POSTED UNDER Hair Loss Treatment Reviews
Minoxidil for Thinning Hair (Female)
UPDATED FROM Aus50
1 year post
About 18 months on
Aus50June 2, 2017
WORTH IT$60
It's been about 18-19 months now and I'm still using 5% minoxidil every day: 1ml every morning. I generally use half on each side around the temples where it's thinnest.
I said in my original review that I would stop after a certain point to see what would happen, but to be honest, I'm too scared to stop because I'm pretty sure I will go back to how it was before (I was hoping I might keep some results and wanted to test that, but nope: too scared to go backwards :)).
My hair loss is up and down but nothing like the scary handfuls before (I've been monitoring it, nothing scientific, but I know when it's more or less). I comb it into the sink morning and night and see how much is there, and there is that thing where you feel hairs falling out onto your arm or neck and if I comb through with my fingers, I go through periods where I get quite a lot coming out that way vs hardly any.
But whatever hair I'm losing, the growth or retention is making up for it so the overall amount and look of the hair isn't being impacted which is great.
Very pleased with the results.
I said in my original review that I would stop after a certain point to see what would happen, but to be honest, I'm too scared to stop because I'm pretty sure I will go back to how it was before (I was hoping I might keep some results and wanted to test that, but nope: too scared to go backwards :)).
My hair loss is up and down but nothing like the scary handfuls before (I've been monitoring it, nothing scientific, but I know when it's more or less). I comb it into the sink morning and night and see how much is there, and there is that thing where you feel hairs falling out onto your arm or neck and if I comb through with my fingers, I go through periods where I get quite a lot coming out that way vs hardly any.
But whatever hair I'm losing, the growth or retention is making up for it so the overall amount and look of the hair isn't being impacted which is great.
Very pleased with the results.
Replies (5)
June 18, 2017
Hi Aussie...everything looks great!! I've been using The woman's Rogaine (with 5% minoxidil) it's been working great, it's been 3 mo. now. I am afraid to stop, so I won't. I put it in he upper corners of my forehead and started to rub some at the back behind my ears. It's a foam, it was pretty bare at the upper corners of my forehead for a while. It's like baby hairs but at least it's there. Lol!! The foam lasts forever, I'm still on the 1st. can. I forget sometimes to put it on in the evening. Maybe I should switch to mornings. Mmmm?
June 18, 2017
I am Not on the Rogaine minoxidil foam. I am on a specially compounded tablet of 1mg minoxidil which is prescribed by a qualified Dermatologist. Initially this tablet was combined with Spironolactone, however, this had a disastrous effect on my kidneys so this was ceased. I commenced the above in February 2017. No new hair growth yet, however, it immediately stopped hair loss. So happy to no longer see oodles of fallen hair in my ensuite vanity, etc. I have also just commenced American shampoo Regenepure Dr and Nt...super expensive but hopefully worth it, has Ketoconazole in it which I am hoping will be better than the Nizoral 2% I have been using which makes your hair super dry.
June 19, 2017
@Inspector Cruso: Thanks :). I'm glad it's working for you also.
Ha! I've just switched to evenings with it: Mainly because my hair has been looking swish in the mornings when I get up, and rubbing liquid into my head messes it up :).
Ha! I've just switched to evenings with it: Mainly because my hair has been looking swish in the mornings when I get up, and rubbing liquid into my head messes it up :).
June 19, 2017
@polytoo: Great that it stopped the hair loss straight away. It does seem to work very differently for different people. I hope you see some new growth soon :).
June 21, 2017
I have been using Regenpure Dr and Conditioner for about 6 months and it greatly improved the volume of my hair. Way many more happy hair days.
July 7, 2017
Curious if you feel Minox has had any negative effects on your skin? I've read horror stories of people online who say they've aged 10 years almost overnight -- enlarged pores, bags under the eyes, wrinkles, etc. I'm only 29, and am scared of that as a side :/
November 26, 2017
Absolutely relieved to see this! Do you use the 5% or the 2%? Daily or twice a day?
