So here's my story: Around 20/21, friends and family started occasionally making remarks about my 'balding'. I have always had a large forehead (almost 5 head) and a large cowlick, so I disregarded it. Life went on, and in college I pulled pretty well.

On an almost weekly basis then, someone would remark that I looked like Leonardo DiCaprio, be it a stranger or familiar. Now, I don't know what you all think, but I took this as a compliment. My confidence was sky high - being compared to a movie star who pulled 10s like nothing! For the majority of my college years (at a party school) I pulled pretty well, without ever having to try.

My senior year, things changed. I'm not sure if it actually changed or I finally acknowledged it - looking backing now, I think it was the latter. As previously mentioned, for a few years people had commented on my balding, but I brushed it off. Sub-conscious hamster-ing, combined with (what I though was) a healthy dose of narcissism and vanity, I denied this as long as I could. Day after day, I looked in the mirror and found myself unchanged. It wasn't until a breakup and several VERY unnecessary comments from family members that I even began to fathom what was happening. Suddenly that vanity and self-assurance was shattered. I looked in the mirror and did not like what I saw. Losing my hair was an enormous blow to my confidence.

I feel like no less of a man without it - if anything I feel manlier. That being said, this isn't a route I would have chosen. I started taking Finsasterade and Rogaine around 21. Since that reality check, my self-confidence has been completely shattered. I don't know what to do, what to think. I feel so fucking shitty all the time. I still have my hair, but it's fading fast.

I don't want this sounds like some sob story - based on maternal and paternal genetics, I know I'll be bald by 26, optimistically.

Overall, I'd like to know how it's been for fellows in the same boat. I will be 23 soon, 6' & 180lbs - running was my primary exercise. I've been lifting, as well continuing running, but I know I need more lifting.

TLDR: Young balding guy seeking advice from people who can relate. Also, if you read that ^ that you are a champ, thanks