Please help. Do you think I will become bald when I'm older?

[Dronyn]

I'm 18 and I've recently noticed that my hairline is in a sort of M shape. Here are some pictures:



(that last picture doesn't really show what my hair looks like. I'm pretty sure it's just the lighting but I thought I might add it anyways)

I've just gotten used to the idea of styling my hair and I'm fairly proud of what I've accomplished. To have this all taken away really saddens me.

I've always had a sort of M shaped hairline I think. I say "I think" because I haven't always styled my hair up so I don't remember clearly how it was before. However, just today I feel like it hasn't always receded this far back.

Do you think I'm starting to go bald or is it just the way my hair is styled right now? My father and both my grandfathers are bald so I've probably inherited that gene but I never thought balding could start this early. I actually think the M look is nice (Leonardo Dicaprio, Daniel Craig and Ryan Reynolds for example) but I don't want it to go further than the M. If you do think I'm going bald, how long do you think it's gonna take before I get other signs of hair loss?

Are there things I can do to prevent hair loss? Like switch shampoos? (I am currently using Dove men's care Anti Dandruff 2 in 1). Maybe using a less aggressive styling process? (I use a hairdryer and a paddle brush right now). Or are there any vitamins I should be having more of? (I'm a college student... That give you an idea of how I eat at the moment). Even if my hairline isn't receding right now I want to know how I can better prepare for that inevitable moment.

THANK YOU. So much if you read all of that. It means a lot to me that anyone would take any time out of their day to read this. Please if you have anything to share would you please do so? Thank you again.

[k9gatton]

The beginning stages are very treatable. It's probably only on the temple regions now, due to your youth.

Minoxidil alone might be enough to grow it all back, temporarily. There will be an initial shed if that's used. It works on the hairline just as well, but good results will probably not be permanent with Minoxidil alone.

Finasteride will probably grow all of it back, and allow you to keep your hair for decade(s).

When both are used together, I believe the success rate is much higher. Also the hair density gains are better.

At the stage you're at, it's really not very noticeable. You can pull off any hairstyle now.

If you decide to use Minoxidil, would recommend foam. It's dandruff free for most people.

[Dronyn]

Thank you for the quick reply! I have a lot of questions that I'm hoping you're willing to answer. What are the side effects to these drugs if taken independently and do they increase if taken together?

I've also read something about Finasteride I think that said one of it's side effects are erectile dysfunctions or something. What are the chances of those side effects and how long would they last?

How long would I have to take these drugs before hair loss is stopped permanently?

What are the approximate success rates for Minoxidil? Finasteride? Both drugs taken together? Can you even take them sequentially?

How long would I have to take these drugs? A few weeks? A month?

Do these drugs cost a lot? Do they come in some sort of shampoo form that I can just use while in the shower? Do I need a prescription to get these?

Thank you for taking the time to help me! I've been scared of most potent drugs because of side effects. For example I didn't use my oxycodone when I had my wisdom teeth removed or my morphine when I had my appendix removed though I still definitely take an advil when I have a headache.

[k9gatton]

These are good questions. I'll only answer the one's that I know.

Minoxidil and Finasteride are completely different. So, there is no increase in side effects when taken together. One stimulates hair growth/regrowth. The other diminishes DHT around seventy percent.

Finasteride can cause erectile dysfunction. There is a lot of debate about how high the odds are. It's mostly known to cause this and watery semen. The ED is usually caused when guys stop taking it (Post Fin Syndrome). However, those side effects should stop after continued usage. Most men don't have any issues. Youtube is an excellent source, to see both pro and con's about Finasteride.

That is a huge debate. Personally, in my own opinion, I believe it is between five and ten percent. According to Merk, it is around two percent. As for myself, I don't take oral. I only take topical Finasteride.

Everybody is different. So, as far as curing baldness, really can't give you an honest answer. You inherit genes from both parents. In males, androgen alopecia is dominant. Usually the general rule is this: the younger baldness occurs, the worse it will be, unfortunately. It's not unusual to have one temple more receded than the other. You're left looks like it's where it should be. The right, on the other hand... is receded further back. (My hair has the same issue. My right temple is around Norwood four. My left is between Norwood
II and III. ).


Finasteride has a much better track record, as for lasting results. Of course, Minoxidil will not give you ED, or any side effects like that.


When I was twenty years old, I had a worse hairline. It was Norwood two. Just two percent Minoxidil (only medication approved back then, and only strength) regrew my entire hairline. I skipped a few years, unfortunately,
in my mid twenties (karate, kick boxing, boxing, and all that fun stuff!).

A board certified US doctor prescribed Minoxidil for my hairline (had no vertex balding back then). Finasteride wasn't approved at that time. And she was 100% correct. She said that because hair loss was recent, it would grow back. All of it grew back, within months. It was surreal.

My point is this. The earlier you treat it with something, even Minoxidil, the better your chances of success are. There is still diffuse hair on your right temple, so that's good. If you let it go for too long, it won't be an option for you.


Everybody is different. Minoxidil will cause more shedding, there's no way around that. That should only last between twelve to sixteen weeks, if that's what you decide to do. Foam does not cause dandruff. Liquid can. Also use five percent, twice a day if possible. But at least one time a day.

Best of luck.

[Dronyn]

Thank you again for your response. Do you think I should see a specialist first before starting to take any medication? Also, I'm covered by group health. Do you think I could just arrange an appointment with them or do I have to go somewhere else?