Can Rogaine regrow hair that has been dormant for 20 plus years? (Photo)

Question

I have hair loss form anorexia or extreme dieting for 30 plus years stated age 15, now 56 severe dieting. I have added more protein and hair vitamins, collagen , keratin, coconut oil pills. Rogaines says genetic hair loss but what about nutritional? The supplements have helped thicken strands for sure, would rogaine stimulate dead follicles to grow again, Even if I added alot more calories or have they been dead to long? How about castor oil?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs an in-person evaluation. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. Usually a combination approach is needed. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Ashley R. Curtis, MD · Answer

Although proper nutrition does play a very important role in hair growth, it is not necessarily the only factor that you need to consider. Many women start experiencing androgenetic alopecia, or genetic pattern baldness, as they enter their fifties or sixties, but this may be completely unrelated to the hair thinning you experienced years ago. Minoxidil, which is sold under the trade name Rogaine®, can counteract the progression of androgenetic alopecia and may help speed along your recovery, but it is less effective at actually re-growing hair in areas where the hair growth cycle has completely stopped. We have, however, had a great deal of success with platelet rich plasma treatments, which use a concentrated solution of growth factors in the patient’s own blood to cause the shrinking hair follicles to become healthier and larger and produce thicker and fuller hair growth.
Ultimately, there is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” hair loss treatment, and while nutritional supplements (or castor oil) may help thicken your existing hair, they cannot really substitute for a serious hair loss prevention plan. I would recommend that you see a board-certified dermatologist or a doctor who has experience treating the various forms of hair loss. They will be able to perform tests that will accurately diagnose what is causing your hair loss and then develop a customized treatment plan, that may include custom blended prescription medications, platelet rich plasma, red light laser therapy, or even hair transplantation surgery, depending on your specific needs

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and posting your pictures. It is hard to say that Rogaine will grow back any of the hair you lost years ago but it would be a small investment to give it a try to find out. I would recommend giving it a 6 month trial to see if it is of benefit. In the meantime, you may want to seek out a consultation with a hair restoration physician for an assessment.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Rogaine can grow small hairs in your head. I don't know if these small hairs are the hairs you lost years ago, but it is worth trying

Can Rogaine regrow hair that has been dormant for 20 plus years? (Photo)

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Can Rogaine regrow hair that has been dormant for 20 plus years? (Photo)

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