October 7, 2017
Hair regrowth takes patience and may not work depending on the cause of it. I am in my second month with men's menoxil (US labels 5% as men's due to the more pronounced potential side effects you alluded to: hair growth in other areas, greasy hair, and skin reaction). I use it at night. Additinally, every other day, I use a laser cap on my head. I bought it during Amazon prime days for a savings of $200. So, it was $500. I also use a specially formulated thinning hair shampoo from Aveda every 2 days. I use their scalp spray every am because it doesn't grease my hair. I take a supplement (biotin) 2 to 3 times per week. I came up with this regimen on my own. I don't want to pay thousands of dollars on my hair because I am not wealthy. The first month, as expected, I lost even more than normal hair. It seems to have stabilized now that I am half way into my second month. They say the initial hair loss is due to new, thicker strands pushing out old ones and is normal. Who knows? My hair texture is slightly different as well which is also typical. It is perhaps a bit corser or thicker. I am hoping that in 3 to 4 months I can maintain with a dialed down treatment regime. It seems as if I do have new hair, but it is short. I will reserve my final judgement for a couple of months. I am a white woman well over 50 years old with thin hair all my life that really began to shed along my scalp line in my early 50s. I am not recommending my solution to anyone else as I have no medical training.
October 7, 2017
It sounds like you are throwing everything at it! I hope it works for you!
And yes, it takes time: hair growth is slow. And because we see ourselves every day, it can be difficult to see improvement. I recommend taking some clear 'before' photos so when you think nothing has changed, you can do a direct before/after comparison.
FWIW, I'm still doing the minoxidil 5% once a day, and while my hair is now at a new 'normal', I had a new hairdresser last week comment on how much hair I have, which makes me so happy :).
I'd like to cut the minoxidil down to 2 or 3 times a week since it's really just maintenance now, but I'm a bit scared to change anything (plus I'm really forgetful, so I can imagine that not having it as a daily routine might mean I forget for a week or so).
And yes, it takes time: hair growth is slow. And because we see ourselves every day, it can be difficult to see improvement. I recommend taking some clear 'before' photos so when you think nothing has changed, you can do a direct before/after comparison.
FWIW, I'm still doing the minoxidil 5% once a day, and while my hair is now at a new 'normal', I had a new hairdresser last week comment on how much hair I have, which makes me so happy :).
I'd like to cut the minoxidil down to 2 or 3 times a week since it's really just maintenance now, but I'm a bit scared to change anything (plus I'm really forgetful, so I can imagine that not having it as a daily routine might mean I forget for a week or so).
November 4, 2017
Hi Aus, I had substantial hair loss immediately after FL and brow lift Dr Nond said it was Hair Shock and recommended Minoxidil. Whilst my hair appears to have stopped shedding excessively by its own accord I have obvious bald spots on incision lines. More obvious because I have dark hair. I am using Minoxidil every morning or night on bald spots but concerned about hair regrowth in unwanted r areas because spent so much on laser. Now 5 weeks post op and still healing. Results looking good. My only major concern is frozen left brow which I cannot move at all and obvious hair loss on hair line particularly around incisions. PS says should regain movement on brow as do several posts. Hope hair regrows on bald spots grow but excessive overall shedding appears to have ceased.
Has surgery contributed to your hair loss? Whilst improvement is obvious in your photos can’t help wondering it
would improve on its own accord after surgery as i have read that hair shock is common after any long surgery.
Still don’t how to post photos on realself. Have been busy with slow recovery and catching up with so much to do.
Cheers
Mj
November 5, 2017
I'm so glad your results are looking good :)).
For me, my thinning hair was a problem long before any surgery (my first before picture above was 5 months before surgery), so I really just took the opportunity post-surgery to have a go at fixing what was really a long term problem. The main thing that stopped me trying Minoxidil before was the fact that it initially causes even MORE shedding, and I figured if I was at peak-shedding post-surgery, I may as well bite the bullet). So, no: for me it would not have resolved on its own.
I'm glad your shedding has stopped. Keeping my fingers crossed for regrowth along your incision lines.
For me, my thinning hair was a problem long before any surgery (my first before picture above was 5 months before surgery), so I really just took the opportunity post-surgery to have a go at fixing what was really a long term problem. The main thing that stopped me trying Minoxidil before was the fact that it initially causes even MORE shedding, and I figured if I was at peak-shedding post-surgery, I may as well bite the bullet). So, no: for me it would not have resolved on its own.
I'm glad your shedding has stopped. Keeping my fingers crossed for regrowth along your incision lines.
February 7, 2018
Have you tried to change to a lower dosage to 2% instead of 5%. I am using Monoxidil 5% for 2 months, on my front and top scalp I have not seen any change yet but once my hair is like yours I would lower my dosage. Just to avoid long run side effect. What do you think?
