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- Dr Suhail Alam
- Reading Time: 8 Mins
Are you seeing more hair in your brush than usual or observing a receding hairline? You might be wondering, “how to tell if you’re going bald prematurely?” In this article, we will discuss the early warning signs and provide advice on how you can be proactive in reducing hair loss.
Key Takeaways
- Early detection of signs like a receding hairline, thinning on the crown, increased hair shedding, and difficulties in hairstyling can allow for timely intervention and potentially slow the progression of hair loss.
- Premature balding can be due to a variety of factors including genetic predispositions, hormonal imbalances, stress, anxiety, and nutritional deficiencies, with targeted treatments varying based on the underlying cause.
- Treatment options for premature balding range from topical medications and hair growth supplements to lifestyle adjustments and, in more severe cases, surgical interventions like hair transplants.
Table of Contents
Identifying Early Signs of Balding
The most common early sign of balding is increased hair thinning and hair loss, specifically on the crown of your head and hairline. Overall density may have dropped meaning you notice more of your scalp showing through when wet, or perhaps you can’t quite style your hair how you used to.
There are four main types of early balding,
- Receding hairline
- Thinning hair on the crown
- Increased hair shedding
- Difficulties in hair styling
Recognising these signs early can pave the way for targeted treatment, potentially slowing down the progression of hair loss and preserving your hair for longer. Let’s take a look at each type in more detail.
Receding Hairline
A receding hairline is often the first sign that male pattern baldness is underway. This typically starts around the temples and progresses to form an M-shape hairline pattern. This is a common characteristic of male pattern baldness, a condition that affects many men and can start as early as their 20s. Receding hairlines are usually easy to spot, as we are sensitive to changes in this area.
When inspecting your hairline it’s important to recall what your hairline used to look like, some people are born with hairlines such as the widow’s peak and this is not usually a sign of balding or receding.
Thinning Hair on Crown
Thinning hair on the crown can be a sign of premature hair loss, this will usually be detectable from increased scalp visibility, especially when the hair is wet after activities such as showering. While males will notice an increase in thinning on the crown, females may notice an increase in the middle part making the part wider.
While hair thinning is normal as we age, it’s important to be aware of our hair condition as catching conditions such as female pattern baldness early will make a big difference in how effective treatments are.
Increased Hair Shedding
Difficulties in Hair Styling
When your hair starts thinning, it can become increasingly difficult to style. This can be particularly frustrating for those who enjoy expressing their personality through their hairstyles. The inability to create the same shape and hold in styled hair may be an early indicator of conditions like male pattern baldness.
If you’ve noticed that your hair lacks its usual volume, or if you’re struggling to maintain your usual hairstyles, it may be time to pay closer attention to your hair health. Thinning hair or a lack of volume can make it a struggle to style your hair, signalling the beginning stages of hair loss.
What Causes Premature Balding
While the early signs of balding can be alarming, understanding the underlying causes can provide a roadmap to effective treatment. There are several factors at play when it comes to premature balding. These include:
- Genetic factors
- Hormonal imbalances
- Stress
- Anxiety
Each of these causes can significantly contribute to hair loss and understanding them can help you take proactive measures to maintain your hair health.
Genetic Factors
Genetics play a significant role in premature balding. If you have a family history of hair loss, you are more likely to experience it too. This is due to a condition known as androgenetic alopecia or hereditary hair loss, which is one of the most common causes of hair loss in both men and women.
This doesn’t mean that if your grandparents or parents lost their hair, you’re bound to lose yours. But it does mean that you may be more susceptible to the factors that can trigger hair loss. Understanding your family history can help you identify your risks and take preventative action.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can also lead to hair thinning and loss. Conditions like androgenetic alopecia and thyroid disorders can significantly contribute to hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is caused by a sensitivity to male hormones and can lead to hair thinning.
Thyroid disorders, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can also trigger hair loss. Hair thinning and loss can occur when these conditions cause the body to attack its own hair follicles. This can lead to a reduction in hair volume and eventually, hair loss.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are also significant contributors to hair loss. When we’re stressed, our bodies produce more cortisol, a stress hormone that can trigger hair loss. Stress-related hair loss can manifest as a condition known as telogen effluvium, which results in a general thinning of hair particularly on top of the head.
