Inspried by Haircafe and Perfect Hair Health, I am trying to add tretinoin to my routine to boost minoxidil efficacy.
First try: mixed 0.1% tretinoin gel with minoxidil, for a final concentration of about 0.018% or so, 2ml of it. Result after using daily: rather severe burning and irritation when applying minoxidil, shampoo, or anything of my head. So I interrupt
Second try: after recovering, I try applying three nights a week. After a week or so, I notice some small wounds on my hairline, without evident burning like the previous attempt. I interrupt again.
Third try: I thought maybe the concentration was too high, or the gel does not mix well, so I get actual tretinoin solution. I mix with minoxidil to obtain 0.01% tretinoin solution. 2ml about 5 times/week, a week of this and now I already see a small wound on my hairline. No burning or anything, but still.
Is this normal? Certainly does not feel like it? And yet I read of people applying higher concentration regularly. I would not think I am particularly sensitive to it, as I apply 0.02% tretinoin cream on my face daily without any issues. Although scalp may be a different story.
What do you think? Is my hair just not suitable? Any experience of your own? What is the current status of whether tretinoin is of any use?