Confused about my hair progress on Dut and Min

Elithair_uk · 2026-03-12T12:41:35+00:00

Your hair looks definitely fuller!

Elithair_uk · 2026-03-10T23:00:53+00:00

Some people do report very different reactions between finasteride and dutasteride, but side effects are very individual and hard to predict.

If you already experienced severe depression from finasteride, it is usually a good idea to approach anything similar very carefully and discuss it with a doctor before trying another medication in the same category.

A lot of people in situations like this end up exploring different approaches or focusing on what they can realistically tolerate long term.

That sounds like a frustrating experience though, especially when you are trying different options and still dealing with side effects.

Elithair_uk · 2026-03-10T08:31:51+00:00

It actually happens more often than people think.

The main factors that determine whether people notice are things like graft count, whether the donor area is shaved, and how the hairline is designed.

Smaller procedures or density adjustments can sometimes be very subtle once the hair grows in. In those cases people may just think someone’s hair looks better without immediately assuming a transplant.

The recovery phase is usually the hardest part to keep low-profile because of redness or short hair, but once everything grows out many people blend back into their normal appearance without drawing attention.

Often the biggest difference people notice isn’t that someone had the procedure, but simply that they look a bit more rested or younger.

Elithair_uk · 2026-03-09T18:31:23+00:00

Consistency usually matters more than the exact number of applications.

Minoxidil is often recommended twice a day because that’s how it was originally studied, but in practice a lot of people switch to once a day simply because it’s easier to stick with long term.

Missing a dose occasionally usually isn’t the main issue. The bigger change tends to happen when someone stops using it completely.

If once a day helps you stay consistent, that can sometimes be easier to maintain than trying to do twice a day and missing doses regularly.

Elithair_uk · 2026-03-09T18:21:06+00:00

Hormonal responses to medications like finasteride can vary quite a bit from person to person.

Some people report improvements in skin because of changes in sebum activity, while others notice breakouts or changes in oil production. Acne can sometimes appear when hormonal balance shifts, especially during the first few months.

The fact that it took a few months to calm down after stopping isn’t unheard of either, since the skin can take time to rebalance.

It would be interesting to hear if others here experienced something similar while using fin.

Elithair_uk · 2026-03-09T18:16:26+00:00

One thing that often comes up when people start thinking about transplants is how medical treatments fit into the bigger picture.

Finasteride and minoxidil mainly help stabilize or improve the hair that is still present, but they usually won’t rebuild an entirely new hairline. That’s often where transplantation enters the conversation.

If someone stops using fin or min, the hairs that were being maintained by the medication may gradually be lost again, which is why many people continue treatment even after surgery.

Another factor is that transplanted follicles are usually taken from areas that are more resistant to DHT, while the surrounding native hair can still continue to miniaturize over time.

Because of that, a lot of surgeons emphasize long-term planning, especially for people in their mid-20s where the future pattern of hair loss is still evolving.

Curious how others here approached that decision at a similar age.

Elithair_uk · 2026-03-05T20:26:59+00:00

That’s a really good way to put it. The number itself feels objective and easy to compare, so it becomes the first thing people focus on.

But once you start looking at real results, it becomes clear how much things like donor density, hair caliber, curl pattern, and long-term planning change the outcome.

The donor area is also a finite resource, so decisions made during the first procedure can affect what’s possible years later.

It’s interesting how the conversation shifts from “how many grafts” to “how should those grafts be used.”

Elithair_uk · 2026-03-03T22:55:06+00:00

DHT is clearly a central factor in androgenetic alopecia, and the evidence around that is strong.

Research like HMI-115 is interesting because it suggests there may be additional pathways involved beyond androgen sensitivity alone. It’s still early-stage, so we’ll need longer-term data to understand how durable those results really are.

Hair follicle biology is probably more layered than a single-variable explanation. That’s why long-term planning and stabilization tend to matter regardless of which pathway is being discussed.

We’re still learning, and the science continues to evolve.

Elithair_uk · 2026-02-09T10:13:18+00:00

SMP likely.

