Hair Loss....

Hi everyone!

I'm 7 months out today and went to the dermatologist this week.  I have been using Nioxin for 8 months since my hair was already a little thin.  The Doc. says that Nioxin doesn't work.  She told me to get Rogaine - for MEN.  She is also testing my iron levels.

I get my protein in, I take Biotin, B-12, folic acid.  I spent hundreds on Nioxin products.

What's your experience been?

Is the Kroger brand of Rogaine as good as real Rogaine?

Thanks!

It's completely normal at 7 months to be losing a lot of hair.  You'll get back to normal at around 18 months out or so.  Don't worry so much!

Michele

 I am losing my hair as well. I hate seeing it fall out. I don't have any good experience and despite getting my protein and vitamins in, it's not helping. 

It's horrible, i know.

Trixie, you are wise to work on your hair problem now.  I am 3 1/2 years out and still have problems.  I get tons of protein and all my vitamins and supplements.  Still my hair is thinning.  Really it comes and goes.  I see new hair, but I also see lots of loss.  I am having my surgeon do my labs in a couple of weeks.  They have been good up to this point.  

I have an appointment with a dermotologist who specializes in hair loss in October.  I plan to take my labs to him.  I do not know anything about Rogaine.  
Good luck and let me know how things go.

Ruby Rosebud
rny 3/11/2005
262/125/138
hi/lo/today     

My hair was thin before surgery as well.  I have used Rogaine on and off before surgery and now use it religously.  I think, I know it works.  I don't think I will ever have a lion's mane of hair, but I know there is a difference using it.  also think the cut I have works, which is about shoulder length with some, not a lot, of layers.  I wore it shorter, but found that actually my scalp seemed to show more.  I think my dark hair accentuates seeing the scalp.  Find a stylist who works well with thinner hair.  Also, I just recently did a 'double foil process' on my hair, which is dark and getting gray (ouch!).  It was both darkened and highlighted.  I really like it.  It is not cheap and it also requires up keep, which I am not really good at up keep, but I like it - so I think I will.  I am not sold on the Nioxin either, but that is just me, others seem to like it.  I am interested in the Men's strength Rogaine.   I always wondered why the men get a stronger dose.  You will have to let me know about that.  Be sure to use it as directed, 2 times a day.  Let me know abou the Men's strength.  Oh, I have used off brands and they seem to work fine for me.

I don't know anything about Rogaine, but wanted to recommend a product that I used during my post-op hair loss.  I've got thin hair, too, and when it started coming out in droves you could see my scalp and it embarrassed me to no end.  Someone recommended a product called 'Toppik'.  It's little fibers that you shake on your thin spots and comb through.  The fibers adhere to the hair shafts and cover up the thin spots, I think they stay put with static.  It takes a little bit of practice to get it right & to look natural, but once you get it down that stuff really makes a difference in your hair's appearance.  It's not cheap, but fortunately by the time I needed to reorder my hair had filled back in enough that I didn't have to spend any more money.  It was worth it for my self-esteem at the time, though, and really works.

Hi Trixie,

I saw a dermatologist that specializes in hair restoration and he told me the same thing about Nioxin. I'm a hairdresser and always thought it was "iffy" at best, but he was quite angry about the company taking people's money for nothing.
The generic Rogaine for men is the same percentage as the brand named one, and it's stronger than the women's formula. He even put me on Propecia (I've had a hysterectomy), which is a Rx for male pattern baldness. Eventhough it was safe for me to take it, I chose not to take one more medication.  Now I wonder!
I stopped losing my hair at about 6 months out, but since reaching goal my Dietician had me lower my protein intake and I think it's starting to fall out again.  So.....guess I'll go make a shake and hope for the best.

Good luck!

Hello!

I wanted to thank you all for your responses.  I guess I'm getting a little dose of what chemo patients must go through.  For me it's a self esteem issue too because I've never been married and I'm just starting to dip my toes in the dating pool.  I have enough of a complex about my body and now my crowning glory is another story!

I forgot to mention - I also have psoriasis (and rheumatoid arthritis).  The dermatologist also put me on the this oily Rx stuff I have to sleep in with a shower cap on.  Yesterday was my first full day with the Rogaine (I got the Kroger brand - pharmacist says it's just as good) and with this oily Rx.  My hair styling has gotten even worse now because the Rogaine makes it kind of gummy.

Susandoeshair - in your experience, is going really short better for this situation or should I keep my hair a little longer.  It's already short, but I'm ready for REALLY short unless it's going to make me look even balder.  I don't know which will accentuate the baldness the most!

Thanks again...