Minoxidil on Front of Scalp

[Nuclear So & So]

I've read quite a bit about Minoxidil now, and there seems to be a general consensus that Minoxidil is fairly effective treating thinning scalps, but has minimal (or inconsistent) impact on receding hairlines/temples.

I am around a NW2-NW3 and am just coming to terms with my beginning to bald. I want to get started with minoxidil before committing to a prescription of Propecia (budget issues and an admittedly irrational fear of side effects). It it totally pointless to just use Minoxidil?

If it could help with my hairline, should I use foam or liquid? Does brand (Kirkland v. Rogaine, et al) have any impact on effectiveness?

 

[GoldenMane]

If you're on a limited budget, go with finasteride over minoxidil, better long term results. If you go with minoxidil your follicles will still be "damaged" and become less productive over time. Prevention is much more important than regrowth, and minoxidil is not good for prevention, your hair will get worse without it.

Both minoxidil and finasteride will do something for your hairline, but not as much as you might hope. They're better at thickening existing areas of thinning hair.

 

[Iopu]

I am using minoxidil exclusively on my receding temples. It has improved it but not totally regrown it. It does not look as dramatic as it was before I started using it. I am about 14 weeks in and hope I continue to see results.

 

[PhillyCarter]

If you are working on your hair line for growth Minoxidil might no be as helpful. Minoxidil is most effective on your vertex/ top of head area. For hairlines I would suggest using a ketoconazole shampoo. That's what I use right now. It clears out the pores and helps promote growth. Using ketoconazole with minoxidil is also a good combination that way you target all areas.

 

[isishearmyplea]

keto shampoo is just an add on, not so effective all by itself, you should use it though but honestly based on the experience of other people et on finasteride, there is a reason why almost all the posts in success stories is related with some anti androgen!
dot be scared, suck it and see!!
best of luck

 

[HonnyBrown]

Hi Everyone,

I popped in from the Women's Forum to see what the Men's issues are. I hope you don't mind my input.

I've been using Rogain for Women for a year to treat a thinning crown and receding hairline. It's worked for both! You have to be consistent with use. If you apply it to healthy hair, that hair will shed and then grow back.

Since I'm a year into use, the hair at my crown is very fine and it completely covers the bald spot I had. My hairline is starting to thicken, not just cover.

My hairline has grown in so much and looks so normal that my stylist shaped it a few weeks ago.

Keep this in mind: if you apply Rogain to your hairline, avoid touching your healthy hair. I can't stress that enough!

 

[PhillyCarter]

I agree its a good add on when using other treatments such as minoxidil. But I've found more hair growth using keto on the front of my head then anything else. The minoxidil only works for the top of my head/ vertex.