* * * * E D I T * * * *
SCROLL DOWN TO BOTTOM OF PAGE 1 FOR UPDATE (5/31/09) w/ many detailed pics.
6/3/09: I'm ready to buzz my hair down to ½ inch. It's summertime, so it's the perfect time to do it. I'm pretty sure my hair loss is diffuse thinning, but I'm unsure how much it has progressed. I have a very strong cowlick on my right temple that might be making my hair loss worse than it actually is.
Before I buzz it, I would really like to get an idea of what to expect my hair to look like (given the diffuse thinning) afterwards. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks.
* * * * E D I T * * * *
Original Post (12/28/07)
Before I get into my story, the cliff notes version is that I'm no longer afraid to cut my hair shorter (thanks to Propecia and Nizoral), so I want some recommendations on short haircuts.
I first noticed my hair falling out 4 and a half years ago (May 2003), I was 21 at the time. I started using Rogaine liquid a few months later, but only once a day at night. I used Rogaine for over 2 years, but stopped because it didn't seem like it was making a difference. My long hair made it impossible to evenly spread Rogaine over my scalp where it could soak in and be effective.
In June 2006, I began taking Propecia after seeing my dermatologist. I noticed a shed after 3 months on Propecia. Since then I seem to be maintaining, although it is hard to tell due to my long hair. But I am basing that revelation on my hair not clogging up the drain in the shower anymore. I was hoping some of the experts on this forum could tell me what they think. Diffuse thinner? Norwood #? All opinions are welcome.
I also started using over-the-counter Nizoral shampoo in June 2006. I use it twice a week.
My hairline has not receded at all, but I think my hair has thinned all across the top and front of my head (largely from before I started using Propecia). As a kid, my hair was always fine, never thick. As for family history, my only maternal uncle began noticeably balding at 29 and my maternal grandfather went bald in his 30s. Both lost all their hair on top (complete horseshoe patterns). I have a cowlick near my frontal hairline (right side), so I think that's why the thinning looks the worst there.
Keeping my hair long has allowed me to conceal all of my hair loss, but the maintenance that long hair requires is becoming too much. I've decided I want to get it cut much shorter. So I would like you guys to take a look at my pictures and suggest a short hairstyle for me.
Ideally, I don't want to have to use any hairstyling products. So I am thinking about buzzing it. If I do buzz it, what number clipper would you recommend? However, with a buzz haircut, I am somewhat concerned that my ears would stick out too much ...my dome is kinda small in circumference, I only wear a size 7 1/4 hat, even though I'm 6'5" and 195 lbs.
Please give me your opinion on the state of my hair and the best haircut for me. Thanks.
December 2007
Due to my long hair, I parted it in strange ways and even took some pics upside-down to try to show where I think my hair is thinning.
Wet hair:
Dry hair:
Wet hair:
SCROLL DOWN TO BOTTOM OF PAGE 1 FOR UPDATE (5/31/09) w/ many detailed pics.
6/3/09: I'm ready to buzz my hair down to ½ inch. It's summertime, so it's the perfect time to do it. I'm pretty sure my hair loss is diffuse thinning, but I'm unsure how much it has progressed. I have a very strong cowlick on my right temple that might be making my hair loss worse than it actually is.
Before I buzz it, I would really like to get an idea of what to expect my hair to look like (given the diffuse thinning) afterwards. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks.
* * * * E D I T * * * *
Original Post (12/28/07)
Before I get into my story, the cliff notes version is that I'm no longer afraid to cut my hair shorter (thanks to Propecia and Nizoral), so I want some recommendations on short haircuts.
I first noticed my hair falling out 4 and a half years ago (May 2003), I was 21 at the time. I started using Rogaine liquid a few months later, but only once a day at night. I used Rogaine for over 2 years, but stopped because it didn't seem like it was making a difference. My long hair made it impossible to evenly spread Rogaine over my scalp where it could soak in and be effective.
In June 2006, I began taking Propecia after seeing my dermatologist. I noticed a shed after 3 months on Propecia. Since then I seem to be maintaining, although it is hard to tell due to my long hair. But I am basing that revelation on my hair not clogging up the drain in the shower anymore. I was hoping some of the experts on this forum could tell me what they think. Diffuse thinner? Norwood #? All opinions are welcome.
I also started using over-the-counter Nizoral shampoo in June 2006. I use it twice a week.
My hairline has not receded at all, but I think my hair has thinned all across the top and front of my head (largely from before I started using Propecia). As a kid, my hair was always fine, never thick. As for family history, my only maternal uncle began noticeably balding at 29 and my maternal grandfather went bald in his 30s. Both lost all their hair on top (complete horseshoe patterns). I have a cowlick near my frontal hairline (right side), so I think that's why the thinning looks the worst there.
Keeping my hair long has allowed me to conceal all of my hair loss, but the maintenance that long hair requires is becoming too much. I've decided I want to get it cut much shorter. So I would like you guys to take a look at my pictures and suggest a short hairstyle for me.
Ideally, I don't want to have to use any hairstyling products. So I am thinking about buzzing it. If I do buzz it, what number clipper would you recommend? However, with a buzz haircut, I am somewhat concerned that my ears would stick out too much ...my dome is kinda small in circumference, I only wear a size 7 1/4 hat, even though I'm 6'5" and 195 lbs.
Please give me your opinion on the state of my hair and the best haircut for me. Thanks.
December 2007
Due to my long hair, I parted it in strange ways and even took some pics upside-down to try to show where I think my hair is thinning.
Wet hair:
Dry hair:
Wet hair:
