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About 50% of the human male population are genetically susceptible to Alopecia Androgenetica, also known as Male Pattern Baldness. Although the exact causes of male baldness are still unknown, most knowledgeable in this area would agree that strong androgenic substances like DHT and testosterone play a large part. If you are prone to MPB and are concerned about keeping your hair, then read on. There are some products that when used alone or especially in combination, can be very effective in halting or even reversing male hair loss.
First, let's take a look at what is known about the causes of MPB. Testosterone is converted to DHT by the 5AR enzyme, which in turn finds its way to your hair follicles and causes them to fall out. The are a few theories on how this occurs. One suggests that DHT causes a progressive miniturization of the affected hair follicles. Another says that DHT causes an autoimmune response, causing the body to actually attack the hair follicles as if they were a foreign body. This in turn causes an inflammatory response that causes the hair follicles to shed.
Either way, its a frustrating problem. A problem that can become greatly accelerated by the use of androgenic drugs, especially those with a high conversion rate to DHT. Testosterone, Anadrol, D-Bol...all of these end up increasing the amounts of DHT in your system. Some, like test, convert through the 5AR enzyme. Anadrol, on the other hand, is not converted to DHT through the 5AR method at all. 1-testosterone can also convert 'back' to DHT though the infamous 'unknown pathway'...in any event higher levels of DHT end up at the scalp when you're using these substances. And, if you're prone, this could spell rapid accelleration of genetic hair loss.
Any androgenic hormone molecule binding to the receptors in your scalp could advance hair-loss in someone prone to MPB. When using steroids, especially those with strong receptor binding characteristics like 1-test or Trenbalone, the actual steroid itself could be a contributing factor to your hair loss, in addition to any elevated levels of DHT in your system.
So now we know that we need to prevent high amounts of androgen molecules from affecting hair follicles at the scalp. This could be done by using oral medication, like:
finasteride
For people suffering from natural hair loss or hair loss brought on by testosterone supplementation, this could work very well. Finasteride is a 5AR blocker, and prevents testosterone from converting into DHT. Finasteride is a potent 5AR inhibitor that is also NOT an anti-androgen, so it dosent affect levels of testosterone in the body. Men taking 5mg of Finasteride a day showed a 65% - 80% reduction in the amount of DHT present in their system. This sounds great, but also keep in mind that DHT is a big player in the strength gains that one sees on a cycle of testosterone. Or the strength that you have naturally. Think of pure DHT compounds like 3-alpha, M5, etc and the awesome strength gains that accompany them - obviously some DHT in your body is a good thing if you're going to be hitting the iron. Also consider that Finasteride only reduces the amount of DHT - it wont help inhibit hair loss from any other androgenic hormone molecules that have found their way to your scalp.
Personally, Ive never used Finasteride so I cannot personally recommend it. Ive read reports of several bros on this board who have, and claim it works well. So, if you're experiencing a lot of natural hair loss or are on a cycle of Testosterone, then it might be worth a try. My view is that I'd rather minimize the amount of chemcials interacting with the hormonal systems in my body, especially if they could negatively affect strength.
Also, Finasteride should never be used with Deca-Durabolin. It can actually promote hair loss in this situation.
Which brings us to the next weapon in the hair loss prevention arsenal:
The Topical, Non-Systemic Solution
Anti-Androgens
There are a few chemicals out there which have been shown to inhibit androgen and DHT molecules at the scalp itself, without showing any systemic side effects. These are:
Spironolactone
Spironolactone was originally used as a "Potassium Sparing Diuretic", that has been used for many years to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. Recently, it has also been used orally as an anti-androgen (it blocks the androgen receptor itself).
For hair loss prevention purposes, it has been found that a solution of Spiro in a 2-5% concentration can effectively block androgens (both DHT and others) from effecting the hair follicles at the scalp when applied topically. You can read more detailed info about some other uses of Spironolactone here:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/cataldactone.htm
Azelaic Acid
Used as an acne medication, azelaic acid also has one important property when applied to the scalp:
It inhibits DHT up to 100% at the area of application Taking all of the above information into consideration, its obvious why we would want this as part of a hair-loss prevention system.
