Is is too late to start minoxidil?

[Salazar]

I've been thinning and on fin since 2013. It seems to have stemmed the time somewhat, but there's been no return to the glory days. I'm not yet quite ready for surgery -- a few more brutal trips to the mirror will probably get me there though. I'm wondering if it's worth all the hassle of starting minoxidil at this late date of thinning -- nearly 10 years (Obama was starting his 2nd term). I do still have some stunted stumps at the hairline but, like I said, they've been on life-support for nearly a decade -- actually the entire lifespan of my niece. Any thoughts? Cheers.

 

[Salazar]

..... tumbleweed ..... train whistle in the distance .....

No one?

 

[Bobbins]

I suspect the lack of answers is due to it being impossible to answer.

The only real way to know is to try it and see how you respond.

On the face of it, if you have existing hairs, even if ‘on life support’ they could strengthen.

However, some reports on minoxidil say it’s most effective on younger patients with recent loss.

 

[Salazar]

I suspect the lack of answers is due to it being impossible to answer.

Fair point.

The only real way to know is to try it and see how you respond.

Yup. I was hoping for someone gifted with the second sight to give me the answer, but that's pretty much what I suspected.

some reports on minoxidil say it’s most effective on younger patients with recent loss.

That's my goose cooked.

 

[Bigmac]

Bobbins makes some good points.
There are people who respond to Minoxidil after years of loss. Trying it is the only way you will know. There’s the option of oral minoxidil which seems to be producing results. You’d need to read up on possible sides and speak to someone who can prescribe it to get further information.

Do you have any pictures showing your hair loss status?

 

[Salazar]

I meant to ask, is the foam better than the liquid? Also, is there a cheaper alternative minoxidil than Rogaine?

 

[Bigmac]

Foam is easier to apply, less messy snd will dry quickly. It does cost more than the liquid though. Search for minoxidil foam.

Pictures?

 

[Salazar]

Pictures?

Here's a close up of the right temple. Gives a rough idea of what I mean.

 

[Bigmac]

What are the blue marks?

 

[Salazar]

What are the blue marks?

I was trying to picture what my hairline would like if I shaved away the miniaturised hairs, so I'd marked it where it was with a sharpie. Yup, I'm a dumbass.

 

[Bigmac]

Ok. Your hairline looks decent in those pictures. Possibly a little thinner where you marked it.

 

[Salazar]

Ok. Your hairline looks decent in those pictures. Possibly a little thinner where you marked it.

The photos are more flattering than the reality. The hair is actually much thinner when seen in person. Also, although the photos don't show it, the recession is on top of a massive five-head -- Aaron Paul & I could butt heads like a pair of Pachycephalosaurs.

 

[Bobbins]

The photos are more flattering than the reality. The hair is actually much thinner when seen in person. Also, although the photos don't show it, the recession is on top of a massive five-head -- Aaron Paul & I could butt heads like a pair of Pachycephalosaurs.

My 4 year old would be massively impressed with the Dino references!

The 2 brands appear to be Regaine or Kirkland. The latter is/was much cheaper, especially in the US. In the U.K. eBay sellers sell Regaine at about 10 pounds a month if you buy a 6 month supply and shop around.

 

[Salazar]

My 4 year old would be massively impressed with the Dino references!

Ha, ha, I'm glad someone is.

The 2 brands appear to be Regaine or Kirkland

Thanks. I need to do some digging around, see what is the cheapest option, since if I start using it, that's me on it until doomsday.

 

[loui]

Ha, ha, I'm glad someone is.


Thanks. I need to do some digging around, see what is the cheapest option, since if I start using it, that's me on it until doomsday.

Thats the problem for most, people are all hyped for a month, but then specially with topical Minoxidil, it becomes pretty much impossible to do long term because its really a hassle.

 

[Bobbins]

Ha, ha, I'm glad someone is.


Thanks. I need to do some digging around, see what is the cheapest option, since if I start using it, that's me on it until doomsday.

Many (me included) use it once a day which halves the cost and means you can just apply it before bed, so reducing the hassle.

I may be wrong, but I’m sure I read somewhere it provides benefit for 23hrs, so it’s ‘almost’ as good as the recommended twice per day dosage.

 

[Salazar]

it becomes pretty much impossible to do long term because its really a hassle

Yeah, that's what originally put me off. With fin, it was simple: pop a pill in the morning when you get up -- no big deal. I couldn't imagine coming in late from a night on the town, & my priority being to apply minoxidil to my scalp. But now desperation is making me reconsider -- also I have fewer nights on the town

 

[Salazar]

Many (me included) use it once a day which halves the cost and means you can just apply it before bed, so reducing the hassle.

Have you seen any positive results from once a day?

 

[Bobbins]

Have you seen any positive results from once a day?

Google shows it’s almost a religious war.

However, I think it generally also shows that people see benefit from 5% once a day. It’s probably not quite as good as twice a day. However, if it enables you to apply it more consistently or for longer, I’d say it’s worth doing.

There are studies that show 2% twice a day is not as effective as 5% once, but no direct comparisons between single or double doses of 5%, afaik.

 

[Salazar]

Google shows it’s almost a religious war.

Ha, ha, I can imagine.

It’s probably not quite as good as twice a day. However, if it enables you to apply it more consistently or for longer, I’d say it’s worth doing.

Definitely something to think about. Thanks for your help, Bobbins.