Am I Balding Or Due To Excess Straightening?

[Plaks]

I am 23 years of age, never had any issues with receding hairline or thinning or what not but as of late i have taken more notice the TOP of my hairline is thinning, im quite a hypochondriac and think i may be balding.

I think important things to note is i do not take care of my hair, i straighten it full heat sometimes 2-3 times a day, use many products on it and leave in there, could the 2-3x straightening be causing the "breakage" and "thinning" or am i going bald? no real balding in my family except one of my mums brothers, the other has a full head.

here are photos.

Top of head DRY:





Sides:



Top of head fully WET








And also a front on regarding hairline (dont mind the selfie loll)



Am i in denial and balding or should i cut my hair straight to a 1.5" and regrow and lay off straightening it so frequently.

[JoeTillman]

It's hard to say for sure but it looks like you have early signs of diffuse hair loss. This means that you're not developing an actual bald "spot" but rather you have general thinning throughout the top of your scalp.

I don't think your hair straightening would be causing this so you should take the time to visit a dermatologist and ask him/her about the diffuse loss speak to them about Propecia. Better yet, visit an IAHRS member hair transplant surgeon as they'd know more about the medication than a derm would.

[Plaks]

It's hard to say for sure but it looks like you have early signs of diffuse hair loss. This means that you're not developing an actual bald "spot" but rather you have general thinning throughout the top of your scalp.

I don't think your hair straightening would be causing this so you should take the time to visit a dermatologist and ask him/her about the diffuse loss speak to them about Propecia. Better yet, visit an IAHRS member hair transplant surgeon as they'd know more about the medication than a derm would.

buzzed it quite short to assess how regrowth goes heres photos when wet, i think it may have been alot of breakage and dead hair





however i have some minoxidil and nizoral 2% shampoo i will be using from now indefinitely on at the areas which i suspected were thinning (and they may very well) from now on

[KO1]

I would avoid straightening it. Why do unnecessary things and risk damage to hair? Plus, curly/wavy hair is better for coverage.

[bmoreno299]

Hey plaks where did you get nizoral 2% from?

[pkipling]

I would avoid straightening it. Why do unnecessary things and risk damage to hair? Plus, curly/wavy hair is better for coverage.

Unfortunately, it looks like the links to your pictures have expired, but I do want to echo wht KO1 has said. Not only will your hair be healthier should you stop straightening it, but you'll receive much more coverage and appearance of density if your hair stays wavy/curly. Also, the fact that you do this 2-3 times a day is definitely not good for the overall quality/health of your hair - regardless of any MPB you may be experiencing.
__________________
I am a patient advocate for Dr. Parsa Mohebi in Los Angeles, CA. My views/opinions are my own and don't necessarily reflect the opinions of Dr. Mohebi and his staff.