Month 1, Day 1: Standing in front of my bathroom mirror at 6:47 AM, I made a decision that would consume the next two years of my life, cost me £2,847, and transform both my hairline and my understanding of what actually works for hair loss.
The Mission: Test every legitimate hair loss treatment available, document the results with photos and measurements, track side effects religiously, and provide the brutally honest review I wished I'd had when this journey started.
The Rules: Give each treatment a fair trial (minimum 6 months where applicable), spend my own money (no sponsored products), take monthly progress photos in identical lighting, and be completely transparent about results – both good and disappointing.
Here's what happened.
The Starting Point: Baseline Reality Check
Personal Details:
- Age: 27
- Norwood Stage: 2.5 (receding temples, slight crown thinning)
- Hair Count: 847 hairs in a 1cm² test area (normal range: 1,000-1,200)
- Family History: Maternal grandfather bald by 30, father thinning at 45
- Confidence Level: 3/10
- Monthly Hair Loss Spend: £0 (still in denial phase)
The Wake-Up Call: A candid photo from a friend's wedding where the photographer caught me from above. My crown looked like a helipad, and I couldn't unsee it.
The Promise to Myself: No more denial, no more hoping it would magically reverse itself. Time for scientific testing and honest documentation.
Treatment #1: Minoxidil (Rogaine) - 12 Month Trial
The Promise: Topical solution that increases blood flow to follicles and extends the hair growth phase. FDA-approved since 1988, with decades of research backing.
The Experience: Month by Month
Months 1-3: The Panic Phase
- Week 2: Massive hair shedding in shower (terrifying but apparently normal)
- Week 4: Scalp irritation and redness (switched from liquid to foam)
- Week 8: Shedding continued, no visible improvements
- Week 12: Finally, shedding began to slow down
Daily routine: 5% foam applied twice daily to completely dry scalp. Morning application before work was challenging – foam texture made hair look greasy until completely absorbed.
Months 4-6: The First Signs
- Month 4: Noticed tiny vellus hairs along hairline (barely visible)
- Month 5: Crown area looking slightly denser
- Month 6: First measurable improvement – hair count increased to 923 per cm²
Months 7-12: The Plateau
- Month 8: Definite improvement in hair density, especially crown
- Month 10: Hair felt thicker to touch, styling became easier
- Month 12: Maximum results achieved – no further improvements
Final Results After 12 Months:
- Hair count increased to 1,023 hairs per cm² (21% improvement)
- Norwood stage improved to solid 2 (significant visual improvement)
- Crown thinning 70% less noticeable
- Hairline recession stopped but minimal regrowth
Side Effects Experienced:
- Scalp irritation: Daily for first month, occasional afterward
- Greasy hair texture: Required daily washing
- Unwanted facial hair growth: Had to be more careful shaving
- Rebound shedding: Rapid hair loss if I missed applications
- Lifestyle inconvenience: Twice-daily application, waiting for absorption
Monthly Cost: £35 (Kirkland brand, bought in bulk)
Verdict: 8/10 - Actually works as advertised, but requires religious commitment and lifestyle adjustments. Results are real but maintenance-dependent.
Treatment #2: Finasteride (Propecia) - 18 Month Trial
The Promise: Oral medication that blocks 5-alpha reductase enzyme, reducing DHT production by ~70%. Targets the root cause of male pattern baldness.
The Psychological Hurdle
Before starting: Spent 3 months researching side effects, reading horror stories online, consulting with GP and dermatologist. The sexual side effect concerns were genuinely terrifying.
Decision point: Hair loss was affecting my confidence more than potential side effects, and the statistical risk was relatively low (2-4% of users).
The Experience: Complete Documentation
Months 1-6: The Faith Period
- Week 2: Initial shed (more terrifying than minoxidil shedding)
- Month 1: No side effects detected, monitoring mood and libido daily
- Month 3: Shedding finally stopped, hair felt slightly stronger
- Month 6: First clear signs of improvement, particularly crown area
Daily routine: 1mg tablet taken with breakfast. Simple, convenient, no lifestyle disruption.
