Am I definitely going bald?

[Scottishlad]

I developed a receding hairline at the age of 16 and thought I would be bald by 20. I am now 24 and my hairline has more or less stayed the same. It may have receded a bit but I can't be sure as I have been covering it up for so long!

Have a look at these photos and tell me what you think. I always thought it was balding but could this be a bad mature hairline? Or maybe my baldness pattern has stalled or is moving really slowly?

I remember crying every time I looked in a mirror when I was in my late teens and thought I was a NW 3 on the scale and that it could never be a mature hairline. Was I right?

[chrisis]

I voted "I cannot be sure". To clarify, I think you are receding, but I can't say whether it's fast or slow without other photos. Also, it's not possible to say that any past loss would remain at the same pace. It could accelerate or slow down, or even stop.

I don't know if you're taking any steps to improve your chances of slowing down/stopping further hair loss, but you could consider them if not.

[Scottishlad]

I voted "I cannot be sure". To clarify, I think you are receding, but I can't say whether it's fast or slow without other photos. Also, it's not possible to say that any past loss would remain at the same pace. It could accelerate or slow down, or even stop.

I don't know if you're taking any steps to improve your chances of slowing down/stopping further hair loss, but you could consider them if not.

What steps would you suggest? I saw a photo on my grandfather at the age of around 35 and he had my exact hairline. Perhaps it could stay like this for a few more years yet.

[chrisis]

An excellent start would be a ketoconazole shampoo and minoxidil foam. For me the minoxidil foam actually thickened what was left of my hair line considerably.

[Scottishlad]

An excellent start would be a ketoconazole shampoo and minoxidil foam. For me the minoxidil foam actually thickened what was left of my hair line considerably.

Do either have any side effects?

[chrisis]

Do either have any side effects?

Sexual? No.

They're both topical, so the most likely side effect would be something like scalp irritation.

[Scottishlad]

Sexual? No.

They're both topical, so the most likely side effect would be something like scalp irritation.

That's good to hear. Where can I buy them in the UK? Do either cause an initial shedding?

[chrisis]

I got Regenepure here and I like this minox best

[chrisis]

By the way, many recommend Nizoral as a ketoconazole shampoo, but personally I've released it's too harsh and the Regenepure range has been developed specifically for hair loss. Nizoral is actually an anti-dandruff shampoo.

[chrisis]

Forgot to add, yes minoxidil can cause a heavy shed. I suffered this, but best to understand that any hairs you shed would have probably have been lost anyway. They will return stronger and more resistant to DHT.

[Scottishlad]

Forgot to add, yes minoxidil can cause a heavy shed. I suffered this, but best to understand that any hairs you shed would have probably have been lost anyway. They will return stronger and more resistant to DHT.

I have read that there have been instances where people have not regrown the hair after the shed. That worries me and also the fact that I will have to take it the rest of my life.

I was thinking of maybe seeing how much my hair loss progresses and if it remains at a slow rate maybe saving up to get a hair transplant in a couple of years?

[chrisis]

I have read that there have been instances where people have not regrown the hair after the shed. That worries me and also the fact that I will have to take it the rest of my life.

I was thinking of maybe seeing how much my hair loss progresses and if it remains at a slow rate maybe saving up to get a hair transplant in a couple of years?

I think if any hair was shed as a result of taking a topical DHT inhibitor, then it would eventually be going anyway. You simply expedite that loss and hope the hairs will resprout.

It might be sensible to save up in case you do need a hair transplant. If not you have savings for other purposes

[Scottishlad]

I think if any hair was shed as a result of taking a topical DHT inhibitor, then it would eventually be going anyway. You simply expedite that loss and hope the hairs will resprout.

It might be sensible to save up in case you do need a hair transplant. If not you have savings for other purposes

Thanks for all your advice. I also read about potential Histogen treatments in the future. Do you have any views about that?

[chrisis]

Thanks for all your advice. I also read about potential Histogen treatments in the future. Do you have any views about that?

I think there are a few interesting treatments in development, but it's too early to say if any will be effective enough to come to market.

Every man on the planet will know when there's something worth getting excited about.

[drybone]

I think there are a few interesting treatments in development, but it's too early to say if any will be effective enough to come to market.

Every man on the planet will know when there's something worth getting excited about.

Definitely .

I feel the best for young guys who are age 10 to 15 . When they start to hit MPB in their early 20s as most of us do, there might be a way to drastically halt it in its tracks by then.

I am approaching 50 so I am a lost cause.