Hair just getting finer ... or **GULP** am I balding?

[Harrytop]

Hi guys,

I am a 39 yr old man. I have been noticing that my hair is finer and finer all over but mostly on the top of my head ... I haven't NOTICED any real regression of the hairline as it has always been high, at least since after puberty, especially at the temples. It has lost volume and lies very flat. I currently have to use volumizing shampoo so that it has any bulk at all.

Here is a photo album of my noggin:

http://imgur.com/a/hUeAT

More info:
My father had developed the same fine hair, being able to see his scalp anytime you were looking down on his head, but it remained like that for decades until his death in his late 60s -- it never progressed. Also, my mother had some hair thinning as well, although nothing major.

So I am not sure if I am suffering from the same thing as my father, where my hair is just going to stay where it is, or if in fact the hair on the top of my head is going to go the way of the dodo bird. Is this just my age-related genetic destiny?

What do you think? Also, where to you think I fall on the Norwood. All opinions and advice welcome.

 

[Harrytop]

At what age did I lose part of the crown/hairline? I am not sure really, it just started to become finer and finer over time. I noticed a change texture more than 10 years ago. It was only about two years ago that I noticed it being even thinner/finer still.

Here are some pics of my hairline over time: http://imgur.com/a/n6zJq

(Sorry for the black and white photos ... it's all I had access to at the moment).

You are right. I think I should probably start the Big 3. I just have to get over my irrational fear of being permanently damaged by the finasteride (I know logically the odds are remote). I am not sure if it is better to ask my GP or my dermatologist for the script. It seems like the Big 3 is my only hope though because the alternative is not a great option -- my cranium shape is not pretty! On the other hand I am no spring chicken trying to get dates, I am a domesticated 39. Am I just being vain?

Also, I know the Big 3 will likely stop the progression of hair loss, but what are the chances it will fill-in and thicken what I still have?

 

[rvahair1]

Looks normal.

 

[Laos IR Name]

At what age did I lose part of the crown/hairline? I am not sure really, it just started to become finer and finer over time. I noticed a change texture more than 10 years ago. It was only about two years ago that I noticed it being even thinner/finer still.

Here are some pics of my hairline over time: http://imgur.com/a/n6zJq

(Sorry for the black and white photos ... it's all I had access to at the moment).

You are right. I think I should probably start the Big 3. I just have to get over my irrational fear of being permanently damaged by the finasteride (I know logically the odds are remote). I am not sure if it is better to ask my GP or my dermatologist for the script. It seems like the Big 3 is my only hope though because the alternative is not a great option -- my cranium shape is not pretty! On the other hand I am no spring chicken trying to get dates, I am a domesticated 39. Am I just being vain?

Also, I know the Big 3 will likely stop the progression of hair loss, but what are the chances it will fill-in and thicken what I still have?

You would do better than to talk advice from someone who is literally half your age.