1 out of 4. That’s the average number of men who start losing their hair to male pattern baldness before the age of 30.
This is it.
You are not alone brother; it’s nothing out of the ordinary. As a matter of fact, it’s quite common. Welcome to our club.
Hair loss is a different experience for each individual, and if you don’t care about losing hair, that’s perfectly fine. It’s not always worth stressing over it.
You have a defined jawline, a strong brow ridge, a nice head shape, have the ability to grow a decent amount of facial hair? If so, hair loss may not be a big deal in your case. You won’t lose much (if any) points in the looks department.
But while this holds true for some men, let’s not forget the other side of the coin — men who just don’t look very attractive when they go bald. If you consider yourself a part of this group, then you might want to consider some sort of treatment. Particularly if you’re younger.
So let’s pretend you take action and seek treatment for hair loss. Do a search on Google or Amazon. What do you find?
Spoiler alert: an ocean of snake oil. All imaginable “natural” ways to treat hair loss. Ways that are only effective at emptying your wallet.
When you just start searching for ways to reverse your hair loss, there is a great possibility you will be misled by companies who want to take advantage of your uninformed state.
To find products that actually work you have to dig deeper. It’s going to take you a bit of time to distinguish what works and what’s bullcrap.
That’s why I created this guide. I want to help steer you in the right direction. There are many new treatments and possibly even cures on the horizon, but for now, stick to what is proven to work. After all, the best way to treat hair loss is to start managing it early on. It’s much easier to keep your remaining hair compared to growing it back. And worst case scenario, you will slow it down to a degree it may take several years to show any further recession.
I will begin with what I and countless other men use to manage their hair loss, as well as, talk about the alternative or complementary options, hair loss transplants and other procedures (credit to Dr. Alan Bauman from Bauman Medical), and future treatments for hair loss further down below.
So, without any further ado, let’s being with the hair loss treatments for men that actually work.
Contents:
- The best hair loss treatment for men: The big three
- Additional compatible hair loss treatments
- Hair transplants and other procedures
- Future hair loss treatments
The best hair loss treatment for men: The big three
Years have passed and “the big three” still reign supreme. If you start treating your hair loss with these early on, there is a good chance your hairline will remain intact. So here they are, the best hair loss treatment for men:
1. Finasteride (Propecia)
Ah, yes. Propecia. The infamous male organ destroyer. If you read the hair loss forums on the internet, you can practically hear the screams of the few who supposedly got affected.
I’m no doctor, and while it’s definitely recommended you get one’s opinion before you go on it, there is a possibility some of those claims might be a little bit exaggerated.
Side effects (like loss of libido and erectile dysfunction) affect only a very small percentage of patients. And more often than not, they are just psychological. The chance of you experiencing real side effects is actually very low.
I’m just presenting you my personal experience and overall impression of the drug after reading a ton of user feedback online and hearing dozens of real-life testimonies.
If you have tried the drug and have experienced real side effects, I’m sorry to hear that. You are the 1%.
If you think you might be having side effects, I would suggest you try NoFap. Don’t masturbate, ejaculate, have sex, or even watch porn for that matter for at least one week. One week. Most of you will feel silly for thinking you might have had side effects.
If the problem persists, consult with your doctor. (You might also be interested in how to alleviate those side effects).
One more thing: be extra careful if you plan on buying finasteride online. Be sure it’s a reputed website. One I would recommend is Baldness Doctor.
- So what exactly is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a type II 5α-reductase inhibitor, an enzyme that converts Testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
If your hair follicles are sensitive to DHT they will begin to shrink, and each time they fall out they will become thinner and thinner until they become so small, they become virtually invisible. This is how male pattern baldness operates.
Propecia can suppress as much as 70% of DHT and can do any of the following: slow, halt, or even reverse hair loss in some cases. Here you can find a number of before and after photos.
- How do I get it?
You can get it from your regular doctor, dermatologist, or online. Be wary if you plan on buying it online. It’s easy to get scammed, your identity stolen, or a fake product on dodgy pharmaceuticals websites.
I would recommend you get a prescription from your doctor or an online clinic with a trained, board certified physician.
- How do I take it?
One 1 mg pill every day is the most common way. Some use it every other day or stick to a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule. Some the same effect.
If you want to save money, get a prescription for Proscar (5 mg finasteride) and cut it into four pieces. It will be easier on your wallet.
- When can I see results?
Some users experience regrowth as early as three months, but it may take up to a year. Consider slowing or halting your hair loss a success as well. After all, that’s what Propecia does best, stopping or slowing hair loss. Not regrowing.
Finasteride is FDA approved and arguably the best anti-hair loss mechanism available.
2. Minoxidil (also commonly referred to as Rogaine)
The second member of “the big three” and another extremely effective FDA approved hair loss treatment is minoxidil. Minoxidil was originally an oral medication for high blood pressure. But after a while, patients started reporting hair growth — all over their bodies. And not much longer after, the minoxidil topical solution for treating hair loss was born.
Minoxidil stimulates your hair follicles to grow anywhere you apply it. It works by widening blood vessels, allowing more oxygen, nutrients, and blood to the follicle. Do note, however, it does nothing to prevent the DHT from shrinking your hair follicles.
- Ok, when can I start seeing results?
Results should begin to show anywhere between 2 to 6 months.
- How do I use it?
Apply 1 ml of minoxidil liquid (or 1 foam squeeze, if you are using the foam version) all over the top of your scalp twice per day (with at least an 8-hour window in-between). It takes only a few minutes to apply (even less with the foam version). It’s faster than brushing your teeth.
Some use it only once per day since minoxidil has a half-life of 22 hours. However, Pfizer (the manufacturer of Rogaine) warns it can be less effective this way.
- Where can I get it?
Anywhere. It’s a medicine available over the counter. You can check it out on Amazon in the links below.
- Liquid or foam minoxidil?
Both are equally effective. The topical solution is cheaper, but the foam is easier and faster to apply.
- The box says it works only on the back of the scalp (vertex). Will it work in the front (temples) as well?
You bet. But the test was conducted only on the vertex, that’s why it can only be advertised to work on your crown.
- What are some minoxidil brands?
There are plenty of minoxidil brands: Rogaine (know as Regaine in Europe), Lipogaine, Kirkland Minoxidil, Regenepure, Foligain, etc.
- What are some of the best minoxidil products?
a) Rogaine Topical Aerosol Foam and Rogaine Topical Solution
In the 1980’s, Rogaine was the first brand to patent topical minoxidil as a hair regrowth treatment. After their patent expired in the 90’s, many new generic minoxidil brands began appearing on the market, finally plummeting the price down. Rogaine is a ‘well-tried’ and trusted minoxidil brand.
Both, the liquid and foam versions of Rogaine work equally well. Many prefer the topical aerosol, as it’s faster and easier to apply.
Pros: Known and trustworthy brand, quality ingredients (lower chance of experiencing side effects)
Cons: Higher prices compared to other “regular” minoxidil products
b) Lipogaine For Men
Since the FDA pulled every 10-15% minoxidil and anything containing azelaic acid, the golden days of minoxidil products with added DHT blocking substances are over, and a lot of people went back to using regular 5% minoxidil.
They just are not as effective anymore, but supposedly, they are now safer.
Lipogaine used to have 5% azelaic acid. It later switched to a natural alternative Azetinol to minimize the possible scalp itchiness caused by azelaic acid.
Besides Azetinol, it also contains other ingredients that are proven to prevent hair follicle shrinkage by DHT. For instance; saw palmetto extract, oleic acid, linolenic acid, beta-sitosterol, etc.
Lipogaine is pricier compared to regular 5% minoxidil brands. If you can afford increased price tag, it’s probably a good idea. The added DHT-blocking ingredients will give you a boost, but they can’t compare to finasteride.
Pros: Additional DHT-blocking ingredients
Cons: More expensive compared to “regular” minoxidil products, available only in liquid form
c) Kirkland Minoxidil Foam and Kirkland Minoxidil Topical Solution
Same as Rogaine, but at a lower price.
Why would anyone buy Rogaine if generic brands like Kirkland Minoxidil cost less?
Rogaine supposedly uses better quality ingredients. People report less itchiness, redness, and flakiness when using Rogaine compared to generic brands.
Kirkland minoxidil is cheap. A 6 month supply goes for around $25. This is probably your best budget option.
Pros: Cheap, just as good as other “regular” minoxidil products in terms of effectiveness
Cons: Higher possibility you might experience side effects
Minoxidil is FDA approved, has no chances of sexual side effects, and regarding potency, only second to finasteride.
3. Nizoral (Ketoconazole shampoo)
Nizoral, or rather, ketoconazole, is the third anti hair loss component of “the big three.”
Nizoral is anti-dandruff and anti-fungal shampoo but several studies have confirmed that the active ingredient ketoconazole can help treat hair loss in men with male pattern baldness due to its anti-inflammatory, sebum reduction and anti-androgen qualities.
While not as powerful as finasteride and minoxidil, it’s still an excellent addition to your anti hair loss arsenal. To win this “war” don’t shy away from any powerful “weapon”. Particularly one that’s safe to use.
Nizoral is available in two versions: 1% and 2% ketoconazole, and it’s likely you are going to need a prescription for the 2%.
- How do I use it?
