Can I use Minoxidil 5% on just a thin patch by hairline?

[bambamcity]

Essentially male pattern baldness seems random in my family, some uncles suffer from it whilst their other brothers don't. I've noticed I have a sort of thin patch at the edge of my hairline, it is only noticeable when my hair is slicked back and makes my temples a bit more angled then straight (hope that makes sense). I ordered 5% minoxidil and have used it twice so fair ONLY on the patch on that one side. AND I UNDERSTAND IT SAYS ONLY FOR THE CROWN BUT I HAVE READ GOOD RESULTS!

Essentially my questions are...
1) Will the shedding cut in to my hairline more?
2) Could this worsen my hair for good as I've read some stuff about shedding and some say they shed and it never comes back?
3) If I do not have noticeable balding should I just give minoxidil a miss?

Just to confirm my hairline has definitely changed! Whether this is maturing or male pattern baldness I do not know!

 

[Agustin Araujo]

If you know for sure 100% it's male pattern baldness, then yes, you can apply Minoxidil to the areas of your scalp with hair loss that has been affected by balding.

If I were you, I would get on a DHT inhibitor first, such as Finasteride. Wait a few months to see how well you maintain and if you're maintaining well being on a DHT inhibitor, then I would use Minoxidil for any potential regrowth.

To answer your questions:

1) Minoxidil can cause a shed. As I previously stated, get on a DHT inhibitor first.
2) Again, get on a DHT inhibitor first such as Finasteride. Your hair will keep getting worse if you're only on Minoxidil since there will still be DHT attacking your hair follicles.
3) If you do not have noticeable balding, once again, get on a DHT inhibitor such as Finasteride and you should keep the hair that you have for the long term. And again if you're maintaining what you have well, you can add Minoxidil for any potential regrowth.

I would go to a hair transplant surgeon first and get a diagnosis if you have male pattern baldness or not. If you do have male pattern baldness, then have them write you a prescription for Finasteride, and get on the medication.

 

[bambamcity]

Thanks for the reply dude. The problem is I am not entirely sure it is male pattern baldness. If I do have it I also have no way of determining it as I am a student and cannot afford the check ups. At the moment my hairline has not gone further then a mature hairline, it is just this small patch right in the corner of my hairline which would be the only concern that it could be. So essentially if it was not male pattern baldness would this have any adverse effects?

 

[Agustin Araujo]

If you're only losing hair on the top of your head and not on the back and sides, then it's definitely male pattern baldness. If the hairs that you've been losing at the right corner of your hairline keep coming back shorter, thinner, and less are growing in, then from there you can also easily self-diagnose yourself with male pattern baldness.

The thing with male pattern baldness is that it effects everyone differently, it really does. I've lost a little more hair on my left temple than my right. Just to let you know, it's important to keep in mind and remember that hair loss doesn't follow any rules.

 

[bambamcity]

So if it was male pattern baldness and at this moment in time I could not afford finasteride, may I use 5% foam in that one area until I can finally afford it?