Read more about Azelaic Acid here:
https://www.xandrox.com/azelaic.htm
Nizoral Shampoo (2% Ketoconazole)
When used EOD, Nizoral shampoo can help block the formation of DHT in the scalp. A special version of Nizoral shampoo , 'Regrowth Treatment Shampoo', is available that contains 3% salicylic acid . The salicylic acid helps strip dead layers off the epidermis from the scalp, resulting in greater absorption of the 2% Ketoconazole.
Fluridil (Eucapil)
I haven't learned much about this one yet. Thanks to LCSCULLA for bringing it to my attention. Supposedly has a longer half-life than Spiro. Cost might be prohibitive to some, but if it works as claimed it would be very valuable to those trying to save their hair. Also a general anti-androgen.
Read up on Fluridil here:
http://www.regrowth.com/hair_loss_tr...l/fluridil.cfm
Ok, now we've covered treatments that can successfully block androgens and DHT at the scalp. For some, using these products alone might be enought to reverse MPB, prevent it during a cycle, etc. For those that want to help expedite their hair regrowth, keep reading:
Hair Growth Stimulants
After blocking androgens from affecting hair follicles, the next step is to attempt to promote hair regrowth.
Minoxidil
That's right, good ol' Rogaine. Well, the active ingredient in Rogaine, anyway. It was originally used as a high-blood pressure medication and vaso-dialator. Someone discovered that it increased hair growth on various parts of the body when taken in high enough concentrations orally. I guess from there they tried applying it to the scalp. Id love to be able to tell you exactly how Minoxidil works to regrow hair, but no one knows. Knowing that it works and has no systemic side effects is enough for now.
Retin-A
Retin-A, or Retonic Acid, can be used in combination with Minoxidil for a synergistic effect. Studies have shown that combined with minoxidil treatments it will regrow more hair faster than with minoxidil alone. It may increase the absorption of Minoxidil through the skin, it also may have some hair regenerative properties. Again, not much is known about its method of action, only that it has positive results.
The Hair Loss Prevention Stack
So if you're truly worried about losing your hair, you have to take action as soon as possible. In this case especially, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you're got some very mild thinning or if you're not that suseptable to androgenic hair loss, then Nizoral Shampoo EOD might be enough to stave off hair loss.
For others that are sure they're going to lose their hair, its best to attack the problem from all feasible angles as soon as possible. For this, there is what I like to call the Hair Loss Prevention Stack. This is:
Regrowth Treatment Shampoo
Used once EOD.
Squeeze a quarter sized amount into your hand, and shampoo your hair. Message it thourougly into your scalp, and leave in for about 5 minutes before rinsing. This shampoo dries your hair out, so its best to follow application with a good conditioner.
Minoxidil 5%/Azelaic Acid 5%/Retin-A 2% Solution
Applied ED, at night before bed. Sunlight breaks down Retin-A and can cause it to irritate the scalp, so its really only to be used at night time. Apply 1ml to the affected areas of the scalp and message into the skin. If your hair loss in generalized, part your hair in several areas and apply the solution directly to the skin. Message into the skin.
Minoxidil 5%/Azelaic Acid 5% Solution
Minoxidil/Azelaic Acid is meant to be applied 2x daily. You should use the Minoxidil w/Retin-A at night, and a solution containing Minoxidil and Azelaic Acid during the day. Try to keep the applications close to 12hrs apart if you can. Apply to the scalp following the same method as outlined above.
Spironolactone 2% Solution
Applied once ED, at night, AFTER application of Minoxidil/Azelaic Acid/Retin-A solution. Allow the minoxidil to dry for a minute or two and follow with Spiro.