There are no clear guidelines on what’s the best way to use Nizoral. A good rule of thumb would be to use it every other day or at the very least, once per week. Apply it like you would any kind of shampoo, leave it on for 5 – 10 minutes, and then thoroughly wash it off. Don’t let it get into your eyes, trust me, speaking from experience.
Don’t go overboard with Nizoral, if you see your hair becoming brittle over time, cut back.
- 1% or 2%, which one should I use?
Either, they are both effective. The 2% is more potent and may require a prescription. The Nizoral 1% is readily available over the counter.
- Are there any side effects?
Common side effects include mild irritation or stinging.
- How long does it take to see results?
Nizoral should be used in conjunction with finasteride and minoxidil. Don’t use it on its own and expect to see immense results. In the “Nizoral studies”, men with MPB who were using Nizoral lost significantly fewer hairs over the months compared to those who weren’t. Don’t expect to regrow hair using it, but rest assured you hair loss progression is slowed down.
- Are there any other ketoconazole shampoo brands?
You bet. If you are having trouble finding this shampoo in your country, here is a complete list of ketoconazole shampoo brands.
- Are there any others shampoos that are designed to combat hair loss?
An army of them. These also do not contain sodium laureth sulfate, a cheap foaming agent which can cause irritation and inflammation. However, most of them don’t do much. Here’s our guide to hair loss shampoos that actually work.
Additional compatible hair loss treatments
1. Dutasteride (
Dutasteride is a dual 5-α reductase inhibitor manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline under the name “Avodart.” Its primary use is to treat BHP (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
Avodart is essentially a much stronger Propecia. It reduces significantly more serum DHT, and accompanying that, a higher chance of side effects. Dutasteride inhibits both Type 1 and Type 2 5-α reductase, while finasteride inhibits only Type 2.
To get Avodart, you will have to convince your doctor to give you a prescription. Personally, I’m on it for the last 6 months and have absolutely no side effects. (Your experience may differ).
I would suggest you try finasteride first, and if that does not work, start considering Avodart.
2. RU58841
RU58841 is an experimental drug for topical treatment of androgenetic alopecia, acne, and hirsutism.
Since the drug is applied topically, it shouldn’t have systemic effects like oral treatments.
How RU58841 works is instead of suppressing DHT (like finasteride, dutasteride, and ketoconazole), it prevents it from attaching to hair follicles.
For now, the drug is only intended as a research chemical, but you can still buy it online on several websites for “research purposes.”
3. Derma Roller
The Derma Roller is a small plastic roller with numerous small needles, designed to improve skin and help treat hair loss by rolling it on the affected area.
Originally, the Derma Roller was just a tool for skin care, but a later study confirmed that if used on the scalp in conjunction with minoxidil, it can help regrow hair better compared to just using minoxidil alone.
Dermarolling will cause small incisions on your skin, which shouldn’t hurt or cause bleeding. It can leave your skin reddish after use.
The way it is supposed to work is by causing minor damage to your skin it will start to heal and regenerate. This will increase collagen production and better absorb nutrients.
While there is some evidence the Derma Roller works, it’s efficacy is still widely debatable and has sparked controversy.
There are people online who claim it does wonders for them, as well as an equal amount of those who believe it doesn’t do jack, and may even be harmful.
If you want to try the Derma Roller, I would go easy — don’t use it more than once a week, and don’t apply minoxidil on the day you do.
You can find a lot more information and read real user experiences (with pictures) in this massive thread.
4. Topical Spironolactone
Spironolactone (Aldactone) is primarily used to treat fluid build-up due to heart failure, kidney disease, or liver scarring. It’s also used for treating high blood pressure, low blood potassium, excessive hair growth in women, and transgender hormone therapy.
While that is not our goal, when applied topically, spironolactone has some evidence it blocks DHT from binding to your hair follicle receptors without going systemic and causing side effects.
Topical spironolactone is a weak topical DHT blocker. Some users swear by it, but the general tone is that spironolactone is not as effective as finasteride. If you are concerned about the side effects of finasteride, it may be worth giving topical spironolactone a try.
Topical spironolactone can be bought here. I would suggest you use it in combination with other, strong DHT blockers.
Hair Transplants and other procedures
(This section was provided by Dr. Alan Bauman, an ABHRS-board certified and IAHRS-accepted medical and surgical hair restoration specialist).
The best option for many patients with significant hair loss is hair transplantation. Not your father’s “hair plugs” anymore, advances in artistry and minimally-invasive surgical techniques can comfortably undetectably restore hairlines and coverage. Hair transplants are used to permanently restore living and growing hair to an area of the scalp that is depleted of hair follicles.
FUE SmartGraft
Before and 12 Months After NeoGraft FUE hair transplant by Dr. Alan Bauman.
SmartGraft is a new, breakthrough device that helps surgeons and their specialized teams perform FUE or Follicular Unit Extraction hair transplantation. Less invasive than traditional linear “strip” harvesting, Follicular Unit Extraction uses no scalpel, no stitches, no staples in the donor area–allowing for faster healing, less discomfort after transplantation, quicker return to athletic activity and leaving absolutely NO tell-tale linear scar. It yields only grafts which contain as little as a single hair follicle, which — when used artistically — can result in a 100% natural appearance.
Working just like a precise microsurgical extension of the human hand, SmartGraft’s all-in-one ergonomic handpiece and storage system was designed to help accurately separate, extract and store FUE grafts during hair transplantation. Fewer steps, less handling, and manual transferring of grafts allows the FUE procedure to be accomplished at a faster speed, reduced risks of graft failure and poor growth quality as well as with improved patient comfort.
FUE grafts are fragile and can still result in an unnatural appearance if careful planning and artistry are not used, so choose an experienced, credentialed FUE hair transplant expert.
COST: The cost of an FUE SmartGraft hair transplant will vary by patient, but ranges from $8,000 to $20,000 per procedure.
ARTAS FUE
Before and 12 Months After ARTAS FUE hair transplant by Dr. Alan Bauman
The first robot designed to help surgeons perform a portion of the hair transplant procedure recently became FDA approved. Called the ARTAS Robotic-Assisted FUE System by Restoration Robotics, it’s an image-guided robot with micron-level precision that harvests up to 1,000 hair grafts per hour – which has made hair transplant surgery even more accurate and efficient.
As with any new technology, there is still a lot of educating that needs to happen, at both the physician and consumer level, when talking about robotic hair transplants. Some people have the misconception that the ARTAS robot is operating on it own when, in reality, the robot is simply an extension of the operator, working within parameters programmed by the surgeon. Its effectiveness, therefore, is tied directly to the expertise of the surgeon and the end result — as with any hair transplant — is only as natural as the artistic skills of the surgeon behind the machine.
COST: The cost of an ARTAS-assisted FUE hair transplant will vary by patient, but typically ranges from $8,000 to $20,000 per procedure.
PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma
“Vampire PRP Hair Growth,” or Platelet-Rich Plasma is one of the hottest new non-invasive treatments to become available for hair loss sufferers.
Here’s how it works: Using special equipment and a centrifuge, a patient’s own blood is separated and concentrated to enhance the number of platelets and key growth factors. That Platelet-Rich Plasma is then comfortably applied into the scalp, where it revives dying follicles and regrows weak hair.
Dr. Alan Bauman preparing the PRP treatment.
PRP for Hair Growth has become one of the most exciting recent breakthroughs in hair restoration, and is not only showing positive results as a stand-alone treatment, it has proved to be a valuable tool during hair transplantation as well. During the transplant process, PRP has been shown to strengthen non-transplanted hair, minimize donor scarring and accelerate wound healing. In addition, PRP has also been reported to improve graft survival and accelerate the growth of the transplanted hair.
In addition to its effectiveness in treating certain types of hair loss, a growing number of patients are drawn to PRP because of its comfortable, quick and non-invasive nature. This outpatient procedure takes about one hour and requires no downtime for patients, which means you could literally have it performed during your lunch hour and return to your activities of daily life immediately.
The use of PRP “enhancements” such as Extracellular Matrix (ECMs) as well as Stem Cells/Signaling Cells can be added to the PRP to enhance it’s hair growth properties and prolong its effects. When PRP is performed without these enhancements, multiple repeat treatments are needed as often as every other month. Research has shown that the use of ECMs like ACell–derived from porcine/pig bladder, BioD–derived from donated healthy human placenta, Adipose-Derived Stem/Signalling Cells–harvested and separated from the patient’s own fat, and even special exosome preparations can help strengthen the effectiveness and lengthen the duration of the results from a single PRP treatment.
COST: PRP with ECMs, adipose-derived stem cells or other “enhancements” for hair regrowth may range from $2600 to $5900
Future hair loss treatments
There is a great deal of future hair loss treatments and possible cures in development. Unfortunately, these won’t be available anytime soon. And when they will finally hit the market, they likely won’t come cheap.
HairLossTalk.com has created a great looking visual “pipeline” of the upcoming treatments from plenty of different companies, institutions, and research facilities:
Conclusion
The big three are still the best anti-hair loss regime for most men who just started losing their hair. They are safe, inexpensive, take little time to apply, and best of all, they work. However, If your hair is beyond the Norwood 3 scale, you might want to be looking into other solutions, like a hair transplant. The big three are much more effective at keeping your hair, not regrowing it.
