Hair Loss, Or Just A Very Bad Cowlick?

[mjp92]

I was diagnosed with early male pattern baldness and prescribed medication -- the dermatologist looked at me for 3 seconds before diagnosing it and did not really check for miniaturization but just noticed one area of thinner hair -- , but when I look at old photos, I notice nothing has really changed over the years.

My hair is thick everywhere on my head, EXCEPT an area running from the middle of my head behind the hairline, down the side of my head. The hairline has NOT changed except when I compare to photos when I was 16.

So in all likelihood I do have minor hair loss due to aging, and I think my one temple is receded (even though it has always been and the photo with the shaved hair is from 2011 and the other photos are from over the years up to today), so I should be on meds for it since I do not have my 16 year old hairline, but the main area that caused me to be diagnosed, I am wondering if it is a cowlick.

The area of thin is in a STRAIGHT line backward, almost like a part, where the hair naturally parts there. I do not have this on the other side. Third, it has been this way for years.

Here are some photos. What do you think? All of these show the same side of my head, it may not look like it due to the way the photos were taken (some cameras take them from the opposite view).

2011: https://i.imgur.com/Vb2vUod.png
2013: https://i.imgur.com/cyhRWzE.png
2014:https://i.imgur.com/oGagygA.png
2015: https://i.imgur.com/HUONCpP.png
2015: https://i.imgur.com/fcqUbh6.png
2016: https://i.imgur.com/0QhWQJD.png

 

[tjnpdx]

I was diagnosed with early male pattern baldness and prescribed medication -- the dermatologist looked at me for 3 seconds before diagnosing it and did not really check for miniaturization but just noticed one area of thinner hair -- , but when I look at old photos, I notice nothing has really changed over the years.

My hair is thick everywhere on my head, EXCEPT an area running from the middle of my head behind the hairline, down the side of my head. The hairline has NOT changed except when I compare to photos when I was 16.

So in all likelihood I do have minor hair loss due to aging, and I think my one temple is receded (even though it has always been and the photo with the shaved hair is from 2011 and the other photos are from over the years up to today), so I should be on meds for it since I do not have my 16 year old hairline, but the main area that caused me to be diagnosed, I am wondering if it is a cowlick.

The area of thin is in a STRAIGHT line backward, almost like a part, where the hair naturally parts there. I do not have this on the other side. Third, it has been this way for years.

Here are some photos. What do you think? All of these show the same side of my head, it may not look like it due to the way the photos were taken (some cameras take them from the opposite view).

2011: https://i.imgur.com/Vb2vUod.png
2013: https://i.imgur.com/cyhRWzE.png
2014:https://i.imgur.com/oGagygA.png
2015: https://i.imgur.com/HUONCpP.png
2015: https://i.imgur.com/fcqUbh6.png
2016: https://i.imgur.com/0QhWQJD.png
Today: https://i.imgur.com/rp0gUWM.jpg

The first step is denial.
The next through last step in calamitous depression and suicidal ideation.

Welcome to hairlosstalk.com, your new home for the next 5-10 years (duration applies consistently from one year to the next).

 

[tjnpdx]

But really, that’s hair loss, my friend. Unfortunate, but surely true.

 

[mjp92]

So why is it only that way on one side, and why has it been the same since 2012 and not getting progressively worse?

I DO think I have hair loss. But I don't know that I am convinced that particular area is related to it.

 

[Alphalete]

Androgenetic Alopecia is different for everyone. For many of us, including myself, hairloss/thinning is more visible on the right/left side of the temple, than the other side.. Just saying

 

[tjnpdx]

So why is it only that way on one side, and why has it been the same since 2012 and not getting progressively worse?

I DO think I have hair loss. But I don't know that I am convinced that particular area is related to it.

My hair loss absolutely, indubitably started on my left side. It continued this way for some years. Now the right has started and I seem to be picking up the diffuse thinning as well, which I'm really stoked about. The whole Norwood x, y, z thing is should not be taken as the hard and fast reference to how hairloss will manifest itself. Hair loss in what you're seeing. I wish I could tell you differently.

 

[mjp92]

But this is not even in the temple. It is a straight line of hair parting beginning in the middle. It is very bizarre. I have never seen anything similar.

 

[tjnpdx]

But this is not even in the temple. It is a straight line of hair parting beginning in the middle. It is very bizarre. I have never seen anything similar.

Hang around here long enough and you surely will. (Except, as a piece of advice, don't actually hang around here that often)

 

[mjp92]

The question is, is that something that can be reversed with the medication or will it require a hair transplant? will it likely progress or will medication halt it?

 

[ElTioLaBota]

Cowlick where?

 

[JeanLucBB]

I was diagnosed with early male pattern baldness and prescribed medication -- the dermatologist looked at me for 3 seconds before diagnosing it and did not really check for miniaturization but just noticed one area of thinner hair -- , but when I look at old photos, I notice nothing has really changed over the years.

My hair is thick everywhere on my head, EXCEPT an area running from the middle of my head behind the hairline, down the side of my head. The hairline has NOT changed except when I compare to photos when I was 16.

So in all likelihood I do have minor hair loss due to aging, and I think my one temple is receded (even though it has always been and the photo with the shaved hair is from 2011 and the other photos are from over the years up to today), so I should be on meds for it since I do not have my 16 year old hairline, but the main area that caused me to be diagnosed, I am wondering if it is a cowlick.

The area of thin is in a STRAIGHT line backward, almost like a part, where the hair naturally parts there. I do not have this on the other side. Third, it has been this way for years.

Here are some photos. What do you think? All of these show the same side of my head, it may not look like it due to the way the photos were taken (some cameras take them from the opposite view).

2011: https://i.imgur.com/Vb2vUod.png
2013: https://i.imgur.com/cyhRWzE.png
2014:https://i.imgur.com/oGagygA.png
2015: https://i.imgur.com/HUONCpP.png
2015: https://i.imgur.com/fcqUbh6.png
2016: https://i.imgur.com/0QhWQJD.png
Today: https://i.imgur.com/rp0gUWM.jpg

Yes your hairline losses are a cowlick.

 

[doyle11]

Cowlicks are usually at the crown. It looks like male pattern baldness

 

[mjp92]

My other question is, if it is genuine hair loss why has it barely changed over the years? Will it get worse if I am on medication?

 

[Alphalete]

My other question is, if it is genuine hair loss why has it barely changed over the years? Will it get worse if I am on medication?

Please think logically. Hairloss is different for everyone, some lose it within 5 years some lose it in 2 months. Your case might just be slower.
Secondly, why would your hair get worse if you are on medication? Wouldn't that be counterproductive? lol. Your hair improves on medication, unless you're a non-responder.

 

[mjp92]

There are new hairs growing in in the last few months -- I can see them -- but I do not notice any significant change and I have been on medication for 2 months. That side of my head still is such that the hair parts and does not look like the other side.

How long does it generally take to see improvement? Is 2 months too quick to see it?