Zinc and iron supplements alone are unlikely to cure baldness, but they might help if there's a deficiency. Effective treatments for hair loss include finasteride and minoxidil.
A 20-year-old woman with androgenetic alopecia feels depressed about her hair loss, despite using topical minoxidil, spironolactone, and saw palmetto. Suggestions include trying oral minoxidil, higher doses of finasteride or dutasteride, and checking for vitamin deficiencies and heavy metal exposure.
Increased Malassezia and Cutibacterium in the scalp microbiome are linked to higher sebum production and inflammation in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Treatments include ciclopirox shampoo, benzoyl peroxide shampoo, clobetasol propionate, calcipotriol, minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride.
Taking oral Vitamin D alongside topical minoxidil improves hair density more than using minoxidil alone. Users discuss Vitamin D dosages, potential benefits, and the importance of combining it with Vitamin K2.
Finasteride users have mixed experiences with creatine; some experience increased hair loss, while others do not. Finasteride's DHT-blocking effects might counteract any DHT increase from creatine, but individual responses vary.
The user is considering switching to oral dutasteride, topical minoxidil, retinoic acid, and clobetasol for hair loss treatment, after limited regrowth with finasteride and other topicals. They are seeking a source for clobetasol, as they believe it may help with their condition.
The user has been using oral minoxidil and dutasteride since September 1, 2024, and added 5% topical minoxidil and a dermaroller in October, noticing regrowth, especially with the addition of topical minoxidil. They plan to consider finasteride for further improvement and have experienced some increased body hair growth from the oral minoxidil.
A natural sugar called 2dDR may stimulate hair growth and is comparable to minoxidil, but it's not widely available for purchase. Concerns about minoxidil's safety for pets were discussed, with some users seeking alternatives.
The conversation discusses the potential impact of marijuana on hair loss, with some users suggesting it may worsen hair loss due to hormonal changes, while others believe it might alter perception rather than cause actual thinning. The original poster uses Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil) for treatment and is considering quitting marijuana to see if it affects hair health.
The user is treating diffuse thinning with finasteride, dutasteride, and oral minoxidil but hasn't seen significant improvement. Others suggest that results vary, with some maintaining hair and others considering transplants or future treatments.
A user experienced no visible improvement in hair loss after 10 months on 0.5mg finasteride and increased the dose to 1mg, noticing a possible shedding phase. They also use topical minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, and dermastamping, and are seeking others' experiences with similar treatments.
The user is taking finasteride 1mg from Blink pharmacy, sourced from Ascend Laboratories, with no noticeable side effects after 5 months. They also use Kirkland foam minoxidil, micro needling, and various supplements for hair treatment.
A user started using oral minoxidil (2.5 mg) and dutasteride (1 mg) for hair loss three months ago and noticed no side effects, possibly due to regular exercise. They speculate a possible link between COVID-19 and accelerated hair loss.
The user started using finasteride and minoxidil in October 2025 and noticed hair growth and thickening after three months, despite initial concerns about side effects. They are hopeful for continued progress and grateful for the support from the forum community.
People shared their experiences with coffee consumption and hair loss, with mixed results. Some noticed more hair loss with increased caffeine, while others saw no effect or even hair regrowth, often using treatments like finasteride and minoxidil.
Hair loss is linked to scalp fibrosis and tension, which result from chronic mechanical stress and androgenic signaling. Treatments include blocking androgens with finasteride, promoting hair growth with topical minoxidil, and improving scalp mobility through exercises.
Hot weather can increase hair shedding, possibly due to dehydration and active sebaceous glands. Using shampoos with salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione may help; daily anti-inflammatory use is not recommended.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth over two years using topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, with no side effects from finasteride. Despite initial skepticism from others, the user confirmed the progress was not due to a hair transplant.
Minoxidil alone is often insufficient for treating hair loss because it doesn't address the DHT-related cause. Combining it with finasteride, a DHT blocker, is generally more effective.
The user reported significant hair thickness improvement using Minoxidil 5% twice daily for three months and Finasteride 1mg daily for one month, along with Biotin and Vitamin D supplements. The user no longer notices bald patches and is hopeful for continued progress.
Spironolactone and estrogen may be more effective for hair regrowth in transgender women than finasteride alone. Estrogen and spironolactone suppress testosterone, potentially reducing DHT more effectively than finasteride.
The user is experiencing intense dandruff from using minoxidil for hair loss and suspects it's due to alcohol or propylene glycol. Suggestions include using minoxidil without propylene glycol, switching to foam, and trying various shampoos like ginger shampoo or those without propylene glycol.
A 19-year-old with diffuse hair thinning and erectile dysfunction is considering starting Propecia (finasteride) while already using a minoxidil solution with anti-androgens. Concerns are raised about the psychological nature of erectile dysfunction and the potential systemic effects of anti-androgens, with suggestions to address porn addiction and consult a doctor about hormone therapy.
A 23-year-old has been using 1mg finasteride daily for a year to address diffuse hair thinning, with mixed feelings about progress but noticeable improvement. Users suggest adding topical minoxidil or considering a hair transplant for further enhancement.
The user experienced significant hair regrowth after 1 year and 7 months using 0.5mg Dutasteride and 5mg Minoxidil, with continued improvements in the second year despite ongoing shedding. The user initially saw results at the 4-month mark and is pleased with the regained density, especially on the top crown.
Dutasteride improved hair curliness and was preferred over finasteride due to fewer side effects. The user switched from finasteride to dutasteride, taking 0.5mg daily for 6 months.
A user shared their hair regrowth progress using 1 mg finasteride, 10% minoxidil with 0.1% finasteride solution, and derma rolling, noting significant improvement in crown density over five months. They experienced initial shedding but reported no side effects from finasteride and plan to continue treatment for 10-11 months before deciding on future steps.
PP405 is progressing rapidly through trials, with mixed opinions on its potential effectiveness. Current treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are still widely discussed, with some users reporting positive results from new formulations.
Shedding is common when using finasteride and minoxidil, and it typically stabilizes after a few months, with potential regrowth following. Users report varying experiences, but shedding is generally seen as a normal part of the treatment process.
A user shared their positive experience with a hair transplant in Turkey, using 4350 grafts, and described it as the best decision of their life. They discussed using finasteride to maintain non-transplanted hair and addressed questions about the procedure and recovery.