# Does Rogaine et al really work? Any stories?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-rogaine-et-al-really-work-any-stories/237867
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [April 2, 2004, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-rogaine-et-al-really-work-any-stories/237867 "2004-04-02T04:44:10Z")
**Posts on this page:** 7
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@cheesepickles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cheesepickles)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2004, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-rogaine-et-al-really-work-any-stories/237867/1 "2004-04-02T04:44:10Z")
I am a 23 yo male and I am almost certain that my hairline up front is starting to thin out. It has been very gradual over the past few years but it certianly is not as thick as it used to be and it has me a little freaked.
Do any of the drugs claiming hair re-growth work? If I can stop or slow the problem I would like to do that. I’m assuming some dopers here have used some of those products and I would like to hear whatever stories you have.
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### Author:  [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2004, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-rogaine-et-al-really-work-any-stories/237867/2 "2004-04-02T05:39:07Z")
Yes it does work, for me.
I buy the Costco house brand and save more than 50 percent off the name brand.
Of course, once a month my palms get hairy and the moon makes some things more inviting, but I can live with that.
**Mrs. Duckster** loves the howl.
😃
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### Author:  [@Doomtrain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doomtrain)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2004, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-rogaine-et-al-really-work-any-stories/237867/3 "2004-04-02T07:08:04Z")
I tried Rogaine when my balding started. Only problem was I was allergic to it or something and my scalp started peeling and flaking. Some open wounds, looked like I had horrible dandruff…
I decided to just go bald then.
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### Author:  [@Dragwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragwyr)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2004, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-rogaine-et-al-really-work-any-stories/237867/4 "2004-04-02T15:28:49Z")
[Here is some information about hair loss and Rogaine.](http://www.itpharmacy.com/itpharmacy/rogaine/rogaine-factsheet.html)
> [@](#):
>
> \*\*How Rogaine & Regaine Works \*\*
> Rogaine (minoxidil) works in part by partially enlarging miniaturized follicles and reversing the miniaturization process. This prolongs the growth phase of the hair cycle, allowing the hair to become longer and thicker. And with more follicles in the growth phase at the same time, it is possible to see improved coverage of the scalp.
>
> Although the growth phase may be prolonged, the follicle will continue to cycle. Several cycles may be necessary before maximum potential hair regrowth can be achieved.
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### Author:  [@zwaldd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zwaldd)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2004, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-rogaine-et-al-really-work-any-stories/237867/5 "2004-04-02T15:36:31Z")
Propecia works pretty good too, but I would recommend starting with half doses to see if you’re susceptible to side effects.
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### Author:  [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2004, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-rogaine-et-al-really-work-any-stories/237867/6 "2004-04-02T15:45:06Z")
My ex-boss used Propecia and within just a few months he’d grown a pretty decent pelt on his head. It definitely works for some people. Even “Most” people.
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### Author:  [@Phedre\_no\_Delaunay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phedre_no_Delaunay)
#### Post date: [April 2, 2004, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-rogaine-et-al-really-work-any-stories/237867/7 "2004-04-02T17:23:52Z")
I have a question for those who’ve used this. I’ve always wondered if, having re-grown your hair, do you have to keep using it for life? If you stop will your hair fall out again?