Thought I Was Going Bald, Then Thought It Was Just a Mature Hairline

Dr. Rassman, I wanted to ask you about how quickly baldness can set in. I’m a 21 year old male and I’ve noticed that my hairline has been receding over the last few months. Originally, I was convinced that I was going bald, but then I figured maybe it was only my hairline maturing (as the hairline is hovering just around 1.5 inches above the highest forehead wrinkle at the temples), but now I think it may be balding again. It has receded almost half an inch at the temples in about a month, so I want to know if I should expect it to continue receding at this rate, assuming it is baldness and not simply a maturing hairline. Thank you.

If you are balding, then you will have miniaturization leading to the balding pattern. Look to map out your scalp for miniaturization, especially in the frontal corners. The difference between a maturing hairline and early frontal balding can be difficult to spot. The onset of a maturing hairline usually takes a few years, but I have seen it start up and move more quickly. There is no rule you can use.