February 7, 2018
I haven't: It never really occurred to me, but it's a really good idea :).
I've nearly run out of my current 5% stock, so I will give that a try.
I've nearly run out of my current 5% stock, so I will give that a try.
February 8, 2018
Please let me know how it goes lowering the dosage because I am going to lower it once I see the benefits, till now, I have not, it has been 2 months, I use the foam 5% and I use it only in the front where my hair thinning. Good luck and let me know please
March 30, 2019
Hi Friendly,
Are you still using minoxidil foam. I also started using the minoxidil foam 5% 3days ago but I find is somewhat difficult to just apply it to the scalp without some of the foam getting on the hair. Also I’ve gotten a headache which by the 3rd day in much better. Did you get this reaction too? Thanks!
Are you still using minoxidil foam. I also started using the minoxidil foam 5% 3days ago but I find is somewhat difficult to just apply it to the scalp without some of the foam getting on the hair. Also I’ve gotten a headache which by the 3rd day in much better. Did you get this reaction too? Thanks!
April 2, 2019
I buy the Equate Minoxidil 5% liquid from Walmart. (8 oz for $20 that will last for about 6 months). I put it in a small spray bottle. I spray onto my scalp in sections 10 minutes before I shower. After I apply, I wet my hands and rub into my scalp. When I tried to leave it on for an hour or overnight, I started getting a rash. Only using it for 10 minutes seems to be enough time for it to be effective. Using this method with the 2% (Minoxidil for women) did work as well with hair growth.
November 26, 2017
Have you noticed any premature aging/increase in wrinkles or dark circles under your eyes? I really want to start taking this for thinning at my crown, but I read a study linking minoxidil use with decreased collagen production, and now I'm afraid.
November 27, 2017
I haven't, no.
BUT I guess I should point out that I started the minoxidil after a facelift, so while that means I was monitoring my face very closely like some obsessive weirdo, it also means that the starting point was new and years ahead of where I was, so I guess it's a bit hard to say definitively.
I DO have dark circles under my eyes and they tend to be better or worse depending on 'who knows what', and I know I would 100% have noticed if they were looking worse, and they definitely aren't.
BUT I guess I should point out that I started the minoxidil after a facelift, so while that means I was monitoring my face very closely like some obsessive weirdo, it also means that the starting point was new and years ahead of where I was, so I guess it's a bit hard to say definitively.
I DO have dark circles under my eyes and they tend to be better or worse depending on 'who knows what', and I know I would 100% have noticed if they were looking worse, and they definitely aren't.
March 29, 2019
Hi wifemomrn,
Can you tell me where you found this article so i can read about it. Do you know the name of it? Thanks!
Can you tell me where you found this article so i can read about it. Do you know the name of it? Thanks!
UPDATED FROM Aus50
9 months post
9 months of use
Aus50July 20, 2016
I was going to quit using Minoxidil (1 ml of 5% once a day in the morning) at about 6 months to see what happened, but after I stopped for a couple of weeks, I started shedding again and it scared me, so I started again.
In the last two months, I have started shedding again with a vengeance. I wonder if interrupting the use may have caused that. I've also been fiddling a little with biotin & zinc and thought that might have had an impact. I googled and found that other users have also reported periods of (re)shedding at 9-12 months on Minoxidil and it's normal, so I'm trying not to worry too much about it.
A new hairdresser yesterday complimented me on my 'great head of hair'. I was all 'what? me?' She said it was strong and there was a lot of it. No-one has EVER said that to me, so yay. Though after she washed it she ALSO asked if I usually shed a lot in a bit of a worried voice. So yeah, it's some pretty serious shedding for her to ask about it. Probably not as bad as my WORST, but still :(.
The 'side effect' hair growth has disappeared. That means no more lovely long lashes, but also no more noticeable peach fuzz on my face or other body parts. Not sure if that's a good sign, really. Maybe things are just 'settling'. Hoping I'm not going backwards.
As for how my hair LOOKS, I'd say that the hair at my temples (the primary areas I wanted to address) looks lighter than at 4 months, which is pretty disappointing. I do seem to have MORE hair overall (I put it up in a comb pretty frequently and there definitely seems to be more bulk).
Tempted to go back to applying it twice a day (stopped it because of excessive hair growth elsewhere), but will stick with this until 12 months and see what happens.
