Any Significance if I Lose Hair at the Vertex First?

Thank you again for maintaining this blog. It’s very informative. I have two questions:

1. What does it generally mean when a man loses hair at the vertex first? I understand that every one is different, but do people who lose hair in the vertex and have little to no hair loss at the hair line tend to maintain their hair line? The Norwood scale suggests that hair loss usually begins with a receding hairline, with hair loss in the crown coming later. Also, I have noticed that men with receding hair lines generally state that they started to lose hair (in the front) in their early 20’s. Do men that make it to their late 20s with little to no recession tend to maintain strong hair lines, or have less recession?
2. I use minoxodil. However, I still have quite a bit of hair and don’t think it absorbs into my scalp very well. Even after 4 hours or so I can touch my head and my hands will be wet from the liquid sitting on my scalp. Should I use a scalp roller? I have read before that it may increase absorption. It seems relatively easy to use and inexpensive. So long as it does not cause any harm (or further hair loss) I would give it a shot. Thoughts?

Thanks again

1. Depending upon your genes, the balding may or may not start with thinning in the crown. If you keep your hairline into your 30s or so, you have a better chance that you will keep it — but some men do lose their hair later in life. I really can’t give you odds, as each case is unique. From your question, I am guessing that you’re losing hair in the crown and are worried about the hairline going, but I can’t provide you any clear comfort.
2. If you do not believe that regular minoxidil works well for you, try Rogaine Foam, which is reportedly easier to use and better on the absorption. I wouldn’t bother with the scalp roller until there have been some established trials that show it is worth using. Contributing author Dr. Bessam Farjo wrote about that recently.