Upright hair or miniaturization? 18 year old male. Dermatologist said I am forming a mature hairline.

Hi and thank you for the question.
In situations like this I would invite my patients here in Cincinnati to come in for an exam.
We have devices that can greatly amplify the scalp and follicles to give us a better look at what is going on. If we discover miniaturized hair, we would advise to get started on treatments that can halt the procession of additional hair loss etc...

This needs an in-person evaluation. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

A shed of varying severity is common to see in initial stages of male pattern baldness. Examination of the individual hair shafts will reveal diversity in size with miniaturization seen with male pattern baldness. Find a hair loss expert. Ask to see photos.

Receding hairline is not a hair loss because of ongoing process of androgenetic alopecia but  a simple juvenile type maturing of frontal hair line.  That is seen almost every young boys almost between 16-21 that have a very rounded hairline without recession in the corners.  Recession in the corners is a sign of mature pattern male frontal hair line.

This requires an up close examination. MOST men with male balding start off with a shed of varying magnitudes that very much mimics a telogen effluvium.

The best way to determine if your really have hair loss is to get a HAIRCHECK instrument test which will accurately measure your hair bulk throughout your scalp