If you have a friend who is experiencing hair loss and is bothered by it, have him read this article. Friends don’t let friends buy snake oil.
For any questions, constructive criticism, experiences, thoughts or ideas, leave a comment below. I would be happy to make any changes if any of my facts are wrong and update the article with new information.
You might also like:
How to Stop Hair Loss in Men & Women Using These 15 Methods
Hair Transplant: Should You Get One? (Everything You Need to Know)
Best Hair Loss Shampoos for Men & Women That Actually Work
Best Hair Growth Products for Men & Women That Work
Best Natural DHT Blockers for Men & Women That Work
How To Alleviate Propecia Side Effects Naturally
Best Laser Combs & Systems for Hair Growth That Work
Best Oils For Hair Growth & Thickness (Men & Women)
Best Castor Oils For Hair Growth You’ll Like Applying
(Some links in this article are subject to advertisement)
- 172Shares
Does Rogaine become less effective over time? I am on the recipe of rogaine foam 5%, nizoral shampoo and saw palmetto extract. It’s been quite a success since I can feel the roots got thicker. I contribute the success to proper applications of rogaine. if all goes okay, I will stick to this recipe for the rest of my life. my only worry is whether Rogaine will go down in the effect after years like my body growing drug resistance or DHT going overload to break the balance.
Rogaine, if not combined with something to inhibit DHT, will become less effective over time. You can be sure of that. Saw Palmetto extract may not be enough.
my problem is same as Jon . i also suffer from depression then my hair getting fall. but now I overcame depression but not from hair loss
Thank you for making such a detailed guide for me. I’ve been looking for similar articles where I could openly and get an answer to a specific question. Thank you so much for helping me with this. I saw in the comments; you helped not only me, keep making such useful articles.
Hey there! I am wondering on what you think about Monat? I am 17 about to turn 18 and my hair is already thinning quite a bit. I had looked at this product before but wasn’t sure on its authenticity. Not only that, but the price is $$$$
I haven’t delved too much into it, to be honest, so don’t take my word 100%. But just from looking at it from the surface, it may be a multi-level marketing scheme and has many class action suits against them. I see those as red flags. I would personally stay away and keep using the relatively cheaper tried and true products.
I have read/heard that these topicals and orals (not transplants) may not work for Black people hair. On the other hand I think the biological make-up of any hair is the same and maybe it it is the underlying skin type that makes for different outcome. Any thoughts please before I invest in a solution?
Can you please give a source for your claims? Though I highly doubt that’s true, I’d love to investigate.
Hi Domen, great article! It sorted things out for me regarding my knowledge on hair loss fixes.
I’m 33 years old. I’ve been using Finasteride (1mg) for over 3+ years now, and it really stopped my hair loss. I say I’m a living proof of the effectiveness of this drug. And yes it really lowered my libido. But then in these past days, I felt this pain around my testicles. Then my leg became partly numb. I tried to experiment on how to stop the pain and numbness by stopping Finasteride for a while. Sequentially, the pain and the numbness went away after stopping it. I’m afraid of coming back on drinking Finasteride again.
1. Is it safer to use Dutasteride as an alternative?
2. For hair growth effectiveness, when price is not a problem, which of the two brands would you recommend more, Minoxidil Kirkland or Lipogaine, foam or topical, and how many % ?
(I now got interested on using one of these two brands upon reading this article because my hair has not been growing more since I’ve only been using Finasteride only to stop my hair loss)
3. Also, would you recommend using the Big 3 while using a laser cap?
Hey Noel,
I’m on finasteride (1.25 mg) for 4 years and dutasteride (0.5 mg) for about a year. Zero side effects.
1. Dutasteride is more powerful than finasteride, so there is actually a high chance of experiencing side effects.
2. Lipogaine. 5%.
3. Yes, it would work in conjunction. Try the “dermaroller” as well. Some swear by it.
Hi,
Once I start using Rogaine, do I need to continue forever, or should/can stop at some time? Read on https://www.mensjournal.com/style/6-best-fixes-hair-loss/ that once you stop using , even hair you wanted to preserve will get off.
Hey Marin,
Yes. You need to continue forever.
I had hair problems issues like dandruff, hair fall and lots more. Frankly speaking tried many allophathic hair products but i was not satisfied with the results of that products… Then someone suggested me ayurvedic product then for trial i bought 3 months package and i started getting results and i complete my course as suggested by Dr. Vipul. Now i am satisfied with my hair and thanks to arogyam hair care kit… Thanks once again.
Hey Domen,
This really a great post! I have some questions to ask but everybody else does it for me. So I decided to give you thanks for your helpful answer.
Glad to help, Dean.
I’ve set up an doctors appointment for next wednesday to get Propecia. What’s you suggestion on the best routine for using it. I’ve been leaning towards either every other day or monday, Wednesday and friday. I heard of one guy who doing it twice a week which is interesting.
It seems to me like lipogaine might actually provide more hair loss fighting ingredients that just rogaine. Would you recommend lipogaine over regular minoxidil for that reason?
Yes. But do note it’s only available in liquid form and costs more compared to regular minoxidil.
What should I be using for early stages of hair loss? I have some thinning around my crown. It’s not too bad, but it’s obviously not going to get any better. Should I just be using a shampoo for hairloss, or more serious measures like Reganine or Fin tablets etc? I don’t mind, but I don’t want to use products that could somehow make the situation worse. Thanks.
Get on the real stuff I mentioned in the article. No half measures. You’ll thank yourself later.
Domen, This is really great hair loss information for your visitors. Thank you for including my information on FUE hair transplant techniques using the ARTAS robotic-assisted system and the latest SmartGraft FUE device. If your visitors have any questions about hair transplants, PRP using ACEll or BioD placental-derived ECM, laser therapy for hair regrowth, or powerful topicals like Formula 82M, etc. they can post them here on your page or at http://www.baumanmedical.com/ask-a-question and I would be happy to answer them. Regards, Dr. Alan J. Bauman, MD, ABHRS, FISHRS, IAHRS – Bauman Medical Hair Transplant & Hair Loss Treatment Center
Dr. Alan, you are welcome and thank you for your help.
What are your thoughts on the new Subscriptions out there like ForHims and Nutrofal? Do you think they are worthwhile to help stop hair loss and possibly regrow hair?
Their websites look pretty and well designed. Though their products are a bit pricier compared what you can get by doing a little research. You are paying for branding and simplicity. Which may not be bad for some people.
very helpful thank you
This was perfect men … i used minoxide regularly but i was hopeless until i was here .. thanx ..
Hey, would you say using just Rogaine would be suitable to regrow hair and retain hair in a male age 25 that is experiencing a receiding hairline or would you highly recommend all 3? Or do you believe that Rogaine is more of a “short term solution” as hair folocales will continue to thin ? ;as stated about the benefits of Finasteride .. thanks
You can try using just minoxidil but I’m confident you will wish you would have started all three since the beginning. Like you said, using just minoxidil won’t do anything to address the reason why you’re losing hair in the first place. It will just slow your hair loss, not stop it.
Totally agree with the derma roller. It does help with better absorption when used with minoxidil or other topical treatments.
Hello – thanks for the article. Are the pills (Finasteride, Proscar, Dutasteride) only available by prescription? My doctor is very skeptical – and bald! Also any recommendations about where I can buy Proscar on-line in Canada? The Baldness Doctor link in your site only ships to a few southern states.
Hi, I’m not sure about Canada. But usually, yes. Why not just ask another doctor?
Hi Domen,
Thanks for the article with great info. I’ve been taking minoxidil 5% for the last 2 years. I’ve tried a generic minoxidil brand and also Kirkland to no effect. I’ve been hoping it’s maybe slowed the hair loss process. The hair around my crown just keeps getting thinner. Do you think changing to another “better quality” brand like Lipogaine or Rogaine could work? Or does it appear that any minoxidil brand is not going to work?
I’ve looked into taking finasteride. My father was prescribed it about 30 years ago for some minor prostate issues. After taking it for a year he said it had no effect on his hair regrowth. Do you think since it had no effect on my father, it will not effect me? I’m just a bit worried about giving it a shot after reading articles like this https://raypeatforum.com/community/threads/finasteride-causes-physical-damage-to-nerves-depression-ed-steroid-imbalance.16979/#post-230383
Hi Ben,
Switching to Lipogaine might yield better results, but Rogaine is the same thing as Kirkland minoxidil.
Finasteride is best at halting hair loss, not regrowing hair. That’s why your father probably didn’t see any effects.
And don’t bother reading those types of articles, they will just get in your head and make you experience side effects psychologically. If finasteride would be so detrimental to your health, it wouldn’t be available to the general public. There are millions of men taking it with no side effects who just go on about their lives, without reading paranoid articles on online forums.
Hey Domen,
I started using rogaine about 2 years ago. It seems to work better on the top of my head than it does on my hairline. The thing I don’t like about rogaine is it makes my scalp very itchy and flaky. Do you think I would have anything to lose by switching to the lipogaine? And what products other than propecia would you roccomend I add to my regimine. Thanks man. Great article btw
Hey Hayden,
Thanks! You definitely wouldn’t lose anything by switching to Lipogaine — quite probably it would be even more beneficial. Other than Propecia, I would use a hair loss shampoo and possibly look into dutasteride (I take 0.5 mg twice per week with zero side effects, but my crown is becoming thicker).
