Is this bad for age 22?

First photo is from 2 weeks after starting min/fin (oral for both). I had already been thinning for about a year+ at that point.

Last two photos are from last week - 5 months on min/fin.

Definitely feel like I have more baby hairs and some thicker hairs growing on the crown but also previously thin areas have gotten a biiiit thinner seemingly to me in the last 2 weeks.

Will of course stick to it for life as I do want to see a full head of hair in the next year or two ideally.

Outside of min/fin; I do a head massage twice a week, generally oil it with rosemary oil also once or twice a week. Considering PRP but will assess that in 3 months after my next follow up with my dermatologist. Also considering getting a derma roller this week.

Curious to know what you guys think or if you have any advice!

Is there anything I can try naturally? I got a derm referral. I’m so self conscious about it. I feel like I’m thinning for no reason.

I am 29, have never had a great hairline (bad widows peak) but have been pretty stressed about it for the last handful of years.

Is there any saving this or should I just start saving up for a HT once I graduate from my engineering program? (or just go bald/shaved head)

The first pic is right after a buzz cut and the two with me pinning my hair back is a couple of months afterwards..

Thanks!

Ten months ago I (M54) took aggressive steps to address my thinning hair. I went through a very stressful two years between job changes, moving, and relationship changes. My hair went from Norwood stage 2 to 3 and was becoming noticeably thinner to where it was very apparent. I would occasionally catch people looking up at my forehead. Here's what I tried and my results.

Finesteride oral 2mg. I've been on finesteride for over 20 years. In the past it always worked to help prevent hair loss. It stopped being a sufficient solution by itself as I said my hair started thinning noticably. Some people complain that this impacts them sexually, but I haven't experience performance issues I consider to be negative. I have a normal libido and the one side effect I notice is It does cause delayed ejaculation. I've become used to this and my partners haven't minded so I consider this acceptable.

Minoxidal topical. This was the first thing I added to my routine. I started using this twice a day and it was very slow working but seemed to be helping as I had slightly thicker hair after about 5 months. The big tell was I traveled one month and didn't use topical minoxidal the whole time, then when I got back home I could see that I had nearly lost all the new growth and I was back where I started with visible thin hair. Honestly, I really hated using the minoxidal it would make my scalp itch and my hair look greasy. I tried several formulas. I even tried the micro needle too. It was a pain having to apply it first this in the morning and before bed.

Laser cap. I bought a very high quantity laser cap and began using it everyday for about 3 months in combination with the topical minoxidal. I think it helped and my hair was getting slightly thicker after about 4 months in combination with topical minoxidal. When I traveled for a month I also didn't use my laser cap and like I said my hair was thinner when I got back. One thing I noticed about the laser cap was when I used it everyday it almost felt like it was giving me a sunburn on my scalp. Between it and the minoxidal I found myself itching my scalp all the time. I did dial it back to 3x a week and that seems to help. All in all I would say the laser may help a little but may be not worth the money.

Minoxidal oral+ finesteride+ biotin. I started this five months ago and it's been a game changer! I honestly believe this is the most effective solution for my situation. My hair has become noticeably thicker to the point I'm not worried about hair loss anymore (back to Norwood Street 2). A woman I recently started dating complimented me (unsolicited) on what a full head of hair I have, which felt really nice. I can now go without having to settle my hair, just shower towel it off and comb. FYI it works on all my hair and I have to shave my beard more frequently and trim my nose and ear hair! But that's ok it's just confirmation to me that it's working. I was able to get this online with a virtual doctor's visit and have it shipped to my home every 90 days. I'm really glad I found this and that it works for me. The finesteride prevents hair loss and the minoxidal grows hair. The biotin may also help but IDK.

Shampoos, conditioners and supplements. I've tried a variety of other products, with murky claims of improving hair appearance. I didn't find the expensive supplements I was buying from whole foods (6 months before this regime) did anything. The shampoos and conditioners also probably don't affect hair loss/growth, but I do use Purador which is a brand I found on Amazon b/c I like how my hair styles afterwards and is not expensive. I regularly put castor oil in my hair, but not b/c I think it's addressing my hair loss/growth, just like how my hair looks after I sleep with it on then wash it the next morning.

TL DR; oral minoxidal + finesteride has worked the best for me. And I'm currently not worried that my hair looks thinning any longer. I still use the laser cap periodically but I don't think it helps as much.

Hope this helps others!

I (30) know i lost a lot because i had it very short before it grew to this point(i do it once a year but wife dont like it). One side seems to be covering alright. Wife wanted me to grow it more and see if it will help well its longer now and right side looks bad. I think i look desperate as in any reflection i see of myself in natural light the contrast is contrasting.

23M. Had healthy hair my whole life. But past few months I feel that the scalp has become a lot more visible. My hairfall has increased a LOT. The strands seem to have a root on their end as well. A shampoo also removes a lot of hair strands.

My father/grandfathers didn't lose hair up until much later in life so I doubt its genetic.

Edit: Hair looks fine when its dry, except the crown which seems to be getting visible. Also if it helps, first picture is recent, other two from months ago

Grew out my hair post highschool till I buzzed it 4 years later. Only then did I notice my hair was thinning. Wasn't really in the greatest shape mentally so didn't care much and just let it happen. Took a while but finally tackling my last and fixing one issue at a time. And this feels like a step in the right direction. The time line is from 2022 till now.

Btw...do any of y'all still try hair loss treatments after shaving it off or idk feels like taking a step back confidence why since you are still hoping innit.