21 and not sure what stage I'm at

[Suxtobe21]

Hi so I came to terms with the fact I was receding a few years back when I was 17 and grew my hair out, its worked well enough up until now to disguise it but I was just wondering what stage on norwood scale you guys think I'm at and would you recommend just leaving it the way it is or trying treatment. I'm 21 btw. I've attached 3 images with my hair tied back a lot tighter than I usually do (to hide it) and a bit greasy which doesn't help I suppose

[kbarnes]

You can still regain it if you start treatments on time

[Johny41]

It seems you are NW 2-3. I can't say more exactly because your vertex line is covered with hair. kbarnes is right, your hairline is not critical and you still can regrow it. In my opinion, Propecia (finasteride) is the only effective treatment that can help you.

[JayM]

It is important to remember your final stage may not appear until you are about 24.

Hey could you elaborate more on that? Why 24 or near that number?