Hair on crown thinning, taking action now! All help welcome! :D

[NotSoBad]

Hi everyone!

 

I'm a 23 year old male who has not noticed any hair loss problems until very recently. To be honest, my hair has always been a bit...strange. It has always seemed to have different consistencies in different parts of my scalp, (soft near the temples, coarse on top) has a range of colors running through it, (dark to light brown, blonde, red) and has always seemed to fall flat in the rear-crown. (a bit thin but no skin showing) I chalked it all up to me being an ethnic mutt. The truth is I have always struggled with managing my hair from grade school all the way through now and have tried many different cuts, colors, and styling products. I really dislike the shape of my head and have never liked having the "buzzed" look, even though I often settled on it out of convenience.

 

My hair in front isn't a concern for me. I've always had a sort of strange hairline that tapers in quite a bit at the temples. I like to think of it as distinguishing. However, I noticed a definite thinning in my crown area about two to three months ago. It all started when I noticed my hair falling out rapidly in the shower (mostly clinging to a bar of soap/wash cloth) and lots of hair clinging to my hands and face after styling it. Admittedly, I switched back to a product I was using years prior that's referred to as hair glue. It pulls quite a bit more than a standard gel when styling with your hands. Unfortunately, my hair can get very out of control and I need something a bit strong if I want it even semi-straight. At any rate, I took a look in a hand held mirror one day as I was shaving the back of my neck and I noticed that I could see my scalp through my hair on my crown. I went to my computer ASAP and searched for solutions. I also decided to discontinue the use of the hair glue immediately.

 

I came across a lot of positive reviews for a system called "Folicure" during my research. I ordered the vials, shampoo, conditioner, and gel. Admittedly, I haven't really used the gel, (it doesn't really hold anything) but I used the rest of the products as recommended and have seen a near-stoppage of my "shedding." I see a hair here and there but nothing out of the ordinary like I was experiencing prior to use.

 

However, I have yet to see any sort of gains in my crown. I just got a hair cut and I can really notice a circle of thin hair on my crown when it's wet or when I comb it back. My hair is currently right around an inch in length and I'm wearing it sort of messy with a paste-like product called "surf hair." I find myself having to tinker in the mirror to make sure that any "holes" are hidden in my crown and it's a real pain in the ass. Truthfully, I'm a little self-conscious about it, but nobody has pointed it out yet so I think I'm still okay.

 

Tonight I ordered a concealer called "Topik" to try to ease my concerns. I've read about "Dermmatch," but decided against it after I read reports that it looks noticeably like glossy paint under certain lighting conditions. (was this a good choice on my part?) I want to be proactive in this, so I'm searching for a more permanent solution.

 

Being a 23 year old, single male having his fun I really don't want to mess with my sex drive so I don't want to take any of the medications that effect libido. I don't need an increase (trust me ) and a decrease/elimination would be crushing!

 

I've read that if you take Rogaine you need to take it continuously or you could use any results. If true, I suppose I would be ok with this solution. I feel that I'm disciplined enough that I can apply it in the morning and at night. I've also heard that there is a generic version available at Wal-Mart that works just as well. In addition, I've heard that when you initially start the program "shedding" occurs. Being someone with hair that is generally thick and wavy, would there be a noticeable contrast during early use? It sure would be discouraging. Or would a concealer hide any effects anyway? Are there any alternatives to consider?

 

I'd really like to nip this thing in the butt before it becomes too much of a problem. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated, and I wish you all the best on your own endeavors!

 

...oh, and sorry about being long-winded. And I'd post pictures but all I have is a grainy web cam.

[NotSoBad]

Hi everyone!

 

I'm a 23 year old male who has not noticed any hair loss problems until very recently. To be honest, my hair has always been a bit...strange. It has always seemed to have different consistencies in different parts of my scalp, (soft near the temples, coarse on top) has a range of colors running through it, (dark to light brown, blonde, red) and has always seemed to fall flat in the rear-crown. (a bit thin but no skin showing) I chalked it all up to me being an ethnic mutt. The truth is I have always struggled with managing my hair from grade school all the way through now and have tried many different cuts, colors, and styling products. I really dislike the shape of my head and have never liked having the "buzzed" look, even though I often settled on it out of convenience.

 

My hair in front isn't a concern for me. I've always had a sort of strange hairline that tapers in quite a bit at the temples. I like to think of it as distinguishing. However, I noticed a definite thinning in my crown area about two to three months ago. It all started when I noticed my hair falling out rapidly in the shower (mostly clinging to a bar of soap/wash cloth) and lots of hair clinging to my hands and face after styling it. Admittedly, I switched back to a product I was using years prior that's referred to as hair glue. It pulls quite a bit more than a standard gel when styling with your hands. Unfortunately, my hair can get very out of control and I need something a bit strong if I want it even semi-straight. At any rate, I took a look in a hand held mirror one day as I was shaving the back of my neck and I noticed that I could see my scalp through my hair on my crown. I went to my computer ASAP and searched for solutions. I also decided to discontinue the use of the hair glue immediately.

