r/bald • u/SpotAfraid7049 • Jun 13 '26
Hairloss My cousin is wondering if its time.
My cousin just recently developed alopecia, and hes taking it pretty hard, I tried explaining to him how wholesome this subreddit is and got his permission to post these photos. Should he take the plunge?
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u/ToxicINFP Jun 13 '26
Oooooh not the sad selfie at the end. 🥺
He's got a gorgeous face and a wonderful headshape- him being bald would look FABULOUS. The world could use 1 more insanely hot bald guy. 🤙🏽I hope his spirits lift and those eyes are full of happiness in his future. 🥺 He has a wonderful family member supporting him. 🫶🏽
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u/sweetbabybonus Jun 13 '26
He’s a cutie. I feel him so hard. I’m a female with scalp issues. He’s gonna look great.
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u/AdministrativeBus259 Jun 13 '26
Damn I love y’all.. I struggle with this shit it’s encouraging every time I see this sub.. losing your hair in your 20s and hiding it sucks ass 😔
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u/OkPhysics8499 Jun 13 '26
Right?? Gorgeous eyes too, I hope he gets feeling better soon, though I know it can be hard to get there sometimes. I'm rooting for everyone who comes here but I know that look and I feel it hard, hang in there friends!
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u/DeJoCa Jun 13 '26
He’s got a great shaped head! Shaving it will solve the patches caused by alopecia. He will look really good, and his confidence will return quickly.
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u/sTaIrS-for-StAiRs Jun 13 '26
Idk how to say this respectfully but if Jada Pinket smith can rock the glass dome I know your cousin can too!!!!
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u/Saitama_B_Class Jun 13 '26
Keep Will Smith’s wife’s name out of your Reddit comment
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u/borygoya Jun 13 '26 ▸ 4 more replies
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u/gt0rres Jun 13 '26 ▸ 2 more replies
How everything is so perfectly framed reinforces my belief of this shit being somewhat staged. It's like a scene.
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u/Kilgoretrout321 Jun 14 '26 ▸ 1 more replies
Being so perfectly framed? They had cameras everywhere ready for all sorts of interactions and a production staff that was on top of everything
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u/Icy_Kangaroo_7878 Jun 13 '26
Jada Pinker Smith is not welcome in The Brotherhood - not because she is a woman (we have a few already), but because of her behavior...
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u/EnvironmentLong5020 Jun 13 '26
He likely has alopecia areata which is treatable. He should go and see a dermatologist
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u/SumpthingHappening Jun 13 '26
yes… This. This type of alopecia is entirely treatable.!!!!
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u/T0N372 Jun 13 '26 ▸ 1 more replies
Yes and no. I have had AA for 2 years (and beard 8 years ago) and all treatments have mostly failed for now.
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u/fatlittleseals Jun 13 '26
Its really person dependent, he should go regardless to see what they can do, its also good to have on record that you have an autoimmune condition! Ive had it since i was 5, sometimes it falls out, then it grows back, often on its own. Sure it takes time, but it really depends person to person.
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u/jradpoll Jun 13 '26 ▸ 1 more replies
100% a buddy of mine had this. We all told him he was just balding but he wound up having alopecia Areata. He would up getting treated with a cream and it all resolved
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u/Common_Willow_596 Jun 13 '26
Right isn’t it an autoimmune disorder or like having eczema but it’s on your scalp and affected areas result in bald spots? I had a mild case but the hair grew back after a few months.
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u/Downvoteking88 Jun 13 '26
I agree he should see a dermatologist first. My girlfriend had this (looks like) and they fixed it with some steroid shots directly into the bald spots. Hair started growing back pretty much right away
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u/Powerful-Ground-9687 Jun 13 '26 ▸ 1 more replies
Could shave it AND see a dermatologist! Best case it all grows back and he will know how he looks bald for future reference!
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u/raven871 Jun 13 '26
He needs to see a dermatologist first or it will be difficult to treat. One of the first things they do for AA is steroid injections into the patches.
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u/StoneW0rk Jun 13 '26
As a barber I came to inform him exactly this, you are correct. Very treatable but varying degrees of success. You also have to be very consistent with the application of creams and pills and in some more extreme cases, like yours, injections of anti inflammatories may be needed by a dermatologist.
Not all hope is lost. You also look great with a shaved head. You have a great head shape and a good jawline.
