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NEW POST! Two month progress & routine without using minoxidil or prescriptions (all natural) Save this one if you saved my post from yesterday because that one was deleted by mods.

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I didn't know that links weren't allowed on this sub so when I updated the post with product links, it was deleted. The mods won't restore the original post. Hopefully everyone who saved yesterday's post for future reference sees this one too. **Background/info:** \*All progress pictures are taken with clean, dry hair with no product in it. For the shedding photos, I was washing my hair everyday so the shed is only from one wash. Also I want to add a disclaimer that you should get bloodwork done before going out and buying supplements because too much of something (e.g. copper, zinc, or selenium) *increases* hair shedding. I was diagnosed with AGA and TE in late November. Before starting minoxidil or any medications, I wanted to go the natural route first to see if it did anything. I'm very happy with my progress so far. I really went all in since I'm getting married in the beginning of September. I included a black and white + 100% contrast progress picture because I find that I notice the growth better that way. For the first month I was only doing *TO Hair Density Serum*, the *Garnier Fructis Hair Filler* shampoo and conditioner, Ketoconazole 2% from my dermatologist\*, vitamin D3 & K2, Omega-3 (normally I take the *Sports Research Omega-3 Fish Oil* but they were out of stock), zinc picolinate, and copper. I waited until after Christmas so I could afford the other stuff haha. \*You need a prescription for ketoconazole 2% (unless it's available online somewhere?) but you could get 1% at the store and just use it more often. **Routine Breakdown:** *Everyday:* * Shampoo and condition with *Garnier Fructis* hair filler line. I chose the strength conditioner instead of fullness repair since I wanted something that strengthens weak hair and contains silicones. I let each product sit for a few minutes. * I take vitamin D3 & K2, omega-3, and zinc picolinate with breakfast. * I take copper\* and two capsules of the pumpkin seed oil with lunch. \*Copper and zinc have to be taken at separate times because they compete for absorption but it's important to take both because zinc can deplete copper. * *TO Hair Density Serum* once at night. I transfer it to an amber bottle with a roll-on applicator to reduce waste and target application. I got a 4 pack of the amber bottles on Amazon. My hair has never been oily with this product. * After the serum, I use *Chmilis* electric scalp massager I got on Amazon. My hands got tired massaging manually. I do it on my part for about a minute and a half then I focus on my temples for a few minutes each. I find that the other scalp massagers with the four prongs tangle the hair quite a bit. * I sleep in a cheap satin bonnet from the department store. I turn it inside out because the inside is like a net material? I also use *Zima* mulberry silk pillowcases from Amazon, although that's more for my acne. *Every other day:* * I set an alarm and take iron at 8AM. I usually eat breakfast around 9AM and iron has to be ingested on an empty stomach at least an hour before eating. I don't understand the science but for some reason it works better when you take it every other day. This supplement has vitamin c which increases absorption. It also has folic acid and vitamin B12. Unlike other iron supplements, it doesn't upset my stomach or make me feel nauseous. *Three times a week:* * *Carviki* near-infrared low level laser & LED red light therapy cap. I got it on Amazon on sale for 68 USD. I use mode 3, it's the laser and LED combo. It shuts off automatically after 30 minutes, I wear it in the morning before I shower. *Twice a week:* * Ketoconazole shampoo and let it sit for 5 minutes. I do it before the *Garnier Fructis* shampoo and conditioner. * *Koi Beauty* dermastamp with 0.75mm after my hair dries from the shower. Sometimes I blow-dry it on cool with a diffuser. I got this on Amazon too, it's adjustable. I press each spot firmly 6 times. I just do my part and temples. I make sure to do this no later than 3PM. I usually apply the hair serum at 9-10PM. Technically you're not supposed to do any scalp treatment for 24 hours after dermastamping but I have to do the serum every day so I like to space it at least 6 hours. I also put 70% isopropyl alcohol in a little spray bottle. I spray it and wait for it to dry (you can use a handheld fan if you have) before use. I spray it after as well. A dermastamp is better than a dermaroller because those can create tears that scar since it's dragging against the scalp. *Every 10 days:* * I have low porosity "virgin" hair so I'm prone to protein overload. My daily shampoo and conditioner has protein so I'll do a protein-free wash day. I use the *Neutrogena* clarifying shampoo, *HASK* tea tree oil and rosemary conditioner, and *Garnier Whole Blends* Moroccan argan & camellia oils leave-in. **Specific days:** *Monday:* Laser cap *Wednesday:* Laser cap, ketoconazole, dermastamp *Friday:* Laser cap *Saturday:* Ketoconazole, dermastamp **Diet:** I eat mostly plant-based except chicken and fish. I make sure to eat a lot of protein (and fiber too). I usually eat tofu, tempeh, salmon, or chicken for dinner. Most of the time, it's a stir fry or curry with lots of vegetables. Edamame, spinach, split peas, chickpeas etc. A good way to get a protein and fiber boost is to mix black lentils and quinoa in with your rice (I use brown rice). Peanuts, almonds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and cashews are also good. I also made my own protein powder with yellow split peas and flaxseeds; it contains all amino acids. **Notes:** I can comment or DM specific products if you can't find something. I can also share which labs to ask the doctor for if you're still early in your journey. I did a lot of research. Also, I've been wanting to add a caffeine shampoo to my routine. I thought I found one with *Marc Anthony Grow Long*, but it looks like they changed the formula and it's actually making peoples' shedding worse. I heard about *Alpecin* but it's hard to get where I live. I'd like to keep it affordable. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated. It's so late where I am so I hope people see this because I spent a while on it haha. I hope this post helps!

Details

Posted
Feb 12, 2026 at 3:46 AM UTC
LeadScore: 15

AI Analysis

Condition
androgenetic alopecia (AGA), telogen effluvium (TE), hair loss/shedding
Geography
us likely