Gadgetine

Losing My Hair At 23. How I Really Feel.

truthfulexpression

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Words are powerful, so i really want to hit home with how i feel in this article.

I'm 23 and noticed that my hair was thinning three years ago. I had the thickest, wildest hair going and it was something i really enjoyed having. However, i had to shave it short in order for my hair to look reasonable.

Three years later and my confidence has hit an all time low. My hair line has receded far back and the hairs at the front are like wisps. My sides grow at different lengths and have some patches missing. I went to see a dermatologist this week and he prescribed the me famous Propecia. I'm very health conscious and hate taking drugs. I took Propecia 3 years ago, very briefly, but stopped immediately when i felt my nipples were becoming sensitive.

I don't really know what to do. Do i take this drug that has links to sexual dysfunction, breast enlargement depression, facial hair thinning and potential fat gain? I wonder how many celebs must be on this drug? I wish famous people would open up about it so that it would give the rest of us some insight as to how they cope with this situation.

I have felt very depressed recently. Life seems dull and i am uninterested in going out or socialising. Everyone is happy and i feel like i can't fake that. I can't fake being happy around people when I'm devastated and drained on the inside. I would rather be at home, lying in bed letting the time pass.

I had a relationship end not too long ago and I'm sure my hair loss played a part in the ending - 'the loss of attraction' part.

I have landed myself a good job and recently i thought f*** it why don't i just take a razor to my head and shave every hair off. However, i am client facing and i think my new team will be shocked if i do that.

I'm really unsure what to do and how to cope with my emotions. I may not look it but i am a very self conscious and sensitive man. As a young gay man in a big city its hard not to feel insecure about appearance when everyone is soooo obsessed with it. I feel loosing my hair is taking away my appearance, attractiveness and self confidence.

I know some people have the mentality hair is just hair - who cares! However, i am not one of those. Some people understand and some are void of any emotion with regards to this topic. This isn't a sympathy post. I thought i would just be really honest as to how it is affecting me. I'm sure there are others too.
 

kj6723

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I feel you bro. The struggle is real, made even more difficult by the fact it's a battle we must keep to ourselves due to the stigma of men fighting hair loss. These forums are a good place for blowing off steam in that regard, but there's also a lot of over the top pessimism, so take it all with a grain of salt.

Direct positive energy towards interests and hobbies, find some if you don't have any.
Keep fighting the fight: Meds, saving $ for a transplant, etc.
 

xetudor

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All medications have side effects for some people, you've probably took some and didn't even think twice because your doctor recommended it. But not wanting to take Finasteride is also reasonable if you're not comfortable with the idea. You can try minoxidil, some people also recommend ketoconazole shampoo, I don't know if it helps.

You should accept your hair will never be the same (although some revolutionary treatment might come in your lifetime) and go for a hair transplants + concealers. You don't have to look perfect, just good enough.
 

Wolf Pack

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Because there is no set rule. Too many variables that will determine whether long/short/medium is best. For example:

-existing thick hair
-curly/wavy hair
-forehead being too wide/high
-skin colour
-hair colour
-race
-age
-head shape

Sometimes long can look disgusting if it's a really bad comb over. Experimenting and asking for feedback is best.
 
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