 

I came across a lot of positive reviews for a system called "Folicure" during my research. I ordered the vials, shampoo, conditioner, and gel. Admittedly, I haven't really used the gel, (it doesn't really hold anything) but I used the rest of the products as recommended and have seen a near-stoppage of my "shedding." I see a hair here and there but nothing out of the ordinary like I was experiencing prior to use.

 

However, I have yet to see any sort of gains in my crown. I just got a hair cut and I can really notice a circle of thin hair on my crown when it's wet or when I comb it back. My hair is currently right around an inch in length and I'm wearing it sort of messy with a paste-like product called "surf hair." I find myself having to tinker in the mirror to make sure that any "holes" are hidden in my crown and it's a real pain in the ass. Truthfully, I'm a little self-conscious about it, but nobody has pointed it out yet so I think I'm still okay.

 

Tonight I ordered a concealer called "Topik" to try to ease my concerns. I've read about "Dermmatch," but decided against it after I read reports that it looks noticeably like glossy paint under certain lighting conditions. (was this a good choice on my part?) I want to be proactive in this, so I'm searching for a more permanent solution.

 

Being a 23 year old, single male having his fun I really don't want to mess with my sex drive so I don't want to take any of the medications that effect libido. I don't need an increase (trust me ) and a decrease/elimination would be crushing!

 

I've read that if you take Rogaine you need to take it continuously or you could use any results. If true, I suppose I would be ok with this solution. I feel that I'm disciplined enough that I can apply it in the morning and at night. I've also heard that there is a generic version available at Wal-Mart that works just as well. In addition, I've heard that when you initially start the program "shedding" occurs. Being someone with hair that is generally thick and wavy, would there be a noticeable contrast during early use? It sure would be discouraging. Or would a concealer hide any effects anyway? Are there any alternatives to consider?

 

I'd really like to nip this thing in the butt before it becomes too much of a problem. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated, and I wish you all the best on your own endeavors!

 

...oh, and sorry about being long-winded. And I'd post pictures but all I have is a grainy web cam.

[thanatopsis_awry]

You are catching the mighty beast early on, which is fortunate; plus, your hair loss is concerned with the area that can best be battled by treatments.

 

I introduce you to The Big Three: Propecia, Rogaine 5% Foam, Nizoral/Revita shampoo. I would go to a nearby doctor who is in the know about hairloss and get looked at, just to confirm your suspicions, and discuss the possibility of propecia.

 

Toppik is a fine concealer, and I have a feeling it is going to do wonders for you. Be careful, though, under club-type lighting TOPPIK CAN BE EXPOSED...trust me, I know, ugh....

 

 

Also, any other hairloss "cures" I would shy away from unless you have a surplus of money and time.

 

EDIT -- no drug actually has the intrinsic intent to "mess with your libido", in a sense...when it happens it happens to an unfortunate minority it an anomoly. Most get along fine. Plus, if you do experience negatives you can always stop if it doesn't subside in a few weeks.

 

EDITEDIT -- shedding from any of the aforementioned treatments can occur to varying degrees, and it is a sign of actual success and progress to come...the use of a concealer is often a nice way to get through this transient, albeit uncomfortable, period of time.

[NotSoBad]

Thanks for the reply!

 

I have read concerns that the Rogaine foam does not work as well as the regular formula. (though the application is more convenient) Also, as stated before I'm currently very timid about taking medications. Would the Rogaine suffice on its own?

 

Also, does anyone know the difference between the Folicure shampoo I'm currently using and Nizoral/Revita? (ooohh...something new to research )

[Bill - Seemiller]

Notsobad,

 

Welcome to our forum community. Starting to use nonsurgical hair loss treatments early on in your hair loss condition is a great idea.

 

Thanatopsis has given you an excellent reply.

 

I am not familiar with Folicure shampoo but be sure to research the ingredients. Remember that there is no hair loss miracle cure.

 

Nizoral and Revita shampoo are somewhat recommended because of the active ingredient ketoconazole which has some evidence that it might help combat hair loss.

 

Best wishes in your continued research.

 

Bill

[thanatopsis_awry]

There is some anecdotal evidence that rogaine foam is inferior, but it is totally unfounded. The foam is, if anything, would make up a superior mehanism for absorption.....it results in less irritations....less mess....etc.

