Hi guys.
Ive got a problem. I think Im going the ways of my dad and beginning the process of becoming a chrome dome. To my knowledge my mother's side is not bald, but my dad is a cue-ball. The thing is, Im not sure whether Im actually going bald or Im going crazy. Ive always had a widows peak, and maybe it always has looked like this. Or maybe Im balding so slowly I cant even tell. Ive had a few people tell me they thought I was balding.
Anyway, Id like to know what the poeple here think. Am I balding or not? If Im balding, no way am I going to attempt to grow my hair out (again times 3). My hair is fine as it is and I really dont think I possibly could look good bald with long hair.
So please tell me what you think. here's my latest pic:
Jason,
A better predictor of possible baldness would be thinness
in the crown, which we can't see on your pics (and I don't think
we need a pic of it, just check with a mirror!).
Anyway, I developed 'points' before I was 30, but it has never
advanced beyond that. Now, at 55, there is still no sign of thinning out at the crown, while my hair is getting close to waist length at the back.
As for long hair on balding men, a ponytail never looks bad no matter how thin the hair is on top. However, the pulling back of the hair on top may make the top look thinner than need be, so the advice would then be to see a good stylist who can make the top look as full as possible with shorter hair, while letting the 'tail' grow out at the back.
Good luck!
Pete (Pete_J)
Hence, for you, let it grow and see a good stylist if you think it's getting too thin on top.
Hey Jason-
Baldness is just one of those things that's really difficult to predict. They say that you don't get it from your dad's side, but every time I look at my dad's shiny marble, I have to wonder. So far, so good. My maternal gramps had a full head of hair (and was a barber to boot!), but my maternal great uncle was absolutely bald (think 3 Stooges: Curly). From what I've read and heard, the statistics on male patern baldness are so skewered, trying to predict is just futile!
And I've had idiot stylists tell me that "oh, you have such a thick head of hair! You'll never go bald." Yeah, right. My dad had the same kind of hair I do!
Anyways, these days, with Rogaine and all that other crap, chances are good that any balding effects can be somewhat reversed.
Last, but not least, everyone's physiologically different. The best attitude is to just work with what comes your way. Think of it another way: what would you do if you were in an accident and were paralyzed from the neck-down like Christopher Reeve?
Hope that helps!
See a doctor about the possibility of getting a prescription for propecia. I was starting to thin, front and crown, have been on it for 5 months and I have had very good results at arresting and filling back in. Propecia is not inexpensive (about $120 for 3 months) but I'm pleased with the return on the investment!
Hi, Jason.
First of all, we all liked the way you looked MUCH BETTER with your hair longer. This buzz effect is very boring. Maybe a long ponytail would not be your best look, but let's at least do something medium-length!
Secondly, you are too young to worry about going bald. You have several years to go before this is a big issue, based on the photo you've sent. Many of us have thinning hair or receding hairlines and still look good with long hair. You are nowhere near "combover" stage, or anything else that would keep you from looking good. The other advantage you have is that your hair is dark and fairly full. This will naturally cover any thinning areas.
I think the problem now is that you've gone so short that you have nothing but a receding hairline to look at (or at least a widow's peak). Remember, people who are telling you that you appear to be balding are not used to seeing your hair so short. All that emptiness makes your widows peak or any recession look more obvious. Many times stylists say that balding men look better with shorter hair, because it de-emphasizes the contrast. I really feel it depends on the individual. If a person's hair is thick and wavy, it will look good regardless of thinning. And as long as it's not a totally obvious combover, what's wrong with a little natural camouflage? I hate when people generalize, just to get their way, especially stylists who keep your hair short so they can cut it more often, or those who think men must have short hair for any number of reasons. That's why I've cut my own hair for a long time and volunteer to cut friends' hair for them, especially after I've seen some drastically disappointing results from other hairstylists.
Grow your hair back, buddy, and keep us posted of your progress.
Gabriel
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