I need advice about my hair loss because I'm pretty lost about what to do. I am 21 and realize lots of other guys my age are losing their hair, especially from browsing various forums around the net. I realize that its a standard problem and that hair loss comes hand in hand with aging, but it really bothers me nonetheless. I have no problem with going bald when I get old but 21 is too early! My hair is significantly thinned on the top and I have about a nickle sized spot on the back of my head. Even worse, my hair sheds a lot and its pretty gross to constantly have hair around my room and bathroom and tedious to have to clean it up daily. I don't know what solution is right for me, and before I go to see a doctor (if I decide to see a doctor) I definitely need some advice. I realize there are various medications and pills to stop hairloss, the problem is I'm currently a college baseball player, so any medicines I would take that would lead me to fail a drug test (any kind of steroid) or anything with potentially damaging side effects would be out of the question at this point. I also am somewhat strapped for cash.

Hair loss wasn't something I saw as affecting my life as my dad and other relatives lead great lives without hair. It just bothers me that I'm losing significant amounts of hair this early. I'm a huge baseball fan and play baseball so I'm always wearing a hat, but sometimes I avoid social events just so I don't have to show my hair. My hair used to be my defining feature (I'm Italian!) and now its quickly going away. Am I a lost cause because of current restrictions from medicines and not much money or is there something to do to at least get me started?
Any help would be appreciated.

My hair is also very very curly so some of my receding hairline in the front doesn't show but I still have a spot on the back and my hair is noticeably thinner

Hi Tony

I remember when I was 23 and started losing my hair.. It was everywhere!! Not fun to clean up the hair and watching it fall out, and I feel for you. At this point you have two non surgical options

Propecia - pill ( non steroid)
Minoxidil - Foam or spray

This should halt your hair loss which it does in many..

You could also try Nizoral or Revita shampoo which wont regrow hairbut may have SOME positive benefit marginally

Couple thoughts:
1) Don't rule out the meds options. I understand that you may not have a lot of cash at the moment, but there are some cost effective solutions if you are a med-therapy candidate. Retarding hair loss, if it bothers you, can be a good investment.
2) If you are thinning, remember you are not bald. In fact you may be one of the few people that sees that you are losing your hair. It would be a shame if your thoughts were to become consumed with hair loss when you do in fact have hair. I would look at meds, if appropriate, and perhaps some concealers, and try to enjoy what you've got.

BTW, you are wise to check in with your doctor about your concerns!