How Long Does The Balding Process Take?

I am a 27 year-old male from Toronto, Canada. I have a family history (faternal family and partenal family) of MPB. In the summer of 2005, my stylist informed that I was thinning at the top/front. I was in denial as I have used lots of gel or similar styling products and have been able to see my scalp. I later noticed the front thinning a little, but did not really care as it did not seem to be serious. In late December 2005, my uncle asked me if my hair was thinning (which he has always done b/c of the gel) and my aunt said that my hair was thinning from the crown….my sister said she noticed it as well. The next day I asked my barber not to use styling product and he said that would be good b/c of the thinning on the top (the first time he has mentioned it since the summer!!!). Needless to say I am no longer in denial BUT I WANT TO TAKE ACTION AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE.

I am going to speak with my family doctor about propecia/proscar. I have bought rogaine (2%) but will wait to use it, as I would like to see the doctors say and b/c of your advice to start out with one remedy so that I can know what is effective. I have also bought nizoral (2%). The rogaine seems like a pain to use. I am a very very busy young professional.

I have a few questions:

1. do you have suggestions for a good doctor in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (preferably downtown core) where I can get miniaturization done?
2. how long does the balding process take? I am concerned that I will lose a lot more hair before any medication kicks in. I would BE QUITE HAPPY IF I COULD MAINTAIN MY CURRENT HAIR for the next 8 – 10 years as I love my locks.
3. Is avodart available in Canada?
4. do you recommend any particular thickening shampoo and styling product? I want to avoid the revivogen and stuff like that.

Thank you for your help.

1. Check with the ISHRS for a doctor near you by using their physician search.
2. The balding process varies with each person. The reality is that very bald men are usually on their way to that diagnosis well before their 29th birthday.
3. If you do have genetic hair loss, Propecia or Proscar (broken down to 4 parts of a tablet) is more appropriate than Avodart at this time. That being said, I do not know of the availability of Avodart in Canada.
4. I don’t believe that styling shampoos or any topical agents will help.

It sounds like genetic balding is the diagnosis, but I couldn’t properly determine that without an examination. As you know, we tend to follow our family patterns, which also includes the rate of balding. Find out who you take after, and you will have a better idea of what may happen if you do not go on such medications as Propecia.