- Dr Suhail Alam
- Reading Time: 8 Mins
Noticing thinning or balding on the crown of your head? Losing hair in this area can be one of the most visible and emotionally challenging aspects of hair loss, often leaving you feeling self-conscious and searching for answers. The crown, or ‘vertex,’ is frequently affected by male pattern baldness but can also result from other factors like stress or medical conditions.
At Aventus Clinic, we know how impactful crown balding can be on your confidence and daily life. The good news is that with the right treatments, you can take control, stop further hair loss, and even restore your hair’s fullness.
Key Takeaways
- Stop further thinning: Early detection and treatments like PRP, PRF, and medications can halt crown hair loss and stimulate regrowth.
- Permanent solutions: Advanced options, such as FUE hair transplants, deliver natural, long-lasting results for severe crown balding.
- Tailored care: At Aventus Clinic, we create bespoke treatment plans with expert care and before-and-after transformations that inspire confidence.
Table of Contents
What is Crown Balding?
Crown balding, also known as vertex hair loss, occurs when hair in the circular area at the top of the head starts thinning or disappearing altogether. This region is one of the most common areas affected by hair loss, particularly in men. It often begins with subtle thinning before progressing to more noticeable bald spots.
At the root of most cases is male pattern baldness, a genetic condition driven by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). However, other factors such as stress, scalp health, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to hair loss in the crown area.
Understanding the causes and symptoms of crown balding is key to finding the right treatment and stopping further loss before it becomes more severe.
How to Spot Crown Balding
Crown balding often starts subtly, making it challenging to notice in the early stages. Unlike receding hairlines or other visible areas, the crown isn’t something you see regularly in the mirror. However, identifying the early signs is crucial for effective crown hair loss treatments and preventing further loss. Here’s how you can spot crown balding:
Visual Inspection
One of the easiest ways to identify crown thinning is by observing your scalp directly. Use a handheld mirror alongside a wall-mounted mirror to check the top and back of your head. Look for:
- Areas where hair appears less dense.
- A widening gap between strands when your hair is parted.
- Small patches where the scalp is more visible than surrounding areas.
Compare Photos Over Time
Photographs taken from behind or above your head can reveal gradual changes in hair density. Use older pictures to identify:
- Increased thinning in the crown area.
- The development of a circular bald spot.
- Receding hair around the crown.
Tactile Examination
Running your fingers gently over your scalp can help detect areas of reduced density or uneven texture. Pay attention to:
- Any noticeable thinning compared to other areas of your scalp.
- A lack of resistance when running your hand through hair in the crown area.
Increased Hair Shedding
Finding more hair on your pillow, in the shower, or on your brush could indicate the early stages of crown balding. While some shedding is natural in the shower, a consistent increase in hair loss may be a red flag.
Use the Norwood Scale
The Norwood Scale is a tool used to classify the stages of male pattern baldness. Crown balding typically becomes noticeable at stages 3 Vertex or 4, where thinning starts spreading from the crown. Compare your hair to the scale to gauge the progression of your hair loss.
Why Early Intervention is Key For Crown Hair Loss
Crown balding often starts gradually, but without timely intervention, it can progress to more advanced stages that are harder to treat. Acting early allows you to slow or even stop hair loss, giving you more options for effective treatments and better results.
Prevent Further Hair Loss
Hair follicles affected by balding don’t stop producing hair overnight; instead, they gradually shrink and produce weaker, thinner strands. Early intervention can protect these follicles, prolonging their lifespan and preventing complete baldness in the crown area.
Better Treatment Outcomes
When crown balding is treated early, non-surgical solutions like PRP or medications are often enough to reverse or significantly slow the progression. As hair loss becomes more severe, surgical options like FUE hair transplants may become necessary, making early action less invasive and more cost-effective.
Preserve Confidence and Appearance
Addressing hair loss in its early stages helps you maintain a fuller, healthier look, minimising the emotional toll of noticeable balding. By taking control sooner, you can restore your confidence before crown balding becomes a significant concern.
Treatment Options For Balding Crown
At Aventus Clinic, we provide a range of advanced treatments to address crown hair loss at every stage, from early thinning to severe baldness. Our tailored approach ensures you get the most effective solution for your unique needs.
Medications
Hair loss medications can be very successful in stopping further hair loss, and improving the density of thinning hair. It works to reduce your DHT levels promoting healthy hair follicles.
- Minoxidil: A topical solution applied directly to the scalp to improve blood flow and stimulate hair follicles. Ideal for early-stage thinning.
