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.