Can Propecia Possibly Thicken Hair or Is a Transplant Necessary?

HI Doc,

I am a 30 year old Hispanic male who is currently experiencing significant hair loss. I’ve always had thin hair, but recently it’s very noticeable. I also have scalp psoriasis and sometimes use shampoo that contains salicylic acid, which I know weakens hair shafts. My question to you is: Can I use something like Propecia to thicken my hair or do I need a hair transplant to regain thickness (fullness)? Also, If hair transplant is needed, how many grafts does it look like I need. Please help, I’m willing to do anything to get my hair somewhat back to normal.

I have attached a picture of my hair/scalp. I give you permission to post my pic if you’d like.

Thanks

Click the photo to enlarge:

Propecia (finasteride) does not “thicken” hair that is thinning due to medication, but works for those who have thinning due to genetic male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). The medication does not work to thicken transplanted hair but will often slow down or stop further hair loss. If you have early hair loss, it’s possible that Propecia could be helpful to even regrow some of the top and crown, but I wouldn’t expect too much regrowth in the hairline. You should really talk to a doctor about your options after an in-person examination.

If you want a telephone consultation, send good pictures with your hair pulled back and your frontal forehead wrinkled upward. That will show me where the hairline belongs. Just based on a single photo, I can’t tell you if a transplant is in your future or how many grafts you’d need.