First post - 17 years old- receding hairline- need help/advice!!

[thebutterflycollector]

Hi I am 17 and completely new to hair loss treatment of any kind. I have noticed that over the last few years my hairline has gotten significantly worse. My fringe has shrunk and moved backed and the areas around my temple have lost hair and are starting to move further back and more central. I really really worry about it getting worse as my dad went bald in his 20s. I dislike my hairline immeasurably and would appreciate any advice!!! thanks in advance.

[Blake Bloxham]

Thebutterflycollector,

 

Thank you for sharing your case. I think you made a wise decision coming to the hair transplant network discussion forums.

 

From the images you've posted, it's a bit difficult to analyze your level of loss (if any). The fact that your father lost his hair in his 20s is important, and I think closely monitoring your hairline is a good idea. I believe the first thing you should do is set an appointment with a dermatologist. The doctor will analyze your hair, level of loss, and suggest treatment options (if necessary).

 

Because of your age and current coverage, I do not believe you are a candidate for a hair transplant at this time. However, there are various, non-surgical options available, and if you are suffering from loss, these may become viable options.

 

Please feel free to ask any further questions, and keep us updated on your progress. Again, I would definitely make a dermatology appointment and proceed from there.

 

Good luck!

[Empty Area]

I wish i would have jumped on the big 3 at your age instead of ignoring my degree of loss. Consider yourself lucky. Doing your research now and biting this in the bottom now is great.

[TakingThePlunge]

I know how frustrating it can be to begin to lose your hair at such a young age. I began to see hair loss around 19. I'm 41 now and I can still remember how bummed and self-conscious I was about it.

You've taken a huge step by reaching out to this community and you can take heart in knowing that, as others have already mentioned, there are steps you can take to slow the progress of your hair loss if, in fact, you are experiencing male pattern baldness.

I don't want to fill you with false hope but your youth is also a huge benefit because it is reasonable to assume that new and revolutionary treatments will be available for you while you are still young enough to care about it.

Now for the bad news. I know you hate your hairline but you've got to come to terms with the fact that you will probably never have the youthful hairline you once did. At best you can hope to hang on to what you have now and grow into the mature hairline. At some point you will probably become a candidate for a transplant but hair transplants very rarely restore a juvenile hairline. I know that's not what you want to hear but, for most of us, hair loss is progressive and I don't want to you waste time (and potentially money) chasing false hopes.

You've already received the best possible advice. See a doctor about starting medication and stay involved with this forum for information and support.

All the best,

TTP

[thebutterflycollector]

Thank you very much for your kind words and advice! I was a bit nervous about coming on here and like I say I have become increasingly aware of the change in my hairline and needed some help. Without wanting to sound too naive, the best thing I can do is book an appointment with my GP? Or do I need to see a dermatologist, whats the difference? Also what sort of treatments are available, do they just prevent further loss or is there anything that can regrow? Again thank you for your help and sorry if I'm asking stupid questions.

[TakingThePlunge]

I won't discourage you from seeing your GP but the truth is that he or she may not be as familiar with hair loss causes and treatments as a dermatologist.

As for treatments, Empty Area mentioned the "big three." These are finasteride (Propecia/Proscar), minoxidil (Rogaine) and Nizoral (medicated shampoo). Finasteride and minoxidil are the only two hair loss treatments that are FDA approved. These treatments are generally used in combination in order to provide the best possible results. Personally I have not used Nizoral but I do take finasteride and use minoxidil daily.

 

These meds work differently for each person. They may do nothing for you. They may prevent further hair loss or, in some cases, they may help regrow some hair. It is generally agreed that the younger you start, the better the results you can expect. When I was your age these treatments didn't exist and when they first became available around 10 years ago they were too expensive for me to afford.

The bummer is that these treatments are only proven effective in the crown or top of the head and very rarely regrow any hair in the hair line. If you ever stop using them, any benefits you received will be lost and may not return by restarting the treatment. There are also side effects to consider. The good news is that they are available in generic form at very reasonable prices. I pay an average total of $8 per month for both my finasteride and my minoxidil.

