Small Wins - Noticing Progress

Small Wins: Noticing Progress Before the Mirror Shows It

You're 8 weeks into treatment. The mirror looks the same. You're wondering if anything is working.

But small wins are happening—you just need to know what to look for.

The Early Signs (Weeks 4-12)

1. Reduced Daily Shedding

What to track: Hairs on pillow, in shower drain, on hands after shampooing

Normal baseline: 50-100 hairs daily

Early win: Noticeable decrease by Week 8-10, back to normal levels

2. Improved Hair Texture

What you notice: Individual hairs feel slightly thicker, less brittle

Why it happens: Finasteride reducing miniaturization, follicles producing healthier shafts

Timeline: Often before visible density increase

3. Less Scalp Visibility in Motion

The test: Shake your head side to side in mirror

Early win: Scalp shows through less during movement (more coverage from existing hairs)

4. Slower Grease Buildup

Odd but real: Healthier follicles produce less excess sebum

Early win: Hair stays fresh-looking longer between washes

5. Peach Fuzz Darkening

Where to look: Hairline, temples, crown

Early win: Vellus hairs (fine, light) slowly transitioning to terminal (thick, dark)

Timeline: 8-16 weeks, barely visible but photographable

The Mindset Shift

Instead of asking "Is my hair thicker?"

Ask:

• "Am I shedding less?"
• "Does my hair feel different?"
• "Can I see baby hairs forming?"
• "Am I staying consistent?"

These are the real victories at Weeks 8-12.