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Permalink Reply by Alliegator on July 9, 2012 at 11:08am

Welcome! I also have androgenetic alopecia. When it comes to insensitive people, the best thing you can do is remind yourself that they are just insensitive, and it isn't personal. The world is full of insensitive/ignorant people unfortunately. Try to not let them bother you. You might try a wig/hair piece before you start the job if possible so that you are already comfortable with it. I wear synthetic wigs, and the majority of people have NO idea. People are so concerned with themselves, that they won't realize it is a wig. If you get a wig or hair piece that is similiar to your hair, then it will be even more difficult for them to notice.

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Permalink Reply by Sandy on July 9, 2012 at 11:09pm

Hi Gigi, I am new to alopecia too...but not new to the hair business. My good friend who does hair replacment says Rogaine 5% really helps. I started on it and it seems to help me hold on to what I have...it's too soon to see new growth, but at least I haven't see any more hair loss.

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Permalink Reply by LitchKing on August 3, 2012 at 7:19am

Yes as far as i know the effect of Minoxidil is temporary. It will lead to more hair loss after discontinuation.

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Permalink Reply by Kirsty1 on July 28, 2012 at 3:49pm

Hi Gigi,

My heart goes out to you, and I know exactly what you are going thru. I just joined today. My hair loss is primarily on the top but very thin on the sides. When it got so thin the wind was showing my shiny scalp I made an appointment at a hair salon that sold hair pieces. I was horrified when they shaved the top of my hair but when they put the piece on I cried from happiness. For the first time in years I felt pretty again. I actually had this done before I started a new job so no one knew. I suggest if you decide to go this route you have the professionals put it on the first few times so you can watch what they do. They have great utube videos too. It's so much easier removing and applying your hair piece yourself and a heck of a lot cheaper. I now use a 16" 3/4 lace piece I get from TopLace. I've been with them for 5 years and the quality is amazing every time. I use super tape and walker glue . I sleep in mine and reapply every 2 weeks. It last up to a month but I can't wait that long. I know it seems over whelming, but I suggest if there is no way your hair will grow back you make the move before it gets too noticeable. Looking at the pictures at all of us you would never know people are wearing wigs. My fiance of 2 years had no idea I wear a hair piece until I just told him. I'm sorry you are dealing with insensitive people because it's so hurtful.

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Permalink Reply by Sandy on August 3, 2012 at 10:53am

I went to see a dermatologist last week and this is what I found out....Yes I definitely have alopecia areata.

I also have some thining up front which the doctor said I should use 5% minoxidil ( Rogaine) and that it does help.

To answer LitchKing comment "I know the effect of Minoxidil is temporary. It will lead to more hair loss after discontinuation"

What the doctor explained is that yes, you do have to use it from now until your dying days, and that the reason it seems to lead to more hair loss after discontinuing is because your hair loss genetic progression was going in that direction anyway. Once you stop using minoxidil, it reverses to where it would have been naturally , not to where it was when you started the treatment.

The Doc also told me it takes 5 months of using day and night to start sustaining what hair you have. Once you get there then you can use at night only.

I got some cortizone shots in my bald spot and another mega dose in my hip. I have started to feel some fuzz growing in the spot, but the area is definitely getting bigger. Right now in "iffy" state, don't know what's gonna happen.

My girlfriend who is a hollistic freak said that women past 40 don't get enough iodine in their bodies and that may help bosst immune systems...The other thing she mentioned was a prodcut called Regens Max for hair and nails. Haven't tied either yet...I am wondering if I am introducing too much new stuff into my body trying to amp up my immune system but may debilitate it instead. Any one have any ideas?

The picture below was 1 month ago when I first started now...it's 1.5 times bigger, balder,smoother and without the rash, which seems to have clear up with coal tar shampoo. Plus all the crazy itiching preceeding the hair loss has somewhat subsided....Does this sound familiar to anyway?

Attachments:

• Sandy Alopecia 7-12.JPG, 2.4 MB

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