My Story
I never really thought about the idea of hair loss while under the age of 40. But in Sept 2012, while I was getting my hair cut at a Great Clips, the stylist cutting my hair (it wasn't even a great cut either) told me that my hairline was receding. This kind of came to me as a shock and got me concerned about the possibility ever since.
Background
I'm Asian (go figure from my username) and 25. I've always had a widow's peak, which may amplify the "balding" look i am experiencing. My dad has a full head of hair, which I would be happy to rock at his age of 55. However, my maternal grandfather (and his brothers) are all bald bald bald.
Starting Treatment
In late March, I went to see a nearby dermatologist who concluded that I may have male pattern baldness.
I took the plunge and the Dr. prescribed me their in-house Topical Propecia + minoxidil 5% liquid mix and minoxidil 5% + Retin-A liquid mix.
I've been using the following regime for 5 months now (started 3/28):
Regime
Topical Propecia + minoxidil 5% 1ml daily at night
minoxidil 5% + Retin-A 1ml twice a week at night
Picture: Hairline + Temples
https://www.dropbox.com/s/n0vomgq3d0em7tu/top-progress.jpg
Picture: Crown
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dn5d4qw0uc1n3fe/crown-progress.jpg
Results
Crown
I don't think there has been any change in this department. I wish I took a picture of my crown with my hair dry before I started, but I can safely say it looks the same pre and 7 mo into treatment.
Hairline and Temples
I was hoping for some regrowth in my temples but I am seeing very little change. Seems like the NW2 is here to stay.
The Hair Itself
This is where I feel bummed. The quality of my hair has gone from thick and coarse to this thin wire-y feeling. I am guessing this is what minoxidil does to hair?
It makes it impossible to spike now with hair wax, and is very see-through in the frontal region after I shower. Right now I feel like I'm going through a shedding phase. If I run my fingers through my dry hair, 2-3 thin hairs will fall out. Maybe 30-50 when I shower.
Maybe I was so paranoid to hold on to my hair that I may have made it worse by starting treatment? Maybe I actually don't have that bad of bald genes?
What are the consequences of coming off treatment? Will my hair regress to how it was pre-treatment?
Thank you for listening to my story!
I never really thought about the idea of hair loss while under the age of 40. But in Sept 2012, while I was getting my hair cut at a Great Clips, the stylist cutting my hair (it wasn't even a great cut either) told me that my hairline was receding. This kind of came to me as a shock and got me concerned about the possibility ever since.
Background
I'm Asian (go figure from my username) and 25. I've always had a widow's peak, which may amplify the "balding" look i am experiencing. My dad has a full head of hair, which I would be happy to rock at his age of 55. However, my maternal grandfather (and his brothers) are all bald bald bald.
Starting Treatment
In late March, I went to see a nearby dermatologist who concluded that I may have male pattern baldness.
I took the plunge and the Dr. prescribed me their in-house Topical Propecia + minoxidil 5% liquid mix and minoxidil 5% + Retin-A liquid mix.
I've been using the following regime for 5 months now (started 3/28):
Regime
Topical Propecia + minoxidil 5% 1ml daily at night
minoxidil 5% + Retin-A 1ml twice a week at night
Picture: Hairline + Temples
https://www.dropbox.com/s/n0vomgq3d0em7tu/top-progress.jpg
Picture: Crown
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dn5d4qw0uc1n3fe/crown-progress.jpg
Results
Crown
I don't think there has been any change in this department. I wish I took a picture of my crown with my hair dry before I started, but I can safely say it looks the same pre and 7 mo into treatment.
Hairline and Temples
I was hoping for some regrowth in my temples but I am seeing very little change. Seems like the NW2 is here to stay.
The Hair Itself
This is where I feel bummed. The quality of my hair has gone from thick and coarse to this thin wire-y feeling. I am guessing this is what minoxidil does to hair?
It makes it impossible to spike now with hair wax, and is very see-through in the frontal region after I shower. Right now I feel like I'm going through a shedding phase. If I run my fingers through my dry hair, 2-3 thin hairs will fall out. Maybe 30-50 when I shower.
Maybe I was so paranoid to hold on to my hair that I may have made it worse by starting treatment? Maybe I actually don't have that bad of bald genes?
What are the consequences of coming off treatment? Will my hair regress to how it was pre-treatment?
Thank you for listening to my story!