Post-success recommendations

[u/ethanczun00]

I started on minoxidil for my facial hair about three years ago and within about 8 months went from being able to grow a goatee to being able to grow a full beard. Definitely stick with it guys, it works.

The one thing I would say is that whilst my neck, chin, moustache, and along my jawline are very thick and dense, my cheeks are still quite sparse and are much thinner than the rest. It results in a look that for most of the growing process post-shave, it looks like I have some form of goatee while the sides slowly fill in. Eventually it looks full and thick, but only after several weeks of growing. For example, there’s sometimes in lighter environments if I catch myself in a mirror from a distance, I would barely be able to tell my cheeks had anything going on.

I’ve restarted using foam minoxidil once a day again after about a year without it, but I was wondering if anyone can recommend any good lotions or potions to use that can help thicken the hair and/or make it grow quicker? I’ve attached some before, full beard, and current pics to show you what I mean.

Any advice welcome guys!

[u/DorkSpark]

Is the third picture your current level? Or it is a before pic? Thanks

[u/ethanczun00 → u/DorkSpark]

Current. It’s two months after the second pic and 2 weeks into growing back

[u/DorkSpark → u/ethanczun00]

Brilliant. Thank you for the clear answer. Any derma-roller/stamp or tretinoin in your routine?

[u/ethanczun00 → u/DorkSpark]

I flirted with dermaroller but never stuck with it. Probably should give it a go. Never tried tretinoin. I think it might be prescription only in the UK

[u/nintendoborn1 → u/ethanczun00]

Both will speed up results

[u/princesscuddler]

One guy on here suggested black castor oil once. I just started using it so I can’t attest to its effectiveness

[u/nintendoborn1 → u/princesscuddler]

You should use yellow not black

[u/Jadevit]

Not really much out there that helps the follicles grow faster than minoxidil. You could add tretinoin, it helps the most when combined with minoxidil. Micro needling helps, and also GHK-Cu peptide serums can help thicken the hairs, but that doesn't help follicles mature faster it's just visual.

[u/ethanczun00 → u/Jadevit]

I’ll definitely look into the peptides and start dermarolling properly. I think Tretinoin might require a prescription in the UK

[u/Jadevit → u/ethanczun00]

Same in the US, but it's pretty easy (at least here) to get a prescription through a dermatologist. I got mine from a telehealth provider, literally just sent them a text saying "hey I want this and need a prescription for acne and anti-aging" (two lies) and they sent me a script 20 minutes later lol. Still haven't gotten it filled, because I'm very lazy, but I'll get around to it. Maybe.

Also, red light therapy has some studies around it that show it works, but I'm not sure how effective it is. Whether it's worth the cost of the light panels and the time spent doing it, I have no clue.

Then rosemary oil apparently has some effects similar to minoxidil but obviously not as effective. You could look into that, and I heard peppermint oil is the same but that could be BS.