Hi, am not promoting any product, just sharing my experience honesty, I have always had fine, thin hair but just recently I’ve become very self-conscious about my scalp showing. I’m only 24 years old and thought this was not the age I should start balding! I’ve tried everything – Biotin, Minoxidil, many type of hair growth supplement. Yes, these supplements supported hair growth but they did not support hair re-growth like Kesha Vardhani did. I’ve been using Kesha Vardhani for six months and hope to continue it.
Hi Domen,
Thanks for a great article!
I just have one quick question about the ketoconazole shampoo, should I use Nizoral 1% or 2%?
(It seems like my hair/scalp gets more dry from the 2%)
Best,
Casper
Hey Casper,
Interesting. For better results, go with the 2%. The 1% is not as effective. Are you sure it’s the ketoconazole making your scalp dry and not some other ingredient like SLS? How often do you use it?
I use Nizoral (1%) 2-3 times a week.
I’ll give Nizoral 2% a try then, two times a week, and “La Roche-Posay Kerium Extra Gentle Shampoo” once a week, to help my scalp get less dry.
Like this:
Mondag: Nizoral 2%
Wednesday: Nizoral 2%
Friday/saturday: La Roche-Posay Kerium Extra Gentle Shampoo
Thanks 🙂
Domen, Great article, I’m 47 and I’ve been on finansreride and RegenPure DR shampoo for 3 years and don’t have much hair loss any more. However, all the loss happened prior. Do you think getting on minoxodil could help with new growth? Or transplant is the only option ?
Minoxidil is definitely worth a try before you do a hair transplant. It works differently compared to finasteride, instead of addressing the main cause of hair loss (DHT), it focuses on regrowing hair. So since you’ve got the DHT part covered by finasteride, there’s a good change minoxidil might regrow some hair and help stop future hair loss.
Thank You, Hrovatin for this informative blog on hair loss treatment, I have been suffering from it some months ago and now I am enjoying my life to get rid of from it by PRP method. Thanks to this treatment and the guys who helped me a lot.
Thanks for this. Im 37 and the MPB came on strong about 2 years ago. I have been using minoxidil for about 8 months. Im not sure its working so great, getting pretty discouraged, but always good to know theres people out there in the same boat with the same worries and problems. Thanks again for the advice.
Thanks for your article.
Domen,
24 y/o male. Thinking of starting the big 3 as my hair is a distinct v shape now. Best plan of attack. Get on fin 1mg daily, do I need to use the min all over my head or just the temple areas where it has receeded? That part confuses me the most, why would I need to use it all over my head if only my temples and hairline have receeded?
Also, common sense right, if I see sides on the fin, get off if it immediately right?
Matt,
You can get away with using it only where your hair has receded, but I would apply it all over my scalp to help prevent further recession. If you experience side effects talk to your doctor. But keep in mind they may well be just psychological.
Derma roller may be a good hair loss treatment for others but results may vary. Needles sticking in your skin is still a different matter and needs to be given enough thought before using. The idea of using one is to open up closed pores to take in nutrients for a healthier outcome.
Hey man this was life saving article for me thank you so much… but I’ve still a doubt on finasteride. I saw many articles on finasteride all were negative about side affects.. My doctor advised me to take finasteride of 2.5mg daily for 90days.. what do you think is it good advice to take finasteride of 2.5mg daily??? I’m too young to lose my sex drive
Hi Sid. I believe 1 – 1.25 mg daily should be enough. Well, finasteride causes negative sexual side effects in less than 1% of users. So I wouldn’t stress over it.
Thank you for the insightful article. To be clear, you recommend taking the “big 3” together at the same time? Or just choose 1 option from the list of the “big 3”? I just started heavily thinning and am searching everywhere to figure out how to slow it, and your site was the best I’ve found!
Thank you. All 3 together at the same time, yes.
This was a question I was going to ask. Sorta. I’m researching this for my son, who is experiencing early hair loss (runs in the family). I thought that it was a choice between the three types, but apparently not. So all three together then. Hmm, OK.
Absolutely, Cyn. They compliment each other.
Thanks for such an informative article!
If you scared to do Hair transplant and want the solution to hide your baldness instantly then try Toppik Hair products . It’s a Hair Building Fiber and work amazingly .I am also a user of it and there is no any kind of risk You can find it at http://www.toppik.pk
This is my great pleasure to visit your website and to enjoy the reading of your excellent post here. Thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this post. Keep it up for good work.
This article is COMPREHENSIVE and sticks to the tried and tested (read scientifically proven) treatment methods. For me, if you’re suffering from pattern baldness, then the best chance you have is the Big Three. That said, it is worth potentially trying other, more natural, treatments if your hair loss isn’t aggressive and if you have an aversion to medicated products. I’m not talking about snake oil here. There are some treatments out there that, while not a primary treatment mode, can help to at least arrest hair loss in milder cases. As always with hair loss it’s a question of probabilities. I don’t think I’ve come across a product that works 100% of the time for 100% of the people. But the best chance undoubtedly comes with the FDA approved products to date. Also loved the future pipeline chart. Fantastic view of what will (hopefully) be more effective treatments in the future.
A great article. Appreciate the replies in the comments as well.
I am thinking of using minoxidil to spot treat part of my receding hairline. The patchiness is not really that bad and it’s been concentrated on one side for a few years without getting worse, but I can’t really change the style of my hair much, and that’s the biggest issue for me since I get bored very easily.
That said, it seems that spot treating with minoxidil does work (even for the front of the hair), but my concern is that I read that after a few months minoxidil can cause shedding in other parts of the hair, even when not applied to those sections. Do you know anything about this?
Also, what do you make of DHT lowering foods and their effect on hair? I have read about flaxseed, which I occasionally eat, but haven’t noticed any difference in hair health.
Thanks.
Shedding is normal in the beginning stages of starting hair loss treatments. The thin hairs are being pushed out and replaced by thicker ones.
As for DHT lowering foods, here’s an article that might interest you.
No matter for how long you are suffering from baldness problem. Hair Transplant can be helpful to you all to be young and get back your lost hair. Hair Transplantation is of two types FUE (no scar at nape after the operation) or FUT (there is a risk about scar like a thin line at nape).
http://naturalhairtransplant.co.in/chennai/
Hae, thnx for the infor, just to ask for the best rogaine to use coz my lose of hair stated from part of the front & a small part at the back & the way I see it my be in some years if I don’t do something the front part and the back will combine to make a big bald. Any advice on which to use to fill the two gaps.
I have a crazy idea and was wondering what your opinion is. I am a female who takes Ginet a contraceptive pill with cyproterone acetate in it. My boyfriend is balding what if I crushed these pills and made into a cream for him to apply to his head?
Sara, that probably wouldn’t be the best idea. You don’t want to you boyfriend to be a lab rat for these type of experiments, it’s dangerous. There is a possibility the drug could go systemic and cause all kinds of hormonal problems.
Am using KESHA VARDHANI hair oil for almost a month. Purchased this a couple of bottles already. Wife said hair becomes thicker and really seems to be working (Regrowth of new hair). Tried other brand and did not work as good as this brand. A little on the expensive side but quality seems to be there compare to other brands. Try it for yourself to checkout to result.
Thank you for the post.
Hi ,great blog by the way.
I’m 55 years old and have noticed hair thinning on the top of my scalp could you tell me the best treatment available to prevent further thinning as with all the information on hair loss I’m finding the right solution to my problem rather confusing
Hey Julian,
Basically, get on “The Big Three”: finasteride, minoxidil, and a ketoconazole shampoo.
I noticed I was going bald, I panicked and turned the internet upside down in search of a solution and tried lots of products and weird things but none worked. a friend who used to tease me about the hair (in a bid to tease me further) bought a product from Africa during his travels and he mockingly gave me as a present.I tried it and the result is unbelievable. infact he had to call his contacts in Africa to get in touch with the manufacturers. I know how frustrating and confidence-sapping being bald is that’s why I took this painstaking mission to reveal to any who wants to try it. you can contact the manufacturers on (***censored***@gmail.com)I hope this message helps.
Riiiiiiiiiiight.
This does not sound like a scam at all.
/end sarcasm
I find it misleading that you characterise finasteride as ‘safe’. Even the original studies by Merck decided on an incidense of side-effects of about 3% comapred to placebo. those seemed to be reversible by stopping treatment, but still. people should decide for themselves how much risks they’re willing to take to cure they’re hair-loss.
Is there a reason the FDA asked the manufacturers to remove azelaic acid from their products. If it’s beneficial which from what I’ve read I think it will be I was thinking of adding it to the minoxidil but I don’t want to do it if there is a risk to my health.
If I recall correctly, it was because it increased the possibility of sunburn.
Hi
Very helpful and informative blog!
I used propecia in the past combined with minoxidil provided by my hairloss clinique. They have provided me with a liquid form of minoxidil which has caused me itchness wherever I applied it so I have given up using minoxidil however I noticed the combination of these two has made the best results and my hair started to grow back.
I red somewhere in a blog that one of the ingredients of minoxidil products causing itchness so I was just wondering wether do you know what ingredients it is if yes does any minoxidil products comes without that ingredients?
