Receding Hairline See Mod warning in post #1

Brendan Flowers

As the title says Im looking for advice on products that will help slow down or even stop a receding hairline. I still have a very good head of hair. But in the last 2 years my hairline at the front has started to recede. It isnt very noticeable and if it continues at this rate I wont be going bald any time in the near future! I dont even have a bald patch on the top of my head.

But before it does become a more serious issue I want to take action. I know of some hair loss products, Regaine, Rogaine (not sure if its the same as regaine) Nourkrin and lately I've started seeing a product called Alpecin at my local barbers. So do any of these actually work? Or is there other products I should consider?

I'd really appreciate some advice on this but can we please keep any talk of shaving it off out of the discussion. I dont need to shave it off, Im just trying to talk some early action!

Mod note - Any chat about any drugs that are not over the counter will incur mod actions.

TerrorFirmer

Finasteride is the only drug that has a high success rate of retaining your hairline and preventing further loss, Regaine is good used in conjunction with it, or if you just have a naturally mature receding hairline Regaine might be effective (its not really effective against actual male pattern baldness).

speedboatchase

OP the main things people say you need are the only two FDA-approved solutions: minoxidil (regaine etc, a liquid or foam) and finasteride (propecia, a daily pill). The Alpecin product you mentioned is a shampoo and probably won't do much.

If, like me, you'd rather weigh up your options while using a treatment rather than worry about hair transplant logistics/costs down the line, look into Toppik too. It's basically like a powder covers up bald spots or receding temples incredibly well, provided you don't have a shaved head etc. Honestly, it's an absolute godsend, provided you use it well. I use it and minoxidil.

One last thing I'll say is be careful with finasteride. I used it for years with no side effects and then I suddenly began to develop gynecomastia (chemically induced moobs not related to being overweight) quite rapidly. Exercise made no difference to the problem and my only resort was surgery to remove it. So I'll never recommend finasteride to anyone.

jfeury

Hi, trying to slow your hair loss you have two options, start a very healthy clean diet like me of no gluten, no wheat, no dairy, no processed sugars (in almost all foods), no meat, no fist, basically fruit, veg, nuts and seeds and you will also feel great. This has also halted my hair loss.
The other option would be a hair transplant, which I had, do not waste your money on other products they will only slow your hair loss but not stop it; there is no cure for hair loss and the only long term solution is a hair transplant.
I hope this helps.

LegacyUser

Hi Lads,

Im 20 years old and the last 2 months Ive noticed my hair has started receding at the temples. Cant believe how quick its happened because in the summer it was fine.

Ive read through previous threads and a lot of peoples attitude is to just shave it off. I really dont think this is an option at my age without sounding like a bollucks. Is there anything else I can do really? Ive read about rogaine is that viable?

Its a real massive hit to my confidence which wasnt exactly flourishing before My father s hair is greying but at nearly 50 it isnt receding but my brothers who is a couple of years older than me has receded heavily and Im seriously worried mine is now going the same way

Wibbs

Now I could be wrong LH and no doubt better counsel will come along, but IIRC regaine and the like doesn't work much if at all with receding hair. More a treatment for overall thinning at the back of the head.

cantdecide

I don't know how useful this will be since you're looking for a solution but I was 19/ 20 when I started losing my hair. At 32, I've been shaving it for years and years now but I do remember how tough it is to be so young and to feel like a freak when 99% of people your age won't be thinking about this problem for years to come.

Firstly, I'd be confident in saying that it's probably not as bad as you think. Styling will do an awful lot for people in the early days. People will encourage you to 'rock' the saved head look and I know what it's like to feel like you're anything but rocking. For me, I can now concede that the shaved look does and did suit me despite not feeling it did for the first while. I'm not sure how much to heart you're taking the issue but I would encourage you to think about your own mindset at least as much as focusing on snake oil solutions and don't let the issue lead you down any dark roads. Trust me, whatever happens, you need to find acceptance that your image has/ might/ will change. It is neither a good or bad thing. Just a thing.

