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2nd HT with Ron Shapiro, week 7, crown

D

DaveyJ

Member
Well, I got to week 7 and with the school holidays over and teaching work about to resume, I dyed my hair - one week short of the 8 weeks advised by SMG. I assume this won't be a problem as I have noticed that most HT surgeons don't recommend as long as 8 weeks wait before dying the hair. As I am quite grey I used permanent hair dye.
With the dark brown hair colour I can better see the extent of my growth. I €™m not sure but I think I may have suffered some shock loss, although my hair was quite thin in the crown before which is why I had the transplant. I realise it will be months yet before this area fills in, but until then I will need to use a concealer. I have been using Toppik. However, I find it very difficult to apply it as I can't see the crown area where I am shaking it onto. I am using a mobile barber to avoid the embarrassment of visiting a salon full of young gossiping girls. My barber very quickly applied the Toppik, but I'm sure I must have used 3 times as much powder as him just because I couldn't see the crown properly; applying it was very much hit and miss! I have a hand-held mirror and even tried a camcorder but I still think I need a better system to help me see where I should be applying the powder. Any advice would be appreciated.
I am also interested in trying Nanogen as an alternative to Toppik. I have read that it works well on large crown areas (perhaps because the powder is thicker) and doesn't have the dulling effect on the hair that can be experienced with Toppik. I don't know if this is true, but I'll give it a go. Meanwhile, can anyone advise me on the best place to purchase Nanogen in the UK; I would like it to arrive quickly
 

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  • Crown, 4 Sep, week 7.jpg
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bullitnut

bullitnut

4 awesome repairs with SMG
I have used both Toppik and Nanogen and they are both very similar to be honest dude (Nanogen slightly better imo) , i usually just use sure thik or Viviscal fibres from my local chemist these days if i feel the need to use them for a special occasion as they are cheaper.

I totally get what you mean regarding difficult to see, i find it easier to stand infront of a large mirror, like a full length wardrobe one for example and hold a shaving mirror up whilst doing it so i can see where im putting it....still not easy though.
 
bullitnut

bullitnut

4 awesome repairs with SMG
oh yeah and dont buy the holding/ locking spray as cheap hairspray is just as good.
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
Hi Hicky,
Having had my crown worked on it does look worse post op once the hairs have shed and the possibility of some shock loss. I used Nanogen very effectively to conceal my crown post op. Just make sure you wash it out every night and re apply the next day.
Boots sell it if you need it like today, otherwise you can order it from the shop on here, click the banner at top left of page or there are many online retailers selling it.
For applying the fibers it takes a little trial and error to get used to it, you are doing it correctly with the mirror, have a large mirror behind you, hold the small mirror so you can see your crown easily, then apply the fibers. Try to use as little as possible, hold it about 6 inches from your head shaking it lightly, once you have a light sprinkle covering the area very gently pat it down with not much pressure. You can use a holding solution, hair sprY to hold in place or just leave as is. One thing though, remember not to scratch the area if you get an itch.
Dyeing your hair after 6 weeks is fine, the grafts and area should be well healed.

 
J

JoeF

Valued member
Hi Hicky, I would recommend you to give Caboki a try, I find this very good and possibly looks more natural. I purchase it from the UK and once applied you have no worries; I highly recommend to give this a try.

As for applying to the crown, I would suggest to use two mirrors so that you will see how you are applying the concealor and the final result.

Your hair as it looks at the moment would be perfect for Caboki.
 
D

DaveyJ

Member
Thanks for the advice. I think I'll buy and fix one of those extendable wall-mounted swivel bathroom mirrors so I see well enough to apply the concealer powder to my crown.I'll consider Caboki but try out Nanogen first.
 
J

JoeF

Valued member
Hi Hicky, yes a swivel mirror would be perfect, in the mean time or when away, you can use the bathroom or other mirror and always have one hand held mirror with you also; so having applied the concealor you can then take a look to see if you have covered everything.
On your crown Nanogen will be fine, but if and when you will need to apply concealor to your hairline it is better to use caboki for a more natural look, for now Nanogen will be perfect for you.
Concealor is all you need for the moment, with possibly some supplements to slow down the thinning hair, but just enjoy everyday!
 
D

DaveyJ

Member
Hi Bigmac,

Your Nanogen photos are excellent. Did you apply the powder to your own crown, where it is difficult for you to see, or did someone else do it for you? And did you use the medium brown or dark brown Nanogen? I suspect I need the dark brown. How is Nanogen when it rains or if you sweat a lot, e.g. after sport? I cycle to work and my hair gets quite sweaty , which was a problem when I tried Toppik, but perhaps Nanogen is better in this regard. I notice that there is also Nanogen Aquamatch for further waterproofing, so perhaps I should get this for the days when I cycle or if it looks as though it may rain.
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
Hi Hicky,
I used Nanogen 10 days post op without any problems, I'll try to find the pictures. I found the fibres stayed in place whilst sweating and in very light rain. I would avoid heavier rain u less I had an umbrella. I original started out with dark brown but as my hair got lighter with age I switched to medium brown, at first I had someone apply it but soon I had to master it with hand held mirror.
Nanogen had an aqua pencil type thing which courted the scalp, I did not like this as thought it never looked natural enough, I did use Dermmatch which I found to be very good, when my hair was growing in I would apply Dermmatch to the scalp which enabled me to use less Namogen.
I sometimes used the locking mists or hairspray but usually didn't bother with them.
Here's a link to me on YouTube having someone apply Nanogen. On the video the dark brown looks slighter darker than my hair which is the camera picking up on it, to the naked eye it was a perfect match.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=URuA7hotXEU
 
D

DaveyJ

Member
Hi Bigmac,
You say 'I'll try to find the pictures' but haven't you already shown them via the above link? http://www.hairlossexperiences.com/view_topic.php?id=2&forum_id=11
When I mention the Nanogen I am referring to the separate product: https://www.nanogen.co.uk/aquamatch-waterproof-scalp-concealer.html
However, from what you say this may not be necessary unless I'm out in heavy rain. After all, I will only powder my scalp, and I think the rain risk would be greater if you have concealer on your hairline. I'll also think about the locking spray. Thanks for your advice.
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
I have lots of pictures on my PC showing Nanogen use ten days post op illustrating how effective it is in concealing work especially on the crown. I think you'll be fine using it and it's trial and error for the first few attempts. You could even apply it and go for a strenuous bike ride when you're not working, then you can check how it looks without anyone else seeing.
 
C

Crudance2006

Member
Hicky. You are probably best to have your hair shorter enabling the Nanogen to blend in easier.
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
Good point Crudance, having the hair at a shorter length will help the Nanogen look more natural.
 
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