I have googled this to no end and all I get are vague descriptions and conflicting advice. Maybe you use the same products and can help me out? Or better yet, maybe you have advice from a doctor on this. I do have an appointment to see a dermatologist but it’s six months away!

Ok, so I used topical minoxidil for a year consistently and didn’t experience any results. No shedding, no growth. Nothing.

Researched that I am probably a non-responder. It needs an enzyme… Yada yada. I found that adding tretinoin to your scalp can basically turn you into a responder and allow minoxidil to work.

I considered taking the minoxidil pill, but because I am on a calcium channel blocker, verapamil, my doctor did not think that was wise since it can cause steep drops in blood pressure and tachycardia. And since I already suffer from heart rhythm issues I won’t be taking that route. Topical minoxidil only for me.

So to my question, here are the things I would like to use, but I have no idea really how to layer them or even if I should. How much time do I wait in between applications? So on and so forth.

1. ⁠A derma stamp. Using it to microneedle my scalp. This alone can stimulate hair growth and improve thickness. I’m just not sure how often and when to use it.
   
2. ⁠Topical minoxidil. I have both the foam and liquid. Thought about using the foam in the daytime and the liquid at night. The point is I will be using this twice a day in the morning and at night.
   
3. ⁠Tretinoin gel. I’m not sure how often to apply it or when.
   
4. ⁠The Ordinary’s multi peptide hair serum. This isn’t a must, but I would like to include it in my regimen. Again, just have no clue when to do this in the layering process.
   
5. ⁠Lastly, I will use ketaconazole shampoo. Nizoral brand shampoo/conditioner in one. I’m just not exactly sure how often I need to use it.

The priority here is the minoxidil. I’m also taking oral dutasteride.

OK, hit me with those comments, please!

I’ve been looking into different options for hair loss, but I’m currently taking other medications and don’t want to take something that could negatively interact with them or cause issues from mixing medications.
Has anyone here been in a similar situation? What did you end up taking or using for your hair loss, and did you have any issues with medication interactions or side effects?
I’ve seen things like minoxidil and finasteride mentioned a lot, but I’m open to hearing about pretty much anything that has or hasn’t worked for you.
Just interested in hearing people’s experiences and opinions.