Been on minoxidil for a year

[chuckycheese]

I started on minoxidil last Oct. (generic, becaues it's much cheaper than Rogaine)

I also started using Nizoral shampoo, which hasn't really helped the flaking problem much, but it's made my hair look thicker.

I am not sure if the minoxidil has worked or not. My hair does look thicker, but it may be due to Nizoral. There's still a small spot in the middle of the top of my head that's almost hairless, I think it was too late for minoxidil to work. I think the hairloss could have stopped or slowed down as I seem to be about where I was last year in terms of balding, although it could just be that 1 year of more balding isn't enough difference to be noticeable.

Now to the side effects. At first, it caused intense itching. Then my scalp got used to the medicine after a few weeks. Still, sometimes I get these little soft bumps (same color as rest of scalp) on my scalp, that itches upon touch. The worst part is the stickiness and flaking, but if I wash it everyday (Nizoral 2x per week, just water other times), it's manageable (otherwise the flakes come down like snow on a winter day) when I run my hand through my hair.

So did it work? I don't know. I still have 8 months worth of supply left, so I am gonna have to keep using it.

 

[RP3X]

You shoulda been on the big 3 to be honest

propecia
minoxidil liquid or foam
nizoral shampoo


The propecia woulda helped greatly and its essential as part of the big 3 setup.... id get onto it asap, everyone advised myself too do the same when I noticed my hair loss was worser...

 

[follicle84]

I've heard you can make minoxidil more effective by putting a hot flannel over your head to open up its pores and then putting it on. This will supposivelly enable the minoxidil to reach the hair follicles a little better through the now open pores.

 

[chuckycheese]

I have no insurance right now, and I am just out of grad school and working PT. In other wds, I am poor.

Does insurance cover Propecia? No right?

I have also read about the side effects, which turned me off a bit.

Interesting idea about opening up the pores. Might try that.

 

[alfonso2501]

I've heard you can make minoxidil more effective by putting a hot flannel over your head to open up its pores and then putting it on. This will supposivelly enable the minoxidil to reach the hair follicles a little better through the now open pores.

Don't listen to this ***.

Now on a serious note. If you can afford it, switch to Rogaine foam, you'll won't have anymore side effects. Also, I'd use Nizoral more then twice a week. Oh, & your insurance company will be more likely to cover finasteride if you had your MD prescribe it for your "BPH".

 

[Petchsky]

I didn't think minoxidil was working for me the first time i took it, shed like a bastard after quitting. Scout about the net for generic finasteride, there is some cheap prices if you hunt for them, and the finasteride and min work in synergy with each other