Losing My Hair Is Killing Me, Mind Is Always In A Dark Place With No Light At The End Of The Tunnel

[BaldingRuinsLife]

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and this is actually the first time I've ever ever posted on a forum regarding my hair loss.

 

[KO21]

Hey man,

I can sympathize with you to a certain point that's for sure. We all can here.

I have been on finasteride for 9 months and my hairline continues to reced at an alarming rate. I hate looking in the mirror, I feel like I'm losing myself. My identity litterally going down the drain. I'm embarassed for me and my girlfriend, who has to watch me lose my hair everyday and turn into someone she eventually, if not already, isn't physically attracted to anymore. It's ruining me. I avoid pictures, swimming, wind, rain. It's hard.

However, I've never had real great hair. So I can only imagine how it is for you. I just want you to know you aren't alone in this. We're all suffering here. This is a place where you can come and vent and bond with others alike. It's helped me the past year.

There are options , meds, hairpieces, hair transplants. There aren't great, but it's all we have.

Hang in there man.

 

[KO21]

Have you tried finasteride or dutasteride? Or a concealer?

Are you saving for a Transplant?

If it's affecting you this bad you need to do something.

Taking finasteride and using concealer everyday while planning for a transplant possibly in the future helps me get through the days.

My sister is married to an NW1 as well, and my best bud has the best head of hair I've ever seen. Then there's me, 25 and balding like its my day job.

 

[JMS97]

Hardly as bad as losing your hair in the PRIME of your life (twenties) considering in your situation you can just get a hair transplant (or multiple) and get on finasteride. And if you're scared to get on finasteride you're not too fussed I'd be on it now to PRESERVE a NW1 but I'm 19 and can't even grow stubble (if I was you I'd get a hair transplant get on finasteride, and potentially get more)

 

[lbj2]

Hardly as bad as losing your hair in the PRIME of your life (twenties) considering in your situation you can just get a hair transplant (or multiple) and get on finasteride. And if you're scared to get on finasteride you're not too fussed I'd be on it now to PRESERVE a NW1 but I'm 19 and can't even grow stubble (if I was you I'd get a hair transplant get on finasteride, and potentially get more)

Exactly. If this guy is actually serious about keeping his hair, he needs to at least try finasteride for an extended period of time. And don't be a hypochondriac about side effects, which appear to be quite rare based both on the available research, and the clinical experience of medical practitioners. You're also right that hair transplants are a less risky proposition in ones 30s.

 

[KO21]

If you value your hair, you should really try real meds for it. As for concealer, I'm a fan of toppik and use it regularly especially on my thinning hairline. It doesn't come out with sweat. I'm currently sweating my *** off in the gym with toppik in my hair and I'm fine.

At least you can say u made it to your 30's. I'm 25 and the hair loss is really taking its toll on me.

 

[F2005]

BaldingRuinsLives, your words sound like they are coming straight out of my mouth. Being an 80s rocker, my full head of long hair used to be my pride and joy. I'd stare in the mirror as I was styling it before I went out, and I'd smile such a sh*t-eating grin. But now that I am losing my hair, it has affected virtually every other aspect of my life. Praying that you would've died in your sleep, not having a girlfriend in over a year, and feeling inferior as well; they've all been the case with me. How else are we supposed to feel when a vital part of our physical attractiveness is being ripped away during a vital time in our lives? Our outer looks are a vital part of our identity and they have a direct correlation to how we feel. Before hair loss, I was very outgoing, secure, independent, thoughtful, and kind. Ever since hair loss, I've become withdrawn, angry, and depressed. I've even become estranged from family and close friends because of this sh*t. And like you, I've also had suicidal thoughts. And I've also developed terrible anxiety because of this. I become very nervous when I go out.

I also believe that hair loss can be triggered by something as well. Years ago, I went on antidepressants for a while. I really didn't even need them but I went on them because of the recommendations of others. And now, when I look through older photos, I see the early signs of hair loss in photos taken during the same year that I first started taking antidepressants. When I read that hair loss could be a very rare side effect of these antidepressants, my heart just sank. I didn't know back then because I wasn't looking for it. Also, like a typical fullhead, I never thought that hair loss would affect me this bad. But once I started to suffer from it personally, I realized how terribly wrong I was.

What we don't have in common is that plenty of people in my family experienced hair loss, but plenty did not. It's a mixed bag on my side. Also, I had other outer qualities that I liked about myself; I was always a very muscular guy. So it'd stand to reason that I could just grow a goatee, shave my head, and look like a bad-***, right? Wrong. Despite my satisfaction with my physique, I still want my head to look physically attractive. Couple that with my look for 80s rock, and you've got a recipe for disaster.

 

[blackg]

BaldingRuinsLives, your words sound like they are coming straight out of my mouth. Being an 80s rocker, my full head of long hair used to be my pride and joy. I'd stare in the mirror as I was styling it before I went out, and I'd smile such a sh*t-eating grin. But now that I am losing my hair, it has affected virtually every other aspect of my life. Praying that you would've died in your sleep, not having a girlfriend in over a year, and feeling inferior as well; they've all been the case with me. How else are we supposed to feel when a vital part of our physical attractiveness is being ripped away during a vital time in our lives? Our outer looks are a vital part of our identity and they have a direct correlation to how we feel. Before hair loss, I was very outgoing, secure, independent, thoughtful, and kind. Ever since hair loss, I've become withdrawn, angry, and depressed. I've even become estranged from family and close friends because of this sh*t. And like you, I've also had suicidal thoughts. And I've also developed terrible anxiety because of this. I become very nervous when I go out.

