Cries of Help from a Newbie: Nizoral, Laser and Avodart?

My first step was topical applications of 5% Rogaine and Retin-A gel(which my doctor gives me for a skin condition) to my temples. I know it is not indicated for receding hairlines, but I thought I'd give it a shot, because it was readily available. I freaked out because the "shed" was massive and my scalp was peeling like crazy, making me even more self-conscious than before. So, I stopped after only one weak of Minox.

Based on what I've read here, it seems that Nizoral, Avodart,and Lasers are the most effective non-pharmaceutical remedies for receding hairlines. So, I bought the 1% OTC Nizoral, but the directions say to use it every 3-4 days for dandruff. How often do you guys use it for hair loss? Everyday? Is there a shed involved with this?

I'm considering purchasing the Hairmax laser comb, but it seems too expensive for a simple laser diode and mirrors attached to a handle. So, I'm trying to get my crazy friend to build one for me.

Although I'm reluctant to medicate myself too heavily I'm considering Avodart, because I've been hearing good things regarding its impacts on receding hairlines. Anyone care to comment?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your support. Keep up the good fight.

A-Dub

Re: Cries of Help from a Newbie: Nizoral, Laser and Avodart?

I've been on Finasteride for 3 years now I guess since I noticed the thinning (espescially in the front and temples).

Finasteride has maintained more or less what I had 3 years ago but certainly didn't give me any regrowth. Recently made the switch to Avodart cause want to give it a try ... Seeing some shock-hairloss from that I think ... not sure ... will ride it out for a while...

I also use Nizoral , but only once in a while , furthermore I'm using all Nioxin stuff ... (Shampoo , Conditioner and Hairspray to get my spikes up :p)

The NIOXIN stuff works great to keep your scalp in shape and they claim being a DHT blocker (don't know about that , Nioxin alone will not grow you any hair)

I'd say , just try to keep what you have untill Hair Multiplication is in town and you won't have to worry anymore ...

Second give Minoxidil another try. The combination of Finasteride and topical Minoxidil generally works much better then either/or alone.

Chances are good that the scalp peeling you experienced was from the Retin-A gel. Retin-A can be good, but if you're going to use it get a Minoxidil solution that contains it. Also, when first starting you should just use plain Minoxidil to make sure you can tolerate that.

Some people are allergic to Propylene Glycol, contained in the base solution of Rogaine and generics, and that's what causes the scalp peeling. Dr. Lee, www.minoxidl.com, offers Minoxidil solutions without PG. He also offers them with Retin-A.

Minoxidil can work on all areas of the scalp. The only reason that it states on the Rogaine box that it's just for the vertex is that's the only area tested during FDA approval trials. So, that's all they can say!

Chembro: What is hair multiplication? Also, do you just use the Nioxin shampoo or their whole line of topicals? It's pretty expensive, right? I was thinking of just getting their shampoo and sticking with Minox topical.

Don't get offended by the "slammers" here as they will soon fade away and post somewhere else.

Do keep us all in the loop about your friend's progress with making his version of a laser comb.

Havent heard of that one yet, but also believe I'd like to keep what I have as long as I can so I can get the latest transplant tech., also because I am off propecia forever and need to relie soley on a HT and topicals to get a full head of hair.

Re:

Zoloft causes significantly more sexual problems than propecia in most people. There aren't many who don't get some degree of sexual problems while taking Zoloft. Propecia doesn't cause any problem in most people. I have been on it for 5 years and I have had no side effects of any kind and it's slowed down my hair loss significantly.

Josh