Should I See A Dermatologist Before Minoxidil?

[Feathered Harry]

So I'm brand new to this forum, though I've been lurking for a short while now, so I apologize if what I'm asking has already been addressed elsewhere.
There's no question that I am balding. It absolutely sucks (as if I really need to remind anyone of that) but I've come to terms with it.
As such, I'm extremely eager to finally hop on the Minoxidil train as early as possible so that I can hopefully hang onto what I have left. The thing is, I'm a little thrown off by the instructions that say to not use Minoxidil if you do not know the cause of your hairloss. Now I have very little doubt that I am simply suffering from run of the mill male pattern baldness, but either way, should I play it safe and see a dermatologist before getting started?
Any advice would be tremendously appreciated.
In any case, I'm glad forums like these exist for us genetic lottery losers and I look forward to interacting with my bald(ing) brethren in the future

(I've gone ahead and attached some pictures of my dying crown, just for context.)

 

[4myfuture]

You dont have to worry as most hairloss is male pattern baldness in nature...You dont have to see a derm to start Minoxidil...They have to cover their *** in the event that someone uses the product incorrectly..

 

[DKC]

Harry, you can start minoxidil pretty much straight away, I think the sooner you get on it, the more chance of retaining what you have and hopefully you can regrow some as well. Currently I switched away from the foam version because I found it not very effective, I personally feel that the liquid version provides more coverage and absorption.

Judging by your pictures I can see the crown hair loss but also the thinning starting at your midscalp and temples, it suggests that you have diffuse thinning male patten baldness.

Using minoxidil, and most like finasteride (see doctor about this) will be your best bet, good luck.

 

[Feathered Harry]

Cheers guys thanks for the input!
Gonna get started asap.