Hair Loss and Building a Hair Protection Plan

TheTruthHurts

New member
For some of us, hair loss isn't a major concern, but for many others—myself included—it’s a real issue. I’m 35 years old and still have a thick head of hair. I’ve always known that I wouldn’t look good bald or thinning, and a few years ago, during one of my cycles, I started noticing significant hair shedding. I’d find large amounts of hair in the shower, and it led me to think, “What’s the point of building massive muscles if my hair is falling out?” That’s when I began searching for a solid solution to stop hair loss and potentially reverse it.

Over the years, I’ve tried several products and have refined my approach. Below are the most effective treatments I’ve found (in order of importance):

1. AVODART® (Dutasteride)
Dutasteride was originally developed to treat an enlarged prostate but was found to have an even more profound effect on preventing and even reversing hair loss compared to Finasteride. It works by blocking DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink. Dutasteride is more potent, works faster, and stays in your system longer than Finasteride. A typical dose is 1 to 5 mg per day, and it also helps keep the prostate in check, which can be beneficial during cycles. For me, this is the gold standard.

2. PROPECIA® (Finasteride)
While not as powerful as Dutasteride, Finasteride is still a proven hair loss prevention and regrowth drug. The recommended dose is 1 mg per day, and results may start showing after 6-12 months of consistent use. If Dutasteride is unavailable or not an option for you, Finasteride is a great alternative, and it has fewer side effects for some people. I personally suggest going with Dutasteride if you can.

3. ROGAINE® (Minoxidil)
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical treatment that helps block DHT from affecting the scalp. It’s inexpensive and widely available in generic form. Minoxidil improves blood flow to hair follicles, supporting growth. I apply it twice daily—once after my morning shower and once after my post-workout shower. While it’s not as strong as Dutasteride or Finasteride, it’s a great complement to those oral treatments.

4. NIOXIN® System (Shampoo, Conditioner, and Treatment)
Nioxin’s products are designed to nourish the scalp and ensure it stays healthy, which is crucial for hair regrowth. The cleanser removes impurities and DHT buildup from the scalp, the conditioner moisturizes the skin, and the treatment adds essential nutrients. Using these daily helps create the optimal environment for hair growth.

5. NIZORAL® (Ketoconazole Shampoo)
Ketoconazole, the active ingredient in Nizoral, acts as a mild anti-androgen, preventing DHT from binding to hair follicles. It’s a great supplementary treatment for those who want to target hair loss on multiple fronts. I use it once a week for extra DHT control, and it helps support the overall regimen.

This hair protection routine isn’t complicated, and the results have been worth it for me. I went from losing hair to regrowing it! It takes time—usually several months—so patience is key, especially in the first 6 months. If you stick with this "Big 4" approach for 1-2 years, you should see significant improvements or at the very least, halt further hair loss.

Remember, proper nutrition, hydration, and adequate sleep are also essential to getting the best results.

What about you? Have you tried any of these treatments, or do you have any hair loss prevention tips that worked for you? Feel free to share your experiences.
 
Back
Top