Apply to the skin and message in thoroughly. If you're using androgens, apply Spiro 2x per day. This will block any other androgens in the scalp, as well as DHT. Combined with the Azelaic Acid, its a 1-2 punch for androgen molecules in the scalp.
The above products, when used in combination in a consistent daily regimen, have restored my thinning head of hair to a decently thick mane in the past 11 months. In fact, even on 200mg/1-test a day Ive had no shedding whatsoever.
There are stronger concentrations of Minoxidil and Spiro solutions for those that arent responding to the 2% and 5% stuff. Always start with the lower dose, however.
For those that are experiencing severe hair loss or just want to cover ALL the bases, using oral Finasteride will also add to the efficacy of this stack.
A Note On Minoxidil Use
Of course, there is a drawback with using Minoxidil to regrow your hair. You'll have to use it daily, forever. Its been shown that a few months after Minoxidil use has ceased, any hair regrown with it will start to shed. If your going to lose your hair anyway to genetic MPB, its a small trade off. 5 minutes 2x a day and there's a good chance youll keep your hair, or at the very minimum slow down the inevitable.
In addition, in a small number of users, Minoxidil can cause some slight hair shedding when it is first applied. This is usually very minor and is actually a good indicator that Minoxidil is working for you. The hair that is shed eventually will grow back thicker, having been stimulated by the Minoxidil.
A Final Note on Application
Some complain that these products can make the hair look greasy. I find that if I lightly towel-dry my hair, (not the scalp), my hair looks completely dry as if nothing were applied.
Where Do I Get This Stuff?
There are few places to get there products on the web, at decent prices. Ive had very good experience with www.minoxidil.com. In order to order from the site, you have to have an email consultation with Dr.Lee (the Dr. who runs the site and has developed the treatment methods). Its really a no-hassle deal and you'll be able to order within a week or so. They have the biggest selection and its the only place to get the Regrowth Treatment Shampoo. However, their Xandrox products, while excellent quality, are a bit on the expensive side.
www.wholesalehairproducts.com
This is where I originally got all my hair care stuff. They were shut down after their owner passed away (RIP) and had some service issues. I havent ordered from them in a while, but it looks like their webiste is back up, and has been completely redesigned. Ive had many succesful transactions with this company. Great prices...definately worth a look.
First, let's take a look at what is known about the causes of MPB. Testosterone is converted to DHT by the 5AR enzyme, which in turn finds its way to your hair follicles and causes them to fall out. The are a few theories on how this occurs. One suggests that DHT causes a progressive miniturization of the affected hair follicles. Another says that DHT causes an autoimmune response, causing the body to actually attack the hair follicles as if they were a foreign body. This in turn causes an inflammatory response that causes the hair follicles to shed.
Either way, its a frustrating problem. A problem that can become greatly accelerated by the use of androgenic drugs, especially those with a high conversion rate to DHT. Testosterone, Anadrol, D-Bol...all of these end up increasing the amounts of DHT in your system. Some, like test, convert through the 5AR enzyme. Anadrol, on the other hand, is not converted to DHT through the 5AR method at all. 1-testosterone can also convert 'back' to DHT though the infamous 'unknown pathway'...in any event higher levels of DHT end up at the scalp when you're using these substances. And, if you're prone, this could spell rapid accelleration of genetic hair loss.
Any androgenic hormone molecule binding to the receptors in your scalp could advance hair-loss in someone prone to MPB. When using steroids, especially those with strong receptor binding characteristics like 1-test or Trenbalone, the actual steroid itself could be a contributing factor to your hair loss, in addition to any elevated levels of DHT in your system.
