I am a male and started to loose my hair when I was 18 yrs old and now I am 78 yrs old and have male pattern horseshoe shape baldness. I hate being bald. is there any solution for me? thank you
It’s never too late! I have performed hair transplants for men in their 70’s and 80’s. Here are two patients off the top of my head that have had surgery in their 70s:
Hi doc,
I am 26 years old and my whole life (Thanks to God) I’ve had a full head of thick hair, like Patrick Dempsey. Even now, my hair is very thick and full. I’ve noticed that my hairline has receded in the corners about 1 inch / 1 1/2 and my hair line in the front is still pretty similar to the one I had when I was a teenager. So my questions is that is the receding in corners normal . .. how much longer will it recede? I’ve noticed that in pictures that are 2 years older the angles are less receding than they are now . . . does the hairline continue to mature throughout your entire life? thanks!
The maturing hairline usually completes the process by the time you reach 30 years old, but there are always exceptions to this. There are some primates that develop a mature hairline or even balding when they pass puberty so we are really not that unique. Hair on your head will absolutely change as you get older, as most people find that the hair grows slower and finer to a different end length. The older you get, the more of these changes that you might see (not everyone, but most people notice it). That gorilla hair type that you may have had when you were 8 years old, will become a distant memory when you get to be 50.
Dr. Rassman,
I am about to turn 23 and recently (though I believe it started a year or two ago) I have noticed more and more that my hairline is thinning and receding. The recession isn’t in the dramatic “m” pattern, more of a general recession all the way across, though when pulled back can definitely see the edges going back further (the furthest on the left, the hairline all the way across has become a bit uneven and can see lone hairs as well as other thinned hairs).My main question is what your feeling on a hairline transplant would be for someone my age. I think I would be more than happy with a transplanted area about a half inch wide or so across the forehead(i’m not sure how many graphs this would approximate to…essentially lowering my hairline a half inch or so). The rest of my head, both behind the hairline and on the crown seem to all be fine. I know I saw a video on newhair.com which showed the results of someone 24 who had a transplant which prompted me to inquire for myself.
I greatly appreciate your time and information
I have transplanted hair in men of your age. There is no 100% applicable age rule, but there are some requirements that must be met, including:
It would be best to come to an open house event where you can meet with myself or Dr Pak, meet directly with a dozen patients who had the surgery, and view an ongoing surgery that day. There is no better way to do your research in my opinion.
I have a 11 year old daughter who has a bald spot in her head. She received this chemical burn when she was about a few hours old when she stopped breathing and they had to put an IV in her head. She has really dealt with this situation for the past few years but now she complains because she can only wear her hair one way. I have taken her to a dermatologist and they said that her follicules were dead and that she would have to have a hair transplant. I have been researching about microscopic follicular hair transplants and I think I want to have it done for her this summer. I really want to know if you think she is to young for this surgery.
Depending upon the size of the area, the treatment should be customized for that size and location. Some children develop very large areas of balding from such events and these may require more than a hair transplant. I would have to see photos of her to tell you what could be done (you can send them here and please reference this post in your email). Photos will remain confidential unless permission is granted to use them.
Hey doc, I’m an 18 year old male with a big forehead for someone my size, and it’s really bugging me. What option would be the best to remedy this for a guy who is my age, who is not balding or has ever had any form of hair loss, whose father did not start balding until his 50s, and who only needs to lower his hairline by 1-2cm?
I know that my two choices are forehead reduction surgery (but I’m kinda wary about the possible visible scar if I start balding), and hair transplantation. Which would the costs generally be for each option for a hairline 1-2cm lower?
At 18 years old, you really won’t know if you will bald, so if you move your hairline down with transplant and should start to recede in the future, you will have a vacant space behind the newly lowered hairline. If you move down your hairline with a hairline lowering procedure and should bald, then the scar from the procedure may show as you continue to recede. Many surgeons will not tackle lowering the hairline on an 18 year old male. For women though, it is generally no problem!
The cost of either procedure (hairline lowering or hair transplants to the hairline) may run about the same.
Hi Dr. Rassman,
In your extensive experience, have you noticed if younger men have had more side effects from finasteride than older men? Thanks.
