21, seriously thinning for a while now

[BBR1]

Started losing hair at 16 but didnt notice until 18/19 because stupid, used topical minoxidil/regaine for around 6 months then stopped because was desperate and other 'specialist' wanted me to use something else which made it worse. Been on it again since last April but held off finasteride until late October as scared. Have also had two PRP sessions with another soon. Lost a lot of ground in the last few years but hair is so damn thin and spread out, head always greasy even though i use a 'softer' shampoo, dont condition or use styling products, dont wear hats etc. I am rigid to my routine and am very careful with my hair, healthy and quite fit as well. Hair loss does not run in the family, at least not until like 30 with one line. I am constantly depressed and dont even want to leave the house. Doesnt help that all barbers are closed right now and will be for at least another month. The picture is me just now, showered 15 hours ago and haven't done much today. The f*** is happening to me

Edit: probably nearer 3 Norwood, and since starting finasteride the sides above my ears have receded more and i understand there is a thinning/shedding phase but holy mother its getting thinner fast with no signs of stopping. Do you guys have any suggestions on what I could do?..

 

[JaneyElizabeth]

Started losing hair at 16 but didnt notice until 18/19 because stupid, used topical minoxidil/regaine for around 6 months then stopped because was desperate and other 'specialist' wanted me to use something else which made it worse. Been on it again since last April but held off finasteride until late October as scared. Have also had two PRP sessions with another soon. Lost a lot of ground in the last few years but hair is so damn thin and spread out, head always greasy even though i use a 'softer' shampoo, dont condition or use styling products, dont wear hats etc. I am rigid to my routine and am very careful with my hair, healthy and quite fit as well. Hair loss does not run in the family, at least not until like 30 with one line. I am constantly depressed and dont even want to leave the house. Doesnt help that all barbers are closed right now and will be for at least another month. The picture is me just now, showered 15 hours ago and haven't done much today. The f*** is happening to me

Edit: probably nearer 3 Norwood, and since starting finasteride the sides above my ears have receded more and i understand there is a thinning/shedding phase but holy mother its getting thinner fast with no signs of stopping.

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I mean, many of us know what you are going through and it's not easy.

You didn't ask a question but I am sure that you can get some get information about possible further treatments and anything I can do, please ask.

 

[BBR1]

I mean, many of us know what you are going through and it's not easy.

You didn't ask a question but I am sure that you can get some get information about possible further treatments and anything I can do, please ask.

I just edited the post and added that, cheers

 

[JaneyElizabeth]

Not noticing for a while is very common. It happened to me. It's hard to see the crown from the front.

I just edited the post and added that, cheers

Oral minoxidil is much more potent for most people and non-hormonal, so you might try that. You can also try derma-rolling with topical minoxidil at night, several times a month. You might add Nizoral 2 percent, known as Ketoconolzole but if you can't get a prescription, then get 1 percent Nizoral at the drug store, and buy a blue dandruff shampoo.

Otherwise, you are doing pretty much all that there is to be done save HRT and that's not for you.

 

[BBR1]

Not noticing for a while is very common. It happened to me. It's hard to see the crown from the front.

Oral minoxidil is much more potent for most people and non-hormonal, so you might try that. You can also try derma-rolling with topical minoxidil at night, several times a month. You might add Nizoral 2 percent, known as Ketoconolzole but if you can't get a prescription, then get 1 percent Nizoral at the drug store, and buy a blue dandruff shampoo.

Otherwise, you are doing pretty much all that there is to be done save HRT and that's not for you.

forgot to mention im using nizoral once weekly now, though i saw something here which said to use three times a week so i did that for probably too long - may have messed things up a little. will research oral minoxidil

 

[JaneyElizabeth]

forgot to mention im using nizoral once weekly now, though i saw something here which said to use three times a week so i did that for probably too long - may have messed things up a little. will research oral minoxidil

Once weekly is fine. Everyday is fine, too. Generally the better the condition of the hair, the less it needs to be washed. The main concern is over-production of scalp yeast and their by-products which seem to cause inflammation.

 

[FromHairy2LarryDavid]

What's often overlooked about Nizoral is that Ketoconazole is such a harsh chemical it could be counter-productive. We have dozens of posts just here alone, of people complaining about excessive shedding on Nizoral, with permanent losses. If you plan to continue using it, especially at 2% strength, make the absolute surest you work your way up with dosing or keep it at once a week.

Other than that, 4 months into finasteride might not be enough to tell if it works. I'd say give it about 6 months. You should see the shedding phase slowly wear off but if it doesn't, don't wait a year or something. Look into alternatives. Those include dutasteride, orally and/or topically, anti-androgens, or as suggested above, oral minoxidil. As for topical minoxidil you shouldn't be surprised by the shedding it causes, it just comes with that initially, and it comes hard.

 

[JaneyElizabeth]

What's often overlooked about Nizoral is that Ketoconazole is such a harsh chemical it could be counter-productive. We have dozens of posts just here alone, of people complaining about excessive shedding on Nizoral, with permanent losses. If you plan to continue using it, especially at 2% strength, make the absolute surest you work your way up with dosing or keep it at once a week.

Other than that, 4 months into finasteride might not be enough to tell if it works. I'd say give it about 6 months. You should see the shedding phase slowly wear off but if it doesn't, don't wait a year or something. Look into alternatives. Those include dutasteride, orally and/or topically, anti-androgens, or as suggested above, oral minoxidil. As for topical minoxidil you shouldn't be surprised by the shedding it causes, it just comes with that initially, and it comes hard.

I generally recommend Keto to completists and there are many, who feel that every single angle needs to be dealt with. It gives such folks more of a feeling of control over their hair destiny. But yes, keto shampoo is harsh and it seems to strip away vital oils from the hair that I notice much more now since my hair is more abundant. When you ain't got much, you got little to lose, although I kid. I also feel that Keto has possibly been over-touted as a member of the Big 3 or whatever.