Thanks
Henry
Hey,
That’s probably the alcohol. There are actually “low alcohol” minoxidil solutions available. Or, try the foam version.
I remember years back when I first tried minoxidil it was in liquid form, and for the first 5 days, my scalp was itching red. After that, my body got used to it and the redness went away without changing the product. But maybe that’s just me.
Mr Domen (The GOTO Hair regrowth regime -GOD),
IM 28 and ive been slowly thinking since 22.
Now that I’m going through a divorce and other problems my hairloss is becoming extreme!
I have been religiously taking Proscar 5mg tabs (pharmacy quarters them for me so roughly I take 1.25mg findesteride a day!) For the past 4 months (havent taken ANYTHIG else). I still have very healthy hair up top but its now rapidly falling out.
Money and costs not an issue but my hair is…
Can you please help me start a regime?
Obviously I’ll start taxing the expensive rogaine and the expensive shampoo.
Please help me avoid this embarrassing time, I’ll even pay you to help give me a personal routine. The best of everything with the max amounts of everything…
Please I’m desperate to start today!
Hey Kyle. You are overestimating me, but I’ll take the compliment.
I can’t take you money. But I understand you are frustrated and will try to help by trying to explain this as simple as possible:
1. First, realize it much easier to keep the remaining hair than to regrow with the current treatments.
2. Incorporate the basics: finasteride, minoxidil (preferably one with DHT-blocking ingredients), and a ketoconazole shampoo.
3. Wait for at least 6 months before evaluating the effectiveness of the regime. Preferably up to a year. You are doing yourself a disfavor if you start judging the efficacy before that. You’ll just frustrate yourself.
4. Know that now your hairline is pretty much frozen. Your hair loss will not continue, and if you are lucky you can even possibly regrow hair back. At this point, if you are not happy with the results. You can start considering dutasteride (higher chance of sides) and FUE transplant.
And that’s it.
Though, I’d recommend you NOT go on dutasteride or do a transplant. But rather wait for the new coming treatments.
Good luck.
Domen, enjoy your work. Can you expand on your suggestion regarding not having a transplant and wait for new coming treatments? Is there something on the horizon that you’ve touched on before that I missed seeing?? Is DHI the new gold standard for transplants? To your knowledge, Is this method being used in the states yet? Thanks Sir!
Because a transplant leaves an unnatural hairline if your hair loss progresses. And I don’t know what would happen if you would somehow manage to grow your hair back (hypothetically, using future treatments). Don’t know about DHI.
Appreciate the article.
Do you have any opinions on HairOmega DHT Blocker?
I have been taking this in pill form for 5 years in addition to a ketoconazole shampoo. I am looking to begin a generic finasteride in addition to generic minoxidil. If I begin taking generic finasteride would you recommend that I continue taking HairOmega DHT blocker or would the Minoxidil topical and ketoconazole shampoo be enough?
Much appreciated
Thank you, Turner. Finasteride should be enough. I wouldn’t take more than one oral DHT blocking treatment, but I wouldn’t shy away from using additional topical DHT blockers – like Lipogaine for Men (minoxidil plus DHT blocking ingredients).
My scalp is dry, itchy, and irritated everywhere. I’ve been using H&S Clinical Strength shampoo for 2-3 years and its been pretty good at keeping it under control. I’ve been using rogaine for about 1 year now and I’m trying to avoid propecia if possible. Recently my hairline has quickly recede, and I’m not sure what to do. My friend said to start using nizoral every couple days. Do you recommend Nizoral for every few days? If so, what conditioner do you recommend and what shampoo do you recommend for the other days of the week when not using Nizoral? Thanks for your help – great site.
If you want to keep your hair you should get on finasteride. It’s just the way it is. I’d use Nizoral about twice a week, depending on how your hair reacts to it.
Very informative!
One question though, do we stop using these things after the hair has regrown, or do we keep using it like usual?
Thanks, Ed. I’m afraid if you want to keep your regrown hair you have to use these treatments indefinitely. Otherwise, you’ll lose all your “gains” and be back to the point as if you had never used them. It’s a commitment.
Great article!
I am actually a female but would love to hear your thoughts about the side effects of using minoxidil on skin. Supposedly it impairs collagen production and so speeds up the appearance of wrinkles. Is that true? Is there anything to support that or to disprove that? That is literally the ONLY reason why I am not using minoxidil like… RIGHT now!
Hey, thanks. There is some evidence that may be the case, but I wouldn’t get worried. I’m using minoxidil for almost 4 years now and no wrinkles here.
If you take Finasteride to stop the hair lost and get success. While you put minoxidyl to regrow hair and are also successful with it. Could one stop minoxidyl after he got the good results of hair regrow and keep the new hair has he is taking Finasteride?
In conculsion can you take Finasteride and Minoxidyl to stop losing hair and get it to regrow and once it regow then stop Minoxydyl?
Possibly. But since they (both) don’t provide miracle results, I wouldn’t recommend it. Why risk losing regrown hair? If you get tired of applying minoxidil twice a day, do it just once per day. It still works.
Has anyone had any luck buy propecia online? I would like to buy online but only if someone can give me a suggestion or reference.
What worked for me was doing nothing about losing my hair and just letting nature take its course. My hair started receding in my early 20s, but only a little, then it stopped for about 30 years. Then in my early 50s my hair started receding and thinning very rapidly again. I panicked until my wife told me she loves bald men and had been wishing I would go bald. She talked me into just letting myself go bald. In less than two years I went from norwood 2 or 3 to norwood 6. I don’t regret my decision to go bald and have no desire to regrow my hair. My wife and I really enjoyed watching my hair recede and thin away. I love being bald and you couldn’t pay me to regrow my hair. In retrospect, I wish I had kept on balding in my 20s all the way to norwood 7.
The only downside of baldness is my head gets cold in winter and in summer, sunburn on top of my head really hurts, so I wear a hat.
I’m still not bald enough. I would like my hair to recede a little more off the sides and the back and end up with a smaller fringe of hair. And I would like to lose that last bit of thin ‘peach fuzz’ I still have on top. It is almost invisible and I can hardly feel it, but I know it’s still there.
I think there’s nothing wrong with advertising that propecia side effects are low, its a flat out lie to say they’re impossible. There are thousands of people posting online about the sexual side effects experienced, and many thousands of others who have experienced the side effects and quit without complaining on the internet. On top of that, there are many patients who take proscar to treat BPH, experience sexual side effects, yet don’t complain because they’re treating a more dangerous condition, and they’re typically older men and people incorrectly expects every man north of 50 will be impotent.
Reality is, if finasterise is so safe, why doesn’t merk market this drug as a vaccine for hair loss? For every man north of 18 to take this drug to prevent the possibility of balding? It’s safe, so why not? Truth is the science isn’t clear that either AR inhibition or DHT reduction is safe. All we know is that merk did a study and were able to publish data that suits their agenda.
I have taken Propecia for 5 years. The first couple of years the side effects were minimal, but after they became more severe. Lacking morning wood, reduced ejaculate, reduced penile sensitivity are real issues. You’re be hard pressed to accuse some of suffering the nocebo effect in these instances. In which case you’re telling the person to just ignore the problems.
Try propecia, but just be aware.
What is your opinion on laser combs? I went to the Men’s Club yesterday and they recommended I spend ~$800 to buy a laser band, comb or hat. What is your opinion on how those work? Sounds like snake oil to me. They also recommended I go to my dermatologist to get a prescription to reduce sebum in my hair. I have been on Fin for 11 months, Minox foam 1x/day yet hair shed hasn’t stopped. I do have a prescription for Ketoconazole shampoo but rarely use it. I read in your article that this shampoo does help with Sebum build up so I will try that. Any other recommendations for sebum reduction?
Hey Michael,
This study claims laser therapy does have some sort of effect, but I’ve never found any people who swear by it, like for minoxidil, finasteride, and keto. I wouldn’t waste my money on it. To be honest with you, I’m on minox, fin and keto for about 3 years now and still experience sheds every once in a while. I wouldn’t worry about it. While my hair is shedding my hairline is staying intact. How often do you use the keto shampoo?
Thanks for the help Domen. I currently use keto about once a week but I will ramp up to 3 times a week. I hear that helps for Sebum reduction. Do you agree? In terms of shedding, I shed very consistently . . . .about 15-20 hairs I notice in the shower when I shampoo, 15 hairs when i come out of the shower and comb my hair, another 5 every morning on my pillow and random hairs throughout the day that I notice on my desk.
Hey- no problem. 3 times a week should work. If you see your hair becoming too dry and brittle cut back, use it 1 – 2 times a week.
Thanks. My shedding still hasn’t stopped. Now on month 14 of propecia, + keto + minox. I talked to my Dr about trying DUT . . . he said no given it isn’t FDA approved. But I’m thinking of increasing my dose of propocia from 1.25mg (1/4 of a proscar pill) to 2.5mg (so take half a pill. Anything wrong with doing that???
Increasing to 2.5 mg will inhibit (almost) the same % of DHT as 1.25 mg. So the effect will be the same.
Very educative information, but how can I get the products in Nigeria?
I’d suggest you visit your dermatologist.
By Far, the best article on MPB, i have read, Thanks Domen, this goes into my Favorites list.
Thanks Vikas, I appreciate it.
