Hair Transplant Aftercare Advice: Oral vs. Topical Minoxidil for Afro Curly Hair - Seeking Opinions

[kutekay]

About 10 days ago, I underwent a hair transplant, and things seem to be progressing well. However, I'm a bit uncertain about the advice my surgeon provided for my post-transplant care. Before the procedure, I'd been on Oral Finasteride 1mg and Topical Minoxidil 5% for approximately a year. Despite this regimen, I haven't noticed significant hair growth or any worsening of hair loss.

The surgeon now recommends switching from topical to oral minoxidil, citing concerns about the topical version not being ideal for my hair type and its potential to cause dandruff. I've been using Nizoral 2% ketoconazole anti-dandruff shampoo, but she believes it might be too aggressive. She insists that for better results, I should switch entirely to oral minoxidil. However, I'm uncomfortable with this suggestion due to the potential side effects. Balancing oral finasteride and topical minoxidil is already a lot for me!

I'm seeking opinions or experiences from others who might have faced a similar situation or have knowledge about this. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

[jjalay]

Most of the doctors suggest oral minoxidil after ht to boost the results and achieve also some early growth. But you already take finasteride and i think this is more than enough. It is true that topical minoxidil might cause dandruff and if you already have dandruff its better to stop usin topical minoxidil

Also to summit up in your shoes i would stop topical minox and only use oral finasteride, this is more that enough. YOu dont need to take oral minox..

[kutekay]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I've had a tendency to experience dandruff over the years, so pinpointing if the topical minoxidil contributes to it is a bit challenging. I've been using Nizoral as a preemptive measure ever since I began the finasteride and minoxidil routine. Your suggestion to discontinue minoxidil and continue solely with finasteride and vitamin supplements seems like a reasonable approach. I appreciate your insight on this!"

[duchaine]

8 hours ago, kutekay said:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I've had a tendency to experience dandruff over the years, so pinpointing if the topical minoxidil contributes to it is a bit challenging. I've been using Nizoral as a preemptive measure ever since I began the finasteride and minoxidil routine. Your suggestion to discontinue minoxidil and continue solely with finasteride and vitamin supplements seems like a reasonable approach. I appreciate your insight on this!"

Fina and Minox has two totally different functions..
Fina reduces the damage of HF while minoxidil increases anagen and, presumably, blood flow, that it is crucial after an HT, to have the maximum grafts survival (just think that some doctors prescribe oral minoxidil and Cialis tougher to increase nitric oxide and, thus, blood flow).
About the sides, I won't tell you that it doesn't have sides (I am one of that who had sides from galenic minoxidil (while I never had from Pfizer's) but the sides were a minor swelling around the eyes, maybe related to some excipients) but, according to the studies, they are overrated.
The typical dose for hair loss is about 10% of the dose used ad a therapeutic treatment for high pressure. 
There are several researches showing that oral minoxidil at 2,5-5 mg has no sides and improves hair thickness and hair density.


 

Edited December 4, 2023 by duchaine