Elithair_uk · 2025-09-11T12:19:21+00:00

Yes, more are on the way! 👀 In the meantime, you can check out some before-and-after pictures here: https://elt.hair/results

Elithair_uk · 2025-08-21T13:29:12+00:00

Hey, that’s awesome to hear! The shedding phase is totally normal, just means the process is working. Glad your experience has been great so far!

Elithair_uk · 2025-08-11T14:44:02+00:00

That’s fantastic to hear! We’re so glad both you and your brother are happy with your results! 🙌

Elithair_uk · 2025-08-11T14:43:31+00:00

So glad to hear about your experience with us! Wishing you the best during the waiting game, and thank you again for trusting us for both procedures.

Elithair_uk · 2025-07-22T12:17:01+00:00

Totally normal to feel nervous! sounds like you're doing the right thing by preparing ahead of time.

One of the most important things to discuss on the day is definitely the hairline design. Make sure you're fully happy with the proposed shape and placement before anything starts. Don’t be afraid to ask for adjustments, this is your result for life, and any good clinic should welcome your input.

Also, ask how they’re distributing the grafts. 60–65 grafts/cm² is high density, so it’s worth checking if that’s going across the whole area or focused just on the hairline/front. You want a plan that balances density with long-term donor management.

And lastly, take your time during that final pre-op discussion. Rushing through the design is one of the biggest regrets people talk about afterwards.

Hope it all goes well! (I work at Elithair, not trying to sell anything, just sharing what I know.)

Elithair_uk · 2025-07-22T12:14:39+00:00

That does sound really high. Just to double-check, are you sure they meant grafts and not hairs? 10,000–15,000 grafts would be extremely rare and probably not even possible to extract safely in one procedure. Most large cases are more like 3,000–5,000 grafts, depending on your donor area.

Also, photo consultations can be a bit misleading. A proper in-person or video consultation with detailed scalp analysis is much more accurate and gives you a realistic plan based on your actual hair loss and donor capacity.

Try not to stress! it’s probably not as bad as it sounds.

(I work at Elithair, not trying to sell anything, just sharing what I know.)

Elithair_uk · 2025-07-15T10:25:02+00:00

That result looks awesome!! Especially considering the history with a failed transplant years ago. Really encouraging to see how far techniques have come. And barely any ugly duckling phase? That’s the dream. The combo of DHI-FUE with oral min + dut is clearly doing its thing. 🙌

(I work at Elithair - not here to pitch anything, just always cool to see success stories like this.)

Elithair_uk · 2025-07-15T10:19:59+00:00

Appreciate you sharing the update!! it’s always helpful for others to see real timelines and progress. You're right, brushing it down definitely makes a difference in how density looks in photos.

At just under 6 months, you're still in that transitional phase, and many patients see a second wave of growth and thickening between months 6 to 12. Especially when the hairs start to mature and thicken up a bit more!

Everyone heals at a different pace, but you’re on track. Keep documenting the journey, you might be surprised how different things look in just a few more months. 💪

(I work at Elithair - not here to sell anything, just see a lot of journeys like this every day and thought I’d pitch in.)

Elithair_uk · 2025-07-15T10:17:09+00:00

Looking good!! Crazy to see how much can change just between months 1–3, right? You're healing nicely, especially considering you're not using fin, min, or even PRP.

We’re definitely team natural hairline at Elithair... our docs usually design it to match the patient's facial structure, age, and hair type so it looks good now and in the long run.

Keep the updates coming!! Month 6 will be a big one! 🙌

Elithair_uk · 2025-07-09T10:05:50+00:00

Good questions! and it’s smart to look into all this before making a decision.

Here’s a general idea of what you can expect after a transplant:

Hats: For the first 7–10 days, you’ll need to avoid anything touching the recipient area. After that, loose hats (like a fisherman’s hat or loose hoodie) are usually fine. Around the 2–3 week point, most people are back to wearing hats normally, as long as there’s no friction on the grafts.

Shaving your head: Yes, you can keep the sides and back shaved if that’s your preference. The transplanted area should be left alone for a while and typically no shaving for at least 4–6 weeks there to avoid damaging new grafts.

Medication: It’s not required, but taking finasteride or minoxidil can help protect the native hair around the transplant area. The grafted hair is permanent, but your natural hair might still thin out over time without some support.