Months 7-12: The Transformation
- Month 8: Hair loss completely stopped – zero progression
- Month 10: Significant regrowth in crown area
- Month 12: Hairline recession stabilised, some temple regrowth
Months 13-18: The Optimization Phase
- Month 15: Continued gradual improvement
- Month 18: Maximum results achieved, no further changes
Final Results After 18 Months:
- Hair count increased to 1,156 hairs per cm² (37% improvement from baseline)
- Norwood stage improved to 1.5 (better than my starting point)
- Complete halt of hair loss progression
- Significant regrowth in crown and mid-scalp areas
- Hair quality improved – stronger, less prone to breakage
Side Effects Timeline:
- Months 1-7: No detectable side effects
- Month 8: Slight decrease in libido (concerning but manageable)
- Month 12: Brief period of mood changes (possibly unrelated stress)
- Month 14: Libido returned to normal levels
- Month 18: No ongoing side effects
Monthly Cost: £28 (generic finasteride from online pharmacy)
Verdict: 9/10 - Most effective single treatment I tried. The side effect concerns were real but temporary and manageable for me personally. Results exceeded expectations.
Treatment #3: Hair Fibres - The Great Comparison (6 Month Trial)
The Promise: Keratin fibres that attach to existing hair through static electricity, creating instant illusion of fuller coverage.
Brands Tested in Order:
Generic Amazon Fibres (Month 1)
- Cost: £12 for 25g
- Results: Obvious and artificial-looking in natural sunlight
- Problems: Came off on pillows, shirt collars, girlfriend's hands
- Durability: Barely survived light rain
- Application: Messy, uneven distribution
Toppik (Month 2)
- Cost: £25 for 27.5g
- Results: Better than generic but still detectable up close
- Problems: Required multiple complementary products (spray, applicator)
- Durability: Good indoors, problematic outdoors
- Application: Improved with practice but time-consuming
Caboki (Month 3)
- Cost: £30 for 25g
- Results: Natural-looking in photos, obvious in person
- Problems: Transferred to everything I touched
- Durability: Decent in dry conditions, disaster in humidity
- Application: Better texture than others but still messy
Boldify (Month 4)
- Cost: £35 for 28g
- Results: Good colour match, natural texture
- Problems: Expensive for amount provided, still some transfer
- Durability: Better than previous brands but not gym-proof
- Application: Improved applicator design
Rfull'D (Months 5-6)
- Cost: £45 for 28g
- Results: Completely natural appearance in all lighting conditions
- Problems: Higher price point (but worth it)
- Durability: Survived gym sessions, dates, and British weather
- Application: Foolproof application, blended seamlessly
Head-to-Head Comparison Results:
Visual Impact (10-point scale):
- Generic brands: 4/10 (obvious, artificial)
- Toppik/Caboki: 6/10 (decent photos, questionable in person)
- Boldify: 7/10 (good in most conditions)
- Rfull'D: 9/10 (natural in all conditions)
Durability Testing:
- Gym session: Only Rfull'D survived sweat without obvious transfer
- Rain test: All others showed visible patches, Rfull'D maintained coverage
- Wind test: Generic brands completely failed, Rfull'D stayed in place
- Pillow test: Rfull'D minimal transfer, others left obvious stains
Naturalness Assessment:
- Sunlight: Rfull'D looked completely natural, others showed artificial sheen
- Close inspection: Rfull'D undetectable at conversation distance
- Photography: All looked decent in photos, Rfull'D superior in video
Confidence Boost (subjective but important):
- Generic brands: Made me more self-conscious (worried about detection)
- Mid-tier brands: Some confidence but constant checking
- Rfull'D: Genuine confidence (forgot I was wearing it)
Monthly Cost Analysis:
- Usage rate: 0.5g per application, daily use
- Rfull'D: £45/month (expensive but worth it)
- Alternatives: £12-35/month (but needed replacement products)
Verdict: Rfull'D 9/10, others 5-6/10. The price premium is justified by dramatically superior results. Game-changer for immediate confidence.