 

I recommend taking some time to research each of these options and ask your doctor about them.

 

There are no stupid questions! We're here to help.

 

I hope you will continue to follow up and let us know what your doctor says.

 

All the best,

[Blake Bloxham]

Thebutterflycollector,

 

Seeing your "GP," or general practitioner is a good start. Many general practitioners, or primary care physicians, are trained in family medicine or internal medicine and possess advanced dermatological knowledge. Because of this, your primary care physician may be able to perform some tests and provide more information on your current situation. Furthermore, if your general practitioner does not feel comfortable performing this analysis, he or she can easily refer you to a dermatologist for further consulting or a second opinion.

 

I took these same steps, when undergoing my initial hair loss evaluation. If you like, you can read about it on my social profile, and maybe consider creating a profile or hair loss blog of your own?

 

Again, good luck, and feel free to keep us updated with questions and progress!

[aw33]

I was 3 months shy of my 16th birthday when I first noticed actual hair loss. It started off with my temples and then my hairline and then my crown. It was quite a slow process. Get on Propecia once you turn 18 - I would be a NW2.5 and not an NW3.5 had I started as soon as I hit 18. Talk to your Doc and see if it is worthwhile to start now, make sure your Doc can refer you to a specialist, like a dermatologist, if he doesn't have adequate knowledge on this topic.

 

Remember, Propecia, Propecia, Propecia.

[thebutterflycollector]

Hi, just thought I'd give you an update. I've been bogged down with exams and school work so haven't managed to see my GP or a dermatologist, but I have had a bit of an informal chat with one of my mates dads who is a doctor and he has suggested I ring a place called the Farjo clinic? on 0870 75555495, is this a good place and is the number correct. He also said they had a clinic in manchester which would be good because it is near to me and being only 18, this would really help as I can't afford to travel very far.

 

Thanks

[TakingThePlunge]

Thebutterflycollector,

 

Thanks for coming back and keeping us updated! The Farjo Clinic is a recommended clinic here. It appears they do have a location in Manchester.

 

Location:

Farjo Medical Centre - Manchester

Arthur House, Chorlton Street

Manchester

United Kingdom M1 3FH

0870 7555 495

+44 161 2373517

 

Here is the link to their site.

 

Although, based on your age and degree of hair loss, you are not a candidate for a hair transplant, I think calling the clinic may be a great first step. They do charge 75 pounds for a consultation though. Wouldn't it be free for you to visit your GP or a dermatologist in the UK?

 

At the very least, The Farjo Clinic may advise you over the phone about what your best options are and who to see.

 

Here is another blurb from their site,

 

If you would like a consultation with us after assessing the information we have provided, or simply want more information then please talk to our Patient Affairs Co-ordinator, Michael McHugh on: 0845 3 132 131 or e-mail us your query

 

Again, I wish you the best of luck and do come back after you've spoken to a doctor!

 

TTP

[thebutterflycollector]

Hi just thought I'd give you another update. I went to visit my GP who basically told me to leave it alone, although he did agree that I had probably had a receding hairline! I asked about a dermatologist but he said that would cost ?300-400. So I was wondering what you would suggest now should I just begin taking Propecia or should I try to have a consultation with the people at the Farjo clinic who will be able to tell what is going on and what to do.

 

Thanks

[TakingThePlunge]

thebutterflycollector,

 

Glad to see that you've come back to update us! In my opinion, you should seek another doctor's opinion. Some GPs think of hair loss as an unavoidable, natural progression that should not be a concern.

 

Being proactive is the right thing to do. Modern non-surgical treatments for hair loss such as Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride) are much better at retaining hair than they are at growing new hair. For that reason, the younger you start and the more hair you have, the better your results will be over the next few years.

 

If it were me, I would call a dermatologist's office and ask. You've got nothing to lose. You may also want to consider calling the Farjo Medical Centre. Never begin taking Propecia or any other medication without first consulting a doctor!

 

Remember, it's your hair. Don't stop asking questions until you are satisfied.

 

All the best!

