hi, I turned 18 three months ago and for the past year I've noticed my hairline has receded about 2.5 inches, not the middle front part above my eye brows, but at the ends where it progresses to the sides (sorry, I don't know the terminology). i'm not sure if it's balding or just a maturing hairline. my father is bald, but he didn't start balding until his mid 30s, which should be 15 - 20 years from now for me, so i doubt it's hereditary. i don't mind starting to going bald at 35, but come on, 17? :\i did have for a while a mediocre diet, lacking vegetables and fruit. i also didn't take vitamins for a while, but in the past couple months i've improved upon on both vitamins and my diet, but what foods/vitamins could i eat that would be healthy for hair growth (if i am balding due to poor nutrition)? also, any shower tips? hot water, cold water.. I heard taking a shower every day damages the hair, so should i wear a cap?i'm going to a dermatologist next week, thanks for the helpalso, is there any chance of my hair growing back if i improve my diet, or will that not be able to save the hair i've lost already, but just prevent it from losing more? thanks

I have not heard anything to suggest that diet will stop the balding process. Your doctor may recommend Minoxidil. Or you can look forward to going to a Bosley Medical doctor. They are expensive but are pretty good.