Does Minoxidil work on the chest too?
Yes, it works anywhere you apply it.
Finasteride is great, but it started to affect my manhood, so I had to stop taking it.
I have been using the products from Pro Naturals and works really well for my hair 😉
Hi, thanks for the very informative article! Is there a good conditioner option to use with Lipogaine Big 3 please? Thanks
Hi Tony,
You can use the Regenepure conditioner. Although, any conditioner would work just fine.
Thanks for this nice article.
Exactly 10 weeks (2 and 1/.2 months) ago I started off with Finestride 1mg and Minoxidil 5%.
I quit Minoxidil after the first week because of accelerated/increased hair fall. I believe I made the correct decision because from the very next day, being only taking Finestride, my hair-fall completely stopped. That was quick and till now, on week 10, these is no hair loss, just being on Finestride 1 mg daily.
But, here’s my specific question – I don’t find any hints/signs of regrowth – any explanations?
I guess, you’d tell me to wait longer. To that,, my argument would be, if hair fall stopped by week 1 end, why there’s no regrowth after week 10 end yet?
I am 42 years, from India.
Thanks!
Hi Neel,
Finasteride is usually best at stopping hair loss rather than regrowing hair. You should compare pictures before and after.
Minoxidil shed is quite common. I’ve had it myself. It’s only a temporary phase and should not last long. Minoxidil is the best treatment for regrowth, I’d recommend you give it another chance.
Thanks Domen,
I will reconsider your suggestion on starting back with Minoxidil.
I wish to add that a year and half ago, I was on only Minoxidil 10% (not 5% and also not on Finestride – to be safe after reading all the discouraging posts) for almost 9 months. The only thing it did was to give a gel-like effect..but was extremely flaky!
Not only had I been loosing hair but the hair strands were thinning like crazy – hence, I had to resort to these meds..
Now on Finestride, I can visibly feel that the hair strands are getting thicker – so that gives a slight dense appearance (obviously, I can’t expect more than that after week 10, realistically) with the hair-fall completely stopped.
But as I said, there’s zilch increase in the hair count.
Domen, I was reading some articles and also the links you’ve provided in your other comments above – they say both Finesteride and Minoxidil only check further hair loss and thicken existing hair – but both can’t re-generate hair that’s already gone from bald spots. I guess the effectiveness of these 2 medications are quite proportionate to age of the native! At 42, I guess, I am old 🙁 Atleast according to Indian standards!!
Thanks again..
Hi Domen, an update: I find hair regrowth at the widows peak edges hairline. Surprisingly o contradictorily no difference in the vertex or top or crown. Though my widows peak had been thinning since just last year – so is that why finestride has been effective there and not elsewhere?
– Neel
Hey Neel, that’s a bit odd. It’s usually the other way around. For most, Finasteride works better for regrowing crown hair than the ‘windows peak’. It may be because you may have been receding on your temples only for the last year, yes. Thanks for sharing your update.
There was this study in 1992. But it wasn’t done on actual human beings.
To be honest, I wouldn’t worry about it.
I got all my hair back within 7 months of use but after leaving finasteride and minoxidil, hair fall again started at double rate.
I am only just now seeing the results of using the Somaluxe Shampoo (after about 1 month). I noticed that my hair isn’t falling out like before,..
I’m 26 years old and I started to lose my hair right after high school. Hair loss runs in my family. My hairline started to recede and was becoming thin around the temple area.
I’ve been using the Somaluxe Shampoo now for 4-5 months now and I love it. I’ve noticed a HUGE difference. My hair grows faster and its thicker….Don’t expect this to grow hair where you lost it. It’s not going to happen. But to stop and prevent hair from falling out, this is great
Thanks Domen, very comprehensive article.
I’m 33 and I still have quite a full hair line. I was facing mild hair loss until recently I’m noticing a lot of shedding, I’ve been on Propecia for the past year though. I’m not sure if Propecia is not effective on me anymore or it was kind of limiting hair fall until now. I’m even doubting that it could be MPB but do you think The Big Three would also help even if it wasn’t an MPB case?
Thank you.
Hey Joseph,
To be absolutely sure, check with your dermatologist. If it’s not MPB, then Propecia and Nizoral won’t do anything. Only Minoxidil may help.
Hello great read
I had a fue hair transplant on top of my crown where I had started thining a lot so it’s been over a year now and I look the same before my hair transplant my surgon said give it a year buts its the same if not worse. I started using 5% minioxodil generic version and not notice any growth it has been a month twice a day application. I don’t want to take any tablets either
Hi Adi,
I’ve honestly never heard of someone having a transplant who is unwilling to go on finasteride. I would have thought that your transplant surgeon would have made it clear that you will have to go on finasteride prior to doing the transplant.
I always assumed taking finasteride was a given with any transplant procedure, after all what’s the point in having an area of your scalp transplanted with new hairs then all the surrounding areas of hair continue to disappear in the balding process. That would not be a good look at all.
I concur.
Good article! I have been using ketoconazole for my baldness…Surprisingly some results.
However I sometimes use it on my beard also. Can it affect my facial hair growth somehow?
Hello Mike,
I highly doubt it.
Hey Domen. What do you think about getting azelaic acid creme 20% and use it on the scalp before applying lipogaine?
As I mentioned in the article, it should work. But beware of the sun. Azelaic acid increases your chances of sunburn based on a study.
Hi, do you believe that finasteride is not as effective in older men, say age 55 and over? Data seems to be mixed. Are you still experiencing minor or no sides on the finasteride? Thanks for a very thorough article with unbiased information.
Hey Jeremiah,
According to this website http://www.bernsteinmedical.com/answers/does-propecia-work-in-older-men/ finasteride may me less effective in ‘regrowing’ new hair – but just as effective at preventing further loss in older men.
Quote from the website:
Domen H
You should read the following article about RU58841 :
http://www.ru58841.info/ru58841-vs-cb-03-01/
and also about the stability: http://www.ru58841.info/stability-and-storage/
I have been on minoxidil for 10 years or so,applying the lotion once a day.I am thinning quite noticeably now.Would stepping it up to twice a day make any difference?
I am looking into propecia,but have been put off by some horror stories.
Not a whole lot.
99% of them are BS.
Wow.
Amazing article thank you so much for sharing this with us. I very much appreciate it. I was just wondering have you heard about Har Vokse. I have been using it for a while and its working really well for me. The reason why I bought it was because it was a good alternative to the other products I was using. I just wanted your thoughts on it. It really helped me tremendously. I heard about it here http://goo.gl/wdIapq if you would like to check it out. I have been using it for a while now.
Hello,
I haven’t dwelled much into it, however after typing ‘har vokse’ in google search the prediction suggested the words ‘does not work’. That’s a bad sign. Might be snake oil.
Hi, Domen,
You must know there is real concern out there about finasteride causing severe depression in men, leading to suicide in some cases. I understand there are at least a few major lawsuits in progress. What’s your take on this?
Hello,
I doubt finasteride is the sole contributor for such feelings and actions. But it saddens me nonetheless.
I read that using ketoconazole (Nizorol) could lower testosterone levels is this true? Any hope four a balding 62 yr old and any thoughts on apple cider vinegar with cayenne pepper before washing hair with Nizoral.
Hello Bob, where did you read that?
hey am 22.. i used alot of hair dyes and relaxers on my hair when i was younger like two years ago that’s when i started going bald. i decided to cut every hair on my head , now am very shy to walk around bald so i wore a cap or hat on my head everyday even in hot weather. the shape of my head is very bad i feel frustrated like am really young for all this. i started using rogaine early this December but am not seeing any improvement or whatever is because i always cover my head with a cap or what? please i need an advice on what to do cos i don’t think i can go anywhere without covering my ugly head.
That’s probably just a coincidence. MPB can’t be caused by dyes and relaxers. You need to give Rogaine time – 6 months before you evaluate. Start considering finasteride.
Hello
Great article , do you hear about Bimatoprost i read is working really well and doesn’t have side effects like minoxidil or propecia
Hey Andreu,
I’ll look into it — I’ll also update this guide in a couple of months with new information.
Hi, great article. I have an aggressive form of MPB. I am 23 year old with a NW2 hairline, diffuse thinning over the top and crown. Been on 5% Minoxidil and 2% Keto for about 9 months. Went through a period of shedding which has reduced somewhat in the last couple of months. I don’t see any appreciable increase in density anywhere but I do see plenty of thin vellus hair at my hairline. I am waiting for the 1 year mark to see the full effect of this regime. Is there like a test you can do to assess hairfall? Or do we just have to count the hair lost in the shower? Do you reckon I should start the Fin to hold on the the hair I have? Like most guys (actually a bit more than most guys seeing that I am young) I worry a lot about being in the 2% who experience disastrous sides from Fin. I do plan to check my DHT levels before I start, if I do at all, to see if I naturally have high/low DHT. That should tell me what to expect, to an extent.
Ray
Yes, you could count hairs in the shower, but the best thing you can do is take pictures at the same angles and lighting over a period of time. Fin is your best bet at keeping and regrowing some of the lost hair. Most guys (including myself) who are on Fin have only one regret – not starting sooner.
I have DHT levels at the bottom -end of the normal range, so low DHT, however I’m still going bald, so besides DHT levels it also depends greatly on the sensitivity of your hair follicles to DHT. If you have high or low levels of DHT finasteride should obviously still help you maintain your hair as the process remains the same either way.
