Hi guys, I'm new to this forum. Basically, the story goes, I knew that I was genetically programmed to lose my hair at some point (as my father's side of the family has a hair loss problem).

I looked in the mirror yesterday and realised how much hair I have actually lost... As can be seen from the pictures, the crown area seems to be totally bare and the hair at the front also seems to be thining.

I am 28 years old and have never really tried any medication or treatments for my hair loss. I have considered using Regaine (monodoxil) but would much rather have a treatment which was quick and easy.

What would you guys suggest? The idea of a hair transplant sounded worrying to begin with but is something which I think may well be an option.

Would you suggest that I try the Regaine first? Please bear in mind that I would like maximum results asap - sounds very impatient I know, but the honest truth is that my self confidence has taken a real nose dive because of the whole hair loss issue.

I would much appreciate your honest answers and advice but please take into consideration that I would like to see results as soon as possible and also that I live in London.

Many thanks in advance.

Image002.jpg (65 Kb, 140 downloads) Crown

Hi R1k & welcome to the forum -

You may want to consider Rogain (Minoxidil), it has been shown to help stave off loss and provide regrowth in some cases..........I've opted not to use it because of the messy regimen involved. What I would consider ASAP is Propecia (Finasteride)..........it is a pill you take to block the DHT attacking your male-pattern-baldness susceptible hair. Do more research on both topics using the "Find" feature on this site. There's a wealth of information. I would also consider adding good scalp and hair care products to your regimen like Nioxin and Nizoral. They can aid you in providing optimal growth conditions.

Lastly..........pace yourself. I realize your loss hasn't done much for your self-confidence but try and take a "long-term" approach to it. Especially when considering a hair transplant. If I were you, I'd see what kind of responder you are to Propecia (Finasteride) and Minoxidil if you chose to use it. Remember, with either one, it's pretty much a lifelong commitment as anything you've kept or regrown with them will fall out in time if you stop using them.

View my blog...........my loss was similar to yours when I started. First the crown started going then it was diffused thinning on top along with a receeding hairline. The good thing about your situation is (as was mine) that from the front you probably still appear to have a decent head of hair. Propecia/Minox have been shown to be most effective in the crown...........if you're a good responder maybe you will have some regrowth?? Who knows? At the least, maybe you will halt or slow down the loss, strengthen whats there and, if you chose to, opt for a HT to restore the lost hair sometime in the future.

Hope this helps.

Hello R1k and welcome to the forums.

You found the right place to begin your research. hopefully you find the people here very helpful as I did for the last couple years I've been here.

I completely understand wanting quick results, believe me...but unfortunately, I have to be honest with you...i'ts not realistic. In a world where there is no "cure" for hairloss, we have to use the tools that are available to fight hairloss that can help you, and none of them are a quick and easy approach to getting results.

Your picture definately helps as it seems like you are primarily losing hair in the crown. In fact your pattern of hairloss is starting like mine.

Your best bet at this point, before considering any hair transplantation is to get on medication. There are 2 forms of medication that are FDA approved to fight hairloss. These two are Finasteride (either as Propecia or Proscar) which is a pill that you take daily and minoxodil (marketed as Rogaine or Regaine I believe it is called in London). Both medications, especially combined can be beneficial in fighting hairloss. Finasteride has proven effective in stopping or slowing down hairloss but rarely growing new hair...but it can happen by blocking DHT to the scalp - which causes hairloss. Minoxodil does not block DHT but when applied to the scalp topically has the potential to stimulate hair growth and regrow some hair. the problem with minoxodil is once you start, you are stuck with it...not that you can't stop...but anything you regain will be lost if you stop. Both medications have potential side effects, though they are rare, it is worth looking up more information so you know what you are getting into.

I would try medication for at least a year or so before you consider hair transplantation. I know it's disheartening nad you want quick results...but if you jump the gun into a hair transplant without the medication first, if you are destined to lose more hair, the spots you fill in now will look badly when you lose more hair.

I hope this helps get you started in your research.

Falc

Hi R1k,

Welcome to the forums. I am a year younger than you and my crown as I can see from your picture looks pretty similar to my level of baldness.

I hate to late you down, but quick results are out of questions. I am a very very impatient person, but I'm trying to compromise and play this game, because I do not have any other options.

Start on propecia and regaine (I come from Europe also, so I know there is called like that, and here in the States Rogaine; it's the same thing, we are talking about minoxidil, and you want the 5% one). I recently tried the foam form of it, I like it much better than the original liquid, which is messy/ greasy/may your hair look thinner.
Stick on those meds for at least 8 months and wait for the results. Nevertheless, you probably won't see a miracle, most likely you will stabilize your loss, and hopefully you grow some hair.
Then research and plan a hair transplant procedure. But bare in mind, even if you had it today, it still needs time for results.
As an advise, don't panic and keep your chin up.

Cheers mate.

Thanks for all the info guys, I have been looking into some of the products out there, came accross something called Procerin - Has anyone out there used this? It seems to rate higher than Propecia? - It'd be good to hear from someone who has first hand experience of this medication?

And thanks again guys, your help is seriously very much appreciated !

Hi R1k

Listen to the guys above.. There is so much crap out there which claims to grow hair.. Propecia and Minoxidil are the only ones proven to regrow hair..

Forget the rest

R1k,

I never tried Procerin but found it recently during some research. I don't know all of the ingredients in it...but if I remember correctly, the only thing in the product that MIGHT help with hairloss is Saw Palmetto. However the only 2 products FDA approved to fight hairloss are Finasteride (Propecia) and minoxodil (Rogaine), etc.

IF and I say IF, because it's probably not worth it...but if you want to try a different product, use it as a supplement to the main 2...but not as a replacement.

Falc