My hair is thinning and my hairline is receding.
I’ve tried three different formulations and each one has been so aggressively bad - intense itchiness (waking up in the night itching), extremely dry (scratches off like dandruff), and sore. Each time I tried the formulation for 1-2 weeks, and then tried to move to a formulation that is meant to be better on the scalp. Nothing is working. Worst of all, after trialling for 1-2 weeks, the itchiness and dryness sticks around for 2 months.
I want recommendations on what to do/try next. I don’t want to take finasteride if I can avoid it as my thinning isn’t severe yet.
(Context on what I tried:
- I tried an alcohol based 5% minoxidil spray (from “Manual”) and it was irritating my scalp a bit so I stopped for 6 months.
- I then tried a serum (from “hims”) that contained Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 80, and a bunch of other ingredients. I used it for a week. The itching and dryness was so intense and continued for 2 months.
- Once my scalp had recovered I tried Rogaine foam which I saw many of you had previously recommended for sensitive scalps. Same story as number 2.)
I have no history of dandruff or sensitive skin (although I do have dry skin in general on my body)
Please help!