21 Years Old, Is It Too Late (pics)

CrownBalding

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Hi everyone, I’m 21 years old and someone finally mentioned that I’m balding in my crown. I don’t know if everyone was being polite for a while or if my balding is just incredibly aggressive. I instantly got on Finasteride 1 mg a day. I’m thinking about starting minoxidil, but I’m worried about the initial (and potentially permanent) shedding. I think I’m going to wait until my Toppik comes in the mail so I can see its results before I start with minoxidil. I’ve attached a few photos (the bathroom picture is some harsh lighting) so you can see what I’m working with. I don’t believe the photos do any justice to the extent. If I take a video and run it around my head you can see the extent of the thinning, especially in contrast with the thickness below.

I have a few questions for veterans:

1) How bad is my hair loss? My friends/family tell me I’m over exaggerating it but to me, I feel as though I have a huge bald spot on the back of my head.

2) Is it too late to see any regrowth in my crown? And what can I expect given my situation (extent of loss, age, etc.)? Even if I can maintain for a few years with Finasteride and Toppik can help cover the thinning I’d be reasonably happy.

3) A few months ago I fell into an abysmal deep depression coupled with extreme anxiety, could this have sped up my male pattern baldness? And if so, is it more likely that it can be reversed?

4) Any tips with Toppik or how you believe it will work for me? What color should work best? (I chose light brown) I’m excited and nervous for it to come in. I really hope it works but I’m worried it won’t be all it’s hyped up to be.

5) Should I start the minoxidil immediately?

I don’t expect everything to be answered but anything would help.

Thanks in advance. Reading through these forums in the past couple of weeks has really helped. As cheesy as it sounds, the feeling of not being alone goes a long way.
 

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CrownBalding

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Bump
 

Retinoid

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Omg I thought you would be fully bald after reading your post and then I looked at your pics. You realize you barely have any thinning? Are these pics just not picking up what you are talking about? I see there is some thinning on the crown but it isn't like end stages. Jeez...

Yes, just stick with the Finasteride for now. I love Topikk, it will make you feel a lot better.
 

BlueHorseshoe

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Honestly not even sure you’re losing your hair. Could be a double crown or a weird cowlick pattern. Not sure see what others say but I’m not convinced by those pictures.
 

CrownBalding

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Thanks guys. Here’s another picture (the worst one I can get where I’m actually trying to make it visible). When my hair’s wet it’s a lot more noticeable. I went to a dermatologist and she confirmed it as well.

I noticed photos don’t really do it any justice.
 

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BlueHorseshoe

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Okay I see the thinning now. Pretty minor I doubt other people notice it. If finasteride maintains for you your problem is gone.
 

CrownBalding

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Do you think I should start minoxidil? I really do think it looks worse in person
 

Alphalete

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I don't think you should start with minoxidil, stay on finasteride for a year or so and the reevaluate. Minoxidil can be quite the pain
 

rclark

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@CrownBalding

Minoxidil shedding only occurs once. If DHT is destroying your follicles, it might "appear"
to be shedding, but it's not.

It would be from Androgens.

Combining Minoxidil, in general, gives a higher density return.

Although your baldness is probably between a Norwood one and two.
 

CrownBalding

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I’ve always wondered about minoxidil’s longer term effectiveness. I’ve read some men can stay above baseline for years with Finasteride alone, but what about the combination? If minoxidil/Finasteride gives great results, is it possible for someone to maintain the minoxidil gain years down the line?
 

CrownBalding

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Also, is it as likely to maintain on Finasteride as the study shows (90%)? I’d like to at least maintain what I have for a few years but some growth would be great!
 

Baldingat188

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your hair pretty much looks the same as mine. I first noticed it 2 years ago and have managed to pretty much stay the same with finasteride and min. Not sure if its thanks to the big 3 or if im just getting lucky so far. If I keep my hair like this ill be happy though. Thats all I can recommend to you.
 

CrownBalding

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your hair pretty much looks the same as mine. I first noticed it 2 years ago and have managed to pretty much stay the same with finasteride and min. Not sure if its thanks to the big 3 or if im just getting lucky so far. If I keep my hair like this ill be happy though. Thats all I can recommend to you.
How old are you? Has anyone ever said anything about you balding?
 
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