So I'm 36, been on finasteride/dutasteride for about 4 years (started when I first noticed thinning). I guess you would classify it as mature NW2-ish, but I'm not in a big rush to transplant it now, it looks better than average for my age. I have however been using this site and others to research transpants, so when the time comes later on, I can restore the hairline if needed, and I have always felt good knowing the option is there especially since my hairline seems to have stopped receding in the last few years.
However something horrible happened - I cut my hair short for the first time in a few years, and realized the crown is starting to go. It looks good when dry, but when wet you can really see the NW5/6 pattern emerging. What worries me the most is that I don't think it was this bad when I started meds.
1. Basically, now that the crown is going, even when on meds, is it pretty much game over for a transplant?
2. Is there a chance it will stabilize in the current diffuse state?
3. Is it worth trying the snake oils (minox, lazers, PRP) if dutasteride isn't working?
4. [added] I have always had my hair longer styled slick back since I was a kid. I do not think my crown will ever be completely bald based on my family history, or if it does, it will be a very long ways off. Is it advisable to still transplant the front 3rd densely, and rely on my traditional hairstyle to cover continued thinning in the crown and vertex?
Thank you,