Clinical trials show the vertex responds to Finasteride an average of 2 months earlier than the frontal hairline. The crown is the most DHT-sensitive zone on the scalp, making it the first place where Finasteride's effect becomes measurable. This guide explains how to track that vertex response independently.
Why Track the Vertex Separately
Most Finasteride tracking guides treat the scalp as a single zone. That approach misses critical information. The vertex and frontal hairline have different:
- DHT receptor concentrations (higher Type II at the vertex)
- Response rates (~83% at the vertex vs ~45% at the frontal zone)
- Response timelines (vertex responds approximately 2 months sooner)
- Visual indicators (thinning vs recession)
Tracking them together averages out these differences, which can hide a strong crown response or mask a weak one.
| Metric | Vertex Zone | Frontal Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Finasteride response rate | ~83% | ~45% |
| Typical response timeline | 4-6 months | 6-12 months |
| Primary indicator | Density increase | Position stabilization |
| Hair per follicular unit | 2-3 hairs | 1-2 hairs |
How to Track Your Vertex Response
Step 1: Take a Top-Down Crown Photo
Use a second mirror or ask someone to photograph the top of your head. The photo should capture:
- The entire vertex (crown) area
- The whorl pattern at center
- Any visible thinning or scalp show-through
Upload this to myhairline.ai/analyze for your vertex-specific baseline. This measurement is separate from your frontal hairline assessment.
Step 2: Record Your Starting Metrics
At your baseline, note these vertex-specific numbers:
- Vertex density: Follicular units per cm2 in the crown zone
- Scalp visibility score: How much scalp shows through the hair (more visible = more thinning)
- Thinning diameter: The approximate size of the thinning area at the crown
These three measurements give you a complete picture of your crown status before Finasteride begins to take effect.
Step 3: Photograph Monthly for 6 Months
Consistency is essential. Same lighting, same angle, same camera distance. Small variations in any of these can create false data points.
The vertex is harder to photograph consistently than the frontal hairline, so consider:
- Using a phone timer and a mirror arrangement you can replicate
- Marking a spot on the floor where you stand each time
- Taking photos in the same room with the same overhead light
Step 4: Compare at Month 3, 6, and 12
Month 3: Shedding may still be active. Some users see vertex thinning increase temporarily. This is the follicle replacement cycle at work and is not a cause for concern.
Month 6: Your first reliable comparison point. The vertex should show one of the following:
- Density at or above baseline (positive response)
- Density slightly below baseline but declining more slowly (partial response)
- Density continuing to drop at the same rate (non-response)
Month 12: Full picture. Regrowth responders will show measurable density gains. Stabilizers will show a flat line from month 6 onward.
Step 5: Use the Data to Guide Treatment Decisions
Strong vertex response (density up 10%+ from baseline): Continue Finasteride at 1 mg daily. Your crown is responding well to DHT reduction. Consider whether your frontal zone needs additional support.
Moderate vertex response (density stable within 5%): Finasteride is preventing further loss. To boost crown density, consider adding:
- Topical Minoxidil 5% applied to the vertex twice daily (40-60% moderate regrowth rate)
- PRP injections ($500-$2,000 per session) focused on the crown area
- Low-level laser therapy at 650-670 nm wavelength
No vertex response (density still declining): After 12 months with no improvement at the crown, consult your prescribing doctor. Dutasteride (0.5 mg daily) may be more effective for your specific pattern. It blocks both Type I and Type II 5-alpha reductase.
What Vertex Data Means for Transplant Planning
If you are considering a hair transplant to restore vertex density, your tracking data provides the surgeon with:
- Stabilization confirmation: Surgeons want to see 6-12 months of stable vertex density before operating
- Thinning area measurement: Determines how many grafts are needed (Norwood 3V requires 2,000-2,800 grafts; Norwood 4 requires 2,500-3,500)
- Ongoing loss trajectory: If Finasteride has not stabilized the vertex, the surgeon must plan for future loss
Graft survival rates for FUE procedures are 90-95%, with recovery taking 7-10 days. Cost per graft ranges from $1-$2 in Turkey to $4-$6 in the USA.
Vertex Tracking vs. Frontal Tracking
The two zones tell different stories. A complete tracking protocol includes both:
- Frontal photos for hairline position and temple recession
- Vertex photos for crown density and thinning diameter
Together, these data points show your full Finasteride response across the entire scalp. Visit myhairline.ai/analyze for free analysis of both zones.
For detailed zone-specific tracking protocols, see the Finasteride progress tracking guide and our Norwood 3 vertex hair loss tracking resource.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Finasteride is a prescription medication with side effects reported in 2-4% of users. These effects are reversible upon discontinuation. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or adjusting treatment.