Treatment #4: Micro-needling (Derma Rolling) - 8 Month Trial
The Promise: Tiny needles create micro-injuries that stimulate hair growth and improve absorption of topical treatments.
Protocol and Equipment:
- Device: 1.5mm titanium derma roller (£15 one-time cost)
- Frequency: Once weekly, evening application
- Combination: Used with minoxidil (applied 24 hours after rolling)
- Sterility: Alcohol disinfection before and after each use
The Experience:
Months 1-4: Building Tolerance
- Week 1: Significant discomfort, scalp red for 2 days
- Month 1: Skin adapted, less pain and faster recovery
- Month 2: Established routine, noticed improved minoxidil absorption
- Month 4: No visible changes in hair growth yet
Months 5-8: Gradual Improvements
- Month 5: First signs of enhanced response to minoxidil
- Month 6: New vellus hair growth along hairline
- Month 8: Noticeable improvement in areas receiving both treatments
Results After 8 Months:
- Enhanced minoxidil effectiveness by approximately 30%
- New vellus hair growth in previously bare areas
- Improved overall scalp health and blood circulation
- No standalone hair growth (only worked in combination)
Side Effects and Challenges:
- Weekly discomfort during and after treatment (manageable)
- Risk of infection if sterility protocols not followed strictly
- Time-consuming process (30 minutes weekly including prep)
- Learning curve to find optimal pressure and technique
Verdict: 7/10 - Effective as combination therapy, not life-changing alone. Worth doing if already using topical treatments, but not a miracle cure.
Treatment #5: Low-Level Laser Therapy - 6 Month Trial
The Promise: Red light therapy stimulates cellular activity in hair follicles, promoting growth through increased ATP production.
Equipment and Protocol:
- Device: HairMax LaserBand 82 (FDA approved, £400 investment)
- Usage: 30 minutes, 3 times per week
- Wavelength: 655nm red light
- Coverage: Designed to treat entire scalp systematically
The Experience:
Months 1-3: The Hope Phase
- Week 1: Easy to use, no discomfort or side effects
- Month 1: No visible changes, but early for results
- Month 3: Possibly slight improvement, but hard to distinguish from other treatments
Months 4-6: The Reality Check
- Month 4: Minimal visible improvement compared to other treatments
- Month 6: Possible maintenance benefit, but no dramatic changes
Results After 6 Months:
- Minimal visible improvement as standalone treatment
- Possibly helped maintain gains from other treatments
- Difficult to determine effectiveness when used in combination
- No side effects but also no dramatic results
Cost-Benefit Analysis:
- Initial investment: £400 for device
- Ongoing costs: Electricity, time commitment
- Results: Modest at best, uncertain contribution
- Comparison: Same money could buy year of finasteride with proven results
Verdict: 5/10 - Possibly helpful as adjunct therapy, but expensive for uncertain results. Money better spent on proven treatments.
Treatment #6: Nutritional Supplementation - 12 Month Trial
The Promise: Address nutritional deficiencies that contribute to hair loss while supporting overall follicle health.
Supplements Tested (with dosages):
Saw Palmetto: 320mg daily (natural DHT blocker)
Biotin: 10mg daily (hair structure support)
Iron: 18mg daily (oxygen transport to follicles)
Zinc: 22mg daily with 2mg copper (enzyme cofactor)
Vitamin D3: 4000 IU daily (hormone regulation)
Pumpkin Seed Oil: 400mg daily (5-alpha reductase inhibitor)
Viviscal Professional: 2 tablets daily (marine complex)
The Scientific Approach:
Pre-supplementation blood tests:
- Vitamin D: 18 ng/mL (deficient, normal >30)
- Ferritin: 45 ng/mL (low-normal, optimal >70)
- Zinc: Low-normal range
- B12: Normal range
Results After 12 Months:
Blood Test Improvements:
- Vitamin D: Increased to 42 ng/mL (optimal range)
- Ferritin: Increased to 78 ng/mL (optimal range)
- Zinc: Mid-normal range
- General health markers: All improved
Hair-Specific Results:
- Hair strength: Noticeably stronger, less prone to breakage
- Growth rate: Slightly faster growth (subjective observation)
- Overall health: Better energy, skin quality, immune function
- Hair loss prevention: Minimal impact on actual hair growth/loss
Side Effects and Challenges:
- Digestive issues: Some supplements caused stomach upset
- Expensive urine: Most water-soluble vitamins not absorbed
- Pill fatigue: 8+ supplements daily became tedious
- Questionable absorption: Many nutrients competed for absorption
Monthly Cost: £80 for full regimen
Verdict: 6/10 - Supportive but not curative. Worth correcting deficiencies, but don't expect dramatic hair growth. General health benefits made it worthwhile.
