10 years of my hair journey (2015-Current). Looking for thoughts and feedback!
    5/5/2025

    From the encyclopedia
    Finasteride β†’

    Popular 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that lowers DHT, taken as a pill or used topically

    Minoxidil β†’

    Vasodilator used on the scalp and, at low doses, as a tablet

    Low Level Laser Therapy β†’

    Red-light devices, such as caps, combs and helmets, used on the scalp

    At a glance
    In this treatment experience post, the primary subjects mentioned are
    πŸ’Š Finasteride (oral) 1mg daily 10 years
    πŸ’Š Minoxidil (oral) 2.5mg daily since 2022
    πŸ’§ Minoxidil (topical) 1x/day 10 years
    πŸ’§ LLLT (topical) every other day
    πŸ’§ Ketoconazole (topical) 2-3x/week on and off
    πŸ’Š Dutasteride (oral) 0.5mg 6 months
    πŸ’Š Supplements (oral) years
    πŸ’§ Microneedling (topical) inconsistently 2018–2021
    the tone is πŸ˜€ positive with maintained hair results.

    Other terms

    The user has maintained their hair over 10 years using oral finasteride, oral and topical minoxidil, and other treatments like LLLT and ketoconazole. Despite starting hair loss at 17, they have largely preserved their hair, with some users suggesting a hair transplant for sparse areas.
    View this post in the Community β†’

    Similar Community Posts Join

    6 / 6 results

      community Ranking the best treatments for hair growth

      in Research/Science  3 upvotes 7 months ago
      Effective hair growth treatments include finasteride, minoxidil, dutasteride, and hair transplants, with additional options like microneedling, low-level laser therapy, and PRP showing some benefits. Newer treatments such as GHK-Cu peptides and ketoconazole shampoo are promising, while others like saw palmetto and biotin are less effective unless deficiencies exist.

      community How does low level laser therapy?

      in Chat  5 upvotes 1 year ago
      Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is debated for hair regrowth, with some users suggesting it should be combined with treatments like minoxidil and finasteride for effectiveness. Many users express skepticism about LLLT's efficacy and cost, emphasizing the need for the correct wavelength and quality devices.

      community 8 months post 4,000-graft FUE. Progress pictures + my stack

       223 upvotes 3 months ago
      The user underwent a 4,000-graft FUE hair transplant and uses finasteride, topical minoxidil, microneedling, ketoconazole shampoo, and low-level laser therapy. They are happy with the results after 8 months and wish they had started treatments earlier.

      community 10+ long year fin users share your story

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  63 upvotes 1 year ago
      Long-term finasteride users report maintaining or regrowing hair, often using additional treatments like minoxidil, low-level laser therapy, and ketoconazole shampoo. Most experience minimal side effects, though some report issues like erectile dysfunction.

      community Lost ground on Dut, Min, RU, etc (5 yrs… 2021->2026)

       16 upvotes 5 months ago
      The user has been using a combination of treatments including Dutasteride, Minoxidil, RU58841, ketoconazole shampoo, microneedling, and low-level laser therapy to address hair loss but continues to experience shedding and density loss. Despite high testosterone and iron levels, the user is frustrated with the lack of improvement and is considering adjusting treatment or exploring other options like a hair transplant.

      community Treatments not working (Need suggestions)

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  2 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 21-year-old experiencing significant hair loss despite using dutasteride, oral minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, and low-level laser therapy seeks advice. Suggestions include adding microneedling, checking for vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues, and considering a scalp biopsy for other conditions.

    Related Research

    6 / 6 results

      research Minoxidil: a comprehensive review

      16 citations , June 2021 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”
      This study reported that while topical minoxidil exhibits hair regrowth in androgenetic alopecia, oral minoxidil 5 mg/day was more effective than topical forms after six months, with low doses also potentially effective for women and other hair loss types.

      research Hair Physiology (Hair Growth, Alopecia, Scalp Treatment, etc.)

      1 citations , January 2017 in “Elsevier eBooks”
      This article reviews various hair growth and hair loss treatments, noting limited new developments since FDA-approved drugs but highlights recent cosmetic surgery and potential cell-based therapies; it reports no original findings.

      research Female pattern hair lossβ€”An update

      12 citations , January 2020 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”
      This article discusses the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for female pattern hair loss, emphasizing the role of topical minoxidil as a primary treatment, but provides no new clinical results.

      research Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

      January 2025 in “Directory of Open access Books (OAPEN Foundation)”
      This book reviews the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, providing a comprehensive exploration but reports no new clinical results.