So now we know that we need to prevent high amounts of androgen molecules from affecting hair follicles at the scalp. This could be done by using oral medication, like:
finasteride
For people suffering from natural hair loss or hair loss brought on by testosterone supplementation, this could work very well. Finasteride is a 5AR blocker, and prevents testosterone from converting into DHT. Finasteride is a potent 5AR inhibitor that is also NOT an anti-androgen, so it dosent affect levels of testosterone in the body. Men taking 5mg of Finasteride a day showed a 65% - 80% reduction in the amount of DHT present in their system. This sounds great, but also keep in mind that DHT is a big player in the strength gains that one sees on a cycle of testosterone. Or the strength that you have naturally. Think of pure DHT compounds like 3-alpha, M5, etc and the awesome strength gains that accompany them - obviously some DHT in your body is a good thing if you're going to be hitting the iron. Also consider that Finasteride only reduces the amount of DHT - it wont help inhibit hair loss from any other androgenic hormone molecules that have found their way to your scalp.
Personally, Ive never used Finasteride so I cannot personally recommend it. Ive read reports of several bros on this board who have, and claim it works well. So, if you're experiencing a lot of natural hair loss or are on a cycle of Testosterone, then it might be worth a try. My view is that I'd rather minimize the amount of chemcials interacting with the hormonal systems in my body, especially if they could negatively affect strength.
Also, Finasteride should never be used with Deca-Durabolin. It can actually promote hair loss in this situation.
Which brings us to the next weapon in the hair loss prevention arsenal:
The Topical, Non-Systemic Solution
Anti-Androgens
There are a few chemicals out there which have been shown to inhibit androgen and DHT molecules at the scalp itself, without showing any systemic side effects. These are:
Spironolactone
Spironolactone was originally used as a "Potassium Sparing Diuretic", that has been used for many years to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. Recently, it has also been used orally as an anti-androgen (it blocks the androgen receptor itself).
For hair loss prevention purposes, it has been found that a solution of Spiro in a 2-5% concentration can effectively block androgens (both DHT and others) from effecting the hair follicles at the scalp when applied topically. You can read more detailed info about some other uses of Spironolactone here:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/cataldactone.htm
Azelaic Acid
Used as an acne medication, azelaic acid also has one important property when applied to the scalp:
It inhibits DHT up to 100% at the area of application Taking all of the above information into consideration, its obvious why we would want this as part of a hair-loss prevention system.
Read more about Azelaic Acid here:
https://www.xandrox.com/azelaic.htm
Nizoral Shampoo (2% Ketoconazole)
When used EOD, Nizoral shampoo can help block the formation of DHT in the scalp. A special version of Nizoral shampoo , 'Regrowth Treatment Shampoo', is available that contains 3% salicylic acid . The salicylic acid helps strip dead layers off the epidermis from the scalp, resulting in greater absorption of the 2% Ketoconazole.
Fluridil (Eucapil)
I haven't learned much about this one yet. Thanks to LCSCULLA for bringing it to my attention. Supposedly has a longer half-life than Spiro. Cost might be prohibitive to some, but if it works as claimed it would be very valuable to those trying to save their hair. Also a general anti-androgen.
Read up on Fluridil here:
http://www.regrowth.com/hair_loss_tr...l/fluridil.cfm
Ok, now we've covered treatments that can successfully block androgens and DHT at the scalp. For some, using these products alone might be enought to reverse MPB, prevent it during a cycle, etc. For those that want to help expedite their hair regrowth, keep reading:
Hair Growth Stimulants
After blocking androgens from affecting hair follicles, the next step is to attempt to promote hair regrowth.
Minoxidil
That's right, good ol' Rogaine. Well, the active ingredient in Rogaine, anyway. It was originally used as a high-blood pressure medication and vaso-dialator. Someone discovered that it increased hair growth on various parts of the body when taken in high enough concentrations orally. I guess from there they tried applying it to the scalp. Id love to be able to tell you exactly how Minoxidil works to regrow hair, but no one knows. Knowing that it works and has no systemic side effects is enough for now.
Retin-A
Retin-A, or Retonic Acid, can be used in combination with Minoxidil for a synergistic effect. Studies have shown that combined with minoxidil treatments it will regrow more hair faster than with minoxidil alone. It may increase the absorption of Minoxidil through the skin, it also may have some hair regenerative properties. Again, not much is known about its method of action, only that it has positive results.
