Peat's story

[Peat]

So I've been reading this forum for some time now without ever having posted before. I realize the forum is broken down into several areas of discussion, and I'm not sure which this post bests in.

Before my hair loss, which began occurring 2.5 years ago, I already had very low self-esteem. Now my self-esteem is really, really low. I look in the mirror constantly to monitor how well styling my hair has masked the thinning that seems so apparent to me. Friends and family do not say anything about it. I've even asked if they notice, and they say they don't.

But I notice. And those who are neither friends nor family have made comments, like my fellow employees. Sometimes I watch their eyes drift up to my temples or to the top of my scalp as we discuss something related to work. It is bothersome since I work in sales. Unfortunately, appearance is completely important. Those who think it isn't - well, you're right, but only sometimes to the extent of yourself and those who love you.

What is truly awful is I was just starting to hit my stride with work, and furthermore, there is a girl I am deeply interested in who is also interested in me.

I need to find some hope in all of this. How do I explain this? I will write this, then: I always knew I would age. I always knew with age my appearance would change. However, I cannot seem to accept my appearance changing so rapidly at this young age. I am 30. If I were 60, I would not have a problem with this. But 30? Come on, it's too soon.

There is my story. My question to you is what is the best method for first combating hair loss? I know this is a topic of considerable debate here, so I suppose I should reword my question by asking what has the best results? I mean, I understand I may be a non-responder, but I would first like to take my chances with a regimen that is best proven. From reading this forum, is that the following?

Propecia
Minoxidil
Nizoral

I have tried 5% Walgreen's-brand minoxidil, and it burns my scalp. Does this go away?

Or should I get a hair transplant?

Please, please advise.

 

[Aplunk1]

Hi Peat,
and welcome to the HairLossTalk.com Forums. I completely understand the devastation that hair loss is causing you, and especially at such a young age (I am 20!).

Prior to my hair loss, I had bouts of low self-esteem... having to wear dentures from the age of 14-20, and having a bad case of acne on my body. These things don't do a teenager any good. In any case, all those things have cleared up, but my hair loss remains.

I, too, look in the mirror constantly. It's a bad habit, and stop it now!

I know this is a difficult thing to accept, but don't listen to people who comment on your hair. They have no idea how much psychological torment a man's hair loss can affect him.

Don't let them win with their snickering or jokes.

Okay, now that that's said, you've got it right. Propecia (finasteride), Rogaine (minoxidil), Nizoral (ketoconazole)-- The Big 3. You have about a 9/10 chance of getting good results on this regimen. Why not try it out? It's safe.

Keep us updated, my friend.

And as always, GOODLUCK!

Andy

 

[Back In Time]

I agree with the above, get on the big 3. I am on generic Propecia and minoxidil, and I will probably add Nizoral shampoo at some point, for now I'm using T-Gel shampoo.

You are about my age, I started about 3 1/2 months ago and I am starting to see some results. My story is listed here.

My only advice for you is this: Start now, stick with it, and use what has been tested and proven to work.

Edit: I forgot to add, I'm personally not a big fan of transplants. Even if you get a perfect one (and I have seen planty that look horrible), you are a slave to how much more hair you will lose the rest of your life. The more you lose, the more you will look odd and need more transplants to fill in. That and you will get scarring on the back of your head, so if you ever decide to shave your head, you will have a huge scar from the donor area.

 

[Peat]

Thank you for your quick and caring responses. I would have never imagined this thing - hair loss - could cause so much grief. And yet it does, so it is nice to have support.

I too am a 2.5 on the Norwood Scale. Funny, but I don't really understand this scale either. I feel like I don't quite fit into it. I have lost hair around the temples and in the very front part of the scalp, and the top of my head has thinned dramatically. But there are not major spots of hair loss except at my temples.

Anyhow, I am going to try to stick with this regimen. If minoxidil is burning my scalp, it is most likely the propelyne glycol, eh?

 

[Back In Time]

It could definitely be, but I'll be honest and say I'm probably not the one to answer that. I'll leave that one up to folks with more knowledge than I.

Now is the time to try though, the more hair you have when you start the better the results I have seen seem to be.

Hang in there man, I'm right there with ya.

 

[Aplunk1]

If minoxidil is burning my scalp, it is most likely the propelyne glycol, eh?

No, it's the minoxidil itself. Irritation is one of the side effects. It doesn't effect most people, and if it does, it will go away shortly. There are always things like Tricomin (Copper Peptides) to boost your follicles, relieve irritation, and give you more regrowth.

Now is the time to try though, the more hair you have when you start the better the results I have seen seem to be.

Hang in there man, I'm right there with ya.

Now is the time to try treatments. I would personally consult with a dermatologist or G.P. and make sure that you're being supervised, and to have a doctor's opinion around.

T/Gel is a good shampoo, I use it myself on my off days, and it seems to get the minoxidil flakes off better than nizoral. I'm liking it.

Best of luck, man.

 

[Steve4263]

I bought some T-gel shampoo at dollar general for $2. Have'nt tried it yet still have the Nizoral yet.

 

[Aplunk1]

I got my GENERIC T/Gel at albertson's for $3, which beats the $8 it normally costs.

 

[silkeysmooth]

If minoxidil is burning my scalp, it is most likely the propelyne glycol, eh?

No, it's the minoxidil itself. Irritation is one of the side effects. It doesn't effect most people, and if it does, it will go away shortly. There are always things like Tricomin (Copper Peptides) to boost your follicles, relieve irritation, and give you more regrowth.

From what I understand, propylene glycol has been accepted as the cause of irritation, with the minoxidil molecule itself being the cause of irritation in a very small percent of cases.

Peat, if you're having irritation problems, it more than likely is due to the propylene glycol. One option is to buy products from Dr. Lee at Minoxidil.com, who sells minoxidil formulas that substitute propylene glycerin for propylene glycol. I can't attest to the efficacy of his products, but some posters claim good results.

Another option is to wait until Pfizer's new recently approved foam-based minoxidil formula is released; I'm not sure if it will be more effective in any way than the current minoxidil solutions, but it may be easier on the scalp, and Pfizer claims it will be easier to apply, in that it should be less messy end easier to apply. However, I have no idea when it's coming out.

BTW anyone who suffers from low self-esteem or anxiety is caught off-guard by hair loss, regardless of age, so what you're going through is not uncommon. Are you taking any depression/anxiety medication? They've definitely helped me alot.