Imagine this: a “Future You” appears out of nowhere, and tells you he’s got news. What do you think this apparition would share with his younger self if given the chance? Would he give you the foresight to skip a tumultuous relationship bound for disaster? Tell you to take that job in California? Or, might your future self advise you to address your thinning hair situation, while there’s still plenty of time to do something about it?

The fact is, millions of men experience hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia (aka male pattern baldness) is the most common form of thinning hair and hair loss in men. And if you’ve been noticing less or thinner hair on your head, the best time to do something about it is now. If you don’t, you’ll continue to lose more and more hair over time – hair you can’t get back without more drastic, involved, and – yes, expensive – measures.

When Rogaine approached me about helping spread the word their “Future You” campaign, I knew I wanted to ask my brother for his hot take. Two years older and stuck with the same baby-fine hair I have, I wondered if he’d ever considered trying out the topical hair product.

Turns out, he hadn’t just thought about it; he was already using Rogaine. I called him to ask about his experience…

Alana (our older sister) and I joke that her thick, shiny hair is her “one true beauty.” I have my own weird psychological issues about what I’m working wit up top; what about you? What’s been your relationship to your hair through your life?

When I was younger I think I viewed my hair as more utilitarian. Keep it short, nothing too crazy. I had a few adventurous phases—the bowl cut and the George Clooney caesar-style circa ER were particular favorites.

In my 20’s, I was in a band out in New York city. Obviously, being in a band—hair is a big thing. I had hair down over my ears.

It was kind of a Bieber situation.

It was indie rock! [laughs] At that age, you don’t really think about losing your hair. The thought just wasn’t on my radar.

Today, I don’t define myself by my hair, but keeping the hair I have is important for my confidence. To a certain degree, I equate having hair with youth. And on those same lines, I think of going bald as getting old.

When did you notice your hair thinning?

When I was in my late 20’s I noticed that my widow’s peak—a Collins family trait!—was becoming more prominent. I tried a few things like different shampoos that were supposed to stop hair loss, but I didn’t notice any improvement.

How did you decide to start taking Rogaine?

I had heard good things about Rogaine from multiple friends. Some said they found it kept the hair they had. Others said it made their hair thicker. And many said that they noticed hair growing back.

I figure it was worth the investment to see if it would work for me.

What does [your wife] Jess think about you taking Rogaine? Were you embarrassed to tell her?

I actually wasn’t embarrassed at all. To me, it’s the same as saying I’m trying out a new fitness routine. I see using Rogaine as part of presenting the best version of myself.

If Future You came back to tell you something, what do you think it would be?

First, enough with the bowl cut. You’ve had that thing for like six years, it’s time for a new look.

Also? Put your passion to work. When you’re young, you have a tendency to drift from one shiny object of a job / hobby / relationship to the next. Part of that is great—there’s a reason for all the cliches about finding yourself, learning who you really are, and experiencing all that life has to offer when you’re just starting out. As I get further along in my career, though, I see how valued young people are. Youthful enthusiasm is a precious commodity. If my younger self could take some of that desire to experience life, and all the excitement that comes with it, and apply it with more focus towards something really positive for the world—or at least my little corner of it—the result could be something both intentional and powerful.

TELL ME:

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF IF GIVEN THE CHANCE?

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