Need advice. I'm quite follicularly challenged, unfortunately, probably so much that hair transplants, even some of the new procedures wouldn't make enough of a difference on me. I have heard of semi-permanent wigs. Anyone know of them? or other ideas? Appreciate input in advance!
Melissa

Tara. I to am interested in hair replacment but dont know where to start

I had a scalp advance in October and will be having hair transplants in March.

Buffy

Quote from: Tara on February 06, 2007, 05:14:36 PM
Need advice. I'm quite follicularly challenged, unfortunately, probably so much that hair transplants, even some of the new procedures wouldn't make enough of a difference on me. I have heard of semi-permanent wigs. Anyone know of them? or other ideas? Appreciate input in advance!

I was about to ask about our options too, as I'd love to fill in my temple areas to create a more feminine hairline.

You might be surprised how little you need though. At least one of the girls in my support group has far less hair than I, and yet she looks perfectly female. I keep looking at women on TV an noticing how many of them have very thinned-out hair and recessed temples.

Hair transplant can do a LOT, though it gets *incredibly* expensive once you start filling in large areas. I just started researching it, and about the only thing I've learned is the importance of this follicular-unit thingie method. More research required

Another girl in my group wears a partial, and semi-permanent wig - and looks great. My own therapist wears normal wigs and seems to have no problems (I couldn't tell when I first met her). I don't know much about them, but I'll see what I can find out

Kate

Made an appt at a dermatologist that does hair transplants. Will see what he says, and keep you all posted. Figured that I could at least talk to him, educate myself as to options. It does seem expensive, but so does everything else!

Not sure what it is called but back when I was going to group one of the gals had a wig of real hair that was interwoven with what was left of her natural hair.  Looked great but had to be constantly maintained by the specialist and was a bit pricey.  Mayhaps somewhere here might be a bit more familiar with the process.

A very sore subject indeed, especially considering the cause.

I began using Minoxidil roughly a week ago. I bought the 'store brand' (Walgreen's) as it is notably less expensive.

Given my age (50), I am not expecting miracles, but I thought that it would be worth at least a 3 to 4 month trial, as to its efficacy.

Endogenous gonadally secreted "T" is no longer an issue and accordingly, I am very curious to see what happens, with this.

Minoxidil also is produced in an oral form, but I did not want a systemic medication; I wanted a strictly targeted, topical application.

DON"T DO ORAL MINOXIDIL!!! Hair may grow everywhere! Plus, blood pressure changes can be severe!

I have done some homework, discussed with dermatologists, FFS surgeons, and hair transplanters. See the FFS people first. They may want to change the hairline, such as a scalp advance. This may screw up previous transplants, a waste of money and effort. Minoxidil does minimal for most. some it makes a big difference for. Minoxidil plus finasteride (Propecia or Proscar) does more, a synergistic combo, but hair transplant folks say don't expect too much. At least it seems to keep the hair you still have. Ok, that's what I've gotten so far, and it seems like it rings true and makes sense, and for the most part, all the docs agree. Hard to imagine.. generally you put 3 docs in a room and you have 4 opinions!
Blessings, Tara

Minoxidil plus finasteride (Propecia or Proscar) does more, a synergistic combo, but hair transplant folks say don't expect too much.

"Finasteride"

Does the use of the finasteride presuppose a pre-op, non-castrate state and is intended to function as an anti-androgen?

Finasteride does not presuppose a T free state. The vast majority using it are gonadally-intact men, using it for hair loss or for prostatic hyperplasia. From my homework, it seems to counteract Dihydrotestosterone, DHT, which is thought to be a prime factor in male-pattern baldness. I have seen it used as an antiandrogen in higher doses than used for baldness, but I don't know of the data. Guess that the caveat, as always, is talk to your Dr!

Quote from: Tara on March 09, 2007, 05:21:49 AM
I have seen it used as an antiandrogen in higher doses than used for baldness, but I don't know of the data.

Curiously, finasteride (and dutasteride) actually RAISES the amount of serum testosterone by 10-20%. Weird, huh?

Kate

Quote from: Tara on March 09, 2007, 05:21:49 AM
Finasteride does not presuppose a T free state. The vast majority using it are gonadally-intact men, using it for hair loss or for prostatic hyperplasia. From my homework, it seems to counteract Dihydrotestosterone, DHT, which is thought to be a prime factor in male-pattern baldness. I have seen it used as an antiandrogen in higher doses than used for baldness, but I don't know of the data. Guess that the caveat, as always, is talk to your Dr!

If such is the case, it would not be necessary for me to use it.

OK - here is a pair of B4 and afta pics:





the after pic is after 1 year of Avodart and 6 months of HRT.

just an FYI in case anyone is interested.

^{*adjusts her wig*}
Hugs & smiles,
helen

There is also Low Level Laser Therapy.  Which I noticed does work somewhat if combined with Minoxidil.  I am surprised how few TS know about this.

Oh yeah, the devices can be cheap. Seriously this is not something you have to overpay for or go to a specialist for.  Or overpay in general.  I doubted it, but it does work, just don't expect miracles.  Like all hair treatments, the results are slow, but the results have been better than Minoxidil alone.

I have noticed slow regrowth and the hairline is starting to advance again, very slowly though. 

Women were never designed to be bald; men can't many times help it, otherwise, even men don't prefer baldness, in truth.  Hair transplants, wigs, medication, special shampoos, testosterone blockers, try everything that helps.

Besides being on spiro, I also crush a spiro tablet and mix it in 50 ml of my favorite hair conditioner.  I just use a tiny amount after washing my hair, and rub it into the thin spots, one golf ball sized thin spot on the top-back, and slightly receeded temple areas.  This, I use as a DHT block at the dermal level, in addition to my regular oral spir.  I do this in addition to Minoxidil, which I started about a month ago, and the thin spots seem to be filling in.  I'm hoping for the best. 

FYI, SAM'S club generic costs $18.00 for a 4 month supply.

Unfortunately, it's not that uncommon for genetic women to lose a bit of hair as they age (my aunt is nearly bald, so I'm nervous about what this may entail for me) but you're not alone, sweetie! HUGZ! I'll echo, Yvonne, try everything!

I just started the "topical program" you might call it from Restoration Hair (Don't wanna post a link or Tink may get me. Hehehe. Just Google it and you'll find the site.). It seems like a good thing, and comes with a money-back guarantee if it doesnt work. I'll keep everyone posted on my results.

*crosses fingers and toes*

Quote from: nathan on March 19, 2007, 06:46:12 PM
I just started the "topical program" you might call it from Restoration Hair (Don't wanna post a link or Tink may get me. Hehehe.

Oh you know me too well.  I am watching you!  > LOL  just kidding!  You can always send her a PM with the link. 

Quote from: Nathan*crosses fingers and toes*

Now, how do you cross your toes? 


I'm sorry Tara, just giving Nathan a hard time here.  Propecia works wonders.  A few members of my family are on it, and although it takes a bit of time, hair comes back.  You may want to look into it.

tink

Quote from: Bev on March 19, 2007, 09:03:41 AM
This, I use as a DHT block at the dermal level, in addition to my regular oral spir.

2% Nizoral shampoo is also reported to be an effective, though weak, topical anti-androgen (because of the ketoconazole in it).

Propecia or Avodart, minoxidil and 2% Nizoral shampoo are often considered the "Big Three" of hair loss treatments.

Kate