I Think My Hairline is Receding But I’ve Always Had a High Hairline

First off, I would like to say that I have learned so much from your wonderful blog–thank you. I am a 22 year old male with a receding hairline but there doesn’t appear to be miniaturization behind where the hairline currently is. I don’t see any crown thinning either. What do you think about this? Unfortunately, I had a high hairline to start with. I first noticed this in late 2009 so it has probably been occurring for over two years. Should I get on propecia? I do have mpb, right? I am severely depressed by this situation and I appreciate your help–I want to be proactive and treat it. (I will send pictures in a few minutes with my name as the subject. You may use them on your site)

Genetic history: Early cases of mpb have almost no precedent in my genetic history. My dad, his brother, and their father all had/have sharp but intact hairlines with crown thinning that didn’t start until their late 30s and stopped after about ten years leaving them with a nearly bald crown area. My mom has no brothers neither does my maternal grandfather but he and his father both kept full heads of hair their whole lives.

I have no way to know if you have MPB (particularly since you said you had a high hairline to start with, the hairline could just be maturing from the high starting point). I looked at the photos and your hairline appears strong. The key is that I don’t have any older photos or measurements to compare to your current hairline.

I couldn’t tell you to get on Propecia, as that is a prescription medication and I’m not your doctor. You should take photos with your eyebrows lifted high so that the forehead creases heavily. That will help me tell if this is a change in the maturing of your hairline or just recession.

I wouldn’t suggest being proactive when it comes to treating hair loss, as you could end up using medication that you don’t need. I’d see a physician in your area (you can check ISHRS.org to find a hair transplant surgeon — they know hair, just don’t rush yourself into surgery at 22 years old).

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Update March 10, 2011: Photos from reader added. Click to enlarge.