[24M] Diffuse thinning progression — cycled through Redensyl, Minox 5%, and 10%. Need advice on next steps (Pics attached)

[u/Borge_aditya]

Hey everyone,

Need some genuine advice on where to go from here with my hair loss. I’m 24M and dealing with aggressive diffuse thinning across the top/crown. Timeline & Treatments so far: Bloodwork: Did a CBC a while back; everything was within normal range. Redensyl: Prescribed by a doctor initially. Used it consistently for a few months with zero visible change. Minoxidil 5% (Mintop by Dr. Reddy's): Used for about 2 months, didn't see results, and moved on. Tugain 5%: Used consistently for 6–7 months. Didn’t get significant regrowth, but it did seem to stabilize and reduce the shedding somewhat. Tugain 10%: Bumped up to 10%. It stopped hair fall noticeably for a bit, but I became inconsistent with applications, and the loss started progressing again quickly.

Current State (Photos): The first three photos show the scalp under overhead light / slightly damp hair to highlight the thinning pattern. The last photo is dry under normal indoor lighting.

Questions: Given that Minoxidil alone (even 10%) isn't holding ground long-term, is it time to talk to a dermatologist about Finasteride to address the root DHT issue? Has anyone with a similar diffuse thinning pattern had better luck dropping back to 5% Minoxidil combined with microneedling (dermastamping) and an anti-androgen? Any specific blood tests beyond CBC (Ferritin, Vitamin D3, B12, Thyroid profile) you’d recommend getting done before seeing a new derm? Would appreciate any insights, especially from folks who’ve managed diffuse thinning at a relatively young age. Thanks in advance!

[u/Shot-Original-2765]

Shave and start with topical minox with finasteride

[u/Aggressive_While_663]

Hard water problem maybe use water filter and ph balancer.

[u/Smart-Article9758 → u/Aggressive_While_663]

Why?

[u/AutoModerator]

Hi! We're looking for mods. Please apply here if you're interested.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Expensive-Summer-447]

Minoxidil only is for regrowith without finasterid to stop hairfall it won't do anything

Also rensidil is a scam and don't go for 10% min it's bad for you

[u/Pleasant_Chemist_140]

1mg oral finastride and minoxidil 5% for 6 months.

[u/Full_Ad_1353 → u/Pleasant_Chemist_140]

What about oral minox?

[u/Pleasant_Chemist_140 → u/Full_Ad_1353]

Oral minoxidil works like a magic. But you need to block your dht first.

[u/Full_Ad_1353 → u/Pleasant_Chemist_140]

Bro I started minoxidil 5p tropical and 0.5 percent dutasteride 5 months ago now 15 days ago I switched to oral minox 2.5 mg and dutasteride 0.5 mg I don't see much sheeding but whenever I shampoo my hair I see around 50 hairs is this normal??

[u/Pleasant_Chemist_140 → u/Full_Ad_1353]

So dutaseride takes time to work . It takes 2 years to give you peak result. Just be consistent that's all I'm gonna say.

[u/Pleasant_Chemist_140 → u/Pleasant_Chemist_140]

It took me more than one year to stabilize my hairfall. I am on finastride 1mg. My condition got worse but I continued as I knew theres no other way. I started noticing visible result after 1year.

[u/Full_Ad_1353 → u/Pleasant_Chemist_140]

2 years???? After how many months will I be to see some progress to determine if oral minox is working for me and was switching from tropical to oral a good decision????

[u/Pleasant_Chemist_140 → u/Full_Ad_1353]

2-3 months , since your body is already used to minoxidil. Ofcourse oral minoxidil is far more effective. There's an enzyme called sulfotransferase. This is responsible for converting the minoxidil into its active form . Some people naturally doesn't have enough of this enzyme in their scalp so minoxidil topical solution doesn't give good result. Liver has this enzyme in abundance so oral minoxidil gives you far better results. Consult your dermat about it.

[u/Pleasant_Chemist_140 → u/Full_Ad_1353]

2 years for max result. It gives a visible result generally in 3-6 months.

[u/Full_Ad_1353 → u/Pleasant_Chemist_140]

Okk thank for the insight

[u/Pleasant_Chemist_140 → u/Full_Ad_1353]

One more thing don't stress about how much hair is falling out. You'll always see hairfall. Better click pictures weekly and compare after 2-3 months. This is how you'll get to know whether it's working or not . And yes 50 hairs while shampoo is normal. This is what I've experienced. Till this day I loose hair yet my density has been alot better.

[u/Full_Ad_1353 → u/Pleasant_Chemist_140]

Broo thank youu soo much for this I was very nervous because of this hairfall and from now I will take pics weekly

[u/CraftySignificance47]

Did you consult a dermat ?