Finasteride may take 8-12 months to show results, with initial shedding common. Users suggest waiting before considering stronger treatments like dutasteride.
A 28-year-old male is experiencing temple regrowth but crown thinning while using 5mg minoxidil and 0.5mg dutasteride. The shedding phase is seen as a positive sign of treatment effectiveness, with expectations of noticeable improvements around 6 to 12 months.
A 42-year-old had 2,100 grafts transplanted to the frontal third of the scalp, using treatments like Dutasteride, oral Minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, dermarolling, and PRP. They plan to add RU58841 and have scheduled SMP to improve cosmetic results.
A user reported no effects after 2 months of taking 5mg oral minoxidil, with no shedding or regrowth. They are seeking advice on whether this is normal and if they should be discouraged.
A user shared a nearly 3-year update on their hairline improvement using Minoxidil, Finasteride, Nizoral, and Dermarolling. Other users commented on the success and discussed their own experiences with similar treatments.
Diffuse thinning can result in varied regrowth, with some users experiencing better results at the hairline and others at the crown. Treatments mentioned include finasteride, minoxidil (oral and topical), RU58841, microneedling, and dermarolling.
A user is considering switching from finasteride to dutasteride after minimal success with finasteride, minoxidil, and other treatments. Another user reports positive results with dutasteride after switching from finasteride.
The user is considering starting topical minoxidil to address a receding hairline and mild dandruff. They are seeking advice on potential effects and side effects of the treatment.
The user observed new tiny white hairs after 12 days of using minoxidil, finasteride, microneedling, and biotin, hoping they will become terminal hairs. Others advise that while some hairs may not fully grow, consistent treatment, patience, and scalp massages could enhance results.
A user shared progress pictures after using 1 mg finasteride and topical minoxidil for six months, hoping for further improvement by the one-year mark. The user reported no side effects and uses Head & Shoulders shampoo.
A 31-year-old man with androgenic alopecia is considering treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole shampoo but is worried about finasteride's side effects. Users recommend starting with finasteride or dutasteride for DHT blocking, suggesting topical solutions to reduce side effects.
The user has been using Minoxidil, vitamins, and a derma roller for 2.5 months with some regrowth observed. They are hesitant to add finasteride or dutasteride due to potential side effects, considering topical finasteride as a safer option.
Minoxidil is typically applied once daily, with some users opting for foam to minimize irritation. Users often combine it with finasteride or use oral minoxidil for improved results, while managing scalp irritation with ketoconazole or salicylic acid shampoos.
User shares 6.5 months of progress using topical finasteride 0.1% and minoxidil 10%, along with lasercomb, dermaroller, Nizoral, scalp massager, and biotin. They seek feedback on their results.
A user shared 5 months of progress using 1mg finasteride and 2.5mg minoxidil, showing before and after pictures. Other users complimented the results and discussed their own experiences with similar treatments.
User experienced rapid thinning on crown, used dutasteride for 3 months with significant improvement. Microneedling and ketoconazole were also used, but no minoxidil or finasteride.
A user with diffuse thinning recommends a root cover-up spray as a temporary, medication-free solution. They plan to consult a dermatologist for treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride while using the spray for special occasions.
The user shared their 2-year progress using finasteride and minoxidil, with significant improvement after adding dutasteride in the last year. They advise persistence with the treatment despite initial setbacks.
The user started using topical and oral minoxidil in December 2024, added keto shampoo in February 2025, and began using a topical mix of dutasteride and minoxidil. The keto shampoo helped with scalp itchiness, but the hairline looks the same, and existing hairs appear frail and thin.
A 31-year-old switched from finasteride to dutasteride 0.5mg daily on June 1st, questioning regrowth results. A reply noted some stabilization and slight regrowth.
A 19-year-old has been using a regimen of 5% topical minoxidil and 1mg oral finasteride for three months to combat early-onset balding. The user reports some progress and plans to continue the current treatment, while others suggest considering additional treatments like dutasteride for more aggressive cases.
Some people may not respond to topical minoxidil due to low SULT1A1 enzyme activity, but oral minoxidil can be effective. Tretinoin may enhance minoxidil's effectiveness, and some users prefer oral minoxidil despite side effects.
Disinfecting microneedlers is important to prevent infection, with suggestions to use high-percentage alcohol or denture tablets for sterilization. Rollers may cause skin damage, so stamps or pens are recommended for safer microneedling.
KX-826 is undergoing Phase III trials in China as a potential treatment for male pattern baldness, with some users considering it as an alternative or addition to finasteride and dutasteride. Opinions on its effectiveness vary, with some users reporting positive results and others finding it expensive and ineffective.
A 25-year-old shared his 4-month progress using oral minoxidil, oral finasteride, a 1mm dermastamp, Nizoral, and upgraded shampoo and conditioner. He feels he sees some regrowth, though some commenters attribute the change to a different hairstyle.
A user on finasteride, minoxidil, dermastamp, and Nizoral is seeing baby hairs and asks if it's regrowth. Another user confirms it is regrowth and encourages them to continue.
Caffeine shampoos show comparable results to Minoxidil and may enhance its effects when used together. Caffeine can be detected in the scalp up to 24 hours after a 2-minute application, making it an affordable treatment option.
A user's experience of gaining weight while taking Dutasteride, and suggestions on how to continue using it without the negative side effects, such as exercising and tracking calories or switching to Finasteride.