Am I Balding or just thinning

[smani]

I started losing hair noticeably since an year. I have an oily scalp with dandruff problem. I am aged 21.I recently contacted dermatologist and she gave me Lerato reducing shampoo, minoxidil and vitamin supplements. She suggested it's hair thinning and not receding hairline. My dad got bald after 45 years of age. So are my other relatives in late 40s. I started using minoxidil from two days and as it said to cause shedding temporarily I got a 9mm hair trim on top with fading towards sides to 3mm. When i have hair I am able to see my scalp with I run fingers through my hair at less than 2-3 inches length (I don't grow past 4 inches at maximum). I am attaching few pictures and hoping some insight and suggestions about application on minoxidil (I am currently applying app over crown where it thinned noticeably).

[smani]

update and help please

This is me now.i think I have diffuse thinning. I started minoxidil from a week and my scalp now has inflammation. Is this normal?

[JoeTillman]

You do look to have diffused thinning so, while I'm not a doctor, you should speak to one about getting on Propecia as that is the best bet for stopping and maybe reversing your loss. Diffused thinners typically respond better to Propecia than those that are having recession so you stand a good chance of seeing a reversal, to a degree. Speak to an IAHRS doctor about this and of course do NOT have a surgery to "fix" it.

[smani]

Please check the first post once. I consulted a doctor but started taking medication seriously since a week. Keratozole shampoo seems to have causing inflammation cause I am washing my 3-4 times a week due to heavy dandruff which subsidised now. Will wash only 2 times per week from now

[smani]

You do look to have diffused thinning so, while I'm not a doctor, you should speak to one about getting on Propecia as that is the best bet for stopping and maybe reversing your loss. Diffused thinners typically respond better to Propecia than those that are having recession so you stand a good chance of seeing a reversal, to a degree. Speak to an IAHRS doctor about this and of course do NOT have a surgery to "fix" it.

In more light or with flash or when wet my hair looks much worse with scalp showing over the whole top of the head. Currently my hair length is any 1.2 to 1.5 inch

[JoeTillman]

I'll clarify my comment about speaking with a doctor by saying you should speak with a hair transplant doctor, specifically one that is a member of the IAHRS. You can find one at IAHRS.com. Derms are fine for general issues like this but they haven't the experience with specific hair loss solutions such as Propecia like an experienced hair restoration doctor has. Yes, flash on your camera and bright lights will make your hair look thinner, I agree but I still believe you have DPA, which you can read about here... https://www.hairtransplantmentor.com...-alopecia-dpa/

[smani]

Thank you for response. But I am still afraid about finasteride due to its side affects. Will try to visit an expert

[smani]

If you don't mind, which haircut do you recommend. Should I buzz it off with fade as scalp is showing at current length of around 1.2-1.5 inch or should grow out another inch to get something like crew cut with fade. I am little over weight as well 😞