- Finasteride: An oral medication that reduces DHT levels, protecting hair follicles from damage and preventing further hair loss.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy
PRP hair treatments have become one of the most popular hair loss treatments, it involves using the growth factors from your own blood to stimulate dormant hair follicles, encouraging regrowth and thickening existing hair. This treatment is non-invasive and effective for early to moderate crown thinning.
PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) Therapy
PRF treatments are an advanced form of PRP that uses a higher concentration of platelets and healing factors for enhanced results. This treatment supports natural regrowth and improves hair density in thinning areas, making it a great option for crown restoration.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
LLLT hair growth treatment is a painless, non-invasive treatment that uses red light to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. This therapy is ideal for patients seeking a convenient, at-home solution for early-stage crown balding.
FUE Hair Transplants
For advanced cases of crown balding, crown hair transplant surgery offers a permanent solution.
- Hair follicles are carefully extracted from donor areas and transplanted to the crown for natural-looking results.
- Before-and-after transformations: Witness life-changing results from our patients who have restored their crown with FUE.
Take the First Step Today

At Aventus Clinic, our expert team will assess your crown hair loss and recommend the best treatment plan tailored to your needs. Don’t wait—early action can make all the difference. Book your free online hair loss assessment today to explore your options and regain your confidence.
Suffering From Crown Hair Loss?
Book a free hair loss assessment with one of our specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can crown balding be reversed?
Crown balding can often be reversed or slowed, especially when caught early. Treatments like PRP therapy, which stimulates hair follicles, and medications such as minoxidil can encourage hair growth and prevent further thinning. For advanced cases, an FUE hair transplant can restore a natural look and improve hair density in the crown area.
What causes thinning at the crown?
Thinning at the crown is most commonly caused by male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. This type of hair loss is influenced by hereditary factors and male sex hormones like DHT, which shrink hair follicles and reduce their ability to produce healthy hair. Other factors such as stress, certain medications, and medical conditions like alopecia areata can also contribute to thinning in the crown area.
How can I stop hair thinning before it becomes a bald spot?
Stopping hair thinning at the crown requires early intervention with treatments that promote healthy hair growth. Medications such as finasteride can reduce DHT levels, while PRP therapy works by increasing blood flow to the scalp and stimulating hair regrowth. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and effective stress management, can also support stronger hair strands and healthier hair follicles.
Is crown balding a permanent type of hair loss?
Crown balding can become permanent if untreated, as the hair growth cycle may slow and follicles can become dormant over time. However, early-stage thinning can often be reversed with non-surgical treatments like PRF therapy or LLLT, which encourage hair growth. For permanent hair loss, surgical solutions such as FUE hair transplants offer a reliable way to restore hair in the crown area.
How can I tell if I am losing hair in my crown?
Crown hair loss can be identified by signs such as visible thinning, a widening gap in the hair part, or a noticeable bald spot. Comparing current photos with older ones can help track changes in hair density, while running your fingers through your hair may reveal weaker strands or thinner areas. The Norwood Scale is also a useful tool for assessing male pattern hair loss and identifying early signs of a thinning crown.
What treatments are available for crown hair loss?
Crown hair loss can be treated with a range of solutions depending on the severity. Non-surgical treatments such as PRP therapy, PRF therapy, and LLLT can stimulate healthy hair growth and strengthen existing hair follicles. Medications like minoxidil and finasteride are effective for slowing hair thinning and preventing further hair loss. For those with significant bald spots, FUE hair transplant surgery provides a permanent solution by transplanting healthy hair follicles to the crown.
Are hair transplants effective for treating a bald spot on the crown?
Hair transplants are highly effective for restoring a bald spot on the crown. The FUE method, which involves transplanting healthy hair follicles from the back or sides of the scalp to the crown, ensures natural-looking and long-lasting results. This treatment is ideal for individuals experiencing moderate to advanced crown thinning or complete baldness in this area.
What is the best way to stimulate hair growth and prevent thinning in the crown area?
Stimulating hair growth and preventing thinning in the crown area requires a combination of effective treatments and healthy habits. PRP therapy and LLLT can increase blood flow to the scalp and promote hair regrowth. Topical treatments like minoxidil can strengthen hair strands and improve the health of hair follicles. Maintaining a balanced diet and reducing stress through mindfulness or physical activity can also support healthy hair growth over time.
About the Author
Dr Suhail Alam
Dr Alam is devoted to providing high quality, holistic, patient centred care designed to make patients look and feel their best. He has a specialist interest in Hair Restoration Surgery and Regenerative Medicine.