 

The rogaine may very well be enough; impossible to say, though, until you try it out and give it a good amount of time (9+months to be conservative). Certaintly *not* being on a propecia-like drug puts you at a significent disadvantage; however, the rogaine (and perhaps nizoral/revita) may be enough to combat *your* particular case of MPB.

 

Check out the thread on dutasteride (similiar to rogaine, less proven) in the open section of the forum -- the results of these drugs on the crown can be staggering in terms of both regrowth and maintence.

[NotSoBad]

I think I've actually seen that Nizoral in stores! It's technically an anti dandruff shampoo, right? Is there any advantage that Revita has over it? It looks as though it's twice as expensive! And on the topic of price, does anyone know about the generic brand of Rogaine that I mentioned in my original post?

 

As for dutasteride, I was looking into Avodart and, again, was put off by the whole sexual side effects thing. It's just...scary! Especially after reading about some cases where the person stopped taking the medication and was struggling with erectile dysfunction well after.

 

Hey, if I'm fast becoming a pain in anyone's ass just let me know! Oh, and thanks for your warm welcome, Bill. You seem like a big deal around these parts and I appreciate the sagely advice from both yourself and thanatopsis!

[Bill - Seemiller]

Notsobad,

 

Generic minoxodil is just as effective as Rogaine as long as the quantity of minoxodil is the same. 5% is the better choice in my opinion.

 

In my opinion, I would consider dudasteride ONLY if finasteride has proven to be ineffective after 1 year of use. Research thoroughly and consult with a physician however, before use.

 

Nizoral and Revita contain the same active ingredient ketoconazole. Nizoral shampoo regular only contains 1% ketoconazole whereas Nizoral 2% and I believe Revita contain 2% of this ingredient. I don't recall there being a significant price difference between Nizoral 2% and Revita but then again, I haven't purchased Nizoral in awhile. Revita also contains other ingredients said to promote healthy hair growth but none of the other ingredients are convincing hair loss treatments in my opinion.

 

If there is anything else I or our forum members can help you with, please feel free to ask. We are glad that you have found us and hope you'll use our online resources to continue your research.

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill

[notgoing2gobald]

I have never payed any attention to this shampoo stuff to be honest, because--well lets face it---that just sounds a bit hokey to me...

 

I was under the impression it was just an additional DHT blocker?

 

Am I missing something else?

 

Any evidence this stuff actually makes a significant difference?

[thanatopsis_awry]

Well, the ketoconazole contained in the products has been tested (perhaps not to a decisive extent, however) and to varying degrees has had success at helping to maintain existing hair population.

 

Here is one study I read: http://www.hairlosstalk.com/download/nizoral.pdf

 

Can it make a difference? I think, yes. Significant? Prolly' not. I consider it the cherry-on-top of my regime.

[notgoing2gobald]

this is getting to be a pretty hairy sundae...

[Bill - Seemiller]

Here is more information on ketoconazole.

 

Bill

[WeAreCured]

NotSoBad,

 

I've been taking Propecia for over a year and I've had NO problems whatsoever with a decrease in libido or any kind of dysfunction. I can still perform even after a long night of drinking and I take Zoloft as well. As someone else stated, the sexual side effects are a vast minority so they just have to say that in a warning for legal reasons, and to most men, it jumps out at you and scares you, but it's an irrational fear. I'm 25 by the way, 26 tomorrow.

[MrJobi]

Regarding the shampoos, there are some good indicators/studies which illustrate the positive effect gained by using Ketoconazole. If you are serious about beating hairloss, it is just another possible option available which actually have some merit.. There are not many others out there which work. I like Revita because it has this and other anti DHT items AND is a good shampoo.

 

It certainly cannot hurt

[NotSoBad]

Thank you to everyone for your help!

 

I think I'll try the generic Rogaine (I'll price them out at both Wal Mart and Walgreens...definitely going 5%) and shampoo combination first. (currently pricing out Nizoral and Revita) I think I'll start a regiment and stay on it for at least six months before reconsidering any kind of medication. (Propecia) I'm also planning on getting some of that Dermmatch to have on hand along with the Topik just in case. I'll post when I start my new regiment and make updates when appropriate. If I had more of a need for a camera I'd buy one and take pictures.

 

A few questions:

 

Where is a good place to buy Nizoral or Revita?

 

I've read that hair is protein-based. Could a protein supplement help?

 

Edit: After reading a bit more, I think I'll go with the Revita. A few here have stated that Nizoral leaves their hair feeling "dried out" or "brittle."

 

Double-Edit: Ordered both the Revita and Dermmatch from Folica.com. (same place I found the Topik) Will go shopping for the Rogaine tomorrow. Here's to optimism!