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Bald is beautiful..but is it necessary?

cjflyer

New Member
I couldn't find the answer to this question anywhere. My hair has recently been doing the disappearing act and my civilian doc recommended trying the Propecia and Rogaine products. However, I recently received an aviation "guarantee" (SNA) and I was wondering if pilots are allowed to even take this stuff. I know from reading posts that flight docs are notoriously against all medications, and I don't want to screw up the potential for a great career just so my wife will think i am prettier. Any thoughts/info would be appreciated...thanks fellas
 

FMRAM

Combating TIP training AGAIN?!
I couldn't find the answer to this question anywhere. My hair has recently been doing the disappearing act and my civilian doc recommended trying the Propecia and Rogaine products. However, I recently received an aviation "guarantee" (SNA) and I was wondering if pilots are allowed to even take this stuff. I know from reading posts that flight docs are notoriously against all medications, and I don't want to screw up the potential for a great career just so my wife will think i am prettier. Any thoughts/info would be appreciated...thanks fellas


I don't have a specific answer for you, but I will say that in my experience, this is a good way to look at things. I avoid docs at all costs. It seems like everything these days requires some sort of waiver and could even be a show-stopper...
 

BigIron

Remotely piloted
pilot
Super Moderator
Contributor
First off, join the bald club. Only shaved heads and comb-overs in the future.

Secondly, a medical waiver for minoxidil is not required according to the aeromedical waiver guide. Whether they allow use is another thing.
 

HercDriver

Idiots w/boats = job security
pilot
Super Moderator
Propecia was approved/waiverable for the Navy. Why do I know? I asked whilst I was going through flight training in '99. Apparently Finasteride, which is the clinical name for Propecia, was given for other medical issues (prostate enlargement) before it was found that it could help retain hair. And others had received waivers while they were seeking treatment for their prostate issues.

So the flight Doc at Whiting sent a request whether Propecia could also be allowed. After a few months I received a reply that yes, they could waiver it, and that I was the first to ask & receive a waiver.
 

skim

Teaching MIDN how to drift a BB
None
Contributor
I say shave your head if you are going cueball. No sense trying to fight nature, especially in a career that has regulations on how to have your hair cut (which, as I understand, is short anyways). My hairline has gone back since I was about 23 or so and I just keep it close. Besides, dont you have to keep taking it or it falls out anyways?
 

jus2mch

MOTIVATOR
Contributor
Just shave half of your head and treat the other half with the hair stuff. Leave it like that for a week, and see which side your wife likes better.
 

phrogdriver

More humble than you would understand
pilot
Super Moderator
I'm growing a little tired of the cueball look going around. Only maybe two guys can really pull it off, and one of them's Michael Jordan. That only leaves one slot. If you're no kidding losing it all, fine. I remember when I joined (Christ was actually a Staff Sergeant by then), shaving your head was considered an eccentric cut (I think the informal policy went away due to, shall we say, ethnic inequality in enforcement). Hopefully though, you're just receding, and aren't unfortunate enough to be balding from the back forward.
 

BackOrdered

Well-Known Member
Contributor
I say shave your head if you are going cueball. No sense trying to fight nature, especially in a career that has regulations on how to have your hair cut (which, as I understand, is short anyways). My hairline has gone back since I was about 23 or so and I just keep it close. Besides, dont you have to keep taking it or it falls out anyways?

That's easy to say if you are single.
 

skim

Teaching MIDN how to drift a BB
None
Contributor
That's easy to say if you are single.

He's not though, if he were, may I suggest this cut:

1154458208f5b15d2jz0.jpg


Or, since he is balding:

david_lee_roth.gif
 

Flash

SEVAL/ECMO
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
I couldn't find the answer to this question anywhere. My hair has recently been doing the disappearing act and my civilian doc recommended trying the Propecia and Rogaine products. However, I recently received an aviation "guarantee" (SNA) and I was wondering if pilots are allowed to even take this stuff. I know from reading posts that flight docs are notoriously against all medications, and I don't want to screw up the potential for a great career just so my wife will think i am prettier. Any thoughts/info would be appreciated...thanks fellas

I am balding big time and asked the flight doc a few years ago about those same two meds. Minoxidil (Rogaine) was originally used to treat blood pressure when they discovered it slowed hair loss and even helped regrow hair in some people. Since it still has an effect on blood pressure, it is supposed to lower it, it is on the list of medicines that Naval Aviators cannot take (the doc pulled out the list and it was right there). This was about 7 years ago but I am pretty certain that it has not changed, I even think that someone posted a link here a few months ago.

Propecia is allowable and the doc said he could help me get it, but.......He leaned in a little bit and lowered his voice and then quietly told me "It does not make you impotent......but it does lower your desire for.....uh......sex".

Okay, I really don't need my hair that much. What good is trying to make the presentation look all nice when you can't deliver in the end? :eek:
 

Steve Wilkins

Teaching pigs to dance, one pig at a time.
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
What good is trying to make the presentation look all nice when you can't deliver in the end? :eek:
Well, like for most FO's, it probably doesn't really matter either way. Sort of a damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario. But it appears you already know this.
 

Flash

SEVAL/ECMO
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
Well, like for most FO's, it probably doesn't really matter either way. Sort of a damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario. But it appears you already know this.

Funny, I always thought SWO's were the ones who were the ones with presentation issues........

waterwings.jpg
 

Steve Wilkins

Teaching pigs to dance, one pig at a time.
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
Funny, I always thought SWO's were the ones who were the ones with presentation issues........

waterwings.jpg
No presentation issues here. I have a full head of hair. I shave my head for fun....just to watch it grow back. :devil_125
 
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