Tretinoin may enhance minoxidil's effectiveness for those not responding to minoxidil alone, but it could reduce efficacy for some who are already responding to minoxidil. Tretinoin requires careful use, including skin moisturizing and sun protection due to increased sensitivity.
A user who was able to get dutasteride for free with their insurance, and another user mentioning that finasteride is only covered if it is used for medical reasons.
User started minoxidil, noticed forehead lines and dark circles, and asked for non-invasive skin aging prevention methods. Another user suggested using tretinoin and hyaluronic acid for long-term benefits.
Higher doses of dutasteride, such as 2.5mg, are more effective at reducing scalp DHT than 0.5mg, but are costly and inconvenient. A 1mg dose is considered a more affordable and practical option, though its efficacy is uncertain.
Dutasteride and finasteride can affect libido differently, with some experiencing increased libido and others decreased libido or erectile dysfunction. Dutasteride may increase testosterone levels but can also cause side effects like liver enzyme changes, while topical finasteride may have fewer sexual side effects.
A user shared their 3-month progress using 1mg oral finasteride daily and 5% topical minoxidil twice daily, along with Pura D’Or anti-thinning shampoo and a scalp massager. They noticed initial worsening but later saw hair follicle recovery.
A user is considering starting finasteride after quitting minoxidil due to scalp inflammation, despite ongoing hair shedding and a worsening crown area. Another user suggests taking finasteride in the morning to minimize focus on potential side effects like slightly decreased libido.
A 22-year-old using finasteride and 2% ketoconazole shampoo for hair loss sees mixed results after three months, with some improvement at the crown but worsening at the temples. Suggestions include waiting 6-12 months, considering dutasteride, adding minoxidil, microneedling, caffeine tonic, and retinol.
A user shared their 6-month progress using 1mg finasteride, daily minoxidil, 1.5mm microneedling twice a week, biotin, and Nizoral shampoo, showing significant hair regrowth. Other users were impressed, noting the regrowth resembled a hair transplant.
A user shared their 3-month hair regrowth progress using 1mg finasteride, 5% minoxidil, and ketoconazole shampoo. Commenters noticed improvement and discussed the importance of waiting 6 months for more significant results.
The conversation is about a meme related to hair loss that influenced someone to start taking finasteride. Another person agrees that the meme accurately represents the situation.
A user experiencing significant hair loss started using Dutasteride, a drug typically used for prostate issues, and noticed a positive change in hair thickness and volume after 5 months. Other users in the conversation also shared their experiences and observations with Dutasteride, with one mentioning additional use of oral Minoxidil.
A user's successful hair regrowth after 7 months of using 5% minoxidil, 1mg finasteride, and adding micro needling 4 months ago. The user also took biotin, fish oil, and collagen supplements, and reduced finasteride intake to once every 3 days due to minor libido decay.
The user has been using 1mg finasteride every other day, 5% minoxidil daily, and microneedling every two weeks for three months to treat hair loss. They are happy with the progress and considering adding ketoconazole shampoo to their routine.
A user shared a six-month update on hair improvement using Pyrilutamide and Minoxidil, noting significant hair regrowth and strength. Some participants questioned the legitimacy of the results and the source of Pyrilutamide.
Biotin supplements are considered ineffective for hair loss and are not supported by evidence. People in the conversation have mixed experiences, with some noting benefits for nails and skin but not hair, while others continue to use biotin as part of their vitamin regimen.
A 27-year-old man's experience with taking Finasteride to treat hair loss and the positive side effects he has experienced, such as improved skin. The user also shared their journey of how they were scared away from taking Finasteride due to fear of possible side effects before eventually deciding to take it.
User "logart89" claims DUT 3 times a week is better than daily FIN for hair loss. Their routine includes DUT, topical DUT, stemoxydine and alfatradiol mix, 5% minoxidil with tretinoin, and weekly derma stamping.
An 18-year-old diagnosed with male pattern baldness is using probiotics, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, soy isoflavones, biotin, fish oil, quercetin, a multivitamin, and ketoconazole shampoo. Replies suggest these methods are ineffective and recommend finasteride, minoxidil, and a derma roller.
Minoxidil alone is just as effective as when combined with tretinoin and azelaic acid for hair loss. People adding tretinoin and azelaic acid to minoxidil may not see the expected benefits.
The conversation discusses the removal of Breezula phase II 12-month results by Cassiopea and the search for the original data. Concerns were raised about potential negative long-term effects on hair growth, such as androgen receptor upregulation.
The conversation discusses using retinol to enhance minoxidil's effectiveness for hair loss, with a user considering The Ordinary's 0.5% retinol and seeking advice on azelaic acid concentration. Other users suggest using tretinoin instead and consider pre-formulated products combining minoxidil, tretinoin, and azelaic acid, but the original poster has not seen improvement from dermarolling.
A 19-year-old has been using finasteride for 3 months to treat hair loss and is experiencing side effects like erectile dysfunction and dizziness. They plan to continue with a reduced dosage while monitoring their health and are seeking advice from others with similar experiences.
A user discusses fighting hair loss without finasteride, using minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, pygeum, stinging nettles, biotin, a boar bristle brush, and a derma roller. Replies suggest finasteride is necessary for effective hair loss prevention.
Topical minoxidil may cause skin aging effects like wrinkles and dark circles, possibly due to its alcohol content, while oral finasteride is reported to make users look younger. Switching to oral minoxidil or using moisturizers might help reduce these skin issues.
The user experienced hair loss and initially used Finasteride, but switched to Dutasteride after continued shedding. Dutasteride stabilized their hair density with mild side effects, and they did not use Minoxidil.
The user experienced significant hair growth after using minoxidil 5% and finasteride 1.25mg daily for three months, despite initial shedding. They noted improved hair density, especially at the temples, and plan to manage excess hair growth on the forehead.
A user shared their 10.5-month progress using oral finasteride, topical minoxidil, a derma roller, biotin, and Omega 3, despite losing over 150 hairs daily. They also mentioned starting "bald showers" after leg workouts for the last two months.