Aged 51 testimony on hair recovery

No before and after pics but just wanted to put out my story.

So, my hair loss has been extremely gradual compared to many. In my early 30s (now age 51) l began to get the DHT itch - always at my temples. My hairline seemed to recede at intervals and in phases. DHT itch is 100% real!!

Fast forward to a couple of years ago and l went to the barbers and asked for the cut l wanted and showed an image. He looks at me and points at his own head - which was badly receded - then points at my head. It was a jarring experience. I had gone into denial thinking l could have the style l wanted.

So l did a bit of research and ordered some caffeine shampoo and just used that for awhile. Obviously it wasn't enough. Last summer l'd had enough. Did some research and looked at the Norwood scale and realised l was headed to 2.5. My hair has always been thick and l had no crown loss. Which gave me hope l could salvage the hairline.

Next step was to research on here. I immediately ordered finestrade 1mg oral and minoxidil 5% topical. 1 fin per day and min applied on my temples two times per day. I also started dermarolling 1.0 once per week.

Immediately noticed the DHT itch went. I haven't missed a single day and l lowered my expectations that l may not get results for a year.

I started noticing small course hairs coming in on my right temple (with age my hair isn't as soft anymore) and these have gone terminal. This was after about 4 months. My left temple has taken more time but is now filling in. I am grey haired and darker hairs grew back which was unanticipated.

Derma rolling and applying min straight after has definitely helped l believe. I am confident l can get back to Norwood 1.5 and l accept this is now a lifelong commitment. l have now gone to 0.5 fin per day to see what happens and get more mileage out of the meds.

I am married and had no ED or other sides and have never shed.

My tips:

1. Do your research.
2. Stick at it. Consistency is key. I haven't missed a day.
3. Do not expect immediate results.
4. It is never too soon to start. I lost another year after the barber gave me a reality check.

The only thing l don't know is how much l have recovered from fin and how much from min. But l can experiment with min dosage and see what happens.

This is a brilliant community for info and inspiration. Thanks.