Good luck

raze_them_all_

Why isn't it an option at your age? I have had a mohawk/bald since I was 17

NakedClone

Hi lads, I'm panicking big time here.
I'm not sure if this is the right forum but whatever.

A few weeks ago I noticed the hair at my temples was thinning, needless to say, I was bricking it. Now the hair at my temples has receded and the front is too.

I'm really, really, worrying here because, and I haven't mentioned it yet, I'm only 15. I haven't told my parents yet either.

Is there anything available that can stop this or if not, slow the process?
Just put yourself in my shoes and understand why I'm worrying so much.

Pawwed Rig

Mod note: Hi Naked Clone. Welcome to boards. I have merged your question with a similar existing discussion.

Non mod part - Talk to your Dad about it and maybe also your local GP. It is unusual to have hair loss at that age but it does happen sometimes. Take some action to address the issue rather than worrying about it.
It could happen for any number of reasons and your GP will be the best person to give you some advice on it.

Brendan Flowers

Thanks for the feedback so far guys. I've been looking at the options over the last few weeks. I'm going to avoid finasteride, the possible side effects are not worth it imo.

jfurey, well done but I don't think I'd have the will-power to alter my diet so much! A hair transplant is an option. But Im no where near needing one yet. But as long as I can afford it in a few years it definitely something I'd go for.

But at the moment its just about slowing down the receding hairline so maybe by best bet is to try the Regaine shampoo for a while?

speedboatchase

Brendan Flowers wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback so far guys. I've been looking at the options over the last few weeks. I'm going to avoid finasteride, the possible side effects are not worth it imo.

jfurey, well done but I don't think I'd have the will-power to alter my diet so much! A hair transplant is an option. But Im no where near needing one yet. But as long as I can afford it in a few years it definitely something I'd go for.

But at the moment its just about slowing down the receding hairline so maybe by best bet is to try the Regaine shampoo for a while?

Use Regaine's regular product (foam or liquid) and take a look at the Toppik option I mentioned. It's a godsend.

stevetalk

I have the same problem with a receding hairline. I know Regaine won't grow my hairline back but does anyone know if it will stop it from receding? I haven't started using it yet and if it doesn't stop my hairline receding then I probably won't use it.

Jofspring

My hair started receding when I was around 18 and to be honest I started shaving it straight away. It didn't bother me at all as it saved on the cost of hair products, going to a barbers, worrying about styles etc...You don't even need to go too tight, just keep it trimmed back a good bit. I find when you have a receding hairline the more hair you have the more obvious it actually makes the receding hairline. A lot of women love a shaved head also and love giving it a rub after a fresh cut.

TimotiSt

I did lost a fair amount in a few years (I was 24), I freaked out; then changed to a less stressed job and it's been stable since. In the meantime I also learned no to care about it too much, shave a bit and have a wicked smile...

Snatchy

Lads, I'm 26 and my hair is going on me fairly lively. Patch at the back and a receding line. Not great! This DOES bother me so I got a blade 3 all around two weeks ago but might clean it up with a blade 2 this weekend. It's less obvious with the shaved head.

Also, started using Alpecine shampoo and liquid after the shower - has anyone used these products before?

Dingle_berry

Has no one else thought of what products not to use?
My hair was noticeably jumping ship in my mid 20s. I was using whatever shampoo I could get, hair wax, hair spray, etc.
My OH suggested to cut down on the amount of shíte going on my scalp. So no more hair spray, very occasional hair wax (only ones with mainly natural waxes) and no products with Sodium Laurerth Sulfate, DMDM hydantoin, parabens, etc etc.
It worked for me. After a few days I stopped noticing hair falling out and the next time I went for a haircut they were amazed by the re growth of baby hairs along my hairline. Told my brother to try it and he noticed the same. Said his scalp wasn't as itchy either.
It hasn't completely reversed or even stopped my hair thinning but my hairline is still where it was 4 years ago and I don't have a bald spot. I don't have gynacomastia or anything like that either

speedboatchase

Dingle_berry wrote: »