In the last two months, I have started shedding again with a vengeance. I wonder if interrupting the use may have caused that. I've also been fiddling a little with biotin & zinc and thought that might have had an impact. I googled and found that other users have also reported periods of (re)shedding at 9-12 months on Minoxidil and it's normal, so I'm trying not to worry too much about it.
A new hairdresser yesterday complimented me on my 'great head of hair'. I was all 'what? me?' She said it was strong and there was a lot of it. No-one has EVER said that to me, so yay. Though after she washed it she ALSO asked if I usually shed a lot in a bit of a worried voice. So yeah, it's some pretty serious shedding for her to ask about it. Probably not as bad as my WORST, but still :(.
The 'side effect' hair growth has disappeared. That means no more lovely long lashes, but also no more noticeable peach fuzz on my face or other body parts. Not sure if that's a good sign, really. Maybe things are just 'settling'. Hoping I'm not going backwards.
As for how my hair LOOKS, I'd say that the hair at my temples (the primary areas I wanted to address) looks lighter than at 4 months, which is pretty disappointing. I do seem to have MORE hair overall (I put it up in a comb pretty frequently and there definitely seems to be more bulk).
Tempted to go back to applying it twice a day (stopped it because of excessive hair growth elsewhere), but will stick with this until 12 months and see what happens.
Replies (5)
July 20, 2016
Interesting development; thanks for updating us on it. Your hair certainly does look a lot thicker overall in the after photo, as well as the temple hair looking much better. I'm watching your results closely as I've have terrible thinning issues since menopause but am nervous of minoxidil. So far I've only tried biotin (no visible result yet) and the Nizoral shampoo I think I mentioned on your f.l. thread and I have definitely seen positive, though not dramatic, results there. You're brave to be trying this and I have my fingers crossed for you to have a positive result!
July 20, 2016
Thanks :). I find it so hard to tell unless it's a HUGE change.
And yeah, minoxidil is a 'lifetime' commitment, and that's really intimidating (though frankly, moisturiser and tooth brushing are the same: they just become part of your daily routine, so this is no different).
I used Nizoral in the beginning when I was blasting it with everything I had, but never bought any after the first bottle ran out. I'm glad it's be working for you. Since I was doing a bunch of things (Minoxidil, Nizoral, biotin, zinc, Vit C), it's hard to tell what worked and what didn't. I have a spreadsheet to document what I'm using/not using over time to try and see the impact as I swap things in and out (holy nerd alert!! :)). Maybe I should try Nixoral again now that I seem to be plateauing.
If my hair stays how it is now, I'm pretty happy: I no longer worry about styling it to hide the thin hair at the temples which was the biggest thing for me. If it fills in MORE, I'd be delighted though :).
And yeah, minoxidil is a 'lifetime' commitment, and that's really intimidating (though frankly, moisturiser and tooth brushing are the same: they just become part of your daily routine, so this is no different).
I used Nizoral in the beginning when I was blasting it with everything I had, but never bought any after the first bottle ran out. I'm glad it's be working for you. Since I was doing a bunch of things (Minoxidil, Nizoral, biotin, zinc, Vit C), it's hard to tell what worked and what didn't. I have a spreadsheet to document what I'm using/not using over time to try and see the impact as I swap things in and out (holy nerd alert!! :)). Maybe I should try Nixoral again now that I seem to be plateauing.
If my hair stays how it is now, I'm pretty happy: I no longer worry about styling it to hide the thin hair at the temples which was the biggest thing for me. If it fills in MORE, I'd be delighted though :).
July 21, 2016
Great point about the analogy to tooth brushing & moisturiser :) Yeah, the Nizoral defintitely gave a thickening effect pretty much right away for me (and the totally unexpected result of actually softer, cleaner feeling hair) but I wouldn't say there's been noticeably increasing effects....or maybe slightly. I laughed at the 'nerd alert' bit - I'm not detail-oriented enough to do spreadsheets but massively admire people like you who do and can therefore give more accurate results than my vague comments (I think, fairly sure, seems....etc.). But the biggest issue for me that I don't think you have is my crown getting thinner (I'm 65 so older than you) and the Nizoral helped with that, which made me very happy. Didn't totally take care of it to my - possibly unrealistic but e'er hopeful - standards but improvement is always nice! I hear you on the trying a bunch of things; I have a tendency to do that too...with my skin I"ve gone on Vit C serum with Vit E and ferulic acid, Retin A, hyaluronic acic, all sorts of peptides and....I think that's it. So there's some small improvements there too but hard to know what did it! Too impatient I guess to try one at a time. There's a guy on youtube "Stephen" who took a similar approach he called "blitzkrieging". He's a Scotsman and quite a character, he rambles a bit but has tried a ton of stuff and has amazing results. It's from him I heard about Nizoral. He's not selling anything for any Real Self people so hopefully I can post his channel here in case you're interested. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1zcsNBA3QY
July 21, 2016
Hey girls, I just started Rogaine foam for women at 5%. Been on for 3 weeks now, had increased shedding for sure. It looks a bit worse now than 3 weeks ago. I hope it starts growing. I am 44 and my thinning is mostly down my part and in the front so its hard to cover. I am also on spiro 200mg a day. My derm said this is the best combo with the Rogaine for Women and she herself uses it. Good luck to all of you trying it!
