Is my hair thinning or is this a really bad haircut? I'm a 32 yr old male. (Photo)

Question

My brother has extremely thin hair (he takes propecia, uses rogain, etc.). Father is completely bald. I take biotin, workout regularly, seem to take care of myself fairly well. I went and got a haircut recently, and noticed a ton of scalp showing through if I didn't brush my hair a certain way. I have more wavy / curly hair as it gets longer (it fros out). I no longer shampoo, but use a curly co-wash and condition only. Need some advice if I should go start propecia or if this is all in my head.

Ken Anderson, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Dear gtg3505,Thank you for writing in with this question.  Often it can be troubling for a person whose relatives and brothers are losing hair to tell if hair loss is actually occurring.  I have had many consults where this was the primary issue...the patients just want to know if they are losing their hair or losing their mind.  It’s important to provide patients with “peace-of-mind” and so we get out the dermatoscope and do just that.  Male-pattern hair loss is fairly straightforward to diagnose in cases like these.  A dermatoscope is essentially a microscope designed to closely examine skin, and during a consultation appointment I examine everybody’s hair carefully to assess where there is hair loss.  First I check the areas that are not supposed to have any hair loss (the areas on the back and sides of the scalp that usually do not thin out) and then I compare that to the area(s) in question.  What I’m looking for is the percentage of hairs that are in a miniaturized state.  In normal, non-thinning hair it’s normal to have up to 15% of these hairs in a miniaturized state.  I can use the dermatoscope to take photos of the follicles as they exit the scalp in the areas of permanent hair and the area(s) in question for direct comparison on the computer screen.  The patients can see for themselves, and I find that provides a tremendous amount of peace-of-mind for my patients.  If there is hair loss present then something can be done about it.  If there is none present then a re-check as necessary is indicated.I hope this information is helpful to you.Kind Regards,KWA

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing an expert for evaluatino ,we do a lot of PRP and progesterone in men who are losing hair with great results. Best, Dr. Emer.

William Yates, MD · Answer

Dear friend,Because of your family history, I would consider to start the use of Propecia. Sadly,  patients typically don't notice hair loss until 50% of it is gone and this could potentially be the situation.  You can consider the use of PRP (Plasma treatment) to benefit your follicles and grow healthier hair.Do not hesitate to schedule a consultation just for the peace of mind.Best of lucks!

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Find a doctor who has the HAIRCHECK instrument and this will tell you if you are losing hair and how much you are losing

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

You may be at the initial miniaturization stages of genetic male patten hair loss. It is best to see hair loss specialist to be evaluated from close up and get the proper treament.

Is my hair thinning or is this a really bad haircut? I'm a 32 yr old male. (Photo)

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Is my hair thinning or is this a really bad haircut? I'm a 32 yr old male. (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Worried about thinning hair

Answer: Worried about thinning hair

Answer: Hair thinning

Answer: Hair thinning

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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