Has no one else thought of what products not to use?
My hair was noticeably jumping ship in my mid 20s. I was using whatever shampoo I could get, hair wax, hair spray, etc.
My OH suggested to cut down on the amount of shíte going on my scalp. So no more hair spray, very occasional hair wax (only ones with mainly natural waxes) and no products with Sodium Laurerth Sulfate, DMDM hydantoin, parabens, etc etc.
It worked for me. After a few days I stopped noticing hair falling out and the next time I went for a haircut they were amazed by the re growth of baby hairs along my hairline. Told my brother to try it and he noticed the same. Said his scalp wasn't as itchy either.
It hasn't completely reversed or even stopped my hair thinning but my hairline is still where it was 4 years ago and I don't have a bald spot. I don't have gynacomastia or anything like that either

95% of hair loss is male pattern baldness. Sounds like you were the other 5%. If you suffer male pattern baldness then you can change the cosmetics you use and your diet but the best result you can hope for is that it delays the hair loss; it won't reverse it.

Dingle_berry

speedboatchase wrote: »

95% of hair loss is male pattern baldness. Sounds like you were the other 5%. If you suffer male pattern baldness then you can change the cosmetics you use and your diet but the best result you can hope for is that it delays the hair loss; it won't reverse it.

My hair is still thinning but it's definitely not thinning or receding as fast as it was. I would be bald by 30 if it had kept going the way it was.

Brendan Flowers

Dingle_berry wrote: »

My hair is still thinning but it's definitely not thinning or receding as fast as it was. I would be bald by 30 if it had kept going the way it was.

What are the natural waxes you use now? Are they available in most chemists?

Galwayguy35

It always kinda amazes me how people feel they can pass comment on the fact that I'm going light on top.

I'll meet someone i haven't seen for a while and one of the first things they will say is "jaysus you're losing the hair", as if I'm not consious of the fact already.

Personally I shave it to number 1 level now, it's not ideal because I had fairly good hair and not keen on the look but it's mking the best of a bad situation.

Jofspring

Galwayguy35 wrote: »

It always kinda amazes me how people feel they can pass comment on the fact that I'm going light on top.

I'll meet someone i haven't seen for a while and one of the first things they will say is "jaysus you're losing the hair", as if I'm not consious of the fact already.

Personally I shave it to number 1 level now, it's not ideal because I had fairly good hair and not keen on the look but it's mking the best of a bad situation.

I have to agree with you there about people passing comments. While actually losing the hair never really bothered me, people constantly commenting on it did. Could you imagine walking up to someone and saying "Jesus your starting to look a bit fat".

Dingle_berry

Brendan Flowers wrote: »

What are the natural waxes you use now? Are they available in most chemists?

The closest I've found so far is Schwarzkopf Got2b™ beach Matt but it's still full of shíte so I use it very rarely and very sparingly. Using gels, pomades or too much of any product sticks my hair together as well, making more of the scalp shine through making my hair look thinner than it is

Sauve

Mod
Threads merged

Shrills

I hear emu oil is very good to combat baldness, also scalp loosening has been successful for some in both stopping and reversing hair loss. There was a study which concluded that scalp massage can reverse hair loss.

People who go bald at a young age usually have a tight scalp. For some reason the tight areas lack subcutaneous fat. When you loosen the scalp the subcutaneous fat returns. There are numerous reports of it returning along with regrowth at the immortal hair forum.

Wibbs

FWIW I can attest to stress being a cause, in some cases anyway. 10 odd years ago I had a right cúnt of a year involving the bereavements of close family and a close friend in the space of 3 months(and other upheavals to boot). Within a few months I kicked off classic male baldness(particularly in the top of my head region), unusual for my kin. Coming out in handfuls time. We're talking full bald patch, 3, 4 inches in old money across at the back time(even my beard and body(especially leg) hair started to get patchy). It merely added to the general freaked out shít at the time. After a while when I came to some sort of terms with the shít, almost as a side thought, my hair started to grow back and a year after it grew back to where it had been before. Maybe when stress hits your scalp muscles clench of something? Might be why some see results from scalp massage? It's not so much the massage, but the relaxing of the muscles kinda thing?