I don’t know the answer to this question. I would expect that the young man with a typical initial high testosterone level would have less side effects (of sexual nature) than older men who are more complex with erectile dysfunction (ED) problems that come with age.
Hi, I have read before that you will only do HTs on men who agree to take propecia, and are hesitant to do it on young people. I am 22 and cannot take Propecia due to side effects, but I now have a prominent bald spot in the front of my head. The thing is, I would be happy to get a HT very soon, and I couldn’t care less if it looks stupid 10 years from now and I have a visible ugly scar. It won’t look as stupid as being 22 with a bald spot at the front. This is the prime of my life, and I’m much more concerned with my physical appearance over the next 8 years than I will be for the rest of the years of my life. So why not do HTs on people like me? Of course I want an ethical doctor, but really your 20’s are when looks matter the most.
At the age of 22 (unless you are already completely bald) you would generally not be a good candidate for a hair transplant surgery, particularly with your attitude, which appears immature to me. Surgery can sometimes accelerate hair loss and you may look worse after a surgery. Hair transplantation is a permanent process. 10 years from now you will be 32 years old and you will definitely care how you look. Three of the contributing editors on this site are in their 30s and I don’t believe any one of them would agree with your comment, “I couldn’t care less if it looks stupid 10 years from now and I have a visible ugly scar“. Even at 64 years old, you will care how you look. Trust me. I have seen plenty of men with your mentality who regret having had a bad surgery in their early twenties and having had accelerated hair loss.
I am not saying you should absolutely not have surgery, because I do not know your specific situation and degree of hair loss, but there has to be some maturity and understanding and realistic expectations with a hair transplant surgery. You should start with a good consultation with a doctor you trust. If it seems that I have been harsh with you, it is because I’m not trying to make a sale, but I am absolutely certain that 90% of the hair transplant doctors out there would love to get your money.
If Propecia eventually can’t stop the natural hair loss progression, then how does that explain it growing hair again in people who take it?
Every drug has limitations. Propecia (finasteride 1mg) has its greatest effect in the first two years, but it’s important to note that it still works even after those first two years by slowing the hair loss. The drug may reverse hair loss in younger men, particularly if the loss occurred within the past couple of years.
My little nine year old cousin has a bald spot on the top of her head near the back right side. She has never had this before but a couple of weeks ago she lost her father and I think it might be from stress. Is this possible or is she to young to be stressing? The bald spot is as big as a dime. Is it normal cause she is still little?
I cannot say what your cousin has or why she is losing hair. She needs to be examined by a doctor. Patchy hair loss can be from other medical conditions and in her age group, ringworm would be at the top of that list.
I’m writing on behalf of my mother in law, a 59 year old african american woman. Her hair never seems to grow and she hasn’t gotten a haircut in a long, long while. Can I get your thoughts on “Short Hair Syndrome”? This sounds like what my she is dealing with, but I can’t find any further info on it. Is it even real? The site is https://www.lisaakbari.com/SHS.html
From a medical point of view, or as a physician involved in hair loss for over 15 years, I do not recall ever hearing or reading about “Short Hair Syndrome”… but I can logically give you an explanation for it, assuming the the examination of the hair and scalp is normal and there are no medical problems lingering behind the scene.
First, I will assume that she has no miniaturization going on throughout the scalp. If she does, then short hairs will come about when the hair miniaturizes so that a diagnosis needs to be established. With respect to your mother-in-law whose hair is not growing much, she may have a very short anagen phase (growth phase) of the hair cycle. A short growth phase could produce healthy, but short hairs. Of course, she should see a dermatologist or her primary care physician to see if there are medical issues that are causing such problems.
Is it possible for a laser comb to do damage to hair or scalp? I’m female – senior citizen. I’ve been using laser comb for a couple months and my hair seems alot thinner, plus it goes in all different directions. I can’t seem to fix it anymore. I am not trying to put blame – a person with hair loss will try anything. I’m just asking for your opinion. If the comb has done damage, it is my own fault. Please answer. Could the comb be too warm for some people.
I have not heard any reports that parallel yours. I personally do not feel that the LaserComb (or similar) does much more than line the pockets of the company’s owners.
