How Screwed am I? [Pics]

[asian]

Uh oh:
I never really thought about the idea of hair loss while under the age of 40. But in Sept 2012, while I was getting my hair cut at a Great Clips, the stylist cutting my hair (it wasn't even a great cut either) told me that my hairline was receding. This kind of came to me as a shock and got me concerned about the possibility ever since.

Background and Profile
I'm Asian (go figure from my username ) and currently 24, turning 25 soon. I've always had a widow's peak, which may amplify the "balding" look i am experiencing. My dad has a full head of hair, which I would be happy to rock at his age of 55. However, my maternal grandfather (and his brothers) are all bald bald bald.

In addition, I've been stressed from work, but I'm not sure if that is affecting my actual hair or just my perception of the situation -- I feel like my hair loss is accelerating ever since that stylist mentioned the receding hairline.

Anyways, I am hoping this forum will point me in the right direction! I'm not sure where I fall on the NW scale, or how bad my hair situation is. Any advice is welcome!











Note: Hair is wet in this photo, and light is shining directly on the crown.

[8868alex]

Given that the lower photo is with wet hair and under harsh light, your crown looks pretty solid for now so that bodes well. Maybe do a check every 6 months under similar conditions to monitor it. As for your hairline, I'd say a Norwood 2. Still looks pretty good but you may want to also keep an eye on this. Your best bet is to get an examination by a qualified IAHRS Doctor. Good news is that it is early on in the process and should you choose to medicate, then I think you' ll remain in good shape at least until one of the newer therapies emerges.

Remember, early intervention is the key my friend. If you are concerned about where this could go, take action now!

Good luck!

[BigThinker]

I have the white person version of your hair, man. It looks great when dry, with or without styling. When it's wet, it I can see through a little bit, which is concerning. But, it's when I pull back my bangs to see my hairline that I really am bothered.

I'm starting fin. Look into the "Big 3" and ask questions.

Also, consider your hairdresser telling you your hair was receding as a favor. The earlier you address it, the better off you'll be.

[baldesswonder]

your hair is so thick yet its receding certain parts. Its not an emergency cause it doesn't look like you have the real bad bald genes where your just getting thin everywhere. but the earlier you start treating it the better IMO.

[asian]

Thanks all! I am scheduling an appointment to see a qualified hair specialist and see what he / she recommends. I will admit, maybe I'm just trying to hold on to my youth, where it's really time to embrace certain changes in life.

It looks great when dry, with or without styling. When it's wet, it I can see through a little bit, which is concerning. But, it's when I pull back my bangs to see my hairline that I really am bothered.

This is when I realized things maybe accelerating. Near the temples are the thinnest when i exit the shower.

I've never paid too much attention to my hairline till the stylist mentioned it. I guess I'm thankful she spoke up!

Thank you guys for your input!

[drybone]

Hey dude.

I am 46 and your hair looks very much like mine did at age 25. My hairline was slightly lower but mine was slightly thinner.

I just had my first transplant at 46 , and by transplant standards it was minuscule.

You say your maternal graddad was bald as an eagle? I can already tell you that you wont be BALD like norwood 6 or 7 until you are 70 even if you start shedding now. In fact, if you end up like me, you will never hit norwood 4 until 50

http://www.americanhairloss.org/men_...wood_scale.asp

I dont think you have your maternal grandads hairline. Does your paternal grandad have hair still but receded or gradually thinned out?

Some guys recede a little then stop altogether.

Just to be on the safe side, check out a dermatologist or your doctor to see if you have any other issues. I woudnt even suggest rogaine or anything right now you look fine.

[asian]

I dont think you have your maternal grandads hairline. Does your paternal grandad have hair still but receded or gradually thinned out?

Unfortunately my dad's father passed away when he was young, so I can't say. My dad still has a good bit of hair despite the tremendous stress he is facing.

Thanks for your insight -- I think I was starting to get paranoid.

[HairyMan]

Wow what a nice hairdresser. She/he sure knows how to keep a costumer happy.

Was she/he trying to sell you hair loss products, or just bad costumer service?

[asian]

Thought I'd share an update on my progress.

I went to see a nearby dermatologist who concluded that I may have MPB.
I took the plunge and the Dr. prescribed me their in-house Topical Propecia + Minox 5% liquid mix and Minox 5% + Retin-A liquid mix.

I've been using the following regime for 5 months now (started 3/28):

Regime
Topical Propecia + Minox 5% 1ml daily at night
Minox 5% + Retin-A 1ml twice a week at night

Results over time:

Hairline and Temples Pictures



Crown Pictures



Crown
I don't think there has been any change in this department. I wish I took a picture of my crown with my hair dry before I started, but I can safely say it looks the same pre and 7 mo into treatment.

Hairline and Temples
I was hoping for some regrowth in my temples but I am seeing very little change. Seems like the NW2 is here to stay.

The Hair Itself
This is where I feel bummed. The quality of my hair has gone from thick and coarse to this thin wire-y feeling. I am guessing this is what minox does to hair?

It makes it impossible to spike now with hair wax, and is very see-through in the frontal region after I shower. Right now I feel like I'm going through a shedding phase. If I run my fingers through my dry hair, 2-3 thin hairs will fall out. Maybe 30-50 when I shower.

Maybe I was so paranoid to hold on to my hair that I may have made it worse? Maybe I actually don't have that bad of bald genes?

What are the consequences of coming off treatment? Will my hair regress to how it was pre-treatment?

Thank you!

[Notcoolanymore]

You are in your 5 - 6 months of treatment? I hear that sometimes things get worse before they get better. Looking at your pictures though, your hair doesn't look like it has gotten worse, but you would know better than I would. Keep treating and hopefully you will see some improvement shortly. I am just in my 4th month of treatment and I made some pretty good gains in the 3rd month of treatment. This month, it may have actually gotten worse. I think that is the way things go sometimes treating hair loss. I will keep treating and see what happens.