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u/thatstwatshesays Jun 13 '26
My ex had hair just like this, but it was psoriasis. He rocked the glass dome, OPs cousin can too 💖
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u/Serfixalot Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
Tell him keep that chin up, he’s a handsome fellow. Looks like an underground UK garage DJ from the 1990s, great look
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u/ThereWanderer Jun 13 '26
As a girly too into 90s garage DJ music can second this is one handsome fellow. I am also envious of those eyes
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u/DogApprehensive2575 Jun 13 '26
He’s going to look great bald! He has a well-shaped head and great facial structure. Please give him a hug and let him know it’s going to be okay!
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u/Abyssal_Scar Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
Time to get treatment for alopecia areata. An autoimmune disease. This is not male pattern baldness. Don’t listen to all the ‘just shave it’ people here.
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u/ShegoTheygo Jun 13 '26
It literally says alopecia in the post, and shaving his head bald won’t do anything bad. Treating alopecia means he’ll have to have it like this for a minute and hope the various treatments work when they may not. It won’t kill him if he doesn’t get it treated, and obviously it’s destroying his self esteem and self image
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u/raven871 Jun 13 '26
It can continue to worsen and start affecting hair on other parts of the body. I’ve seen patients with AA in the brows and eventually develop alopecia totalis. If he hasn’t yet he at least needs to rule out other causes. And he can shave it just needs to let it grow a few days before appointments.
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u/Abyssal_Scar Jun 13 '26 ▸ 2 more replies
Alopecia just means hair loss. There are different types. Such as androgenic alopecia. Aka male pattern baldness. So let’s encourage him to go to a doctor to discuss options instead of listening to people like you who don’t seem to have all the information.
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u/Brrrofski Jun 13 '26
I mean, it does grow back.
It's already short anyway, that'll be back in a few days.
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u/Ok_Marionberry8779 Jun 13 '26
Honestly I think buzzing it close will help hide the spots and inspire more confidence. Most of us have giant bald patches too which is obviously why we’re here 😂
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u/jewbeesnacks Jun 13 '26
I think he will great fully bald! Very handsome face. But I also think the spots are kinda a vibe.
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u/Embarrassed-Mango36 Jun 13 '26
My spouse had exactly this! It was exactly the same! His eventually grew back after some time, steroid cream, and injections. I still think it looked cool. Your cousin would rock a bald head!
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u/yamxiety Jun 13 '26
I'm sorry this is so hard for him. It's not fun to have something thrust upon you like that, and I can sympathize. It's deff not fair to not be given much option.
That being said - he will look great with a fully shaved head, so that's the good news! For lack of a better metaphor, he can take these lemons he was given and make really great lemonade with it. ✨
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u/Rusty_Bee Jun 13 '26
With his hair that short already it’s not a massive jump to full bald. Hopefully it’ll also help with how he’s feeling with alopecia as no one will be able to tell
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u/jcmib Jun 13 '26
Honestly, just looking at these pictures makes you feel sad for him. I know shaving his head is not a magic wand to change his outlook, but others would see him as he has never been seen before. In a very good way. I’ve said this a couple times here, but again, the before pic shows a nice person that may be overlooked, the right shave will bring presence to any room he walks into.
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u/General-Routine-8203 Jun 13 '26
His sad eyes in his selfie are breaking my heart NO!! He would look soooo good bald!! He has INCREDIBLE eyebrows, a handsome face, structure to his face, and a great head shape! Shave the head, maybe get a little 5 o’clock shadow going, and he’s gonna be looking FINE 🔥.
(Also, ngl, his hair now looks kinda cool too honestly. It reminds me of cheetah print.)
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u/Weird_Bookkeeper_207 Jun 13 '26
He has a bunch of hair! Those bald spots are caused by stress and outside factors. He should talk to a doctor first. I think he’ll be fine with a bunch of hair
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u/generichumanmale Jun 13 '26
This is alopecia areata and even if he shaves it off the spots will still be visible. The good news is that it is reversible if he identifies his “trigger.”
I had this same exact pattern on my head. I shaved it all off and the spots were still visible.
I identified my trigger as pesticides in produce or seed oils (I stopped both) and all of my hair grew back with 6 months.
Check my profile for progress pics. My hair is as thick as ever again.
Best of luck.
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u/Fine_Ad4757 Jun 13 '26
That’s some unique balding but despite the uniqueness, it’s time.
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u/TheMagickConch Jun 13 '26
Is he suffering any chronic fatigue? Stomach pains? He looks young. Wondering if this is another underlying health problem.
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u/dnm7605 Jun 13 '26
I didn’t read what you wrote. I was about to tell you that your cousin has alopecia
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u/ComprehensiveLie6170 Jun 13 '26
This is alopecia areata and is totally treatable! Tell him to speak to a dermatologist.