Stressful events, anxiety, and even severe dieting can all result in hair loss. This is because stress can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, causing hairs to enter the resting phase sooner than usual. After a few months, these hairs may fall out suddenly when combing or washing your hair.
While stress-induced hair loss can be concerning, it’s important to remember that this type of hair loss is usually temporary. Once the stressful event has passed, or stress levels have been managed, hair typically begins to grow back.
Prevention and Treatment Options for Premature Balding
Hair loss can be very disheartening for those who are experiencing it, but with modern advancements it is now possible to effectively prevent and treat.
Lifestyle Changes
The first port of call when combating hair loss, is to make adjustments to your lifestyle. Some types of hair loss such as ones caused by genetics will not be able to be fully cured by lifestyle changes but you may see a significant improvement.
Here are some changes you can make:
Healthy Diet
- Eat foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, such as eggs, fish, nuts, and leafy greens.
- Avoid crash diets and extreme calorie restriction, as this can weaken hair and lead to excessive shedding.
It’s also important that you treat your hair carefully if you are experiencing hair loss, being too vigorous or using harsh heat or chemicals can add to the hair loss.
Hair Care
- Avoid overwashing hair with harmful shampoos
- Limit the use of heat styling tools
- Avoid hairstyles and treatments that put stress on the hair, such as tight braids, ponytails, cornrows, and bleaching
- Protect your hair from environmental stressors such as overexposure to the sun
By following the outlined lifestyle changes you may be able to effectively slow down your hair loss, for those who see no improvement, topical treatments may be your next option.
Topical Treatments
Hair loss medications such as minoxidil and finasteride, are commonly used to slow down hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth. These medications work by increasing the amount of growth phase in the hair cycle and decreasing the resting phase. This means that hair can grow for a longer period before falling out, resulting in thicker, fuller hair.
However, like all medications, these treatments can have side effects. These can range from skin irritation and swelling to chest pain and even temporary increased hair shedding. It’s important to note that these side effects are usually temporary and will cease once treatment is stopped.
Before starting any new treatment, it’s important to consult with a hair loss specialist. They can provide personalised advice based on your individual circumstances and help you navigate any potential side effects.
Hair Loss Treatments
Natural hair loss treatments can be highly effective in treating and slowing down further hair loss. If you are suffering from early onset hair loss, the below treatments may be suitable for you.
PRP Therapy – Platelet-rich plasma hair loss therapy involves injecting a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair growth and improving hair thickness by enhancing blood supply and nutrient delivery.
LLLT – Low-level laser hair therapy uses red light lasers to stimulate hair follicles, increasing cell metabolism and improving hair density and strength by promoting better blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Both of these treatments are highly effective and our patients have seen great results. But for those who have lost a considerable amount of hair loss, you may need to consider an FUE hair transplant.
Surgical Interventions
In cases of significant hair loss, where less invasive treatments may not be effective, surgical procedures such as FUE hair transplants can be an option. Hair transplants involve moving hair follicles from the back of the scalp, known as the ‘donor site’, to a bald or balding part of the head, known as the ‘recipient site’.
This surgical method can be used to replace hair in specific areas such as the hairline and crown. Hairline restoration can be very effective in re-shaping and filling out the hairline to restore a more youthful look.
Summary
In conclusion, hair loss can be a complex issue with various causes and manifestations. However, by understanding the early signs of balding, the potential causes, and the available treatment options, you can take proactive steps to manage your hair health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of balding?
If you notice a receding hairline, thinning hair on the crown, increased shedding, or trouble styling your hair, these may be early signs of balding. Keep an eye on these symptoms to address the issue early.
What causes premature balding?
Premature balding can be caused by genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, stress, anxiety, and nutritional deficiencies. It's important to consider these factors when addressing hair loss.
How can I prevent or treat premature balding?
To prevent or treat premature balding, consider trying topical treatments, hair growth supplements, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions, depending on the cause of your hair loss.
When should I consult a healthcare professional for hair loss?
You should consult a professional if you're experiencing persistent hair loss despite over the counter treatments, underlying medical conditions, or rapid or severe hair loss. It's important to seek medical advice in these situations to address the underlying causes of hair loss.
Can hair loss be reversed?
Yes, hair loss can be slowed down and hair growth stimulated with the right treatment, but starting treatment early is crucial for the best results.
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