A 50-year-old Black woman with alopecia areata and traction alopecia is seeking a science-based hair loss routine. Current treatments include spearmint tea for DHT levels and considering PRP.
The user has seen positive results after over six months using 0.05% topical finasteride, 5% minoxidil, 50mg/ml RU58841, weekly needling, and twice-weekly ketoconazole shampoo for hair loss. They express gratitude for the support from an online community and are open to questions about their treatment.
The user started using topical and oral Minoxidil in December 2024, added ketoconazole shampoo in February 2025, and began using topical Dutasteride mixed with Minoxidil. The ketoconazole shampoo stopped scalp itchiness, but the hairline looks the same, with existing hairs appearing frail and thin.
The solution contains minoxidil, finasteride, azelaic acid, caffeine, retinoic acid, and procapil. Users suggest minoxidil with tretinoin and a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, while dismissing retinoic and azelaic acids as unnecessary.
The conversation discusses using cetirizine (Zyrtec) topically to relieve scalp itch associated with hair loss and suggests it may also benefit androgenetic alopecia (AGA). One person found relief from scalp itch after three months on finasteride, noting the itch was linked to areas where hair was lost.
The user is using oral dutasteride, topical minoxidil (Regaine foam 5%), and ketoconazole shampoo for hair loss, reporting good results with no significant side effects. The user is 26 years old and applies minoxidil once or twice daily.
Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.
The user has experienced significant hair regrowth using finasteride, oral minoxidil, microneedling, keto shampoo, an LLLT helmet, vitamins, and supplements. They note progress but hope for further improvement in a specific area.
Using tretinoin with minoxidil can cause burning and flaky skin due to alcohol in minoxidil and tretinoin's effects. Solutions include using minoxidil foam, starting with low tretinoin doses, moisturizing, and gradually increasing usage.
A 17-year-old is experiencing diffuse thinning, dandruff, body hair shedding, and other symptoms, possibly linked to seborrheic dermatitis or telogen effluvium. They are using ketoconazole shampoo and considering blood tests to check for thyroid issues or deficiencies.
The user has seen positive results after 16 months of using topical Finasteride/Minoxidil, microneedling weekly, and Tretinoin for hair loss. There are no reported side effects, and the user advises that the effectiveness of microneedling depends on the pressure applied.
A 22-year-old experiencing hair loss and persistent scalp itchiness since age 16 has tried various treatments, including finasteride, ketoconazole shampoo, and dietary changes, with no success. Suggestions include consulting a knowledgeable dermatologist, considering seborrheic dermatitis, and trying different shampoos like Selsun Blue or those with selenium sulfide.
A 43-year-old man shares his slow progress using low-dose topical finasteride and 5% minoxidil for hair growth, along with scalp massages, microneedling, biotin supplements, and pumpkin seed oil. Another user suggests shaving and warns about potential infertility from finasteride, but the original poster remains optimistic, citing others' successful results.
The user experienced hair growth using 2.5mg oral minoxidil, 0.5mg dutasteride daily, and 2% ketoconazole shampoo twice a week, noting fuller hair and less noticeable temple recession. They switched from finasteride and topical minoxidil to more aggressive treatments for better results.
User shared before and after photos of 8 months using Finasteride 1mg and Minoxidil 5% 1ml nightly, with positive results and no side effects. Others praised the progress and suggested alternative treatments like topical fin, CB-03-01, or RU58841.
Balding scalps have more androgen receptors, leading to increased TGF-beta, which causes blood vessel loss and hair follicle miniaturization. Blocking androgen signaling and TGF-beta may help prevent hair loss.
A user experienced hair thinning after using Adapalene gel 1% for skin care, suspecting it contributed to hair loss alongside depression and anxiety. They stopped using Adapalene and switched to a Minoxidil/Finasteride formula, noticing hair improvement, while others in the conversation doubted Adapalene's impact on hair loss.
The conversation discusses hair regrowth using oral minoxidil, oral finasteride, topical minoxidil, red light therapy, massage, and a keto diet. The user reports positive results and no negative effects on libido, attributing this to a healthy lifestyle and additional supplements.
A user reported using oral Minoxidil 3mg, oral Finasteride 1mg, topical Minoxidil, dermarolling twice a week, and taking biotin and vitamin D daily for 10 weeks. They noticed small hairs growing at the hairline after 6 weeks.
The user experienced excessive scalp oiliness and high testosterone levels after switching from finasteride to dutasteride. They plan to manage their condition with finasteride and are considering spironolactone to reduce testosterone and restore dry skin.
Topical dutasteride with microneedling is effective for androgenetic alopecia, improving hair thickness and density. Further research is needed to confirm long-term efficacy.
The user is using finasteride, minoxidil, topical minoxidil with tretinoin, a derma stamp, and ketoconazole shampoo for hair regrowth. They experienced shedding after increasing the dose but are hopeful for fuller hair by November or December.
The conversation discusses potential hair loss treatments focusing on stimulating IGF-1 at the follicle level using growth-factor cocktails and engineered peptides, such as Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Copper Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-20, Thymosin-β4, and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. It suggests that device-assisted delivery methods like microneedling may enhance effectiveness.
The post discusses using oral Minoxidil and Dutasteride for hair loss. Minoxidil improved hair growth with mild hypertrichosis, while Dutasteride caused severe acne, cognitive issues, and mild anxiety, leading the user to prefer Finasteride.
A 26-year-old male with grade 3 hair loss is using 2.5 mg oral minoxidil, 1 mg finasteride, 5% minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, and kLM d3. He plans to post progress pictures every 6 weeks and is seeking suggestions.
User noticed tiny black hairs on temples after using rosemary oil along with finasteride, minoxidil, and 0.5mm derma roller. They are curious if these hairs will become terminal.
A user has been losing hair for two and a half years after a tropical trip and illness. A dermatologist prescribed betamethasone valerate 0.1% lotion, but the user is unsure if it's safe or effective for general hair loss.
Minoxidil can cause scalp itchiness, often due to propylene glycol, and users suggest alternatives like foam formulations without PG, using moisturizing oils, or reducing application frequency. Some recommend ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione shampoos to help with inflammation and itchiness.
A 27-year-old shared a 90-day hair loss treatment update using Dutasteride, Minoxidil, Tretinoin, Ketoconazole, and microneedling, reporting positive results with improved hairline and density. They experienced minor side effects and noted a decrease in hair shedding.
Late 20s woman struggles with worsening hair loss and tried various treatments without success. Now trying spironolactone and ketokonazole shampoo, hoping for improvement.