LeesHair

Hi Raphael, I'm also UK based, and use a concealer with Minoxidil. I use Nanogen- I think they are UK based too actually? I have tried sprays- very alluring as they're cheaper, but for me the result was nothing like the same. General consensus seems to be that Nanogen & Toppik are better than Mane, with Nanogen a little better than Toppik. A big advantage for you and me is that Minoxidil takes a while to dry, but as soon as it's done you can apply the fibres and get out the door, no drying time at all. Hope I've been helpful!

I'm not, at all. I have one friend who has the same problem ande we compare notes, but apart from that, and my partner, it's concealants and denial all the way! Actually though no-one's really ever asked me, do you guys get asked a lot?

Hi Guys, For a start, very sorry to hear that you've been having problems, it's not exactly what you need on top of losing hair! Minoxidil should not affect hormone levels as it is a)topical and b)not targeted at DHT like Finasteride However, something is obviously having an effect, and I'm not going to tell you both it's all in your head, it could be, but that doesn't mean you should rule out looking for a way to stop it in case it isn't! I don't actually use Rogaine Foam, so I have no idea what's in it, but could it be something else apart from Minoxdil having an effect? You could try searching the ingredients, see if any of them have hormonal effects, bearing in mind the internet is full of morons so don't take anything at face value, if it's suggested, look further into it. If you don't get any joy there, take the ingredients to either a urologist or even just a GP, and ask the question (quite embarrassing I know) And please if either of you get an answer, come back and share, some of the guys on here put a great amount of effort into data collecting for us all to use, and the input would be valuable.

Hi All, I just use 5% Minoxidil, have been using daily for getting on a year? now. <UL TYPE=SQUARE>Effects: <LI>Shedding from 3wks for about 3-4wks <LI>Grown back all shed hair by about 5 months <LI>Stopped excessive hair loss & recession, my hair is stable <UL TYPE=SQUARE>Bad Effects <LI>Mild itching scalp <LI>Dandruff-controlled with assorted anti-dandruff shampoos! <LI>Can't add up how much I've spent on it without weeping I also take multivitamins, just general really because I only ever make 4-5 out of my "5-a-day", it isn't as good I know but I'm busy... and useless lol

The itching Rogaine say can happen is because Minoxidil has to be dissolved in alcohol, so it dries the scalp causing itching, and often dandruff. However what you seem to be having is a reaction, some type of allergy to one of the ingredients possibly? The inflammation will not do you any good, so stop using the foam. There are other versions of Minoxdil, check and find one that doesn't have all the same ingredients, and see if it works better. Appreciate the need to keep going for at least 3 months, it's an uphhill struggle but keep at it! I hope it pays off for you (and you find something you're not allergic to)

I found it in the UK once in a pharmacy, but you'd have to check with the people distributing it, they should know where they sell it to? (I'd hope!)

Haven't tried Toppik enough to really give an opinion, but I really like Nanogen, especially with, as Uk_lad says, combined with dermmatch. It takes a little time to get good at applying it though, first few times I applied either product I made a mess and didn't look that great, but got much better with practice.

First question I asked when I started using Nanogen, and nope, apprently theirs doesn't have any negative, or positive effect on hair growth. I've used it for years whilst on Minoxidil treatment and have had the minox work, so I'd say they were right. Can't answer for Mane though, anyone?

You'd be looking at medium brown I'd guess, but no way it'd look good with you hair that short, I think you need at least a grade 2 for anything to work well

I've never had a problem with Nanogen and sweat or rain, it doesn't come off unless it's hammering down (which hopefully shouldn't happen in summer!?) Couvre I tried and it did leak off, not all of it but a definite tinge to the rain running down my head. I had to say I dyed my hair, which was nearly as embarrassing as saying I used couvre! DermMatch is probably your best bet for waterproofing, it does make my hair a little dull but with Nanogen as well it's less noticeable, and looks really thick

Many people here also recomend using both together, as a long time Nanogen devotee like yourself I couldn't see the plus sides really, but tried it and there are some benefits. a)the wierd feeling isn't so bad when you apply less and use it regularly b)I take real comfort in that fact that no matter how hard it rains I'm not going to be completely naked And just for balance a few downsides: Chalkiness- don't know about you but dermmatch makes my hair a bit dull Thickening- doesn't happen. But both of these are corrected (only slightly in the first case) by using the Nanogen as well, have you tried that?

Sorry PK, what works?

