People thought I was crazy...

[backintime]

I read alot of posts on this and other forums from young guys who suspect their hair is thinning and are seeking advice and help. The guy posts pictures of his hair, which doesn't look too bad and everyone's envious of the amount of hair the guy still has and the responses are all like "you're fine, don't worry" or "just change your hairstyle" or "I wouldn't start treatment yet, just wait to see what happens."

When I was in my early twenties, I became very aware that my hair was thinning. I got so fed up with everyone telling me I was nuts for even entertaining the notion that I was going bald. Yeah, I still had a full head of hair...but it was MY hair and I was the one styling it and looking at it and feeling it everyday get thinner and thinner. I guess I half-believed everyone's opinion that I was just "obsessing too much" over it, because I waiting WAY TOO LONG to finally do something about it...like another 12 to 15 years. If I had started a treatment program years ago, I would more than likely have most of my hair still.

People, please stop discouraging others from seeking and/or starting hairloss treatment. It's never too soon. I wish people had been more supportive of me when I first got up enough courage to even bring up the subject to my friends. They laughed at me when I would talk about Rogaine, Propecia, etc.

I know this isn't everyone, but I'd just like to address the posters who brush off someone else's hairloss concerns just because it's not half as bad as their own progression. I'm sick of the whole "things could be worse" responses.

And to all those who think they may be losing their hair: If you ended up on this website and took the time to take pics and upload them here for other members to evaluate and are looking for an opinion, you probably indeed are in the early stages of male pattern baldness...No, it's not just your imagination. Don't listen to your parents or friends. I'm speaking from experience. Don't wait until things get any worse!

 

[Beingbaldsucksass]

Losing hair killing your confidence even if you have full head of hair

 

[HairGuru22]

This one of the best post i have seen on this section lol. I agree when you notice that there is something wrong with your hair, it most likely is.

 

[Ink]

The sooner you realize people don't know **** the better, trust your own judgment and don't depend on others opinions, consider them but don't depend on them.

 

[abcdefg]

Yeah I mean that is true, but the harder question is given the current state of treatment options is it worth trying to stop it? Some say yes and others think no. Im sure plenty of guys think about long term medication altering hormones and think maybe its better to just do nothing I think that is a viable option but maybe not for your hair I guess.

 

[abcdefg]

True. I also hate the term mature hairline. The bad side of hair loss is it makes you look older that is why no one wants to go bald so it seems to me staying a Norwood 0 is a good thing and what we all strive for. So stopping a mature hairline while maybe not technically possible with our treatments is still a goal which again is to look younger I thought

 

[backintime]

Discouraging people who have seemingly male pattern baldness from seeking treatments is terrible behaviour. What I also hate is the "you're over thirty, just let yourself go bald and don't bother using treatments" meme that some (younger) members of certain hairloss forums come out with.

...and some of the bitter older ones who refuse to treat male pattern baldness or for whom treatments weren't successful.

 

[Beingbaldsucksass]

What about those who dident treated it and lying to everybody that bald is beutifull

 

[Benjamin36]

I guess a lot of guys may be comparing your situation to theirs, and if they are completely bald your hair looks perfectly fine to them.

I remember when I first realized I was receding, even though it doesn't look too bad it's the idea that it had started.

 

[fml]

I think there is a good point in the OP but also an unreasonable point. The good point is that yes, the person (assuming rational) who looks at the hair and feels the hair and styles the hair every day is far more likely to be correct than friends. Thinking back to my own situation, I noticed a change in volume and I started struggling to style it how I used to. (I actually didnt think much of it though and it did not register that male pattern baldness was the cause.)

However, I dont think its fair to tell people to stop discouraging treatments. People here are only doing as well as they can with what they see in photos. And if the last 18 months has taught me anything it is that amateur photos like the ones many of us here take are ABSOLUTELY USELESS. You cant tell what is going on with them and its pretty much pointless posting pictures here. But if you do post pictures here, you have to accept that people can only comment on what they can make out from the pictures. I dont think there is anyone here who is trying to sabotage others (except the propeciasideeffects.com types). I really doubt there are too many people saying not to start treatment when they secretly think you do need it. People are giving the best advice they can. But the responsibility is on the person posting the pictures. This place is no substitute for getting a proper evaluation by a professional. You cant complain that untrained friends told you you are not balding. You shouldnt have depended on their advice. What the hell do untrained friends know? Its your responsibility to get dependable advice.

 

[lobsterlobster]

Well, I'd just like to add that the "it could be worse" sentiment has helped me out a lot with my hair loss journey. I remember reading someone who said he spent a lot of time worrying about his hair loss while it still wasn't too bad. And when it got even worse, he wished he enjoyed his hair back when it wasn't nearly as bad. I'm doing what I can as far as treatments go, but I'm also trying to be thankful for where I'm at--which, I guess, is still the beginning stages of hair loss, and could be a lot​ worse.

 

[Thom]

So true man. When I first started, the person who cut my hair constantly told me I had nothing to worry about. If only I had trusted my instincts. I still saved a lot but I wish I had gone on finasteride earlier.