26 / receding / balding - ready for the big 3.

[rubiks]

Hello all,

I'm 26 and have been receding for around 3 years and it wasn't until the last 12 months where it really kicked into overdrive.. i've lost a lot of hair in a short amount of time.
It wasn't until last month that i started thinning on top also.

I've been lurking on these forums for some time now and decided to finally chime in and try to get some feedback from everyone.

I've read a lot about Finasteride and its been mixed reviews.. i've seen people who have had a terrible time and people who have responded really well to it but not really anyone who has had a similar case to mine as of yet. (Slow recession for x amount of years then aggressive recessions / thinning)

Anyway - I guess I'm just feeling a bit anxious about starting the big 3 because my hair is at the point where I can't even style it anymore because it is so thin on top.
I'm quite scared for the 'shed' phase, does anyone know how aggressive this can be and how light it can be?

If it gets so bad i am considering shaving it down to a 1 or 0 during the shedding phase, having said that I attend gym regularly and my diet is pretty decent.
Have a pretty girlfriend who says she wouldn't care if i shaved it off. Oh and i recently got braces which I'll be sporting for 12-18 months (Double whammy i know)

Also if anyone knows of anyone in a similar situation to mine i.e same age / same regression etc etc please point me in their direction.

I'll get some pictures together from the past year or so to show you guys my problem. (Soon)

My finasteride arrived today - I've only got a months worth to see if i react to sides harshly or not. I think i'll wait until the Minoxidil arrives and then maybe start then.

May use this as a blog to keep track of my progress too.

Any feedback is welcomed

Thanks!