July 21, 2016
Suzanne, are you thinking of writing a review? Would like to know how you progress.
July 21, 2016
suzanneabby: Hi there :)
The fear of the initial increased shedding was a thing that made me scared to try it, but by the time I did, I was shedding so much it could hardly get worse (I was lucky, it didn't).
I've never heard of spiro: thanks for that. I'll look into it.
Good luck with it. It's slow going, but for me at least, it DOES work.
The fear of the initial increased shedding was a thing that made me scared to try it, but by the time I did, I was shedding so much it could hardly get worse (I was lucky, it didn't).
I've never heard of spiro: thanks for that. I'll look into it.
Good luck with it. It's slow going, but for me at least, it DOES work.
July 22, 2016
Yes, I will write a review once I see if it worked. It's only been 3 weeks now, so hard to tell. So far I just use the foam before bed every night. I really only put it down my part and a little on the sides of the part. My scalp feels weird sometimes, like an itching tingling feeling. I hope that is new hair sprouting but it could be more hair shedding. I had that feeling before the Rogaine too though.
August 9, 2016
Do you still use rogaine? Do you need to wash hair everyday
August 10, 2016
Yes, I'm still using it: it's pretty much a lifetime deal (though I will probably see what happens if I stop at some point.
And no, I don't. I wash my hair every 4 days or so.
And no, I don't. I wash my hair every 4 days or so.
August 10, 2016
How long is now you are using rogaine? Is it still beneficial? Don't your hair get sticky or ichy if you don't wash your hair everyday. Thx for responding
August 10, 2016
It's about 9 and a half months now. I'm not sure if I'm still making gains because if I have it's a lot slower, but obviously it's still required to KEEP the hair.
I've seen other people complain about rogaine making their hair greasy or stiff or something, but I'm using a generic minoxidil and it does nothing to my hair day to day and it's not itchy. It's pretty much like putting water on my head.
I've seen other people complain about rogaine making their hair greasy or stiff or something, but I'm using a generic minoxidil and it does nothing to my hair day to day and it's not itchy. It's pretty much like putting water on my head.
August 10, 2016
Thx for your help, I still couldn't decide that should I start or not . I m afraid of initial shedding. I m losing hair now from 10 months and I don't have courage to lose more
August 10, 2016
You're so welcome, and I completely understand your concern. Fear of the initial shedding was a huge factor for me too. I think you almost have to get to the 'well, it can't get any worse' stage before the risk seems worth it.
For what it's worth, I didn't notice any MORE shedding when I started, so I think I really was at the 'can't get any worse' stage.
Good luck.
For what it's worth, I didn't notice any MORE shedding when I started, so I think I really was at the 'can't get any worse' stage.
Good luck.
October 28, 2016
October 28, 2016
January 28, 2017
I'm looking on line for Minoxidil and here in US we have the Minoxidil at Amazon.com...5% BUT it says for Men, I don't see any for woman. I know you're using a generic, did you have to get it from a pharmacist? And was it just for Women? My brother use to use it, I know it works.
January 29, 2017
They market 5% for men and 2% for women: there is no 5% "for women". The makers of minoxidil haven't received FDA approval for promoting 5% minoxidil for use by women. I think because balding men are where the money is and because of the concern about extra hair growth elsewhere with the higher strength.
I buy mine online from ebay: I haven't seen generics in the drug stores here.
I buy mine online from ebay: I haven't seen generics in the drug stores here.
January 29, 2017
I just ordered from Amazon, it for Women under Rogain, has Minoxidil 5%!!! But it's only on the foam, so that will be strange to put in the receding sides of my forehead. It's been like that for years. And I wear side swept bangs, but when I put my hair up, it shows. Can't have it down all the time. Gets too warm.