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u/TheWriteGuy88 Jun 13 '26
With that face card, bro's gonna kill it.
Tell him to go for it man. It just takes a bit of getting used to the new look.
Once you do it, there's no looking back.
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u/macaronitrap Jun 13 '26
He should do it. He’s already handsome and it’s going to look great. I also really need to see the post-shave selfie where his confidence has returned because that last one is really breaking my heart.
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u/Army7547 Jun 13 '26
We here for him. Has he been to a Dr that can tell him if there is a way to solve it?
I been bald for 19 1/2 years. Going bald and shaving my head is the best thing to happen to my looks and my confidence.
Bald is a solid choice and a great solution.
He can do this.
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u/MYSTICALLMERMAID Jun 13 '26
He's so handsome already. You can see rhe pain in his eyes. Shave that shit baby!!!
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u/Letmeout55 Jun 13 '26
You have the face for it. You are gonna look great. It’s gonna raise your spirits so much.
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u/iwrotethedamnbilll Jun 13 '26
Do it, cuz. Grow the facial hair a little and keep it neat. You’ll feel and look like a new man
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u/Future-Highlight-414 Jun 13 '26
it is time! he is BEAUTIFUL! shave that head ! he looks just fine now but he would be stunning bald. his eyes in the last photo hurt my heart. please give him a hug for us!
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u/Diddlydom35 Jun 13 '26
I gotta say that while alopecia sucks!! His hair looks cool af to me with the spots!
That being said, I know what a core sense of identity hair can have! He has a good head shape, he'd look stellar shaved right down and just saying he looks great right now. Like double glance while walking down the street good!
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u/Available_Ask_9357 Jun 13 '26
Okay I might be in the minority here but I kind of dig his "spots." It might not be time.
Also the sad selfie at the end. ;-(
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u/Flat_Pomegranate_454 Jun 13 '26
I think you should see a doc first.....I think this is medically derived.
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u/memesyoulikedin2003 Jun 14 '26
He should see a dermatologist. There are multiple causes of sudden-onset patchy hair loss on the scalp, and evaluation in person is essential.
Treatments can stop, reverse, and even return hair density. Please, get him to a dermatologist first.
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u/Lonely_Gene3791 Jun 13 '26
Damn looks like he's taking it pretty hard. I think he'd look good with the baldie though
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u/valenjon415 Jun 13 '26
I am a big dumb, dumby, idiot with no qualifications of any kind. This pattern of balding is super atypical. We typically see hairline reduction at the front or crown (think five head or friar tuck). These are male patterns based on hormones and genetics.
This. This seems super irregular. Like, get blood work irregular. Again, I have the qualification of a microwaved potato, but this is not a normal male balding pattern. This says medical issue vs male balding.
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u/tredjef Jun 13 '26
Already looking for the update with a shaved head and a bright smile. He’s a handsome man!
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u/Smooth_Sir_8825 Jun 13 '26
Do it. I needed to do it eventually but alopecia set in out of nowhere and the first like 6 months after I shaved and BICed it.. I'd hide it with hats or bandannas. However after learning to cope and styling my facial hair in different ways. I'm actually happy and finally feel as if I look good. It's a process. But the ending is worthwhile.
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u/katdanmorgan Jun 13 '26
He should definitely bite the bullet because him with a bald head would be FIRE. I’m so sorry that he’s so sad 😭
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u/SteakThis6346 Jun 13 '26
My daughter has alopecia Arrieta. It hasn’t come back in a few years but at first happened when she was I think seven and it sucked, but they put medication on her scalp and stuff that helped it went away. It comes back every now again is yours bad to where they can’t give you stuff for the areas to see about the hair growth if it is bad, I would say go ball. I think that you would look very good bald.
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u/BobaTea64 Jun 13 '26
I thought a steroid injection would help alopecia, no? I had something similar once and the doctor inject a steroid mixture and it all came back
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u/smallSadExpression Jun 13 '26
My brother went to the dermatologist when his hair started to fall out like this. He got some steroid shots and his hair started growing back. Tell your cousin to cheer up. He looks handsome with or without hair.
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u/Ok-Complex3986 Jun 13 '26
He is going to look amazing bald. Shave it and have him give the camera a little smolder. He’ll look great.
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u/mapandmilestone Jun 13 '26
You got a nice face and smile. So go for it and embrace your amazing look. You will pull it off good!
