I shed a lot in the shower, and my hair is thinning. Help please!

[zemme1234]

I'm 22 years old and baldness is plague in my immediate family. My whole life I've had a very thick head of hair, and it would grow back considerably quick after a hair cut. I thought I was going to be the lucky one in the family, but it seems as though that may not be the case. Over the past few years I could tell my hairline was receding, but I didn't notice any significant loss or thinning during those years. I really didn't start noticing the significance of my hair loss until a few months ago when my girlfriend pointed it out. I have a few theories as to why this is happening (other than genetics) and I wanted to run them by you guys.

1. I don't use shampoo and I only condition twice per week - I rub my scalp like I have shampoo in on the days I don't condition. (Started doing this 1 year ago)
2. I got dandruff/itchy scalp roughly 6-8 months ago. This could be caused by our hard water at my house or my "strange" hair wash regimen.
3. Nobody has said anything to me about this, but I do run my hands through my hair fairly often.

I also have a few questions regarding treatment.
1. What kind of treatment(s) do you recommend?
2. Do the results vary from person to person?

I should also mention that my hair loss/thinning isn't that bad yet - I'd just like to be proactive about it.

Thanks a lot in advance. Hope to hear from you all soon!

 

[zzzzz]

Begin taking finasteride 1mg or 1.25mg daily and use nizoral 2% shampoo partly because of your dandruff. You could swap out finasteride for .5mg dutasteride daily which is more effective and may be more appropriate for aggressive hair loss. This is all you need to stop your hair loss. I would expect to maintain what you have for a decade+ on this treatment with dutasteride. It is better to start it sooner than later (now). Yes results vary, some people have a lot of regrowth, some people only maintain, and a fraction still lose their hair (but lose it more slowly) This is a long term treatment and you may still lose your hair for up to a few months before it starts noticeably working

 

[Diffuser44]

For hair loss the only treatment I would truly recommend is finasteride. But keep in mind there are side effects. If the risk of side effects don't concern you eat up. If you are concerned I would recommend consulting with a Doctor and go from there.