Accutane and balding, my story, advice needed

[ThinningB420]

Hello, I'm turning 28 this summer and as you can see from my pictures I'm visibly balding. The first picture is my wet hair right out of the shower and the last picture is from last summer.

When I was 16 my dermatologist put me on accutane for moderate acne. At the time I didn't have to do any blood work (big problem imo since it is required) and I didn't know about the hair loss side effects.

After a three month run on the drug I noticed my normally thing but full looking hair seemed dry, limp, and noticeably thinner. I told my parents but my mom said it was all in my head. However, I could see and feel the difference. I told my dermatologist and she said some people experience temporary hair loss while on the drug. For me, it wasn't temporary.

Against my better judgement I went on accutane again two years later because my acne had not cleared up and I was suffering from folliculitis on my neck from shaving (another side effect of accutane). A friend's father made a comment about how dry my hair looked one day while I was on my second course and it confirmed my concerns.

I don't think accutane is the only reason I'm balding. My mother's father was bald; however, I do believe it has sped up the processed and thinned my hair follicles more quickly. I also find it interesting that I'm so thin on the top but not so much in the crown. Is that normal?

I'd like to keep what hair I have for at least a few more years until I get married. After that I can accept being bald. This is very tough for me because it's something I've noticed for years and was told I was wrong about. Only now am I taking action because it's a crucial point in the hair loss.

I've already decided I'm going to try finasteride, despite the possible side effects. What else should I do to help maintain my hair? Is Rogaine really an option for me? I think it would be challenging to get it into my scalp since I don't notice a bald spot and I still have some thickness.

Thank you in advance for your responses. I can empathize with everyone here. Balding is very frustrating, especially when you are young.