Is it possible to go from Norwood 2 to Norwood 1 using Dutasteride and Minoxidil?

Question

I'm a 21 year old asian male and I noticed my hair was thinning a few months ago. My hairline is at about NW2. I'm guessing my hair loss has been going on for about a year, maybe more. Once I noticed my hair loss, I immediately started taking 0.5mg dutasteride (off label) and using topical minoxidil 5%. I've been on this regimen for 2 months. My hair loss seems to have slowed down, but I'm not sure if my hairline will ever come back. Is it possible to regrow my hairline?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend a consultation with a hair loss expert to go over your condition and options. PRP and progesterone injections are also good options and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Given your age of 21, in part your hairline is changing form a juvenile to a more mature hairline.  However, having started on minoxidil and dutasteride as preventative medications will help you keep what you have.  You might want to change from dutasteride to finasteride as it has less side effects.  Also, you should see a hair transplant specialist for a baseline evaluation.

Rae Lynne Kinler, MD · Answer

Preventative medications do not regrow your hairline, they prevent further loss. It is best for you to have a consultation with a hair restoration expert to assess your non-surgical as well as surgical options. Also, dutasteride has a higher side effect profile than finasteride.

Brian Goertz, MD (retired) · Answer

It is unlikely the medications listed will help in your hair line. It may be part of a normal maturation of your hair line from an adolescent hair line to that of an adult male. Providing pictures may be more helpful.

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Usually medical hair regiment slows down the progression of hair loss, but there is not significant amount of hair growth specially in the hair line area. If you are concerned about the hair line, it is best to get a consultation to get hair transplant for hair line.

Is it possible to go from Norwood 2 to Norwood 1 using Dutasteride and Minoxidil?

Answers (6)

Answer: Juvenile to Adult Male Hairline

Answer: Juvenile to Adult Male Hairline

Answer: Hair growth after using minoxidil and propecia

Answer: Hair growth after using minoxidil and propecia

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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Is it possible to go from Norwood 2 to Norwood 1 using Dutasteride and Minoxidil?

Answers (6)

Answer: Juvenile to Adult Male Hairline

Answer: Juvenile to Adult Male Hairline

Answer: Hair growth after using minoxidil and propecia

Answer: Hair growth after using minoxidil and propecia

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.