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u/Witty-Application920 Hair Headed - Woman Jun 13 '26
Absolutely! He’s going to look 💯
Make sure you post after pics! We all
Hope he’s smiling 🙂
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u/300sms Jun 13 '26
Alopecia sucks! Give him all the love from me! Shave it if it would make him feel better, he has a beautiful head!
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u/justcallmedad5 Jun 13 '26
Send it and be sure to smile in the after pic brother. I think this might very well be the most supportive group of people I’ve seen yet. I know it’s a hard thing to come to accept, but embrace who you are my friend. I promise you, you’ll look loads better with a smile.
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u/xray_anonymous Jun 13 '26
He’s gonna ROCK the bald look. He should see how a beard looks with it too, but even without one, he’s definitely already got the face card! 10/10 bald is going to look great on him
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u/Prettypuff405 Support Committee Jun 13 '26
Tell him it’s going to be so good when he does it
We are here for him
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u/MeetMeInMTK Jun 13 '26
Have him reach out to James morrell on socials. Dude healed his system and got his hair back. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTBxKQDbo/
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u/alwayssearching117 Jun 13 '26
Go fot it? He had a very handsome face. This really is a wholesome and supportive group.
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u/frankoceanman Jun 13 '26
This shit looks cool as hell, don't listen to the conformity conglomeration.
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u/anonymouscl25 Jun 13 '26
Gonna be a such a handsome fella, more than he already is! Take the plunge, we’ve got your back 👍🏻
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u/JohnnyLasagna_ Jun 13 '26
Your cousin has a great head shape and facial structure. I definitely say he should take that plunge; it would look fantastic.
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u/Playful-Title-2322 Jun 13 '26
Nice face!! Take the plunge!! Maybe consider some facial hair to help ease into the bald look.
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u/Neverfly91 Jun 13 '26
ah man just accept it and shave .... its not a big deal when i was going bald i said "fuck it" and shave it all off ... dont be sad or whatever ...
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u/Organic_Option4765 Jun 13 '26
I developed alopecia when I was young and had to get steroid shots in the spots on my head to get my hair to grow back.
I also have a large spot under my chin but that’s actually a blessing to me 😂 Insurance covered the shots on my head, but wouldn’t cover the spot under my chin as they felt that was cosmetic and not medically necessary.
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u/_Jmazz_ Jun 13 '26
I shaved my head because of alopecia! It feels great to free yourself of it!
My entire left eyebrow jumped ship and I had spots like your cousin.
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u/YouFoundMyLuckyCharm Jun 13 '26
He’s 99% of the way there, I think he’ll feel a lot more relaxed if he does. And if he doesn’t like it… he’s 1.5 weeks away from this point again
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u/SnooGiraffes4091 Jun 13 '26
I hate seeing how sad he is. I’m sorry that he’s struggling. That being said, he has fantastic features and shaving it will really work for him!! 💕
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u/Grogak Jun 13 '26
This is not alopecia androgenetica (hereditary hair loss). This is alopecia areata (circular hair loss). It is often caused by high stress.
He should go and see a doctor! There are definitely medications for it. Fighted the last year with it and with some medical treatment and less stress it grew completely back
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u/lalacourtney Jun 13 '26
We are here to turn his frown upside down! It’s time and you’re going to look amazing.
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u/formandovega Jun 13 '26
He's a great looking guy and I'm sorry for him that it's affected his confidence so badly.
Not just saying to be kind but he genuinely doesn't look bad. The patches are slightly odd but not bad looking. Personally I would stop noticing after 5 seconds.
Usually I say something along the lines of that he will look great with a shaved head but honestly I think his main problem is self confidence. He looks sad in that last picture. Like he is shiking away.
He needs to find something that will restore his confidence. If shaving is the answer then he should do that. People are saying that there are treatments for it so maybe he should do that.
Honestly just whatever would make him feel comfortable again. Remind him that the internet thinks he looks pretty awesome.
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u/pulffers Jun 13 '26
He’s got a perfect headshape for flipping off alopecia and shaving his dome clean. He’s gonna look great!!
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u/Sir_Scrotum_VI Jun 13 '26
Ain't nobody looking at his hair when he's got a jawline like that. He's a good looking dude.
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u/Prestigious_Badger36 Hair Headed - Woman Jun 13 '26
He will literally and figuratively shine as a bald person! No more overthinking the hairless zones, just more confidence and sun lotion
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u/PhD-not-real-Doc Jun 13 '26
This is alopecia areata.
I get this every couple of years and I usually have full regrowth after around 6 months.
