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Hey, everyone, I'm definitely sure that this is a common topic, but I'm really antsy over going bald in my late 20s/early 30s. My maternal grandfather, uncle, father and brother all have been victim to it (at least thinning), and I don't want to start growing my hair out in college only for it to fall out some 5 years later. I'd be a little more at peace with thinning if I made it to an elderly age with a full head of hair until then, but right now I want to do all that I can to slow it down, if not prevent it completely.
I've heard things here of products like Propecia, but I have read that such drugs lower testosterone and oftentimes lead to irreversible infertility problems, so that isn't really a viable road for me. What do you guys know about vitamins or treatments that don't have any outrageous side effects, that simultaneously prevent hair loss?
Also, are there any older gentlemen here of whom MPB runs in the family, who have not been affected by aforesaid hair loss?
It's a bit like Russian Roulette, you just cannot be 100% certain whether it will happen or not, until your hair shows signs that you will develop MPB. It's just largely down to luck. In my family around 50% of the men go bald early and the other 50% retain a full head of hair. My own father was already quite bald by 35 and a brother 10 years younger already has MPB. However my grandfather who is an octogenarian still has a full head of hair like me. I did think that i would go bald and accepted it but it never happened.
One thing i heard is that eununchs never go bald after the mutilation of their private parts but that is a rather extreme example that few would want to pursue to keep a head of hair.
A good reason to grow your hair long and enjoy it while you can before it's too late. You however may defy your hereditary tendency and retain a full head of hair. Nothing is certain.
Eating a healthy diet, not smoking and avoiding stress can help slow down MPB.
Duncan
I agree Duncan, it's a roll of the genetic dice , my brother John 2 years my junior, doesnt have a hair on his body, i mean eye lashes brows or anybody hair. He has a condition called Alopecia. read about it mates. take care dude, James/Tampa,fl
Venya,
My family also had the classic MPB and I had a rather recessed hairline as far back as I can remember. I decided to start Propecia several years ago, maybe 10 or more, I can't remember. I think it largely stopped the hair loss for me--there is little change since then. It has not reduced my libido so maybe that should not be a concern.
Remember that you are genetically only partly your father! I don't know how the genes related to hair are affected by the mother's side (any biologists here??), but you are a mix of your parents.
As far as the vitamins and supplements, if there is no research proving their efficacy published in a refereed journal, then it is voodoo. That market is unregulated and you can wast a lot of money on bogus products.
If I were you I would start Propecia now.
Well, I'm 43, and my dad looks like Captain Picard. My brother, four years younger than I, is well on his way to that fate also.
Me? My hair hasn't changed at all since I was a teen. hairline is exactly the same, no trace of balding anywhere. I'm crossing my fingers and thanking my lucky stars, of course.
So, it's not a given you'll start losing- there's no way to know, really.
My thoughts on the subject
If I were to worry about what MIGHT happen in about any aspect of life, I probably would be living like Howard Hughes. If you went the 5 years you mentioned and then did have some hair loss,at least you could say you did wear your hair long, rather then going a number of years and regretting that you didn't do it when you could. You should always take a chance on things - you may never get another chance...speaking from experience here!!
As for mpb, I've been on Propecia since the original study. Have not gotten a full head back but I really dont mind. Don't know about the fertility issue..I've been shooting blanks for a long time 8-)
Generally, you should be able to tell by the time you are 30, which is probably not all that much help if you are 20!
A good friend of mine (roughly my age - 50s) has all his hair even though not only was his dad bald, but he has two younger brothers who are bald! So yes, it can skip people.
Hey Greg,
My father was afraid of the same thing after burying a hairless memory, upon my grandfather's death. What he practiced (and what I suggest) is saturating the scalp in balsamic vinaigrette and immediately donning a swimmer's cap for a period of no less than ten minutes twice a week.
Good Luck and strong roots rest in happy pastures!!!
-How "HAIR" Yee
(How Fare Yee) get it??
And then there are those of us who say "Eff it!" I'm bald, and I have long hair. I like having long hair and I'm not about to let MPB stop me from it.
It's only here on this board where I've gotten flak about it--the skullett comments and so forth. In the real world folks either mind their manners, or they don't care, or they compliment me.
I work the front desk at the public library and am very visible. I interact with everyone who comes in the building. I've never had anything but positive comments. And trust me on this, people at the library are pretty free with their opinions.
Outdoors, hats are required, just like all other bald guys. I also have to wear a cycling skullcap under my helmet so I don't get leopard spots tanned into my head from the helmet vents.
My terminal length is affected more by breakage from cycling than by baldness. In the winter when my tail is inside my coat, it gets longer. In the summer when it's out in the breeze, it gets shorter. I could segment it with multiple ties, but frankly, I can't be bothered.
Would I prefer to have a full head of hair? Sure. I'd also prefer to have several million dollars in the bank, but neither one is happening in this lifetime. So I do the best with what I've got and don't worry about it.
It's baldness, not a death sentence.
I applaud your decision to grow the hair you do have out! From my observations, it seems that some men who develop the horseshoe pattern also seem to suffer diminished hair quality in their remaining hair but this certainly isn't so in your case. Your hair looks to be very healthy and to grow to a good length.
Longhair identities don't only occur among men who never go bald or only lose a bit of hair. Men who lose their hair on top also can identify strongly with having long hair and their baldness should not be an impediment in still having that long hair.
Could not have been said better.
Nice to hear from you Bruce!
- Oren
Hi Bruce,
Very well said. For some, MPB is a part of who we are, and there is nothing much we can do about it. Worrying over what might happen may even make it happen sooner. There are plenty of companies out there ready to make a fortune selling products that may or may not work, but I think natural is best - and your hair looks fabulous.
Best regards
Ian