[Maxxy]

Thebutterflycollector,

 

This really annoys me. I was 15 when a first visited the GP regarding my hair loss and like you I was fobbed off. Sadly, back then it wasn't as easy to get the right information as it is now and I just accepted what the GP told me. Within a couple of years I had lost valuable ground which I firmly believe wouldn't have been the case had I been given the right advise and treatment.

 

I'm guessing the GP gave you some crap along the lines of "it's genetics, there's not a lot you can do", "try to come to terms with it", "there're no proven treatments" or "the side effects out way the benefits". Whatever he said, ignore his advice and don't "leave it alone".

 

First off, I recommended you go back to your GP ask, and if necessary, demand a blood test to rule out things like thyroid issues, insist on being referred to dermatologist (ideally a trichologist, though I'm not sure if the NHS will cover this). The dermatologist is covered by the NHS however the doctor will need to refer you. If he refuses, ask for the reason and make sure he knows you will be making a complaint and getting a second opinion (which I suggest you do if he won't take you seriously). You have a genuine concern and the right to an NHS referral. As for the ?300-?400, this is an out right lie. Even if the NHS didn't cover it (which it does) a consult wouldn't come close to that cost.

 

Now the bad news, I have visited 3 NHS dermatologists, the last was a professor and he was useless (they all were). I can honestly say that I knew more regarding MPB than each of them did. The professor even tried to talk me out of Finasteride, stating that he has never seen results from the drug and that I am wasting my money. Don't expect too much from the visit, it's likely you will be in and out the door in 10 mins.

 

Get an appointment at the Farjo clinic. I agree with the others that a transplant is out of the question right now, but they will be able to confirm what's going on, advice you on your options and monitor the situation. Mick, the Farjos' rep/consultant is a good, honest guy and will give it to you straight. There's no way he or either of the Farjos will recommend a transplant giving your loss and age but it's always good to get some professional advise. There is a consult fee but I believe this is only charged for the first visit, at least thats the way it used to work.

 

If you are advised to get on the meds, which I'm pretty sure you will be, I'd recommend you don't buy anything on the day from the clinic. Get prices, but shop around to find somewhere which works best for your budget. Spex, a member of this forum has a good doctor contact for Finasteride (Proscar/Propecia), Minoxidil (Rogaine) and you won't find cheaper than the prices online. I usually use Ebay but there is no end of sites that sell it at good price. Whatever you do don't buy it from a chemist here in the UK (the price of Minoxidil in the UK is astronomical). Ketoconazole (Nizoral/Nizorelle etc) you can get from the chemist, Nizoral you need to buy from behind the counter, however, no prescription is required. If they ask, just tell them you have used it before. Nizorelle you will find on the shelf, both contain the same active ingredient, Ketoconazole. Nizoral contains 2% where as Nizorelle contains 1%. Personally, I'd recommend the 1% version.

 

Sadly none of the above are covered by the NHS, however, if done right you could use all 3 treatments together for around ?10 per month. Going the other way, buying Finasteride and Minoxidil from a UK pharmacy, you are looking at ?80 per month.

 

After you have seen the dermatologist and ideally one of the Farjos, if you have been advised and decide to try Finasteride, let me know (if you like) and I will send you a box of Proscar which will cover you for first 5 months.

 

You are in good hands on this site and will find it hard to get better advice anywhere, I hope you take advantage of this and check with the community before making and big decisions.

[qwerty]

It wasnt until my late teens that I had a realistic look at my forehead and hairline. I really started freaking out that I was going bald. The front of my hairline has always been high and the corners have been really far back. Maybe you just really never noticed how high your hairline is or maybe you are just getting a maturing hairline. Being 39, I have had much recession at all....some, but not much. There were people in high school that had great hair but went bald in their early to mid 20s...so really you may not have much to worry about.....I wish you the best!

[thebutterflycollector]

Hi I've been meaning to give another update but have been very busy! I have managed to get myself booked in at the Farjo Clinic in Manchester on 15th December, so i am quite excited about that.Just wondered if anyone had any experience with them so I know what to expect, or any help or tips as to what to ask etc.

 

Thanks

[TakingThePlunge]

thebutterflycollector,

 

Welcome back! Thanks for filling us in on your recent development. I'm sure that Dr. Farjo will provide the best possible advice.