I've been looking it this as a supplement to Minoxidil as whilst i think it's working (shedding has gone, loss has stopped) it isn't doing anything to improve and I'd like to not use concealers for ever! It is expensive for a piece of technology that doesn't work on everyone, do you need to use it forever (if it works)? If not do you reckon we could buy a few as a forum, and sell them around eachother? Like car sharing but better?

Glocktop, I don't use it myself, but I think you can buy it from the manufacturer, I can't post the link though... am I allowed to suggest googling Dermmatch?

Indeed Dakota, I think that's ben done now? RealHairBack, if you hadn't guessed from what ensued after your post, Haircubed have an interesting idea of ethics and advertising, and I wouldn't buy from them for that alone. Toppik, Dermmatch and Nanogen all have good track records on here, with many happy customers, so have a look at those. But as Vasilius said, solve the problem as well as hiding it, good luck!

It's almost worth letting them on here for the broken English though, where are they from? I had a spam email from them the other day with a video advert, and that was misspelt too!! As for <span class="ev_code_RED">JAM</span> or <span class="ev_code_GREEN">MARMALADE</span> Jam every time, I hate Marmalade. If you keep getting popup ads TC17 clear your cache then check your popup blocker settings- that should help!

There has been talk for years about cloning for hair follicles, but like many genetic technologies it hasn't come about yet, and doesn't really look likely to soon! There are other ways though: Using prescription drugs to help stop hair loss and occassionally there are reports of hair regrowth. Your best bet I'd say. "Natural" alternatives, which are unproven, and generally a risky way to spend or lose your money. Hair Transplants, with a good surgeon, the "Rolls Royce" option, not cheap but definitely gives the result you want. Camouflage products, not a treatment or a cure, but good and very popular among forum users whilst to use whilst prescription meds or transplants are taking effect. Hope this helps!

You can't possibly say it's expensive bullsh*t if you don't even know how much it costs, be fair, she could have found it for free! I would just say though that this is Not an alternative to Minoxidil for women, although personally I can't see the harm in trying it alongside.

Interesting piece of work at the top, I've often wondered about how much quality control is done, who was the work doen by, and has it been published anywhere?

Nothing wrong with trying something else AS WELL AS the prescription though is there MrJobi? Providing it isn't something that intereferes of course. Just really, really, don't rely on it working without a prescription. Can I ask why you want something without Saw Palmetto though?

Urgh! Fullmore's an aerosol isn't it? So stands to reason you might breathe a little in in an enclosed psace like a bathroom? I wouldn't worry too much though a) if it's in you nose hair that's what it's for, to stop particles from enetering your bloodstream b) I live in London where the pollution's bad enough that if you sneeze it often comes out grey from the amount of traffic fumes etc. delightful, but hasn't killed me yet!! You could always try what they say on all other types of aerosol, using only in a well ventilated space?

Definitly worth trying Minoxidil as well, but don't get too down, as with everything hair loss can go in cycles, and remember worrying and stress isa contributory factor, so just relax, it will work, but it isn't quick

It mightn't be from shampooing, in fact it definitely isn't altogether caused by shampooing. Minoxidil is alcohol based, it has to be, so with regular use it will dry your scalp no matter what else you do. Of course you can always try anti-dandruff shampoo, that logically would work? For some reason (I forget) someone said head and shoulders might be bad, so try Neutrogena or T-Gel or something, I actually used one from Nanogen where I buy my camouflage fibres from, not because it was better, it was on special offer, but that worked fine (might not be as cheap as T-Gel when it's not on offer though)

Definitely try Nizoral if anything, many people say it's good, I agree with Bill about the limitations of shampoo though, I don't know how much chemical you get into your scalp in a 2 minute lather an rinse? But equally, can't hurt! I love people who say negative things about "chemicals", sure some have been proven to be harmful, but most aren't, and there are so many scare stories that are disproved how do you really know? Herbal Products, fantastic, because naturally a herb couldn't possibly be damaging or toxic at all could it? Oh, wait, yes they can. And even if they aren't toxic, they can still be useless, if rubbing garlic and hedge cuttings on your head really cured baldness, pharmaceutical companies wouldn't make so much money out of Minoxidil & Finasteride would they?

Why didn't he just say: "Hey look what I did with Dermmatch by applying it this way..." Then we'd have been impressed, but no, spam is a terrble thing, unless it's the canned variety in which case it's worse . Anyone know how he did that?