Always had very fine hair but my hair loss really started in the last couple of years of high school (around 16 or 17). It probably didn't help that I was into perming my hair in the big hair 80's. In my 20's and 30's it grew progressively worse until I was bordering on Norwood 4. At age 39, my seven year old daughter tried to write on my head. When I asked her why, she said I didn't have any hair back there and that she wanted to put a tatoo of her name (7 full letters) on the back of my head. It was done in a sweet way, but that was the final straw for me. I distinctly remember that that is when I really decided to look into doing something permanent about my lost hair. Honestly, I wish I hadn't waited this long.

I was always self-conscious of the comments I would get about my hair loss. It made me feel older than I really was and it always bothered me that people would crack a joke about my receeding hairline or the balding spot on the back of my head. I typically would wear hats out when I could - basically to any casual public appearances. When I couldn't, I was always aware of the back of my head when talking to anyone. Heck, I would wait for them to turn around and leave just so I didn't have to have them looking at the back of my head as I walked away. Hitting 40 was kinda a wake-up call for me. When I reached 30, my receding hair didn't bother me too much, but when I hit 40, it was much harder to put out of my mind (call it my mid-life crisis, if you will). I decided I wanted to get serious about my hair loss and started looking into options.

Sure you can try the late night infomercials about this or that cream or pill, but Propecia and Hair Transplant surgery are the only real options for getting your hair back. I just stared on it, but from everything I've heard and read, Propecia helps to some extent. If you really want more dramatic results that will last for a lifetime, Hair Restoration surgery is the way to go.

Well, I just had hair transplant surgery done April 5th. But I can tell you that the experience was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be and I am happy with my initial results. I've posted a before photo and some initial after photos. I'm going to try to add some additional before photos and then I'll continue to update going forward.

UPDATE: Day 11 - I just had my sutures removed this morning. A bit of pain that nearly brought tears to my eyes a couple times but I got thru it. Doc said I had done a good job cleaning them and I probably would have been okay getting them removed at day 8 (a friday) as I had healed up nicely. Also had a bit of a trim to the from the on-staff hairdresser. She also helped with a bit of Toppik, and even gave me a bottle, to try to hide my new, lower hairline!

Day 25 update - Well I have returned to work, had a visit with the parents and other relatives that didn't seem to notice my new hair (or at least didn't ask me) and feel pretty good with where I am at. Reading others, I know that these are the dark days, as the new hairs don't really start coming back in, many of the newly transplanted hairs fall off and some of the existing hairs even go away for awhile (known as shock). Still, I am happy with what I know will be a much fuller head of hair in 3 to 6 months and I am trying to be as patient as possible during this stage. I'll try posting some photos but really, there isn't anything too exciting as I kinda look like what I did before I went in at this point. I know from here, it will get better and better!

Three Months - Well the guys on the blog are right about one thing. It's hard waiting for the growth. Getting some pretty good 'undergrowth' and the new hair line is really starting to come in. I didn't have my head shaved as I wanted to hide the new growth and, while I am sure there are some that are starting to look at me wondering, no one so far has come out and said anything. The hairs are still pretty short, having grown to about a quarter to a half inch thus far and since my existing hair is hiding a good portion of the growth, it looks more like my hair is 'thickening' underneath. I am able to style my hair forward and have let the existing hair grow a bit so the front hair line is mostly hidden. The real difficulty is on a windy day when my hair blows back. I have to be careful to make sure to push it forward a bit to hide the new hairs coming in. I have my follow up in a few weeks and I will get photos at that follow up that I hope to post. I know a lot of people have probably stopped in wondering what I look like, and looking at the photos I've posted there is a difference. Still, I will probably wait a few weeks to display my new looks.

Just passed nine months Ouch! I haven't updated this in like, forever! I am nine months post surgery and I have to tell you I am extremely happy with my new head. It appears that most of the growth has really started to come in and I am now just getting some thicker hair shafts and really starting to look where I thought I should be. I'll try to update with some new photos in the coming days. I just ordered a new computer (the one I have is like seven years old, so it was time!). It arrives this weekend and, when I get a chance, I'll upload some new photos.

Hair Restoration Surgery. Rather than taking Propecia, I've decided to go with the generic finesteride, and cut the 5 mg tablets in fourths to help save on the cost of the medication.

Three month update. I am stil taking finesteride, which with my insurance plan and cutting the tabs, only costs me $20 for a three month supply (not bad, eh?) and using the Resultz shampoo that MHR sells. There is a small amount of regrowth on some thinning side hairs and more baby hairs are coming back to life. I've thought about trying a minoxonil shampoo but haven't switched yet (something about how it smells turned me off way back when I tried using it). I want to see how the HT precedure and the finesteride work before deciding to go with a minoxonil shampoo. I know it can't hurt but if I am okay with the Resultz and finesteride, I'll probably stick with it for now.

For now, it has made me take some much needed time off of work and avoid everyone I know until the scabs come out (hopefully in six or seven days). I have some flexibility to increase that to 11 days if need be. I'll be updating to let you know how things progress.

UPDATE: Took 7 days off work, two weekends in there so today was day 11. With my new lower hairline, I was a bit concerned that people would notice. I used my existing hair and combed it forward. That along with some Topix seemed to hide most of the new growing grafts. I am really hopeful they will start to fall out (come back soon boys!) so that it isn't too obvious.

Three month update: I was on vacation a week ago and went waterskiing. After slaloming for a couple days, I was really sore and thought how out of shape I've become. Not fat (thank you high metabolism) but just not as fit as I was ten years ago. Really haven't worked out much at all the past ten years (that hurts to just say it) Anyway, my point is, I've started working out every other day. The day I don't work out, I run a couple miles (hoping to work up to a few 5 k or 10 k races!). I must say, I think the hair transplant procedure has helped my view of myself and really made me want to get back in shape. Next step? Trying to stop my bad habit of chewing! Seriously considering that too after doing it for nearly 25 years! So has it changed my life? I think so!

Research all the methods, consult with a few doctors, check their methodology and even if you are just considering it, I'd recommend going in for a consultation with a couple doctors. Most of them are professionals and will be real honest with you about what they can do for you. One more thing. There are a lot of very qualified, top notch independent hair transplant doctors. I am not hear to knock anyone but don't be afraid just because someone is associated with a so-called chain. There are some very good doctors there too and the power of their network (shared marketing expenses, greater visibility) is simply a way for them to make it more affordable. Short answer, look at the photos of, and talk to, former patients and be real comfortable with the doctor you choose - regardless of their affiliation or independence. It's kinda like Lasik only different. You only get one set of eyes and you only get one head of hair so research fully, be completely comfortable with your choice and feel confident that you are making the correct decision for you.