20 YO What is the next step?

[polarbro]

Hey all,

Ive lurked here for a while but I think I am ready and willing finally to undergo whatever treatments necessary in order to keep what is left of my hair.

I noticed that I had a receding hairline early on at around 17. My dad went bald so I always assumed I would be doomed.

The thinning is starting to get worse. One weird thing Ive noticed is that right before an area will begin to thin, my scalp will get red, itchy, or dandruffy right before. Even though ive tried to take good care of it since I noticed the thinning. Also my hair just feels dry and crappy all the time now, like brittle almost.

Anyways here are some pictures:

This is about the best I can get it nowadays.



My hairline....



Top



So what do you guys think?

I was hoping it would maybe slow down but at this point I realize I either need to take serious action early, or just embrace it 100%.
I am really scared about all the side effects ive read about from the standard meds for hair loss.....but ive made up my mind. Im willing to take whatever pill if it means I can keep what I have left. Would you believe I once had shoulder length blonde hair? hahaha. oh well such is the irony of life I guess.

Id appreciate any feedback or tips on the best course of action to reverse my hair loss.

thanks

[jman91]

you seem to have good density and by recceded to about a NW2. Have ou tried finasteride? this may prevent any further loss

Nizoral 2% shampoo will help with scalp irratation, its very wise to prevent scalp irritation as this is likely to exacerbate hair loss

[Shan]

The itch you refer to is the "DHT Itch".
This usually goes away after you begin Propecia.
If you seriously want to keep what you have which is pretty decent hair, then you should research FDA approved meds for hair-loss or google spex for more info.

[clandestine]

Propecia (finasteride) has the potential for sexual side effects; research these before committing.

[Shan]

Propecia (finasteride) has the potential for sexual side effects; research these before committing.

The side effects are very rare as with any medicine

[polarbro]

i have read about the side effects and i dont mind.

it looks like my hair has gotten WAY worse over the past few days.



the only thing ive done is change to head and shoulders.... in hopes of helping my scalp.

sigh.... it looks like it might get to the point where i cant hide my balding

[chrisis]

The side effects are very rare as with any medicine

Whenever someone urges caution I don't quite get why you feel the need to dismiss it?

polarbro, consider Propecia very carefully and at least get some blood tests done to check how your testoserone and DHT levels are. I'd start yourself on a ketoconazole shampoo such as Nizoral or (better) Regenepure DR. Support this with a minoxidil based topical (I recommend the foam), but be prepared for a shed.

That's a good start.

Hope this helps.

[JNorton52]

The thinning is starting to get worse. One weird thing Ive noticed is that right before an area will begin to thin, my scalp will get red, itchy, or dandruffy right before. Even though ive tried to take good care of it since I noticed the thinning. Also my hair just feels dry and crappy all the time now, like brittle almost.

Hey man, don't know if you were able to stop the itching / red bumps yet with the nizoral. I wouldn't jump to any conclusions about calling this a "DHT itch." I had the exact same thing happening to me in the beginning of the summer. I was still waiting for my prescription for fin, and I was freaking out about my excess shedding, accompanied by the red bumps and itching you described. I then simply made a switch to a dandruff shampoo that I used daily (not nizoral, couldn't find any of that in stock), and it all came to an end. The shedding also seemed to reduce by 50% (but that was still a lot though lol).