I also believe that hair loss can be triggered by something as well. Years ago, I went on antidepressants for a while. I really didn't even need them but I went on them because of the recommendations of others. And now, when I look through older photos, I see the early signs of hair loss in photos taken during the same year that I first started taking antidepressants. When I read that hair loss could be a very rare side effect of these antidepressants, my heart just sank. I didn't know back then because I wasn't looking for it. Also, like a typical fullhead, I never thought that hair loss would affect me this bad. But once I started to suffer from it personally, I realized how terribly wrong I was.

What we don't have in common is that plenty of people in my family experienced hair loss, but plenty did not. It's a mixed bag on my side. Also, I had other outer qualities that I liked about myself; I was always a very muscular guy. So it'd stand to reason that I could just grow a goatee, shave my head, and look like a bad-***, right? Wrong. Despite my satisfaction with my physique, I still want my head to look physically attractive. Couple that with my look for 80s rock, and you've got a recipe for disaster.

I hope you're doing alright today, man. I really do. The Vikings won their first game of the season for ya!

 

[Patrick_Bateman]

Everyday that I wake up I feel nothing but sadness because the night before I prayed that I would die in my sleep. Of all the things to happen to me I have to lose the one sole thing that I actually liked about myself?

You pray that you die in your sleep, yet you don't dare to try finasteride?

 

[Hangin'on Hair]

It started in my late 20's. But anyways, it sucks in your 30's too, trust me youll find out. If it didnt hurt so much balding and being in my 30's I wouldn't be on this forum. It sucks in your 20s, it sucks in your 30s, hell it even sucks in your 40s. Because no matter what age you are, you will always look like a freak when you are bald/balding, unless you are one of the very few lucky guys with
a nice head shape that suits it. I am definitely not one of those guys.

But yeah, Im not criticizing anyone who chooses to use propecia, but i just dont want to risk it especially with my history of reactions to medications in
the past. If there's side effects, I was always susceptible to them. But Im glad that it helps the people that it works for.

What do you guys think about the laser comb? Has there been any legitimate
positive results from using one? If so, is there a certain brand and model that works the best?

The laser comb is no use. Not enough laser diodes. I have been losing hair since my late 20's. I'm going on 41 now. Haven't gone the
pharmaceutical route, never tried.
I do use a laser helmet though. 3 times a week for 20 min a go.
Now, people around here will tell you they are useless, even though never trying it.
My helmet has about 250 diodes. That's a lot of energy flooding the scalp. I do believe it has slowed down my hair loss.
Been using it for about 3 and a half years now. I can honestly say my hair would be way worse if I hadn't been using it. Less hair fall and more thickness.
I'm going the more natural route as of now and just keeping my hopes up.
Do some research on laser light therapy for hair. There is a lot of info. And like finesteride, it has been FDA approved for hair.

 

[shookwun]

At least you were able to enjoy your teens and twenties


Privledged enough to start loosing in tour thirties.


What's your Norwood? 2?

 

[shookwun]

Laser therapy is bullshit. Most those helmets don't have diodes powerful enough to transmit any therapeutic effects. I'd reckon most ate just painted bulbs to mimic led. Most doctors won't endorse it because it's junk.

 

[shookwun]

3.

Just get a transplant, it will be the best investment you make. Make sure you are meidicating

 

[Patrick_Bateman]

Just get a transplant, it will be the best investment you make. Make sure you are meidicating

Spoiler alert: he does not dare to even try finasteride. Even though he prays he dies. I feel sorry for him losing his hair like everyone else here on HairLossTalk.com, but cmon.

 

[Hangin'on Hair]

Laser therapy is bullshit. Most those helmets don't have diodes powerful enough to transmit any therapeutic effects. I'd reckon most ate just painted bulbs to mimic led. Most doctors won't endorse it because it's junk.

No. My helmet has the exact same medical grade diodes that the clinics use.
And here we go again with people calling bullshit after never probably trying.
This place is full of negative, angry people. And I do understand why. This is a serious,touchy subject to everyone.
Well, it is to me too.
And don't give me this " well, at least you got to enjoy your 20's" bullshit.
Hairloss at 30, 40 even 50, to someone who cares about there appearance is just as devastating.
People around here think hitting the age of 30 is like being elderly.
Trust me, you're not much different in your 30's than you are in your 20's.
If you take care of yourself you can preserve your appearance. Except for your hair,if you're losing it. Obviously.