A good mate of mine had similar. His male rellies, on both sides, are like an advert for shampoo going way back. Yet he started to go all over diffuse hair loss in his 30's. Again huge stress and a crappy lifestyle which compounded it. He eased back on the stress and changed his lifestyle and his hair started to grow back.

IMH and it is just my humble, I reckon a fair bit of male hair loss is environmental. More than is acknowledged anyway. I did read of research(with twins IIRC) that showed hair loss from the crown and overall loss was much more environmental, but hair loss from the front was much more genetic.

Brendan Flowers

Has anyone tried the Nourkrin tablets?

Iopu

Does anyone know where to get finisterade in Dublin? Do gp's prescribe it? I know a hair loss clinic in blackrock prescribe's it but they charge a lot for a consultation. I am aware of the possible sides and will discontinue taking it if I get any.

Dozen Wicked Words

Didn't realise Finasteride was useful in treating hairloss. I have often seen it used in treatment of enlarged prostate issues though. Have seen the side effects too, moobs aren't a great look, particularly on an otherwise thin man, but I would imagine that issue only affects a limited number of users.

Iopu

Dozen Wicked Words wrote: »

Didn't realise Finasteride was useful in treating hairloss. I have often seen it used in treatment of enlarged prostate issues though. Have seen the side effects too, moobs aren't a great look, particularly on an otherwise thin man, but I would imagine that issue only affects a limited number of users.

It's the number one treatment for hair loss. But at a lower dose than for prostate enlargement. There are some scary stories out there about it. But there is also a hair loss forum I was visiting with many people saying they don't get any side effects from it.

Dozen Wicked Words

Iopu wrote: »

It's the number one treatment for hair loss. But at a lower dose than for prostate enlargement. There are some scary stories out there about it. But there is also a hair loss forum I was visiting with many people saying they don't get any side effects from it.

Certainly wouldn't do any harm asking your gp if you think it will be of use to you. I personally would be wary of any medication that is affecting hormone production and how the body processes it for anything other than treatment of an illness.

speedboatchase

Iopu wrote: »

It's the number one treatment for hair loss. But at a lower dose than for prostate enlargement. There are some scary stories out there about it. But there is also a hair loss forum I was visiting with many people saying they don't get any side effects from it.

I had no side effects for five years before finasteride-induced gynecomastia started happening. Had to go under the knife last year for it and to be honest it still doesn't look 100% in keeping with the rest of my body. I'm a slim person and it was getting out of control - exercise had no effect and it got to the point that I couldn't wear t-shirts or any form-fitting clothing whatsoever.

I wouldn't recommend finasteride for anyone because in my case, I had to get expensive surgery for a treatment that was intended to reduce the need for (hair loss) surgery!

benny79

I have used rogain, regaine (all the 1 now) for a number of years although at the start it was great hair but you have to keep using it I stopped for a few months and my crown got light very quickly! Im back using it a few months now and it does nt seem to be as good just halting the process if anything at 40e a month it works out expensive after a while.

I seen a specialist in james hospital hospital years ago about my hair loss and she said its natural hair loss and the rogaine/rogain is the only medical proven treatment for hair loss although it wont work for everyone, in other words all the tablets viscal etc are a load of ****!

so Im nearly 35 now and really taking it badly as specially as it keeps getting pointed out to me on a daily base's. so I think Im either have to embrace it and shave it or get a lone for a transplant which I would'nt get done in this country! and have heard its never the same no matter how good they are! wayne rooney for example..

P.S sounds stupid but how do you massage the scalp? also what hair products do lads use I used to use brill cream but someone told me makes you go grey! so stopped and use Gel now but dont think this helps the scalp, need something as I have a big calfs lick as a fringe

John O Brian

Galwayguy35 wrote: »

It always kinda amazes me how people feel they can pass comment on the fact that I'm going light on top.