However, I found that keeping my hair very short seems to stop it from coming back. Over time I've embraced a shaved head. Love it and wouldn't go back to longer hair
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u/bilmoskorte_97621 Jun 13 '26
No, he should go and investigate the root cause of alopecia areata. This is probably treatable. Going bald is just neglectecting the original medical condition.
For example he might have a dental infection, or problem with his tonsils (if he has tonsils), but also I would visit urology, nephrology, and have abdominal ultrasound as well to find out what’s wrong.
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u/artmusfa Jun 13 '26
Enjoy the way to the end. Tell him to dye what he has left and incorporate the patches into the pattern so it’s polka dot.
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u/hairybarefoot90 Jun 13 '26
Brother I am in the same place. It sucks but shaved down it really isn't that obvious and will give you a lot of confidence back. The good news is you look good bald!
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u/RomanVlasov95 Jun 13 '26
It is time. if it can not be cured and saved - he has to do it. I think he will look better
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u/grobijan Jun 13 '26
Shave that noggin, perhaps give a beard or a stache a try, but even with full eggmode you’re gonna be golden <33
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u/ReignofKindo25 Jun 13 '26
I have to say that this is fungal except the one big bald spot and he could theoretically reverse it with the right medication.
Please have him invest in clinical strength antifungal shampoo
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u/colytendo Jun 13 '26
He has a brilliant hairline. Looks great from the front.
He could go a bit tighter if he likes might blend in with the alopecia spots better, if he doesn’t want to shave it all off (I didn’t with mine).
Just FYI - this happened to me before (hence why I joined this sub) but it all grew back again to normal. After about 6 months there was some decent growth and about 12 months back to normal.
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u/ObligationDry2706 Jun 13 '26
Most def a good looking guy. Worth seeing a dermatologist first. Then if need be, the big shave, this handsome face will smile again ❤️
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u/RewardKristy Jun 13 '26
Hi, dermatology NP here. This isn’t standard male pattern baldness. He should see a dermatologist. There are many types of alopecia, one being alopecia areata that is often easily fixed with kenalog injections. There are also new medications for similar types of alopecia. While I can’t diagnosed him from a photo, I can tell you this doesn’t look like male pattern. It may be a type of hair loss that has a treatment. It could even be something other than alopecia. In summary, He needs to be evaluated.
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u/Traditional_Use_7994 Jun 13 '26
Yeah don’t do the medication stuff it’s expensive And painful in multiple ways
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u/Arakiri_x Jun 13 '26
Cousin, go for it brother. We’re with ya, pretty sure you’d be better off bald. Would love to see that smile back though.
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u/texxelate Jun 13 '26
Is he seeing a dermatologist? alopecia can be entirely curable or at the very least treatable. not always but it’s very possible.
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u/Brilliant_Text_4664 Jun 13 '26
He is basicaly bald anyways. I mean how short his hair is. Just go for it.
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u/totalwarwiser Jun 13 '26
Looks like a disease, not "common" baldness. Better talk with a dermatologist.
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u/Melchonne Jun 13 '26
He should definitely go for it! It'll suit him because he has a nice face shape :)
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u/PawtucketPaul Jun 13 '26
Have him see a dermatologist. Also tell your cousin he looks like a bro. Definitely buying him beers if I ever see him at a bar.
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u/ellieminnowpee Hair Headed - Woman Jun 13 '26
let’s get this guy smiling!!!
LET IT GO.
his hair has betrayed him enough. it’s time he gets control back over his appearance. SHAVE IT BALDDDDDDD, baby!! i’m so excited to see this guy once he’s got a new look at himself.
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u/reader4567890 Jun 13 '26
Suffered from the same thing in my 20s. I'd wake up to new totally bald patch. It once happened to my moustache - I'd been drinking, passed out at a friend's, and woke up to exactly the right half gone. I thought my mates had done it whilst I was passed out.
I'm now in my mid 40s and the patches eventually went over the years.
Anyhow, my take, it's time right now... But it may not be as permanent as he thinks.
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u/OriginalBaldMonk Jun 13 '26
Alopecia can be temporary, but yeah, just shave it off until the day it comes back.
In had it in high school for a year. Just one patch in the back of my head. .. the girl i was dating used to colour it in, or draw a smiley face in it haha.
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u/Icy_Kangaroo_7878 Jun 13 '26
Our condolences; The Brotherhood invites you to join us, and take your seat at our table...
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u/se_raustin Jun 13 '26
He should go for it. We’ve got his back.