Considering Hair Transplant: Minoxidil or Surgery for Crown Hair Loss?

My hair loss is on my crown. Most of the time I cannot see it, but I really hate how it looks at the barbers or in photographs. I wear a hat all the time. I have been taking fin for years and it has stabalised. I am now considering a transplant.

I have had two consulations with the same doctor over two years and I am procrastinating on pulling the trigger. I have fear around the recovery period and how it will disrupt my life, and also around being disappointed with the results. The doctor and clinic seem completely legit. I just have anxiety around the whole thing. My questions:

  1. Should I consider 6-12 months of oral minoxidil before considering surgery? I am not against getting some beard gains as a bonus. Am I just delaying the transplant by doing this? If I get decent results I could avoid the procedure, but I’m not wild about getting stuck on another medication permanently.

  2. I spoke with the doctor about “strengthening” my hairline as well as fixing my crown. My hairline is actually quite good for a man my age. I cringe when I see my crown, but I don’t mind how my hairline looks. Sure it could be thicker, but I’m adding a recovery area, using more donor hair, and “fixing” something that isn’t really a problem. But I don’t plan on getting another transplant ever, so maybe I should go all-in.

Oral min might be a good step to try for a few months before doing a transplant. It could help your crown without surgery, but you’ll need to continue it if you see results. Since your hairline isn’t an issue, focusing on the crown might be enough. Check out The Beginner’s Guide for more details.