January 30, 2017
Ha: I stand corrected (and surprised!).
I hope it works for you :). I recommend really good and clear before and after pictures because progress is so slow that it's hard to tell if it's working.
I hope it works for you :). I recommend really good and clear before and after pictures because progress is so slow that it's hard to tell if it's working.
January 30, 2017
Good time for me to start it too, I'm getting a mini Face Lift. But it might end up as a full lower face lift with chin lift. I'll find out tomorrow. But anyway...I won't be going anywhere. So since I'm not doing any eye, forehead and just the lower part. It's a good time to get started on that hairline, the receding is just like your photos before!!!
January 30, 2017
Ooh, exciting times! Good luck!!
As a FYI, I got a hair colour & cut today. Two hairdressers I don't know did different things with my hair.
H1 (needing to mix more colour): Her hair is so thick!
H2: REALLY thick!
Me: :)))))
As a FYI, I got a hair colour & cut today. Two hairdressers I don't know did different things with my hair.
H1 (needing to mix more colour): Her hair is so thick!
H2: REALLY thick!
Me: :)))))
April 7, 2017
I saw dermatologist and commenced Minoxidil in tablet form combined with Spironolactone, specifically compounded tablet, Minoxidil 0.25mg with Spiro 25mg. It has only been two months...no results so far! I see someone else on Spiro 200mg!
June 2, 2017
I was on spiro 200mg for about 6-8 months. I gradually went down to 100mg a day and I hope I can just stay at this amount so I don't have such a dry mouth. So far my hair is doing OK, its not as good as it used to be but its not getting any worse. I have not stressed about it in months so something is working. I would find a dr to give you 100mg, I do not think 25mg is enough for people with hairloss. Its fine for people with acne though.
UPDATED FROM Aus50
4 months post
4 months post
Aus50February 17, 2016
A quick update to say this:
While I saw marked improvements over the first 3 months (per the photos), I was still shedding like a walking hairball. That was pretty normal to me from a pretty young age: My hair would fall out around the house, when I ran my fingers through it, on my favourite spot on the couch, and always a handful in the drain when I washed it. The issue in the last few years is that it obviously wasn't growing BACK as fast.
So the improvement I saw in the first three months was new growth and it was DESPITE the fact that I was still losing as much as ever.
In the last 3-4 weeks, my hair loss has slowed to almost nothing. I'm not sure if this is just part of the normal hair growth cycle and the shedding will pick up again, but just pointing it out to say that if this is part of minoxidil doing its thing and my mad shedding is done for real, it's taken 3.5 to 4 months for the hair loss to slow.
So now I'm getting a double whammy of new hair growth PLUS no shedding. Looking forward to seeing what that actually looks like (though honestly, I'm really happy with where my hair is at now, so anything more is a bonus).
Pics are before starting vs now (wow!), and then last month vs now. I'm still seeing visible improvement around the hairline in the last month. In particular right at the top where my hair looks thicker and less 'peach-fuzzy'.
Hair growth elsewhere is okay: I imagine it's slowed, but I can't be sure (maybe I'm just getting used to it). None of it is noticeable to others, and I've not felt the need to deal with any extra hair on my face since last month, so it's obviously nothing I'm worrying about.
While I saw marked improvements over the first 3 months (per the photos), I was still shedding like a walking hairball. That was pretty normal to me from a pretty young age: My hair would fall out around the house, when I ran my fingers through it, on my favourite spot on the couch, and always a handful in the drain when I washed it. The issue in the last few years is that it obviously wasn't growing BACK as fast.
So the improvement I saw in the first three months was new growth and it was DESPITE the fact that I was still losing as much as ever.
In the last 3-4 weeks, my hair loss has slowed to almost nothing. I'm not sure if this is just part of the normal hair growth cycle and the shedding will pick up again, but just pointing it out to say that if this is part of minoxidil doing its thing and my mad shedding is done for real, it's taken 3.5 to 4 months for the hair loss to slow.
So now I'm getting a double whammy of new hair growth PLUS no shedding. Looking forward to seeing what that actually looks like (though honestly, I'm really happy with where my hair is at now, so anything more is a bonus).
Pics are before starting vs now (wow!), and then last month vs now. I'm still seeing visible improvement around the hairline in the last month. In particular right at the top where my hair looks thicker and less 'peach-fuzzy'.