The Hair Loss Prevention Stack
So if you're truly worried about losing your hair, you have to take action as soon as possible. In this case especially, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you're got some very mild thinning or if you're not that suseptable to androgenic hair loss, then Nizoral Shampoo EOD might be enough to stave off hair loss.
For others that are sure they're going to lose their hair, its best to attack the problem from all feasible angles as soon as possible. For this, there is what I like to call the Hair Loss Prevention Stack. This is:
Regrowth Treatment Shampoo
Used once EOD.
Squeeze a quarter sized amount into your hand, and shampoo your hair. Message it thourougly into your scalp, and leave in for about 5 minutes before rinsing. This shampoo dries your hair out, so its best to follow application with a good conditioner.
Minoxidil 5%/Azelaic Acid 5%/Retin-A 2% Solution
Applied ED, at night before bed. Sunlight breaks down Retin-A and can cause it to irritate the scalp, so its really only to be used at night time. Apply 1ml to the affected areas of the scalp and message into the skin. If your hair loss in generalized, part your hair in several areas and apply the solution directly to the skin. Message into the skin.
Minoxidil 5%/Azelaic Acid 5% Solution
Minoxidil/Azelaic Acid is meant to be applied 2x daily. You should use the Minoxidil w/Retin-A at night, and a solution containing Minoxidil and Azelaic Acid during the day. Try to keep the applications close to 12hrs apart if you can. Apply to the scalp following the same method as outlined above.
Spironolactone 2% Solution
Applied once ED, at night, AFTER application of Minoxidil/Azelaic Acid/Retin-A solution. Allow the minoxidil to dry for a minute or two and follow with Spiro.
Apply to the skin and message in thoroughly. If you're using androgens, apply Spiro 2x per day. This will block any other androgens in the scalp, as well as DHT. Combined with the Azelaic Acid, its a 1-2 punch for androgen molecules in the scalp.
The above products, when used in combination in a consistent daily regimen, have restored my thinning head of hair to a decently thick mane in the past 11 months. In fact, even on 200mg/1-test a day Ive had no shedding whatsoever.
There are stronger concentrations of Minoxidil and Spiro solutions for those that arent responding to the 2% and 5% stuff. Always start with the lower dose, however.
For those that are experiencing severe hair loss or just want to cover ALL the bases, using oral Finasteride will also add to the efficacy of this stack.
A Note On Minoxidil Use
Of course, there is a drawback with using Minoxidil to regrow your hair. You'll have to use it daily, forever. Its been shown that a few months after Minoxidil use has ceased, any hair regrown with it will start to shed. If your going to lose your hair anyway to genetic MPB, its a small trade off. 5 minutes 2x a day and there's a good chance youll keep your hair, or at the very minimum slow down the inevitable.
In addition, in a small number of users, Minoxidil can cause some slight hair shedding when it is first applied. This is usually very minor and is actually a good indicator that Minoxidil is working for you. The hair that is shed eventually will grow back thicker, having been stimulated by the Minoxidil.
A Final Note on Application
Some complain that these products can make the hair look greasy. I find that if I lightly towel-dry my hair, (not the scalp), my hair looks completely dry as if nothing were applied.
Where Do I Get This Stuff?
There are few places to get there products on the web, at decent prices. Ive had very good experience with www.minoxidil.com. In order to order from the site, you have to have an email consultation with Dr.Lee (the Dr. who runs the site and has developed the treatment methods). Its really a no-hassle deal and you'll be able to order within a week or so. They have the biggest selection and its the only place to get the Regrowth Treatment Shampoo. However, their Xandrox products, while excellent quality, are a bit on the expensive side.
www.wholesalehairproducts.com
This is where I originally got all my hair care stuff. They were shut down after their owner passed away (RIP) and had some service issues. I havent ordered from them in a while, but it looks like their webiste is back up, and has been completely redesigned. Ive had many succesful transactions with this company. Great prices...definately worth a look.
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