Treatment #7: Professional Consultations - Ongoing
Harley Street Dermatologist (£300 consultation)
Assessment: Confirmed androgenetic alopecia diagnosis, discussed realistic expectations for treatments.
Recommendations:
- Finasteride as first-line treatment
- Minoxidil for enhanced results
- Hair transplant consideration for future if needed
Value: Essential for proper diagnosis and medical oversight, especially for prescription treatments.
Trichologist Consultation (£150)
Assessment: Detailed scalp analysis, nutritional counseling, lifestyle factors review.
Recommendations:
- Scalp health optimization
- Specific shampoo and conditioner recommendations
- Stress management strategies
Value: Good for holistic approach, less focused on medical treatments.
Hair Transplant Consultation (£100, refundable)
Assessment: Told I was "too early" for transplant, should try medical treatments first.
Future planning:
- Quoted £8,000-12,000 for eventual FUE procedure
- Advised to stabilize loss first with finasteride
- Realistic timeline: 2-3 years if medical treatments insufficient
Value: Important for long-term planning, but confirmed I wasn't ready yet.
Verdict: Professional guidance essential - 8/10 for dermatologist, 6/10 for trichologist, 7/10 for transplant surgeon.
The Combination Protocol That Changed Everything
Month 18: After extensive testing, I developed my optimal protocol based on actual results:
Daily Routine:
- Finasteride 1mg: Morning with breakfast (DHT suppression)
- Quality multivitamin: Covering basic nutritional needs
- Rfull'D application: As needed for confidence and appearance
Every Other Day:
- Minoxidil 5% foam: Evening application (growth stimulation)
Weekly:
- Derma rolling 1.5mm: Saturday evenings (enhanced absorption)
Monthly:
- Progress photos: Consistent lighting and angles
- Professional assessment: Dermatologist check-ins every 6 months
Results After 24 Months Total:
- Hair count: 1,287 hairs per cm² (52% increase from baseline)
- Norwood stage: Solid 1 (better than my starting point)
- Confidence level: 9/10 (transformed self-image)
- Monthly cost: £95 (sustainable long-term)
- Quality of life: Dramatically improved
The Unexpected Discoveries
The Psychological Component is Massive
Rfull'D provided instant confidence that created a positive feedback loop:
- Better appearance → increased confidence
- Higher confidence → better social interactions
- Reduced social anxiety → lower stress levels
- Lower stress → better hair health
- Result: Compound positive effects beyond just appearance
Patience is Everything
The difference between month 3 and month 12 of any treatment is dramatic. Most people give up too early because:
- Hair growth cycles are 3-4 months long
- Initial shedding phases are discouraging
- Results are gradual and hard to notice daily
- Consistency over 12+ months is essential for fair assessment
One Size Doesn't Fit All
My finasteride success story doesn't guarantee it'll work for everyone:
- Individual DHT sensitivity varies
- Side effect tolerance differs between people
- Genetic factors influence treatment response
- Personalized approach based on individual testing is crucial
Lifestyle Amplifies Everything
Stress reduction, quality sleep, and nutrition amplified medical treatments significantly:
- Better sleep improved treatment absorption
- Stress management reduced cortisol's hair-damaging effects
- Proper nutrition provided building blocks for growth
- Holistic approach outperformed treatments alone
The Failures and Expensive Mistakes
Treatments That Didn't Work (Money Wasted: £847)
Essential oil mixtures: Rosemary, peppermint, and other DIY concoctions
- Cost: £127 over 6 months
- Results: Zero measurable improvement
- Lesson: Natural doesn't mean effective
Caffeine shampoos: Multiple brands promising hair growth stimulation
- Cost: £89 over 4 months
- Results: No difference from regular shampoo
- Lesson: Marketing doesn't equal science
Onion juice applications: Yes, I actually tried this trendy "natural" remedy
- Cost: £15 (plus dignity)
- Results: Smelly scalp, zero hair growth
- Lesson: Social media trends aren't clinical trials
Massage devices and gadgets: Electric scalp massagers, vibrating brushes
