From the photo, i can't really tell you what it might be, what you'll need to do first is take some blood tests, they'll typically look for any thyroid issues.
If all is well then perhaps try a scalp biopsy to rule out diffuse areata.
You might be in the early stages of diffuse unpatterned...
DO NOT ADD RU YET, basically this is a chance for you to see what minoxidil can do by itself, because you used Minoxidil and RU at the same time for the top, It's possible that only one of the two are actually working.
When you try meds, always try them individually, give them 1 year to see see...
They can use your beard hair, under your chin and around the neck, why are you thinking about a topper? your hair right now looks great, if you're responding well then you might maintain for a long time.
Were you not applying minoxidil to the sides?
Very Interesting FCKW36, i just have a few questions for you if you wouldn't mind:
How old are you?
Do you or have you ever taken any oral DHT blockers like finasteride or Dutasteride?
How can you tell if both RU and minoxidil are working and not just one of them?
Have you ever thought about...
Running into old posts, i've seen a chart which shows that both 0.5mg per day and 0.5mg every other day inhibit around 99% and 95% respectively.
http://photobucket.com/gallery/http://smg.photobucket.com/user/hairlosspage/media/dutas_analysis.jpg.html
Just wondering, i don't know if 1ml is the recommended dose for belgravia's 12.5% minoxidil but if it was, would it be like using 2.5ml of 5% minoxidil?
Sorry lacy, i'm begining to sound like a broken record in regards to this topic, i just saw some chart from years back saying that Dutasteride taken every other day blocks upto 95% of DHT.