Did my research, about to start treatment, a couple of ?s...

[hyperseer]

Hi all - well, I am 30 yeras old and have noticed some generalized thinning over the last 2 years so I finally decided it is time to wage war against male pattern baldness... I consulted with Dr. Lee and placed my order for Xandrox 5% and Spiroloctone lotion 5%. I just have a few general questions... any advice would be greatly appreciated!

1) Application - I was planning on using the Xandrox in the morning and when I get home after work (8+ hours afterwards) and then the spironolactone before bed... is it a good idea to split up the Xandrox and spironolactone evening applications like this? I read somewhere on Dr.Lee's site that applying the Xandrox and then the spironolactone on top of it increases its effectiveness?

Also, I believe the dropper method is preferred to the spray method? So if I am experiencing generalized thinning, I could just part my hair down the middle and apply the drops directly to my scalp? I was thinking of placing a couple of drops on the front on my hairline, a few down the middle, and a few at the vertex.

2) Gel - I will be applying the Xandrox at work after exercising so I definitely need to use some gel as well... how much time do I need to wait until I can safely use the gel? I heard 20min for the Xandrox to dry but I can't wait that long in the locker room.... can gel be applied before the Xandrox is completely dry? I am assuming the safest way is not to touch the scalp?

Also, are there any recommendations for good gel? Are some better for the hairline than others? I currently use Sebastian Wet.

3) Conditioner - My shampoo routine includes 2% Nizoral, Coal Tar Neutrogena, and T-Sal Neutrogena... none of these products have an accompanying conditioner... well, I did see one Neutrogena conditioner but it was from their non-therapeutic line. Any recommendations on conditioners to add to these shampoos?

4) Copper Peptides - I was thinking of adding the Tricomin spray eventually, but Dr.Lee doesn't seem to think too highly of it. Do most people agree that it is worth it? If I did add it, how many times a day does it go on and I assume it has to be put on separately from the Xandrox?

Thanks in advance!

Hyperseer

 

[stabone1979]

Your research is accurate, I don't think the CU's are potent enough to regrow hair, maybe enough to mitigate irrtation and keep the scalp healthy.

 

[hyperseer]

Thanks for the reply stabone1979.

Does anyone have recommendations for good gels and conditioners?

 

[drinkrum]

Thanks for the reply stabone1979.

Does anyone have recommendations for good gels and conditioners?

T/Gel does make a conditioner, but try the shampoos first to see if you actually need one. I am fine with T/Gel alone.

That said, here is a link to T/Gel Conditioner: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... c&n=507846

D.

 

[stabone1979]

T-Gel w/ Menthol workls a little better than the regular T-gel. Its called "T-Gel Stubborn Itch Control"

 

[The Gardener]

Hyperseer,

You have done your homework indeed and it shows. You talk the talk.

As for your specific application questions, I think you need to tinker around with the timing and spacing yourself. You will 'feel' when you get in a good minoxidil application versus one that doesn't 'hit'... just experiment a bit and you'll learn.

DON'T use the sprayer, stick with the dropper for Xandrox. The sprayer may be easy, but it gets most of the active ingredient in your hair (useless!) whereas the dropper gets the minoxidil down to skin level, where you need it. It takes some extra minutes to get a dropper application in each day, but it is really what you should do.

As for gel, you should wait the 10-20 mins before using. If you HAVE to rush it, then try to keep the gel OFF the scalp. This may be something you need to tinker with a bit. Why can't you apply it in the mornings after waking up?... Then by the time you drive to work and hit the gym, it will have had time to absorb?

If you want an 'easy' copper peptide spray to use, try the American Crew. It doesn't stain the scalp green like Folligen, and it has a good sprayer that only requires 3-4 sprays to get a good dusting in. It's not greasy, and smells pleasant. It is the last thing I do before heading out the door.

 

[stabone1979]

Gardener, I see you added the Xandrox w/ Retinoic Acid, any irritation yet? Do the AC Peps take care of all product irritation?

 

[hyperseer]

Gardener - Thanks for the excellent reply. Yes, I could apply the Xandrox in the morning before I leave, but it would then only be on my scalp for 1 hour until I started working out, and a total of 2.5 hours before I shower and shampoo. Do you think it would be better to take this approach as opposed to putting it on after my workout and shower, waiting 10 min and then applying the gel so that the Xandrox can stay on my scalp all day? I know you are supposed to wait 8+ hours between Xandrox applications, but what is the timeframe for it to sink in to your scalp (i.e. how long before you can safely sweat, wash your hair, etc.)?