Significant Thinning on the Side Hair??

[Smartone84]

Hi guys. 36 year old male here been thinning on top since I was 23. Currently an early NW5 and things continue to get worse but I am planning to go for a hair system soon so that is the point behind this all. Never been on finasteride. Just Rogaine in the crown which I think may have slowed down loss a bit. Over the last year though as my temples and front have gotten very bad, I began to take notice of my SIDE hair looking a little more thin than usual once I start growing it out. I almost always keep it short with a fade haircut (i.e. 1 or 2 guard) but if I let it grow for 3-4 weeks it starts looking like absolute sh-t unless I wash and style it perfectly. This photo below while not me, is a near exact comparison to what I'm dealing with on my sides...

So now I'm nervous. Just what the hel is this? "Retrograde" alopecia?? Will this progress to the point where it gets much worse? My Father is completely bald on top but has the thickest sides you've ever seen. Suddenly now I'm not only losing it on top but apparently on my sides as well. The back of my head is MUCH darker (donor area).

I'm a healthy guy though my diet has been slacking lately. Also was diagnosed with hypothyrodism back in 2010 however it never affected me all that much and after some lifestyle changes my blood levels went back to normal a couple of years ago, even to a bit of a surprise by my doctor. I've often thought about whether or not this accelerated my hair loss but I guess I'll never know. My entire Father's side of the family is bald men. Mothers side strong hair.

 

[Smartone84]

Bump

 

[Catagen]

You are NW5 so what is the issue?

 

[Smartone84]

You are NW5 so what is the issue?

Should have clarified that I plan on trying a hair system so that is the concern for my side hair. Thanks.

 

[whatintheworld]

It could progress to DUPA, which is an absolute KO in terms of not being able to even get a transplant down the road.

 

[Catagen]

Should have clarified that I plan on trying a hair system so that is the concern for my side hair. Thanks.

There are systems which completely cover the sides. Alternatively you could fade your sides and back or grow them out more for a system.

 

[Smartone84]

There are systems which completely cover the sides. Alternatively you could fade your sides and back or grow them out more for a system.

Yeah its strange I guess. When I fade my sides nice and tight/short it looks great, but the second the 3 week mark hits you can tell they are rather thin. Having lengthy side hair is always easier for blending in a system in my opinion.