertex/crown and frontal 1/3rd. Though, I think you have more hair than me. Have you been using any concealer? Please share 0 guard results if you take it that far. =Martin

heyhey, If another HT is out of the question for your husband, maybe a concealer like Dermatch, Toppik, or Nanogen might work best for him. I find that the concealers work best if the area to which it is applied is THINNING, and not COMPLETELY BALD. They are pretty convenient though and I think they stay on through sweating and physical activity. -Martin