Hi Dr. Rassman, Im a 19 year old male who has been losing his hair quite quickly since the age of 18. I honestly had VERY thick curly hair all through my life honestly had a huge curly afro like the guy from american idol when i was about 16. And now my hair on the top of my head and my crown has thinned and a bald spot is coming in. my question is, even at 19, could you get a successful hair transplant? You honestly can plainly see the balding pattern that im getting by visual and its the same pattern as my grandpas who im almost positive had more hair than me still at 30 but he is now completely bald. I was just wondering if at 19, it is virtually impossible to rethicken the hair. My hair loss is not insane but you can see the Horseshoe balding pattern and easily notice my thin crown spot. Please any positive advice, this is really really depressing me in such a horrible way. i would think since you can so easily see my balding pattern id be a good candidate for HT. always my back and side hair is still extremely thick and in good condition

If you have genetic male pattern balding as you describe, you may be a great candidate for Propecia (finasteride 1mg), but hair transplantation would likely accelerate further balding. I realize that in your urgency to regrow your hair, you’re wanting to do whatever it takes. But unless you are completely bald already, I would generally advise against a hair transplant for someone your age. This is a decision that will stick with you for the rest of your life, and is not something you should be rushing into. You need to see a doctor and have a good physical exam and educate yourself on hair loss options and then develop a good Master Plan for your hair loss management. Hair transplants can be part of a Master Plan if indicated and done at the appropriate time.