 

[CopeForLife]

No. My helmet has the exact same medical grade diodes that the clinics use.
And here we go again with people calling bullshit after never probably trying.
This place is full of negative, angry people. And I do understand why. This is a serious,touchy subject to everyone.
Well, it is to me too.
And don't give me this " well, at least you got to enjoy your 20's" bullshit.
Hairloss at 30, 40 even 50, to someone who cares about there appearance is just as devastating.
People around here think hitting the age of 30 is like being elderly.
Trust me, you're not much different in your 30's than you are in your 20's.
If you take care of yourself you can preserve your appearance. Except for your hair,if you're losing it. Obviously.

lol imagine life without youth when you hit 18 and people give you 30 because of hairline of old man

youth was robbed from be cause of hair loss

even I'll fix it soon I will always live without my teens and 20-s

 

[FootyStar]

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and this is actually the first time I've ever ever posted on a forum regarding my hair loss. I guess I'm just looking for people who can comfort me psychologically, just knowing that I am not alone in this hell.

I am in my mid 30's. My hair has been falling out steadily for last 8 years. The first few years it was so slow and unnoticeable that I didn't worry too much. But after all these years I've lost so much that now I cant even hide it anymore.

My hair used to be so thick and full into my late 20's, to give you an idea think about john stamos, thats what my hair looked like. I would spend 5 minutes every morning gelling it up, making it look perfect. When I would be out in public, although I've never been a stuck up or conceited person, I would always check out my hair in a reflection or mirror. Occasionally people would even tease me when they would see me do it. "Stop checking yourself out, your hair is fine!". I loved my hair. It was actually the only thing I loved about my physical appearance. Women/ex GFs used to always compliment my hair. I knew it looked good and I loved it. Whenever I styled it up GF's and family members would always tell me i looked handsome. Not anymore...

Now, its just a former shell of itself. Its following the typical thinning on top pattern that will eventually lead to the full horse shoe. I avoid going outside, avoid the rain, don't go swimming anymore, cant stand to see myself in a reflection or mirror, never take pics anymore, etc. Its so embarrassing and soul crushing. And I never saw it coming before it started as there is literally no bald people in my family on either side. Both my grandpas died in their 80's with NW2 hair. For a while I tried minoxidil, saw palmetto, biotin, etc., and they either didn't work and/or caused side effects.

Everyday that I wake up I feel nothing but sadness because the night before I prayed that I would die in my sleep. Of all the things to happen to me I have to lose the one sole thing that I actually liked about myself? I've wondered if maybe I had done something in a previous life that I am being punished for. I would take a huge scar on my face, I'd trade hair loss for having a toe amputated, I'd take losing 3 inches in height even, anything.. Its not fair. Im in my 30's, the time in my life where i should enjoy having an established life and being happy, but no, all it is is despair and loneliness. I haven't had GF in over a year. Women don't look at me the same. Actually when your bald they don't look at you at all it seems. I feel inferior, less than human, pathetic. I hope my time in this life ends soon because I cant imagine living another 10, 20, 30 years of being chronically unhappy and devastated because of this curse. My anxiety is so high because of this. Sometimes I'll just sit deep into my thoughts and it hits me "Oh my gosh, its really happening to me, I'm going to be bald", then my heart races and I get short of breath. Its almost unreal that its happening.

And I do believe that in some cases male pattern baldness can be triggered by something. When I first started losing my hair is right after I was in a car accident and was in the hospital for 3 weeks. I lost 90 lbs afterwards, and my hair started falling out. Up to that point I had never had any sign of hair loss whatsoever. And the fact that my dad still has all his hair and he is in his 60's, he's literally an Norwood 1.5 maybe.. it just kills me. My family members just act like I need to get over it, but they'll never understand unless they go through it themselves. My sister's husband is like an Norwood 1. Most of my friends have their hair still. Everyone around me has full heads of hair. I just want it all to end.

With hair loss it feels like there is no hope for the future. I know i will never look handsome again, never look cool, never be me again. I can't cope with it..

Welcome! I'm really sorry you had to experience this crappy condition. I'm pretty new here too and the people here are very supportive and offer real advice and insight. I hope this place is able to ease your anguish like it has me.

By the way, did you know that the future for baldness right now is brighter than it has ever been? A doctor called Takashi Tsuji is pretty close to releasing what looks to be a full-blown cure to Androgenetic Alopecia in the near future, plus you also have Histogen, Replicel and other companies aiming to scientifically-proven treatments in the coming years.

Don't lose hope yet!

 

[Notcoolanymore]

Right now the only thing Im doing is scalp massages and eating lots of greens like kale

I've experimented in the past with oriental massages and such. The only growth I ever experienced was with my pecker.

 

[Hangin'on Hair]

lol imagine life without youth when you hit 18 and people give you 30 because of hairline of old man

youth was robbed from be cause of hair loss

even I'll fix it soon I will always live without my teens and 20-s

I know what you're saying. Being robbed of your hair at a young age sucks.
My hair loss started a little later. But to me, it's still no different now at 40.
I'm a bachelor. I still like to go out to bars and clubs on the weekend. I still like to chat up the ladies. But with this hairloss, I'm more insecure now. And that can suck at any age.

 

[I.D WALKER]

I've experimented in the past with oriental massages and such. The only growth I ever experienced was with my pecker.

So they took your generous tip before they satisfactorily handled the job?
You might try contacting the Better Business Bureau.