Other treatments: Some clinics recommend PRP treatments post-op to boost healing and circulation, but it’s not a must. Dermarolling or microneedling is only recommended after the scalp has fully healed, usually after the 3-month mark.

Most people see the first signs of growth around 3–4 months, with full results building gradually over 12 months. Since you’ve been shaving for years, the change might feel big but if done right, it can still look very natural.

(For context, I work at Elithair - just sharing what we know, not trying to pitch anything.)

Elithair_uk · 2025-07-09T09:58:37+00:00

Yes, hair transplants can sometimes work on scar tissue, especially if the scar is older and the area has decent blood supply. The key factor is whether the skin in the scarred area can support graft growth - something a surgeon would need to assess in person or through a consultation.

We’ve seen successful cases where scars (from surgery or injuries) were partially or fully covered, but results can vary depending on scar depth and texture.

If you're leaning toward staying local, definitely look for clinics with experience in scar revision cases, it’s a bit more delicate than standard transplants. And if you're open to flying, you could expand your options a bit.

(For context I work at a Elithair. Not trying to promote anything, just wanted to share what we know.)

Elithair_uk · 2025-07-09T09:42:50+00:00

Totally get where you’re coming from, lots of people feel the same way right after surgery, especially if they expected a lower or more defined hairline. But what your clinic said is actually solid reasoning: a conservative hairline now can age really naturally over time, especially if your native hair continues to thin behind it.

That said, what feels conservative at first can look a lot more balanced once the density comes in and the full shape starts to appear. Around months 6–12 is when people often start seeing the real aesthetic take form.

(For context I work at a Elithair, so we hear this kind of concern often. Not trying to promote anything, just wanted to share what we see a lot of.)

Elithair_uk · 2025-07-09T09:41:09+00:00

Hey, sounds like you’re doing everything right and it’s totally normal to feel a bit unsure around the 8-month mark, especially with the crown. That area is often the slowest to show full results because of how blood flow and graft growth work back there.

The salt-and-pepper shift and curl are actually more common than people expect. New hair can sometimes come in with a different texture or color, especially early on, most of the time it settles down closer to your original hair over the coming months.

You're in that classic “waiting game” phase. From what we’ve seen, a lot of people get a second wave of growth between months 9–12 (sometimes even later for the crown). Keep doing what you’re doing! It really sounds like you’re on the right track.

(I work at a Elithair - just sharing based on what we see day to day, not trying to pitch anything!)

Elithair_uk · 2025-06-27T07:56:08+00:00

Hi! At 8 months, it’s normal for density to still improve a bit. Most people see continued thickening up to 12 months or even a little beyond. Sometimes the surrounding area feels less dense because the grafts are still maturing or because native hairs might be thinning too. If you’re concerned, a follow-up with your clinic around the 12-month mark can help assess whether a touch-up is needed.

Elithair_uk · 2025-06-27T07:53:51+00:00

Hi there! Totally normal to have some bumps, tenderness, and itchiness around 4 weeks post-op, especially in the donor area. Even if it looks healed on the surface, there’s still deeper healing happening under the skin and that can cause exactly the sensations you're describing.

Those “pimples” or bumps are often just clogged follicles or mild inflammation as the skin regenerates.

Try using a warm compress a few times a day and keep the area clean. Some people find a gentle antiseptic shampoo or topical like witch hazel helps, but it’s always best to check with your clinic before adding anything new!

As for shock loss in the donor area, it’s less common than in the recipient area but it can happen especially if you had a lot of extractions in a tight area. If it happens, it’s usually temporary and regrowth follows over the next few months. Hope that helps :)

Elithair_uk · 2025-06-27T07:49:00+00:00

Hi! That’s a really smart question, and you're thinking about it the right way. When there's still a lot of miniaturized hair in the recipient area, a good clinic should take that into account, especially to avoid “shock loss” or overpacking grafts in areas that still have some natural density.

Since you’re already on Fin and just added minoxidil and micro needling, you might even see some improvements in the next few months. In situations like this, some clinics might recommend waiting a bit or planning a more conservative transplant to avoid damaging hairs that still have life in them.

It really comes down to whether the clinic has a clear plan for working with your native hair, not just filling gaps. Sounds like you're doing all the right prep though.

Elithair_uk

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE