Hoppi
Senior Member
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Hey hey peeps! Please don't attack me over these - if you ever think "But wait! male pattern baldness is about androgens/genetics so these cannot possibly help me!", then do remember that minoxidil does not work by interfering with your androgens or genetics, yet it still works
Ok, so here's my thing!
Basically it seems the top things to achieve for stopping male pattern baldness are:
Decreasing androgens, reducing sebum (which many believe harbors androgens and infections), controlling infections (I believe this is why dandruff often accompanies male pattern baldness), reducing inflammation (caused by infection/androgens), increasing bloodflow (decreased by destruction of blood vessels by androgens/infection), and exfoliating the skin (which gets covered by things like sebum, dandruff, and new skin growing over dying follicles).
I am unsure of the exact mechanisms of male pattern baldness. But using the examples of minoxidil and other growth stimulators we can see success through methods that do not reduce androgens or alter genetics.
Therefore I would like to suggest topicals such as these:
Tea tree oil (to kill infection including dandruff), VEGF (to stimulate angiogenesis - the creation of new blood vessels. Available already in a topical by Nanogen), cayenne pepper (to increase bloodflow), salicylic acid (essentially topical aspirin - reduces inflammation and exfoliates the skin. You can also crush aspirin tablets.) and witch hazel (reduces sebum).
Of course, you all know the best topical antiandrogens which is why I haven't listed any. However, do remember that while usually with antiandrogens we must be careful as they can hurt us systemically, most of the above are comparatively very safe systemically and can be applied to the scalp in stronger amounts.
Let me know your thoughts!
I have been using topical tea tree 3 times a day and my dandruff has pretty much gone. Not sure about hair loss yet though.
Nanogen's VEGF product has some very positive reviews.
Cayenne was the main ingredient in many older baldness treatments.
Salicylic acid has reports of success.
Witch hazel I've also read a testimonial speaking of success for male pattern baldness.
Hope all that catches someone's eye!
Hoppi!
EDIT -- I grabbed some of those aspirins that dissolve in water so maybe I'll use those in the place of salicylic acid... same deal I guess
Ok, so here's my thing!
Basically it seems the top things to achieve for stopping male pattern baldness are:
Decreasing androgens, reducing sebum (which many believe harbors androgens and infections), controlling infections (I believe this is why dandruff often accompanies male pattern baldness), reducing inflammation (caused by infection/androgens), increasing bloodflow (decreased by destruction of blood vessels by androgens/infection), and exfoliating the skin (which gets covered by things like sebum, dandruff, and new skin growing over dying follicles).
I am unsure of the exact mechanisms of male pattern baldness. But using the examples of minoxidil and other growth stimulators we can see success through methods that do not reduce androgens or alter genetics.
Therefore I would like to suggest topicals such as these:
Tea tree oil (to kill infection including dandruff), VEGF (to stimulate angiogenesis - the creation of new blood vessels. Available already in a topical by Nanogen), cayenne pepper (to increase bloodflow), salicylic acid (essentially topical aspirin - reduces inflammation and exfoliates the skin. You can also crush aspirin tablets.) and witch hazel (reduces sebum).
Of course, you all know the best topical antiandrogens which is why I haven't listed any. However, do remember that while usually with antiandrogens we must be careful as they can hurt us systemically, most of the above are comparatively very safe systemically and can be applied to the scalp in stronger amounts.
Let me know your thoughts!
I have been using topical tea tree 3 times a day and my dandruff has pretty much gone. Not sure about hair loss yet though.
Nanogen's VEGF product has some very positive reviews.
Cayenne was the main ingredient in many older baldness treatments.
Salicylic acid has reports of success.
Witch hazel I've also read a testimonial speaking of success for male pattern baldness.
Hope all that catches someone's eye!
Hoppi!
EDIT -- I grabbed some of those aspirins that dissolve in water so maybe I'll use those in the place of salicylic acid... same deal I guess