Great article thx!! I’m 38 and still have a full head of hair but I started to shed about 3 months ago. Typically ~15 hairs on my pillow when I wake up and 20 or so hairs on my hand after I shower. I also notice hairs on my desk during the day. I never noticed any hair loss before 3 months ago. I started to use rogaine 5% twice a day about a month and a half ago and the shedding accelerated. I read that is normal but should it still be doing this after 1.5 months? I haven’t tried propecia yet as I want to see if Rogaine will do the trick but will if the shedding doesn’t stop. Also, do you think stress can play a part in hair loss? I started a super stressful job about 6 months ago so thinking my hair loss could be related to that.
Yes, stress is a possible cause for hair loss. As for minoxidil and shedding; I shed for over 6 months when I went on 5% minoxidil. Give it time – it works.
Thanks for your response and awesome article! Do you recommend sticking with minoxidil for a period of time (i.e. 6 months) before starting finasteride or do it all at once? I would be on finasteride now if I wasn’t nervous about the potential side effects so my plan was to wait to see if minoxidal does anything for me over the next 3 months or so (at that point I will have been on it ~ 6 months). My shedding has certainly reduced so hopefully it is starting to work. I’m in the very early stages of hair loss. No one would notice (except me and my wife). Just looks my hair part on the top of my head even though it really is thinning.
All at once. If you are sure it’s MPB, start finasteride (and Nizoral) now and move on. Minoxidil will just delay the inevitable, while fin will potentially stop (or even reverse in some cases) the hair loss. The cure for baldness is to start treatment early. The chances for real sides are non-existent.
Thank you. This has been the most helpful article I have read! Very much appreciated! Last question (I won’t bug you with anymore after this) . . . I was tested by my doctor and came out perfectly healthy so it is either stress or MPB. My job is extremely stressful so it could be that but I have no way or knowing for sure. As such, do you think there is any harm on me taking finasteride even if it isn’t MPB and is just stress? I suppose if the medicine didn’t work, I would know it was stress and not MPB. Also, I assume this is something I would continue to take for life right?
Yes, once you start, there is no stopping at any point if you want to keep the hair.
Stress is rarely the case. 95% of all hair loss is believed to be MPB. You could compare your hair loss to other pictures online of male pattern baldness and get a better idea.
Also, why not visit your dermatologist and have him evaluate if it’s MPB or not. He/she can also give you the prescription for finasteride on the spot.
I finally gave in and started taking propecia (1.25mg/day) ~15 weeks ago as Rogaine clearly wasn’t going to stop my hair falling out . . . . .the good thing is that I have had ZERO side affects. In fact it also seemed (so I thought) to stop my hair loss for the first 4 weeks or so. However for the last 6 weeks or so, i have been losing hair faster than ever before. I have read that this common typically between the third and fourth month of taking this. Have you heard anything like that? I hope that is the case and it slows soon. I have continued Rogaine liquid twice a day as well as dandruff shampoo a few times a week.
From what I’ve read, that’s very common. When I started Minoxidil and Finasteride my hair didn’t stop shedding for at least 8 months.
I have been on Proscar now (1.25mg/day) for nearly 10 months, rogaine foam 1 to 2 days a time and Nizoral shampoo a few times a week. unfortunately, the shedding never stopped. When I shower, I still see 10-15 hairs on my hand when I shampoo and another 5-10 after I comb my hair after I shower . . . and then another 10-15 when I style my hair with gel in the mornings. I’m going to switch to name brand Propecia and try that out for a few months but I think I may just not responding to this treatment. My hair is absolutely more thin than it was before I started treatment. My thinking is that I go another 3 months on name brand propecia and if that doesn’t work, try Avordart. Thoughts?
Your hair got thinner but did you hairline recede further? Shedding for 10 months is a bit over average. If I remember correctly my hair shredded for about 8 months and has gotten thinner before thicker again. Even after 3 years now basically I’m slowly still regrowing hair I’ve lost.
Dutasteride is much more potent (haven’t tried it), but much more people report side effects.
Hi, great article! I found it very usefull for my research on how to stop my hair loss.
I’m 33 and sadly just started taking serious steps. Been losing hair since about 25 but very slowly so I still have much to save… I have Chrohn’s disease so I have that against me too.
The past 6 month I have being taking dietary supplements, using Revivogen spray nightly, Lipogaine topic solution 2 times a day, I use Lipogaine shampoo on mondays, wednedays and fridays and the other days I use the Revivogen Shampoo and Conditioner.
I don’t take propecia because I take enough pills as it is with my Chrohn’s…
My question would be, I am on the right track or is it overkill? I’ve read that using too much stuff (solutions or shampoo) maybe detrimental to keeping your hair. I know 6 month might be a little time but I still don’t see noticeable results and I’m afraid I might be doing something wrong or worsening the situation, even though I don’t have worse hair loss than before.
Could you please give your opinion?
Finally, being thiking about buying the Hairgrow iGrow Laser Helmet to try out? Any thoughts on that?
Thanks for all your help!!
It’s not overkill – as your regime won’t do a whole lot, only take a lot of time. As for taking Propecia with other pills simultaneously – that’s something you should consult with your doctor.
I don’t believe the ‘laser helmet’ does much. If it did, everyone would be raving about it.
Thank you for such a great article. I have just started notice of my hair fall and want to do something about it. I have seen the Reviews for REGAINE so far, that seem effective. Can you please tell me, are ROGAINE and REGAINE same products ? If not, which one will you recommend ? Also, is there any need to use anything beside with one of the above products ? Thanks for your time,
Thank you for your kind words.
Yes, they are same. You also can’t go wrong with any other minoxidil brand–as long as its 5%.
What about progesterone I can’t put link here but it’s seem to really useful for hair loss.
I wasn’t able to find much evidence to support the matter. Could you provide any references?
I work with glass cleaners (sprays) and other identical products…Do you think the contact of the chemicals with my hair and/or skin can affect both my hair and my beard?
I’d find that hard to believe.
Even with real contact with the skin?
It probably can’t be healthy, but we would need some research on this topic.
A little bit off topic…But do you think there is a link between masturbation and DHT, or in other words does masturbation affects hair or/and beard?
I really doubt that. Some claim on the forums that after masturbation there is a brief spike in DHT, but I’ve never seen any links to studies about it.
So if that holds any truth–in theory–perhaps. But the effect should be almost non-existent.
And what about testosterone?
Apparently not.
Hi There,
I’m using 5% minoxidil in my beard for a week, after 3 days it start itchy, and somebody told me that because a new follicles come up. It’s that true?
Btw, if I want to fill a bald spot, it’s better if I apply minoxidil on that spot only, or spread it to all my beard?
Thanks.
Hey Kris,
Nope, it’s not itchy because of that. You may need to get used to it (my case), or you don’t tolerate it well. I suggest you keep going and see if the itch goes away after a while and then reevaluate. You could also try a minoxidil with a lower alcohol formula.
You can use it in the bald spot only if you want. It’s also perhaps better that way since the face is more sensitive to minoxidil compared to the scalp.
Hi BaldingBeards,
Thanks for your fast reply.
I don’t feel itchy today, maybe because I apply more thin compared to yesterday, not sure,
but I’ll wait for a week 🙂
Hi BaldingBeards,
I forgot to ask you, after I get a full beard and I stop using minoxidil, my beard will fall out?
Fyi, I already have follicles in my face so I just using minoxidil to grow it faster and thicker.
Thanks a lot 🙂
When you discontinue using minoxidil all progress is lost. This may not apply for facial hair though, as it grows thicker naturally as you age.
Great, thank you so much for your reply 😀
What’s your opinion about stemoxydine and aminexil. Both are products sold in Eu by Vichy under the name of Dercos. Are they any better?
Hi there,
Haven’t tried either of them. But from what I’ve read on internet forums, people claimed it had a minor effect. Mostly after stopping; they’ve noticed their hair got a bit thinner.
If stemoxydine and aminexil had any real impact, rest assured there would be a lot more hype and more people using them.
I believe the next best things coming that might do something are “setipiprant” and “topical finasteride”. Let’s wait and see.
Hey, nice article man!
Just a question…I am using nizoral shampoo for my face, to treat my seborrheic dermatitis, and I am afraid that due to the anti-androgenic and anti-dht qualities of the product it might be in some way affecting my beard regrowth :/ Please help!
That could be theoretically possible. You should speak with your doctor.
Yeah I totally agree, there are many people who take it for years with no apparent side effects then one day decide to read up on the drug on forums etc. and suddenly they have all the side effects appear. The mind is very powerful indeed.
I can get hold of the 5mg Proscar brand or 5mg generic brand from a licensed doctor here in the UK who kindly prescribes it to be cut in to 4th’s or 5th’s, I’m just not sure about the hassle of chopping it up and trying to get it into equal parts haha But of course I can opt for the expensive route and get Propecia brand 1mg.
Thanks for your help, it’s good to get a down to earth opinion on it all.
Spare yourself the trouble and just cut in 4. That 0,25 mg don’t matter–generic 5mg finasteride is hella cheap. (And not to mention, almost impossible to cut in 5 parts).
