Noticing thinning hair at the crown of your head can be alarming. This is often referred to as crown balding, balding crown, or crown thinning. It’s a common concern, especially for men, and is frequently one of the first indicators of male pattern baldness (MPB), also known as androgenetic alopecia.
Spotting crown balding early is key. The earlier you notice it, the more options you have to slow the process or even potentially regrow some hair.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about crown balding: what causes it, how to identify it, and what treatment options are available to you.
Understanding male pattern baldness and crown thinning
If you’re seeing more scalp than you used to when you glance in the mirror, you’re not alone. Thinning hair on the crown is one of the first signs of male pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia.
What is male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia)?
Male pattern baldness affects the vast majority of men at some point. In fact, about 85% of men will experience it to some degree.
Genes play a role, as does dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink over time. As the follicles shrink, the hair that grows from them becomes thinner and finer until eventually, the follicles stop producing hair altogether.
Doctors use the Norwood Scale to classify the stages of male hair loss. The scale shows how hair loss progresses, often starting at the crown.
Distinguishing crown thinning from other types of hair loss
It’s important to distinguish male pattern baldness from other causes of hair loss, such as:
- Telogen effluvium, a temporary shedding of hair that often occurs after a period of stress or illness
- Trichotillomania, a disorder that causes people to pull out their hair
- Traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by wearing tight hairstyles
Causes and contributing factors to crown hair loss
A combination of factors can contribute to thinning hair at the crown of your head.
Genetic predisposition
It’s no surprise that genetics play a big role in whether you’ll experience male pattern baldness (MPB). If MPB runs in your family, you’re more likely to experience it, too.
Hormonal imbalance
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, is another player in the story of hair loss. DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles, causing them to shrink. Over time, the follicles produce thinner, shorter hairs until they eventually stop producing hair altogether.
Lifestyle and environmental factors
Stress can contribute to a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium and can also exacerbate MPB. Tight hairstyles, like ponytails and braids, can lead to traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by constant pulling on the hair follicles.
And what about hats? The research on whether wearing hats can cause hair loss is “hotly contested,” according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Medical conditions and medications
Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and scalp infections, can contribute to hair loss. In addition, some medications, including chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, and antidepressants, may have hair loss as a side effect.
Spotting Crown Thinning: Early Detection is Key
If you’re worried about balding at the crown, the best thing you can do is keep an eye on it. Early detection gives you the best chance to treat it effectively.
Here are some ways to check yourself:
- Look in the mirror: Take a good look at your crown regularly. Check for any areas that seem thinner than they used to be or where the hair seems to be pulling back.
- Feel your hair: Run your fingers through your hair at the crown. Does it feel thinner than it does on the sides or back of your head?
- Compare photos: Every few months, take a picture of the back of your head. Compare these over time. If you notice the bald spot getting bigger, it’s time to take action.
The best way to know what’s going on is to talk to a doctor or dermatologist. They can diagnose the cause of your hair loss and help you figure out the best plan to address it.
Treatment Options for Crown Balding
If you’re seeing more scalp than hair when you check the back of your head in the mirror, there are several ways you can address crown balding. Some are over-the-counter, others are available by prescription, and still others are medical procedures performed by trained professionals.
Topical Treatments
You can pick up minoxidil (Rogaine) at your local pharmacy. It’s a topical treatment you apply directly to your scalp. Minoxidil improves the health of your hair follicles by improving blood flow to the area. About 60% of minoxidil users see some hair regrowth.
Oral Medications
Finasteride (Propecia) is an oral medication that requires a prescription from your doctor. Finasteride works by preventing the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, the hormone that shrinks hair follicles. One study found that finasteride stopped hair loss in 9 out of 10 patients, and in 87% of cases, hair regrew.
Dutasteride is another oral medication that works similarly to finasteride.
It’s important to note that finasteride and dutasteride can have side effects, so discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Hair Transplant Surgery
If you have advanced hair loss, you might want to consider hair transplant surgery. In this procedure, hair follicles are taken from donor areas (usually the back or sides of your head) and transplanted to the crown. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) are two common techniques.
Keep in mind that hair transplant surgery can be expensive, with crown-only cases ranging from £4,500 to £5,500. As with any surgery, there are risks to consider.
Alternative Therapies
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) are two alternative therapies that may stimulate hair growth. However, more research is needed to confirm how well they work. Scalp stimulation through massage or derma rollers may also be helpful.
Combination Therapy
For some people, combining treatments may be more effective than using a single treatment. For example, using both minoxidil and finasteride together has been shown to be 95% effective in some studies.
What lifestyle changes can help with hair loss?
While you can’t always stop hair loss, you can take steps to keep your hair as healthy as possible.
Stress Management
It’s hard to overstate the impact of stress on your body. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that can disrupt hair growth. Fortunately, there are many relaxation techniques that can help, including:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Exercise
Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet provides the vitamins and minerals your hair follicles need to grow strong and healthy. Make sure you’re getting enough:
- Zinc
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Protein
- Biotin
Proper Hair Care
Treat your hair gently. Harsh chemicals and excessive heat can damage your hair, making it more likely to break. When you wash your hair, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Also, avoid tight hairstyles, like braids and ponytails, which can pull on your hair follicles and cause hair loss.
Putting It All Together
If you’re worried about thinning hair at your crown, the sooner you take action, the better. There are many possible treatments and lifestyle changes that can slow or even reverse hair loss.
Talk with a dermatologist or other qualified medical professional to discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan. Remember that managing hair loss is a journey, not a sprint. The key is to find a style and treatment approach that you’re comfortable with and that helps you feel confident.