Beginning to see receding hairline - what to do?

[dbury]

Hi All

 

So over the past maybe 2-3 years I've seen a slight receding of my hairline. As I approach my 25th birthday I'm noticing it more and more, and figure it's time to see what I can do. It's not super noticeable yet, but as I keep reading prevention / early intervention is better than waiting.

 

Just a bit of back story on me, both my father and his father have very typical MPB. My dad, who 55, is probably ~ a 5 on the Norwood-Hamilton scale. My grandfather (dad's dad) is a definite 7. My grandfather on my mother's side also has a significant amount of "baldness" although not nearly to the extent of my dad's father (maybe a 4A, not sure).

 

I attached a couple pictures (before and after a haircut). I'm either at or approaching a 2 on the N-H scale, so really the question is what are the best options for slowing the progression.

 

As far as I can tell from my reading options are limited to going on fin and maybe trying minoxidil (varying reports on effectiveness for hair line). I'm rather wary of going on fin, especially at my age. I figured before I got in touch with a dermatologist I'd see what advice you fine folks might have

 

thanks

[Icecreamman]

Hi All

 

So over the past maybe 2-3 years I've seen a slight receding of my hairline. As I approach my 25th birthday I'm noticing it more and more, and figure it's time to see what I can do. It's not super noticeable yet, but as I keep reading prevention / early intervention is better than waiting.

 

Just a bit of back story on me, both my father and his father have very typical MPB. My dad, who 55, is probably ~ a 5 on the Norwood-Hamilton scale. My grandfather (dad's dad) is a definite 7. My grandfather on my mother's side also has a significant amount of "baldness" although not nearly to the extent of my dad's father (maybe a 4A, not sure).

 

I attached a couple pictures (before and after a haircut). I'm either at or approaching a 2 on the N-H scale, so really the question is what are the best options for slowing the progression.

 

As far as I can tell from my reading options are limited to going on fin and maybe trying minoxidil (varying reports on effectiveness for hair line). I'm rather wary of going on fin, especially at my age. I figured before I got in touch with a dermatologist I'd see what advice you fine folks might have

 

thanks

 

Many on this board will tell you to try fin and/or rogaine. Unfortunately both these may not be very effective on the hairline but most likely will help with crown area. You may at a later point in time want to get a ht to restore front 1/3. But you do have a good amount of hair so I wouldnt stress too much

[agenteye]

Hi dbury,

 

Welcome to the forums!! I don't know if it's any consolation to you, but I think you have a really great head of hair....and it looks terrific on you! Your hairline really does well to frame your face and features!! I really wouldn't worry too much about it at this point, and would continue to monitor it over the next year. You MAY be experiencing a tiny bit of recession, but it is extremely minimal and nothing at all to lose any sleep over. I first started losing my hair at 25 also....only mine seemed to become a lot more advanced quickly....and I wish I would have known about the treatment options available and started on fin and Rogaine back when I could have prevented a lot of loss. I just had my first transplant a couple weeks ago (I am (was) a NW IV), and am turning 32 next week.....so again....just continue to watch your hair and then consider a regimen to halt loss if you need to later on down the line.

 

Although genetics seem to have a high correlation to your own future pattern of loss, there are no guarantees. If you looked at the "deciding" members of my family, I shouldn't have any hair loss. At best....I should have started seeing thinner, finer hair (but complete scalp coverage still) just after my 80th birthday....but ALAS, that didn't happen!! :rolleyes:

 

Anyhow, this forum is an excellent resource for information and support....and you are in good company with all of the members here!

 

Keep us posted as to what you decide to do.....and best of luck!

 

Cheers,

 

Mike

[TakingThePlunge]

dbury,

 

Welcome! As has already been mentioned, at this stage, the only proactive thing you can do is start Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil). You'll find the in generic form, these drugs are extremely affordable.

 

It's true that they may not save your hairline but you've got nothing to lose by trying and a much greater chance of further hair loss if you don't.

 

Best of luck!

[MadMod]

Hi dbury, I can't add much more in the way of help to what's already been said to be honest! It's all great advice. I thought maybe I'd got away with it through my 20's but started noticing that I was quickly shedding and receding by the age of 27. I didn't seek any advice, just hoped it would stop by washing my hair with an off-the-shelf shampoo that had supposedly undergone some trials and helped stop hairloss! Having read these forums, I don't think it's ever even been mentioned never mind recommended!

 

So, if you are genuinely worried start with the proven meds, to protect yourself as much as possible from future loss. As I came to experience all too late; when it's gone, it's gone! I started using fin at 30 and have to say I've had no sides. You may want to consider getting advice on reduced doses etc.

 

Best of luck anyway- this place helps you keep sane at times, so check back in whenever you need to!

[jerzig]

Looks like you are just starting to grow into your "mature" hairline. Like the others said, do what preventative things you can now, but don't worry too much about it. My balding pattern started the same as yours but advanced quickly. You may be lucky and not progress, and if you do you can make a decision about an HT then. For now, enjoy your hair and don't worry about it!

[1978matt]

In priority order:

 

1)Go see a hairloss specialist, hair restoration surgeon. You DON'T need a HT at all, but they can give you an honest assessment of where you're thinning out.

2)Try Propecia. You may get side effects (as I did) but just stop if you do and you will return to normal after a few days. Don't get hung up with the scare stories but just be sensible about it.

3)Start using Rogaine Foam or a generic version. It can work on the hairline and slow down the loss.

4)Open a savings account and put $100 a month into it. After 10 years you will have more than enough to get a HT, if desired!