Feedback regarding balding or cowlick

[purkulator]

Hi everyone,
I’d really appreciate some honest feedback.
I’m uploading several photos for comparison:

• A 45° angle toward my vertex where the reduced density looks most visible
• A straight-on photo of the back of my head showing just the cowlick
• A top-down photo where I don’t notice any reduced density
• Left and right 45° angles toward the vertex that show slight reduced density
• Last photo is 4 years ago when I had shorter hair

My concern is the area around my crown. In certain angles (especially the 45° ones), it looks less dense and I can see more scalp. But looking straight down at the top of my head, I don’t notice obvious thinning.
I haven’t noticed significant shedding — nothing unusual on my pillow, in the shower, or when running my fingers through my hair. That said, I know hair loss can happen gradually over time without dramatic shedding, and I’m wondering if this could be early thinning that slowly progresses if the hair doesn’t regrow.
Does this look like early crown thinning to you, or does it seem like normal density variation from a cowlick/swirl pattern?
What can you tell from the photo 4 years ago regarding my progression?
Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[losingbattle88]

Balding 100%

 

[purkulator]

Is this reversible? Whats the best ways to regrow my hair at this point?

 

[losingbattle88]

Is this reversible? Whats the best ways to regrow my hair at this point?

Are you on finasteride? I dont use topical minoxidil I use oral twice a day and finasteride 3 times weekly to reduce the sexual side effects.

 

[purkulator]

Are you on finasteride? I dont use topical minoxidil I use oral twice a day and finasteride 3 times weekly to reduce the sexual side effects.

No, I am concerned about taking oral finesteride long term due to side effects. Do you think any topical options will work?

 

[losingbattle88]

No, I am concerned about taking oral finesteride long term due to side effects. Do you think any topical options will work?

Topical can work but it will go through your skin and into the bloodstream and block serum DHT. For me topical or oral finasteride was NO difference regarding sexual sides. I tried topical 0.25mg finasteride daily and had to quit due to sexual sides. So I now use oral instead 3 times a week. You should try finasteride 3 times a week 0.5mg or 1mg and see how your body react. Dont be afraid because you can always quit and you will highly likely recover from the sides.