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Hi, I'm a 25 year old male, I used to post here often but it's been a few years.
I still have long hair but it's a shell of it's former self. My hair used to be mid back length and was extremely thick and lusterous but now I keep it slightly above shoulder length and have lost about 50 percent of my volume. I still do have coverage but it is really thin up top and seems like it may start to recede soon.
I always attributed my problems to damaged hair and didn't realize my hair was thinning because it was so thick that it was impossible to tell.
I refuse to accept that it's hereditary and that there's nothing I can do about it.
I've been reading about numerous holistic approaches and I plan on trying some of them, including a famous scalp exercise that increases blood flow.
But does any body have any advice for me? Should I consult a doctor or dermatologist?
Also, has anybody dealt with anything similar and had any success? I've read unbiased testimonials where many claim to have actually regrown hair but it seems to be a figment of mythology to me.
I'm desperate here, this has really been weighing me down for the past year or 2.
Hi jk,
Welcome back to the hyperboard, and I am genuinely sorry to hear about the fact that your hair is thinning.
One word of advice I can give is to DEFINITELY make an apointment to see a dermatologist, the earlier, the better. He can assess your hair, and determine if your hair loss is caused by MPB. He can prescribe propecia, which directly reduces the activity of the enzyme that produces DHT. DHT attacks the hair follicles, and leads to hair loss. Propecia is very effective, especially for the young, and it works better the earlier you start taking it.
Although my hair loss is not that severe, and I am considerably older than you (at 54, going on 55), I am taking propecia myself. (I started taking it 1.5 years ago) I am sure my hair is thicker than when I started taking it.
Hope this helps!
David
Hey Viking,
I was in the same situation earlier this year. I had REALLY thick hair and didn't notice it thinning. The funny thing is I noticed temple recession but when I picked up my bangs and say the small miniaturized hairs, I though "OOOH ok, it's growing back, good!" little did I know they were hairs that were formaly long, shrinking. But anyawy, Like David mentioned, please see a dermo. I did a few months ago and have been on propecia for those 2-3 months. So far I have slowed the shower/brush hair loss a bit and I can see some new hair growing in the temple region. I should add that I'm 24, so we're close in age and situation. I think, if you could afford it ($70/month supply), propecia would be an excellent idea but that must be agreed upon by a your doctor. The only complaint from propecia I have aside from the cost is that it sees to make me feel spaced out sometimes, like my vision isn't as sharp...but it's not all the time and not as extreme as this sounds. I wish you the best of luck and I know how frustrating this could be...especially for someone who loves having long hair and is barely an adult you know?
-Phil
Unfortunately, genetics can and do play a part. It might just be harder and harder to refuse to believe as hair continues to be lost. What a shame, but I would definately consult with someone (doctor or dermatologist) asap at this point so that you know where you "really" stand. Forget the alleged "for sale" acclaims in books. The books can't tell just what is happening to you.
Best of luck in trying to nail this problem and with luck put an end to 2 years of worry.
The thing is, there really is no trace of premature hairloss in my family. My Dad started to thin in his mid 30's but it was a really slow progression and by the time of his death at 47, he still had a fair ammount of coverage. Every other male has a thick full head of hair including my 83 year old grandfather, and the women all have nice hair as well.
I do suffer with weight issues though and despite being 26 still deal with acne. I've been really underweight my whole life and have a hard time putting on any weight. I'm 6 ft. and 130 lbs. I wounder if it could be hormonal or a thyroid issue?
All the more reason to get yourself into the care of a dr.
JK - I decided not to go the Propecia route because of the expense and the fact you have to keep doing it forever. I had really successful transplants from Bosley though Medical Hair Restoration is also excellent. Watch out for any other people you do not trust. You don't want your scalp to end up looking like a doll's. Good luck - this is really depressing, I know, but I have had long-term good results.
Here's a picture that show's what I once had and what's left of it. The first is a picture from when I was 20 and the other 2 are fairly recent. As you can see, I still have plenty of coverage but it's very thin up top and it has an odd texture.
People tell me I shouldn't worry because I still have hair, but that's the equivalent of telling a patient with terminal cancer and a minimal amount of time left not to worry because they're still alive. The fact is, I'd estimate I lost about 50 percent of my hair in the area of the bangs, though my crown is still in good shape for now.
If you want to have longhair and thicker hair yes you should consult a doctor for advice. David's comments are very good on the subject as he's taking it.
Kevin
Even though family members may not be losing their hair, you may have the bad luck of the draw to get the genes that does.
My father died with a full head of hair. I, at 54, have thinned a little at the temples, but that is all. My brother, who is 7 years younger than I am, is about bald.
See the doctor as the others have said.
Big George