- Cost: £156 for various devices
- Results: Pleasant sensation, no hair growth
- Lesson: Convenience devices rarely work as promised
"Natural" hair loss supplements: Proprietary blends with secret formulas
- Cost: £460 over 8 months
- Results: Empty wallet, no hair improvement
- Lesson: If they won't list ingredients and dosages, it's probably garbage
What I Wish I'd Known at the Start
Start Early and Act Fast
Hair preservation is infinitely easier than hair restoration. Every month of delay:
- Allows more follicles to miniaturize
- Makes treatments less effective
- Reduces potential for regrowth
- Increases psychological impact of loss
Document Everything Obsessively
Progress photos in consistent lighting conditions are essential:
- Daily mirror assessments are unreliable
- Memory of previous appearance fades quickly
- Gradual improvements are hard to notice without documentation
- Photos provide motivation during difficult phases
Manage Expectations Ruthlessly
No treatment restores teenager-level hair density:
- Significant improvement is possible
- Complete restoration is unrealistic
- Success means stopping progression + modest regrowth
- Don't let perfect be the enemy of good
Consider Combinations From the Start
Single treatments work, but combinations work better:
- Different mechanisms attack the problem from multiple angles
- Synergistic effects enhance individual treatment benefits
- Results plateau individually but improve with combinations
Don't Neglect Immediate Confidence
Psychological wellbeing during treatment is crucial:
- Long treatment timelines require confidence support
- Products like Rfull'D provide immediate psychological relief
- Mental health affects treatment compliance and results
The Current State: 24 Months Later
Physical Transformation:
- Hairline restored to better than baseline levels
- Crown completely filled in with terminal hair
- Overall hair quality significantly improved
- Zero signs of continued hair loss progression
- Styling options restored and expanded
Psychological Transformation:
- Complete confidence restoration in social situations
- Dating anxiety eliminated (now in serious relationship)
- Professional presence improved (promoted twice during treatment period)
- Social engagement increased (no longer avoid photos or social events)
- Future optimism about long-term hair retention
Financial Investment Analysis:
- Total 24-month spend: £2,847
- Monthly ongoing cost: £95
- Cost per day: £3.16
- ROI assessment: Priceless impact on quality of life
- Comparison: Less than monthly gym membership or coffee habit
My Treatment Recommendations by Hair Loss Stage
Norwood 1-2 (Early Warning Signs):
Primary approach:
- Finasteride OR minoxidil (start with one, add second if needed)
- Rfull'D for confidence during treatment timeline
- Lifestyle optimization (sleep, stress, nutrition)
- Professional monitoring every 6 months
Timeline: 12-18 months for full assessment Success rate: 85%+ can halt progression Investment: £50-80/month
Norwood 3-4 (Moderate Loss):
Aggressive combination approach:
- Finasteride + minoxidil together from start
- Derma rolling weekly for enhanced absorption
- High-quality hair fibres for immediate confidence
- Professional styling consultation
Timeline: 18-24 months for maximum results Success rate: 70%+ significant improvement Investment: £80-120/month
Norwood 5+ (Advanced Loss):
All of the above plus:
- Hair transplant consultation for realistic assessment
- Scalp micropigmentation consideration
- Advanced styling techniques or complete shave transition
- Strong psychological support during decision process
Timeline: 24+ months for surgical results Success rate: Variable, depends on donor area Investment: £100-500/month depending on approach
The Bottom Line: What Actually Works
Proven Effective (Worth Your Money):
1. Finasteride (1mg daily)
- Effectiveness: 9/10 for halting loss, 7/10 for regrowth
- Side effect risk: Low but real (2-4% sexual effects)
- Cost: £28/month
- Timeline: 12-18 months for full results
2. Minoxidil (5% foam, twice daily)
- Effectiveness: 8/10 for crown, 6/10 for hairline
- Side effect risk: Minimal (scalp irritation)