I'll meet someone i haven't seen for a while and one of the first things they will say is "jaysus you're losing the hair", as if I'm not consious of the fact already.

I always hated that, at a wedding I got so many comments from old friends, as if I am not aware of it or it is not insulting, on of the guys was about 5 stone heavier than when I last saw him. How come it is ok to insult balding guys but if I said to a girl "You're getting a bit big in the arse" I'd get a slap!

John O Brian

Hello all, I have been using the Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo for about 2 years, I don't even know if it "reduces hair loss" as stated but when I don't use it I feel my hair looks lighter. I was wondering maybe there is some sort of "filler" in the product that's why it looks lighter when I don't use it. It is cheap, about €7.50 which lasts about 3-5 months depending on how much shampoo you normally use.

I can't afford a transplant. Shaving head is not an option, I fecking hate skin heads, they just look like scum (not everyone, but a lot of guys look scumy when sporting a shaved head, I look like a nazi, and I don't want that.) White guys just look weird shaved.

I just wanna keep enough until I can afford a transplant, need something to slow it down. Would <snip> do this?

K.H.E.G

Hi does anyone have any experience in this industry or even better any users who have had the treatment done? It was never available in Ireland but I see on grabone today a new company has opened up and are giving a discount.

I would love to sort my hair-loss and can't afford a transplant. This looks very good, pictures are impressive but I would love to chat to someone with experience.

Cheers guys

TerrorFirmer

benny79 wrote: »

I have used rogain, regaine (all the 1 now) for a number of years although at the start it was great hair but you have to keep using it I stopped for a few months and my crown got light very quickly! Im back using it a few months now and it does nt seem to be as good just halting the process if anything at 40e a month it works out expensive after a while.

I seen a specialist in james hospital hospital years ago about my hair loss and she said its natural hair loss and the rogaine/rogain is the only medical proven treatment for hair loss although it wont work for everyone, in other words all the tablets viscal etc are a load of ****!

Buy generic Minoxidil, I pay 60E for six months supply, lasts me about a year actually as I only use it once a day.

there's no way a hair specialist told you that 'all the tablets are a load of ****' because <snip> works and is medically proven to work effectively, and it works far better than Regaine ever could. They are the only two proven hair loss treatments, and Fin is the far stronger of the two (with the potential for more serious side effects)

benny79

She didnt actually word it that way she just said rogaine was the only medical proven treatment although all the tablets etc claim to be for hair loss they are not actually medical proven or passed in the medical joural.

Where do you get the generic minoxidil and finasteride? only think ill be afraid of using finasteride is of the side effects like a previous poster said he got man boobs and had to have a operation...

Sauve

mod

As finasterise is a prescription-only drug here in Ireland, I've got to ask for an end to requests for info on how to get it, and advice including it.
Thanks

henryporter

John O Brian wrote: »

Hello all, I have been using the Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo for about 2 years, I don't even know if it "reduces hair loss" as stated but when I don't use it I feel my hair looks lighter. I was wondering maybe there is some sort of "filler" in the product that's why it looks lighter when I don't use it. It is cheap, about €7.50 which lasts about 3-5 months depending on how much shampoo you normally use.

I can't afford a transplant. Shaving head is not an option, I fecking hate skin heads, they just look like scum (not everyone, but a lot of guys look scumy when sporting a shaved head, I look like a nazi, and I don't want that.) White guys just look weird shaved.

I just wanna keep enough until I can afford a transplant, need something to slow it down. Would finerstide do this?

Bit of a generalisation to hate white people with shaved heads

Snatchy

Lads - I have to agree with the comments here regarding people constantly pointing out that you are losing your hair - it's F*CK*NG INFURIATING and in my opinion equivalent to calling someone as looking fat, old, ugly and all those other things that normally, people would avoid saying to other people. I can't understand how some folks think it's acceptable to point out one's premature (or even mature) baldness.