Hair growth elsewhere is okay: I imagine it's slowed, but I can't be sure (maybe I'm just getting used to it). None of it is noticeable to others, and I've not felt the need to deal with any extra hair on my face since last month, so it's obviously nothing I'm worrying about.
Replies (5)
April 14, 2016
Could you tell me if your thinning was only around the temples? Any thinning on the crown or top of the head?
Thank you. You do have fabulous results! I am impressed.
Thank you. You do have fabulous results! I am impressed.
April 15, 2016
It was most obvious around the hairline (not least because that's what I could see every day), and there were no obvious 'balding' spots elsewhere, but my hair was just super thin all over, so I think the hair loss was pretty generalised.
In the first photo, you can get an idea of the general volume of hair last year vs after minoxidil. I actually find it really hard to be definitive about it because maybe I'd not washed my hair in that before shot, and it was a bit flat or whatever, but it does feel and look thicker in general and all over to me.
In the first photo, you can get an idea of the general volume of hair last year vs after minoxidil. I actually find it really hard to be definitive about it because maybe I'd not washed my hair in that before shot, and it was a bit flat or whatever, but it does feel and look thicker in general and all over to me.
April 17, 2016
Will you have to use it for the rest of your life? If you stop using it will you get hair loss back.
Good results though....can see the difference.
Good results though....can see the difference.
April 19, 2016
Officially speaking, yes, it's a lifetime thing BUT I'm planning to stop it when the baby hairs have grown up and just see what happens.
I've read that some people keep some of it after stopping treatment, and that might be enough. I'm not sure if that retention depends on WHY you were losing hair or what.
I've read that some people keep some of it after stopping treatment, and that might be enough. I'm not sure if that retention depends on WHY you were losing hair or what.
April 20, 2016
Adding a note since you mentioned wanting to try it after chemo:
1. check with your doctor: even though it's topical, it DOES get into the system and it was originally a blood pressure medication
2. IF you use it on an area that would normally grow back (eg chemo hair loss, post surgery hair loss), you will NOT lose the hair afterwards. It just speeds up the process.
1. check with your doctor: even though it's topical, it DOES get into the system and it was originally a blood pressure medication
2. IF you use it on an area that would normally grow back (eg chemo hair loss, post surgery hair loss), you will NOT lose the hair afterwards. It just speeds up the process.
April 21, 2016
What I've read so far it seem it's ok to use it after chemo, but of course I will get verification from my GP before trying it.
The area at the front had always been quite thin since childhood so that's my main concern. Back hair always been very thick so the front fine in more obvious.
Will se safe though, and do heed your advice. You look after me so well Aus. [RS bleep]
The area at the front had always been quite thin since childhood so that's my main concern. Back hair always been very thick so the front fine in more obvious.
Will se safe though, and do heed your advice. You look after me so well Aus. [RS bleep]
April 19, 2016
I heard this works, but also heard that you have to do this treatment forever, because if you quit, your hair will start falling out again like before.
April 19, 2016
Yes, pretty much: I just commented to Polwin that I've read that some people keep some of the hair after stopping. I'm planning to stop in the next few months (scary!) and see what happens. I won't be any worse off if it falls out, so there's really no risk in it.
April 20, 2016
Yay! Very happy for you.
Have you noticed any fat loss in your face? I have heard that can be a problem for some people, sunken eyes, etc.
I am considering using it, would love your feedback. Thank you!
Have you noticed any fat loss in your face? I have heard that can be a problem for some people, sunken eyes, etc.
I am considering using it, would love your feedback. Thank you!
April 20, 2016
Thanks :).
No, I haven't noticed any fat loss. But I have a facelift a few months before starting it, so my face has been traumatised :). You can look at my facelift review photos: I think the last lot was taken 4 months after starting minoxidil: I look the same fat-wise.
No, I haven't noticed any fat loss. But I have a facelift a few months before starting it, so my face has been traumatised :). You can look at my facelift review photos: I think the last lot was taken 4 months after starting minoxidil: I look the same fat-wise.
If it wasn't for the fear of initial shedding, it would be easy: just try it! But I know how scary a prospect that is.
I like the hair-out shot also, but I think the hair-back showing the hairline is more definitive (easier to create genuine like-for-like photos). For me a big thing is feeling the thickness of my ponytail when I pull it back. Huge difference!
Good luck with whatever you decide!