I had to go through 2 doctors before I got the generic prescription. Some are very uninformed about the matter.
Good luck!
Cheers for the swift reply man.
I’m also seriously considering getting on Propecia only, but like all men I delaying with fear of possible side effects. Have you experienced any sides so far?
Also do you use generic or brand name? and do you get Proscar 5mg tabs and chop it up or just get the 1mg tabs?
Cheers fella
At some point I thought I did–but I abstained from masturbation for a 2 days and libido came with a vengeance. (So, no.)
I believe it’s far too weak to cause any sides for most men.
I used the original brand Propecia until 2 months ago when I’ve managed to get the generic 5mg finasteride. I cut it in 4 parts and take one daily in the evening.
Finasteride didn’t give me any significant regrowth, just kind of froze my hairline. I used to be a ~NW 3, now a ~2.5.
If you think you are going to get sides, you’ll probably do. Imagination is a powerful drug.
Man, I guess you shouldn’t split pills.
In regard to the imagination, people tend to to associate physicological problems with a spontaneous or conscious process, but that’s not necessarily the case. So, regardless if you think or not about it, you are propitius to develop side effects.
Hey mate, nice write up.
Can I ask which of the above treatments do you use/have you used and for how long with each?
Hey Toki, thanks.
I’m on minoxidil (regular 5%) and ketoconazole (Nizoral) for about 2.5 years and Propecia for about 1.5 year. I regret not taking Propecia sooner.
Why do you take Propecia and not Quartered 5mg Finasteride? Is it not as effective in your opinion?
That comment is from 2015. I used to take Propecia before I got a prescription for 5mg finasteride. I now use the latter.
Hello Domen.
Are hair transplants effective, and if so, which ones have the most dependable
results?
Also who best perform these types of procedures?
Hey Frank,
From what I’ve seen and read they can be quite effective–but come with several risks (scarring and unnatural-looking hairline come to mind). I haven’t dwelled much into it, but basically got FUT (follicular unit transfer), FUE (follicular unit extraction) and DHI (direct hair implant)–which is the newest, similar to FUE, most costly and provides the best results in most cases.
If your are opting for a hair transplant, do plenty of research. Go with a hair transplant surgeon who has experience and a ton of positive reviews. Also check forums online what “real” people say about a particular hair transplant clinic or surgeon–the internet is infested with fake reviews.
Hair Transplant Network is a really good site for relevant info on surgeons and patients!
Sorry, Hair Restoration Network
I agree everyone should at least try Finasteride to see if they experience side effects, personally I tried it and it gave me side effects even taking 1/4th of a pill, I also tried avodart and wow that REALLY gave me side effects, it gave me retrograde ejaculation, some ppl are just sensitive to androgen suppressors, if you are then your best bet is to stay away from anything that suppresses your androgens, your hair loss may suffer from this though. Currently I’m on lipogaine and Nizoral, I throw in Emu Oil too, I’m going to give the dermaroller a chance. You can still fight hairloss without Finasteride, give it a chance if you experience sides come off of it immediately, weigh the pros and cons, obviously my sex life is more important than hair so I chose to come off of it, but not everyone will experience side effects like I did.
Exactly. Give it a go. Even if it does not work for you, using minoxidil and Nizoral will slow down your balding process. Even a shaved head looks better with some hair left on top.
The comment about Dutasteride causing more side effects is not correct. All studies performed to this date actually sight that Dutasteride has lower side effects. Especially in regards to decreases in sex drive. The only time Dutasteride has been shown to have greater side effects is when the dosage of Finasteride was well below the recommended dosage of 1mg. In comparison 500mcg of Dutasteride has been shown to be more effective than 2.5mg of Finasteride and 1mg has shown to be more effective than 5mg of Finasteride, the dose used to treat BPH. The research has clearly shown that Dutasteride reduces serum DHT levels much faster and has much higher success rates.
Can I have a link to those “all studies”? Dutasteride inhibits type 1 and type 2 5-α reductase while Finasteride inhibits only type 2. Why would it have less side effects?
The FDA DID NOT pull azelaic acid. They asked companies that had it in their products to voluntarily take it out. Just to be clear. Don’t u think that the FDA knows that Lipogaine has
the azelaic acid still in their products ??
You could be right.
Well they dont have azelaic acid in their products anymore…
I know I am a little late to this but I was curious if you had any opinions or experience using the “Nioxin” shampoo brand? Is it snake oil?
I haven’t tried it. But from what I’ve read it does not fight (male) pattern baldness. Instead, it makes your hair appear thicker.
They don’t advertise it as a hair loss treatment — so I would not categorize it as snake oil.
Thx Domen for the useful info. Curious to know why you didn’t cover laser therapy as offered by Advanced Hair Studio? Or doesn’t the laser treatment combined with sawpalmtto tabs and minoxodil work? If it does work and you complete the 6 month program, will the growth be reversed if I stop using the products?
From what I’ve read Advanced Hair Studio has a bad rep. I will leave it at that.
I know some laser devices for hair loss are approved by the FDA — but they have never generated any real hype or any conclusive results (at least that’s my impression for now).
Saw palmetto is a weak DHT blocker, has little evidence and (same as laser therapy) never produced any definite results.
If you stop using minoxidil you are back to square one. Not only it will stop working, but you will lose all that you’ve “gained” — like you never used it. It’s a lifelong commitment.
How come u dint talk about saw palmetto I read that it blocks the formation of dht..can use sawpalmetto tabs with minoxidil ..what is your view about this? thanks a lot for the best post.
Hey there,
I didn’t talk about it because it has insufficient evidence.
Men who’ve tried it and spoke about on the internet also claimed it didn’t have much effect. This is, of course, anecdotal evidence. But there was never any hype about saw palmetto producing any significant results.
My impression is — it may help to a lesser extent, but don’t count on it as your primary DHT blocking substance.
Great article Domen! I just ordered a bottle of Lipogaine , Nizoral and I also bought Biotin, which is supposed to help.
I’m going to use for my hair but also try to help with my beard patches and even grow more chest hair. Do you think that these products will work on body hair too?
Anyways, thanks again for your very detailed article.
Thank you, FB. Biotin might help a bit.
Are you going to use it directly on you face and chest? It will help, but a cheaper alternative would be regular minoxidil. You don’t need DHT blocking properties in minoxidil to grow facial and chest hair.
Regaine and Lipogaine were the same price on Ebay so I got the latter. If it works I might continue for a few months. I hope my hair doesn´t start falling / stop growing after I stop using these products….Thanks one more time 🙂
They will stop working if you do FB. Minoxidil is a life commitment, same as Propecia. I wish you the best of luck and plenty of hair regrowth.
Thanks for such a great post. I use nanofibers instant hair thickener.
It’s insane to claim that “only a small percentage of people experience sides on propecia”, it’s the contrary, just about everyone experiences some weird sides as the drug has an effect on yoyr hormonal balance, everyone feels that. It’s psychological to believe you have no sidesFor me, sex became really dull
In my own experience, my sex life remained exactly the same. There are a lot of other factors which contribute to a higher libido and better erections. (for example healthy food and limiting masturbation).
I have a few friends as well who take it and never had any adverse effects.
Side effects might be real for some, but for most I believe Propecia does not have a significant effect on your sex life.
Don’t think about it. It helps. Don’t fall for the nocebo effect.
I would suggest everyone please take a look at the following forum:
http://www.propeciahelp.com/forum/
Propecia is no joke. Fair enough, you’ve been fine on it, but I can assure you that there are more people than you think whose lives have been completely destroyed by this drug. Shrinking penis’ and testicles, just 2 of the documented side effects are not nocebo. Many people have not able to reverse the many effects of propecia for years, after only taking the drug in some cases for just a few days !
Again I would suggest people have a read of some of the suicide notes at the forum/link I posted above and then make up their minds about whether they want to take the risk or not.
Just make sure you know all the facts before you jump into something you may end up regretting.
I would not take propeciahelp seriously. The website is far far too bias. The testimonies against finasteride are unverifiable anecdotes, not to mention the drug itself is not powerful enough to elicit the side effects some of these people are claiming. I have suspicions that it is run by a competitor of finasteride, as I have seen the same kind of tactics used against other FDA approved hairloss drugs. Its harder to sell snake oils when their are legitimate drugs out there.
It was actually started by two physicians whose son killed himself after years of being off propecia and still having irreversible life destroying side effects.
all your information is constructive..and got answer yo all myquestion.but please help me how to get it.
You are welcome. You mean how to get the treatment?
What do you think Domen, is it ok if I use only minoxidil, nizoral and biotin after hair transplantation?
Hey, Jox. I don’t believe so. In terms of blocking DHT, Nizoral is not as strong as Finasteride. And minoxidil just helps regrow hair, it does not do anything about the DHT. I suggest you take finasteride or some other potent hair loss treatment like RU, after transplantation.
Great post and helpful information. Thank you for sharing with us. Thank you so much.
You are welcome Aaiden.
thank you for the information.
Thanks. This is by far the best article I have read on the subject. Very straight forward with no angle apart from how to help people. Thanks!
Thanks Jeff. We are glad you like it.
I noticed that stress was actually playing a considerable part in my hair loss, however despite reducing stress I was still suffering from hair loss. I tried multi-vitamins too, but I don’t believe they helped at all 🙁