Apologies but it really annoys me - I'm 26 and am losing the fluff fairly lively on top and it annoys me and makes me feel selfconscious even though, I have a lot of other things going for me (not in a boasty way but...), I'm reasonably good looking, fit, live in a fancy apartment in Manhattan and have a very good job - in spite of this, hairloss really, really brings me down and makes me feel selfconscious - point: it's a serious issue not to be treated lightly!

Unlike weight gain and lack of fitness etc., it is not something that one can do much about (surgery aside) and it impacts us lads as much as lovehandles (and other flabby bits) wrinkles and bad skin effect women so it's just completely rude to brush this off to us as though it's something that doesn't matter all that much. GRRRRRRRRR!!!

Anyone here get hair surgery or know anyone who has? Was it worth it?

I've recently started using Alpecine liquid and shampoo and it feels as though something is happening but I'm not sure exactly what! I've also recently decided to spawn a new haircut - blade 3 all around. It's not as hideous as I thought it would be.

Any other suggestions re what to do?

How do you lads deal with this?

Brendan Flowers

Been looking into using minoxidil. Is there really any major side affects? Can anyone recommend the best minoxidil product to use? Cheers

speedboatchase

Brendan Flowers wrote: »

Been looking into using minoxidil. Is there really any major side affects? Can anyone recommend the best minoxidil product to use? Cheers

It's all the same, just make you get one that is 5%. Bear in mind, however, that my recent import of a six-month supply was stopped at customs. When I called up I was told that I need to buy it over-the-counter in Ireland, which is about 6x as expensive.

Brendan Flowers

speedboatchase wrote: »

It's all the same, just make you get one that is 5%. Bear in mind, however, that my recent import of a six-month supply was stopped at customs. When I called up I was told that I need to buy it over-the-counter in Ireland, which is about 6x as expensive.

Cheers! Has there been other times when you did receive it from an online purchase? Sure even if I do have to pay extra in Ireland for it and it works it'll be worth it! What minoxidil products do you use?

Iopu

I use regain extra strength. It doesn't have any sides for me. I prefer the liquid over the foam because it is easier to get the dosing correct.

thomas anderson.

Just be men ffs and let it go.

Im bald as a baby's arse and have been going bald since I was 19.

Nothing better than a freshly shaved head and the missus loves it to boot.

kieranfitz

I recommend...........A razor.

Iopu

I'm not bald I just have a bad hairline. It runs in my family, those who are effected have not gone bald.

Brendan Flowers

The only thing as annoying as people commenting on your receding hairline is those who tell you to shave it off. I hate the attitude that you need to "man-up" just because you want to take care of yourself and look your best. I think I already stated in this thread that I couldnt pull off the bald look. And its the same for a lot of other guys. I'll get a hair transplant before shaving it all off.

Ok, back on topic. So would the general consensus be that regaine is the best available "minoxidil" product?

Liam McPoyle

thomas anderson. wrote: »

Just be men ffs and let it go.

Im bald as a baby's arse and have been going bald since I was 19.

Nothing better than a freshly shaved head and the missus loves it to boot.

In fairness man, just because that works for you doesn't mean every bloke that's getting light on top feels the same way.

Hair or lack there of can be a massive source of angst for men so just because you accepted it from an early age doesn't mean everyone will.

OldRio

Good point CS.

I had thin hair at the age of 18. Therefore I had it cut short and neat.
I accepted the fact and by the time I was 30, well, not much left. I now have a number 1 cut on the razor.

Many men do suffer from serious angst because of baldness. It must be awful. Of course when other men see that weakness in you, they take the P.

Some people who don't know me and are feeling bold try and take the P.
All you do is laugh with them and take the p out of yourself. Lull them into a false sense of security and then fecking destroy them. Easy peasy. If they can give you ****e you give it back. Keep it light hearted.

Whatever you feel comfortable doing. Do it. Your life. Your self esteem.
Your bloody sanity at the end of the day. Good luck.