• Welcome to Hair loss Experiences hair loss forum.

    Free impartial hair loss advice, hair transplant advice, hair loss medications and hair loss news.
    You can contact us directly at [email protected] if you experience any problems.

Shampoo & Minoxidil Regimin

Alien Spyder

Alien Spyder

member
I'd like to hear how some of you guys manage your hair washing along with your Minoxidil use.

For the the last 7+ years I have been washing my hair twice a day.
I was recently told that I have a buildup of Sebum oil on my scalp which is from washing my hair too much.

I was told that the sebum oil can prevent minoxidil from penetrating into the
scalp which can make it seem like it's lost it's effectiveness.
The minoxidil ends up sitting on my scalp and tends to burn for a little while.


It was suggested that I cut down on washing my hair to three or 4 times a week and that alone should reduce the sebum oil issue.
If I wanted too I could apply a scalp and follicle cleanser which will cut through that sebum oil and wash it away.
I do know that you have to have a normal amount of sebum oil on you scalp. You can't scrub it all away.


I think the reason I wash my hair so much is because I use minoxidil. I find that using that stuff makes my scalp feel oily so after 8 or 10 hours of having it on my head I look forward to washing my hair.

Here's a run down of my schedule.

Wake up at 6:00am, take a shower, wash and condition my hair. Towel off and then apply my minoxidil foam and style my hair.

Before going to bed at 10:30pm, I wash my hair, towel dry and then apply my foam minoxidi foam for while I sleep.

That is my twice a day use.

I can't imaging re applying minoxidil onto my scalp that already has minoxidil on it from the morning.

I would welcome any thoughts on my dilemma.
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
I don’t think it will cause any harm applying a second application without washing your hair. Does the instructions say anything about this?
 
bullitnut

bullitnut

4 awesome repairs with SMG
For what it's worth dude I personally found it made no difference using it just once a day so I used it on an evening before bed and washed it off in the morning....i used the foam though.
 
Alien Spyder

Alien Spyder

member
For what it's worth dude I personally found it made no difference using it just once a day so I used it on an evening before bed and washed it off in the morning....i used the foam though.
When I started getting a burning sensation to my scalp whenever I applied the minoxidil foam, I reduced my minoxidil use to once a day, which I chose to do at night. I started backing off on the shampooing hoping to reduce the excess sebum oil on my scalp.

I had a FUT procedure on July 29th and after I had my 12 day follow up with my surgeon, he gave me the green light to return to a normal life style.
He suggested that I go back to my regular minoxidil use.

In order to hopefully prevent any excess shock shedding to my non-implanted hair, I went back to using minoxidil twice a day.

I think that once I get to the 3 month anniversary of my transplant, I'll assess any shedding issues and will hopefully return to using minoxidil once a day.

If I reduced my shampooing to once a day, I think that would be a dramatic reduction in the sebum oil building up on my scalp.
 
Kevboy

Kevboy

Valued member
I've read many accounts that say once a day works just as good.
 
Alien Spyder

Alien Spyder

member
Thanks guys.
I think the real problem here once again is that yes, I had an FUT hair transplant a few weeks ago but after I left my 12 day post-op visit, I am once again on my own to battle this hair loss issue with no real professional guidance.

My doctor said "give it 4-6 months to start seeing results and you'll be all set. Just continue using minoxidil and go on with your life as you would"
I do trust what he says but he's a plastic surgeon, not a real hair loss specialist. Maybe I don't need specialy formulated nourishing shampoos and volumizing conditioners and scalp cleansers to get rid of that excess Sebum oil on my scalp. Maybe baby shampoo is good enough.

Presently I'm losing the 1,900 transplanted hairs which is normal, but I'm also trying to hold onto the 50,000+ remailing hairs that are in the transplant area from shedding due to shock from the surgery. I'm trying desperatly to avoid that "ugly duckling" stage as the result of a transplant.
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
You could ask a dermatologist or trichologist about the excess Sebum on your scalp if you want a second opinion from someone who specialises in these types of things.
There are many plastic surgeons who perform hair transplants, just like any other field there will be different levels of knowledge, quality, skill and artistry.
Having FUT the shock loss in the donor area will hopefully be minimal to none. In the recipient area, you shouldn`t really suffer from it if care was taken by your doctor.
 
Alien Spyder

Alien Spyder

member
You could ask a dermatologist or trichologist about the excess Sebum on your scalp if you want a second opinion from someone who specialises in these types of things.
There are many plastic surgeons who perform hair transplants, just like any other field there will be different levels of knowledge, quality, skill and artistry.
Having FUT the shock loss in the donor area will hopefully be minimal to none. In the recipient area, you shouldn`t really suffer from it if care was taken by your doctor.
Great idea Mac! I have a dermatologist and I forgot that she advertises PRP treatments. She would probably have some incite as to what to do. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to call and make an appointment right now. (y)
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
Sounds good, let us know how you get on.
 
Alien Spyder

Alien Spyder

member
OK, I had an appointment with my dermatologist yesterday.
She found it hard to believe that I had an FUT Procedure only 22 days ago.
She see's no scabs on the receiver area and the donor scar is healing well.

She inspected my scalp and found no issue with excess sebum oil. Being a dermatologist, she said my scalp is the healthiest looking scalp she has seen in 2020. (I can only imagine what she sees on a daily basis).

She concurs with my surgeon: Return to your normal minoxidil use, use your laser cap use normal shampoos and conditioners.
Washing my hair once a day or once every other day is perfectly fine. On the days I don't shampoo, she said I could conditioner if I wanted too.

She was not supportive of using high priced topical shampoos that supposedly work miracles.
I told her I had some expensive daily vitamins and she suggest that I use them up and don't bother buying any more.

She is a very successful dermatologist and she is knowledgeable, supportive and calming.
When I left there I felt like I had two very reputable doctors telling me that everything is going to be OK.
I feel like I'm in good hands.

The results of my procedure will just take time to start showing.
 
bullitnut

bullitnut

4 awesome repairs with SMG
Sounds like you had a great experience dude and I'm glad shes put your mind at ease....I wish you all the best with your growth and please keep us updated:)
 
Kevboy

Kevboy

Valued member
I`ve learned that shampoos do not help with hair growth. The caffeine shampoo by a German manufacturer had to change their wording when they promoted it as a hair regrowth product.
 
Top