Hi, new to this forum, hoping someone may be able to help me figure out what to do.

I'm 20 years old, with a history of Male Pattern Baldness in my family. It hasn't shown up until this year, I noticed while looking at old pictures that I've got a heavy widows peak in comparison to my hairline last year.

Now, I don't exactly have a lot of money, so I can't afford anything like hair transplants or the sort, but does anyone have any suggestions as to how I may be able to combat this case of MPB before it ravages the rest of my hair? And, is it possible to grow back the hair that I've lost in front?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

First and foremost I'd recommend you use the "find" feature on this site to do some research. Everything I'll mention to you can be researched more in depth here.........tons of info. One other thing, even though it's for financial reasons, I'm glad to hear you're not considering a HT........you're too young for it as there's no way at that age you can determine how far your loss will progress, therefore, you really can't make an educated decision on how many grafts you want and where you want them, understand?

There are three things I know of that can help you stop hairloss and possibly regrow hair:

• Minoxidil (aka Rogaine)
• Finasteride (aka Propecia or Proscar)
• Duasteride (aka Avodart)

Minoxidil is a topical solution that increases the blood supply to the scalp (among other things) and can help maintain or regrow. You can buy it at your local Walmart without a Prescription. The regimen is quite messy as you have to apply it twice a day and let it dry on your head. It can leave your hair feeling greasy. I think the Minox has come out with a foam which may be easier. I don't use it so I'm not sure.

Finasteride is a DHT blocker that blocks DHT Alpha Reductase II. DHT is what is attacking the hair on your head that is susceptible to Male-Pattern-Baldness. The hair on the sides and back of your head are not susceptible, only the hair on top. It is a pill that is taken daily to block the DHT. Over time, it is likely it will help you maintain the hair you have, maybe even regrow some. It is proven to be more effective in the crown but can work in the hairline (it did for me).

Duasteride is also a DHT blocker. It blocks not only Alpha Reductase II but also Alpha Reductase I. I believe Finasteride blocks about 70% total DHT, Avodart 90% total DHT.

Now..........you'll need a prescription from your Doc for Finasteride which is FDA approved to use for hairloss. Usually you'll get Propecia presrcribed for you which is a 1mg pill. You can ask for Proscar which is the same thing but in a 5mg pill, then quarter it with a pill cutter..........people do this because it's cheaper. Proscar is actually prescribed to combat an enlarged prostate..............so is Duasteride.

Duasteride is not FDA approved for hairloss. There can be side effects from taking Finasteride or Duasteride. The most common is a decreased libido. Studies show side effects in less than 2% of those who take it, but I think it's probably a little higher than that. You don't know until you try, it's as simple as that.

Now..........WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE...........IF YOU START TAKING THEM AND THEY HELP YOU KEEP HAIR YOU WOULD HAVE LOST WITHOUT THEM, OR HELP YOU REGROW ANY HAIR.........YOU'LL QUICKLY LOSE IT IF YOU STOP TAKING/USING THE PRODUCT. IT'S PRETTY MUCH A LIFELONG COMMITMENT SO BE SURE YOU'RE READY TO COMMIT BEFORE STARTING.

At this point, anything other than the above that says it will keep or regrow your hair is bogus.........I don't care what they claim. It will not have been PROVEN.

Hope this helps,