My Hairline Started Changing at 15 Years Old

Dear Dr Rassman,

I am male and aged 18. My dad receded in his early twenties, while my maternal granddad kept his mature hairline into his 70’s. I noticed a change in the corners of my hairline and have read your articles on the maturation of the hairline which I have found very informative. I noticed hairline changes in the corners probably since I was about 15-16, and the changes since then are negligible, and there is no noticeable miniaturization.

My question is, is it likely that I have experienced the maturation of the hairline in such a short period of time, at such a young age, or is it more likely that I am balding? My temples
are about an inch from the crease when i raise my eyebrows. I’m not sure how revelant it is but I also developed body hair before my peers. Would you recommend I wait and see if its balding or start treating?

Thanking you in advance

Your question is complex. Simply, balding can start as early as 15, but it would have to show miniaturization if it is the genetic form of male pattern baldness (MPB). Hair does change in character from pre-teens to teens to early adulthood and throughout the maturing process into old age. Generally, hair becomes finer over time, usually not very fast in the teen years, but it might change faster in some young people than others.