My question concerns an unreported side effect of Propecia that has never been discussed on this website…I really feel alone on this one and am really depressed about my circumstance. I am 17 years old and recently started taking propecia for my hairloss, but had to stop because it causes me to constantly unrinate and gives me a burning sensation down there (which cannot be tolerated). My doctor told me to stop taking the medicine because of this, but now I am at a loss for what to do to stop my hairloss. Have you ever heard of this and what do you suggest I do so that I don’t lose my hair? Thank you so much for your response.
The usual report with some older men on Propecia is that their frequent urination (particularly at night) will decrease. This occurs because the prostate will frequently shrink on Propecia (finasteride 1mg) and in older men, swollen prostates cause urination problems.
From what you are describing, I would think that you have some other problem. First, you can stop taking the Propecia and see if your urination problem goes away. I would be surprised if it did. If I am correct, I would look for Chlamydia and other forms of prostatitis. Go back to your doctor after you stop taking the drug for a week, particularly if the problem persists.
Well I just turned 16 today but a few weeks earlier i started to notice my hair thinning on the left side of my head. When i was in school last year i had a bald patch show up by itself like completely bald. My mom took me to the doctor and they gave me this betamuthisone lotion stuff. i used it but i don think thats what made it grow back. Now im noticing this thinning on the left side and im scared im going bald. could it be maturing of my hairline? My hair is not thinning in the crown. Im going to have my mom take me to the doctor soon.
knowing that many others are having the same problem does no calm me down whatsoever. i wanted to know if i should use rogaine or take oral pills which id like very much because i know its good to do something about it this early. So im glad i noticed but maybe it because i stopped working out vigorously? I was on the wrestling team thi year and its extreme conditioning and my hair was growing really thick and fast when i was in it. now that im not in wrestling and lay on my bed im wondering should i start up again myself? My pubic hair growth has slowed as well. please tell me if i should take propecia or any of that.
please dont tell me not to worry because i will even if you say not to. im just curious as to what i should REALLY do about it.
Betamethasone is a steroid cream that on occasion is used to treat itching. It is not good to use it regularly. Your doctor may have given you the medication to treat other conditions, but it will not grow your hair back.
Genetic loss can start early, even around the age of 16 (although it is not extremely common). I can’t tell you if your hairline is maturing without seeing what you’re talking about, and I doubt your lack of rigorous exercise is the cause for this. As for pills, Propecia (finasteride 1mg) is a prescription medication and you must meet with a doctor. The drug was only studied for age 18+, so that is the only data available. I’m not your doctor, and I can’t just tell you what you need to do without examining the problem. I would definitely see a doctor in-person to know what is going on.
Good luck and happy belated birthday.
If I’m prescribed Proscar for BPH, will it also help my thinning hair? Will the 5mg dose of finasteride be too much? I wanted to start taking propecia (or 1/4 Proscar pills) but now that I’m getting treated for BPH I’m wondering if I can kill two birds with one stone. And is it ok to ask my urologist for Proscar based on that? By the way, I’m a male in my mid twenties and have mild BPH. Any info would be great. Thanks
BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) in your mid-20s is very unusual, as it is a condition of older men. It is more often prostatitis in the young man.
Yes, taking 5mg of finasteride (Proscar) for your prostate issues is as good as 1mg of finasteride (Propecia) for hair loss. You can kill two birds with the one stone. Certainly discuss this with your urologist, as like I said, BPH is not common in someone your age and may not be what you have. If your doctor doesn’t indicate Proscar for your condition, you should likely be on the 1mg finasteride for your hair loss. There’s no need to take both, though… unless you love the higher potential for side effects. Call it a hunch, but I doubt you’re looking for an increased risk.
Hello doctors,
I was doing some background research on Propecia (finasteride) and i came across some information that i wanted to seek out your erudite opinion about.The information i came across about finasteride suggested that it may be counter intuitive to use DHT inhibitiors in young men who have no prostate problems ,because of the androgen effect it produces as related to estrogen increase. There wasn’t really too much said about that as far as the harms it could potentially cause, but i was wonderin? What about gynecomastia? Are any of these concerns of statistical relevance?
I do not believe that Propecia (finasteride 1mg) causes clinically significant increases in estrogen. I also do not believe that any possible estrogen increase is the cause of breast cysts (gynecomastia) when they appear as a rare side effect of Propecia; the reason for this is still unknown.