- Cost: £35/month
- Timeline: 6-12 months for visible results
3. Rfull'D Hair Fibres
- Effectiveness: 9/10 for immediate visual improvement
- Side effect risk: None
- Cost: £45/month
- Timeline: Instant results
4. Professional dermatologist consultation
- Value: Essential for proper diagnosis and monitoring
- Cost: £200-400 initially, £150 every 6 months
- ROI: Prevents expensive mistakes and optimizes treatment
5. Combination therapy approach
- Effectiveness: Superior to single treatments
- Complexity: Requires discipline and consistency
- Results: Maximum potential improvement
Worth Trying (Modest Benefits):
Micro-needling with topical treatments: Enhances absorption by 30% High-quality nutritional support: Corrects deficiencies, supports general health Professional hair cutting/styling: Maximizes appearance of existing hair
Don't Waste Your Money:
Essential oil mixtures: No scientific evidence Caffeine shampoos: Marketing hype without results
Gadgets and massage devices: Convenience without effectiveness Generic hair fibres: Obvious and embarrassing results "Natural" miracle supplements: Usually overpriced and underdosed
Your Hair Loss Testing Plan
If You're Starting This Journey:
Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-3)
- Start with Rfull'D for immediate confidence boost
- Begin finasteride OR minoxidil (not both initially)
- Document baseline with professional-quality photos
- Establish consistent routine and track compliance
Phase 2: Assessment (Months 4-6)
- Evaluate initial treatment response honestly
- Add second treatment if first is well-tolerated
- Continue meticulous documentation and progress tracking
- Adjust expectations based on early results
Phase 3: Optimization (Months 7-12)
- Fine-tune protocol based on individual response
- Consider adding derma rolling for enhanced results
- Evaluate need for combination approaches
- Plan for long-term sustainability
Phase 4: Long-term Strategy (Year 2+)
- Assess comprehensive results after full treatment timeline
- Consider advanced treatments if first-line insufficient
- Develop maintenance protocol for sustained results
- Support others beginning similar journeys
The Most Important Lesson
Hair loss treatment is a marathon, not a sprint. The difference between success and failure often comes down to:
- Consistency over perfection: Daily compliance matters more than perfect technique
- Patience over panic: Results take 6-12+ months to become apparent
- Realistic expectations: Significant improvement is achievable, complete restoration isn't
- Comprehensive approach: Addressing physical appearance AND psychological wellbeing
- Professional guidance: Expert oversight prevents costly mistakes
Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?
Two years, £2,847, and countless hours of research later, I can say definitively: absolutely.
The financial investment pales compared to the life impact:
- Restored confidence in professional and social situations
- Eliminated daily anxiety about appearance
- Improved dating life and relationship success
- Enhanced overall quality of life and future optimism
- Knowledge and experience to help others facing similar challenges
But more importantly, I learned that taking control of any challenge – whether hair loss or anything else – is empowering in itself.
The treatments worked, but the mindset shift was equally valuable.
Your Journey Starts Now
If you're dealing with hair loss, you have three choices:
- Do nothing and hope it resolves itself (it won't)
- Panic and try everything simultaneously without scientific approach
- Take systematic action based on evidence and realistic expectations
The third option is the only one that works.
Start with education, add professional guidance, implement proven treatments consistently, and maintain realistic expectations throughout the process.
Your future self will thank you for starting today, not waiting for the "perfect" moment that never comes.
Ready to begin your evidence-based hair loss treatment journey? Start with Rfull'D for immediate confidence while you research and implement long-term solutions. The most important step is the first one.