OxyHair

Interesting points raised, all. But to really get an idea of how transplanted hair, particularly strip transplant, looks weird when buzzed, can anyone provide some images? Any sort of picture indicating how so?

I was just meditating on this myself. It seems that the biggest problem with the tattooing is the hairline (it just looks too symmetric/artificial, which admittedly could be solved with a bit better artistry). But I feel like a combination of the two could yield some decent results. Certainly at least as a Plan B kind of thing if you don't mind short hair.

Jesus christ, no wonder some people might be anxious about posting with an attitude like mmhce's lording around over everyone. "Your right! This is a stupid question!" Yes, that's most likely why he directly acknowledged that fact in your quote. Couldn't resist condescending though, I guess. I don't mean to flame, it's just that young guys like Ben and myself are already embarrassed enough, so we come to a place like this for help and solace. Let's try to be helpful without the attitude.

Yeah, I've been on official Propecia for 4-5 months (generic for 2 or 3 before that) and I seem to be heading down the same road. Is there a point where one can be relatively sure it's not helping or is it just this infuriating "it may be helping and you don't even know you could be a cueball right now without it" kind of stuff?

I appreciate the comments. I realize I was being a bit melodramatic. I tried buzzing, but it looked terrible. I use concealers, as they may be the only thing allowing me to go anywhere. And I know that being in shape and such will make anything better, I just find myself not even wanting to go to the gym because I don't want to be seen by anyone. I'll get use to it, hopefully. Eh, I guess I hope time really can fix anything.

I figure I'd add in my two cents, considering I'm in largely the same boat as the OP. First, I'm a recently-turned-20 college student who has been (looking retrospectively) experiencing hair loss for about 2-3 years. At first I thought I had ruined my hair with overusing hair products, then the scalp started to peek and I realized I was wrong. Second, I've been on finasteride for more than a year, first generic online-pharmacy stuff and then the actual "American-made" (as Dr. Dorin said) GlaxoSK propecia for the last 5-6 months. I completely realize that just because nothing extra is growing that it doesn't mean it's not working, etc. Unfortunately, despite the fin and the rogaine, which I've also been on religiously for the last 5-6 months, the bald spot is getting bigger and the top thinner. Third, I visited Dr. Dorin about 6 months ago and he said that there was definitely loss and I was most likely an early 5v pattern but with a slight chance of a 6, with somewhat average/slightly sparse hair density, medium texture, with a fair to good donor availability on side and back. So the crux of the matter is: should I get a HT? See, the reason why advice like that given by kaounis isn't the most helpful is that I feel that I'd be ok with my current level of hairloss/possible progression if I was in my 40's or later. Hell, even mid thirties. The problem is that now, in the supposed best time of my life, at a place where you're supposed to party and have fun, I find myself unwilling to even leave my room for food. Like, I know that a HT at such a young age could leave you in worse shape in the long run, but it's almost like I feel like greater priority should be given to the 5-10 years of supposed relative irresponsibility when balding is COMPLETE social leprosy as opposed to 30 and beyond where it starts to become exponentially more acceptable. I used to be so outgoing and amiable, and now I can barely leave my dormroom. I don't know how long I can take dreading going to sleep every night knowing that when I wake up the top will be a little thinner and that the crown will be a little more bare. That I'll avoid the people and places that are important to me. That there's no hope.

I don't know if that's particularly helpful, Atomic. He needs to provide a bit more detail for anyone to assess if he should see another doctor. BigBill, you should probably wait it out for a little bit at least and watch what happens with the grafts. If August hits and it doesn't get better and you're still not content with your look, depending on your donor supply you could consider seeing one of the reputable doctors established on this site.