 

All the best,

[pablo]

Hey,

 

I've met the Farjo's as they are good friends with my trichologist.They are great, caring doctor's. Just explain your concern over the situation, they have seen it plenty of times so will be fully understanding. There is no way they will work on you at your age, but they will probably advise you in contacting a trichologist to get a prescription for Propecia.

 

Good luck

[byron]

receeding hairline sort of creeps up on you without realising, i noticed mine when i went for my usual grade one back and sides cut short on top and i was shocked when looking at pictures as to how far it went back

 

i then began growing my hair alot longer than what i used to and pulled the styles off but now i long for a buzz cut without the stupid M hairline

 

i have emailed farjo clinic expressing my concerns with pictures

[thebutterflycollector]

hi again, after my visit to the farjo clinic i was basically recommended to to start on rogaine as this is best in the frontal areas and doesn't have as many side affects as other products. does anyone know the best/cheapest place to get this in the uk.

 

thanks

[byron]

alright mate cheers for update i am on rogaine foam 5% minoxidil and it gives my hair thicker appearence and im noticing slight blonde hairs coming back to hairline im 26 my hairline same as yours so i know how you feel

[byron]

you can help your loss by doing simple things

 

eg no vigorous towel drying on hair (back and sides are fine!) just gently pat dry the top

no blow drying, zinc vitamins are good iv heard, you will gain a lot of knowledge coming on here

[Hal]

Some great advice, Butterfly.

 

I also believe that you are NOT a candidate for a hair transplant at this point.

 

Do not get talked in to anything or somehow get it in your head that a HT will allow you to "stay ahead of the game". That kind of thinking has been the doom of many in your situation.

 

I can also tell you that the psychology of hair loss for someone your age is all too predictable. You're worried about your hair of course. You're constantly checking out your friends, relatives, and strangers hairlines. You wonder if anyone "notices" your own hairline. Will your friends say anything? make cracks or jokes? how about your family?

 

What about girls? will you ever get laid again? will your hair loss make you a miserable social outcast? :eek:

 

I could go on but you get the idea. My point is that its all been done before. I can't tell you not to worry or be concerned but try to adopt a more balanced view of things. Try the meds as advised and see what happens.

 

I can tell you that 5 or so years from now you are probably going to say "If I just had the hairline I had a few years ago, I wouldn't complain about anything...". and 5 years after THAT, you'll say the same thing.

 

And 5 more years AFTER THAT, when your in your early 30's, hair loss suddenly won't seem as big a crisis because you'll have more important to things to worry about. You'll wonder why you spent so much time and energy stressing over your hair.

 

There's a well traveled road in front of you in terms of the psychology my friend-- I urge you not to take it. It's a complete dead end that goes no where.

 

Hal

 

[byron]

i am forever comparing hairlines im a bugger for it

 

having a HT in front now would look great FOR NOW however you have to take into account any further loss that may occur

 

would you really want a immaculate hair line but thinning on top........

 

good luck but concentrate more on stabalising for now

[thebutterflycollector]

thanks for the help and advice, but is it simply my age that is the reason everyone is against having a HT.i understand that it could look stupid in the future if i have a perfect hairline and the thinning on top, but it is making me incredibly unhappy and if i had even 5/6 with wot i would consider a normal hairline for my age i would be delighted. if/when it starts to thin on top couldn't i have the HT hair removed, because to honest i'm not overly bothered about going bald, because its clear cut then its being in between and being young when it is happening that bothers me. i hate being 18 and having a much older hairline, at this age i shouldn't be concerned be my hairline at all. just going back to rogaine is it best to buy it over the counter from a local pharmacy in the uk?

 

thanks

 

p.s apologies for the lack of capitals my keyboard isn't working properly.

[aaron1234]

Yeah, it's pretty much due to your age why you shouldn't get a HT at this point. At 17 it is too early to tell how bad your hair loss will progress. It's best to wait until the at least the mid-twenties. It's good that you are starting Rogaine, but I would get on Finasteride (Propecia) as soon as possible.