Balding Signs in Man and Women – Causes and Treatments

Like other signs of aging, pattern baldness in men and women doesn’t occur overnight. Whether it is men or women, going bald is a slow or gradual process. 

It is essential to notice the baldness signs and take action as soon as possible to combat hair loss or reverse balding signs. That is to say, the early you take action to stop hair thinning, the more hair you can save. 

However, spotting balding signs or hair loss is more effortless said done. The common symptoms of hair thinning present online or on familiar sources are not always reliable. That is why many people consider average hair loss (the follicles that grow back) a sign of pattern baldness. 

Fortunately, there are some real signs of pattern baldness that you can use to identify and deal with hair loss. Note that the time and pattern of balding may vary from person to person. Also, remember that balding is typically more common in older people. 

Here we have enlisted some balding signs you must be aware of to take action ahead of time.  They are effective ways to not only identify the signs but also prevent hair loss from deteriorating. 

The article will further help you understand the difference between signs of natural baldness and other causes of hair thinning. 

Signs of Baldness 

There can be a number of ways and methods of medical professionals, and dermatologists use to identify pattern baldness. As baldness is a typical characteristic pattern, most people suffer because of genetic family history. The two well-known hair loss categorizations in both men and women are the Ludwig system and the Norwood classification system. 

Balding Signs in Men

Many dermatologists recognize and assess the hair loss pattern by using Hamilton-Norwood. Given below are the standard ways they usually look for.

Temples

In this pattern, hair starts losing density around the temple. Most thinning happens at the top of the back of the head- a vertex or crown. 

Receding Hairline

This is another sign of balding in which hair loss occurs on the head’s front side, moving back on the sides. Many people refer to this state as a receding hairline.

Some other balding signs include:

Hair Thinning on Top of the Head

No one goes bald overnight. Thinning hair on the head (front part) happens over time. You may start noticing hair thinning at the top of your head before you become completely bald. A receding hairline is one of the common hair thinning types which makes N or M shape on the head. The two sides start receding at a faster rate as compared to the middle of the scalp. 

Balding Signs in Women

Balding in females usually starts between the ages of 18 and 40. It can even begin in the late 50s and 60s.  Dermatologists classify baldness signs in women by using the Ludwig system. The system typically identifies balding types.

Thinning on Head Top 

If there is thinning across the top of your head but not on the back and sides, it may be the sign of balding. 

Widening Head Part

This is perhaps one of the essential balding signs in women. The sections of hair widen, and you can see small bald spots. 

Hair Loss across the Head

It is another common type of balding sign in women. Hair thinning starts across the head, and there is no M-shaped receding hairline like men. 

Common Causes of Hair loss

There are many hair thinning causes and may develop in males and females. If you have alopecia, it may be because of physical injury, genetics, and any other underlying condition, causing or creating bald spots. The causes include;

• Alopecia Areata: It is a circular, tiny area of hair loss that becomes visible without showing any symptoms. In many cases,  the eyebrows and beard of people also start thinning.  

• Telogen Effluvium: This common condition causes baldness or hair thinning after a traumatic event such as losing a loved one, divorce, or hospitalization. However, the hair thinning is reversible as hair loss treatments like laser cap stimulate hair growth. 
• Tinea Capitis: It typically refers to scalp fungal infection. It causes small scaly localized spots on the scalp. If the condition causes pustules, it may result in scarring hair thinning, which is permanent. 
• Nutritional Deficiency: If the body lacks a sufficient amount of nutrients such as iron, protein, and other vitamins, it may result in massive hair loss. However, there are a few people who experience hair loss due to vitamin deficiency. 

Treatment for Balding 

Laser Light Caps 

Many studies have shown that the latest laser cap therapy is a significant hair loss solution. Whether it is genetic hair thinning or conditions like Alopecia areata or Telogen effluvium, the FDA approved treatment can combat hair thinning and stimulate follicle within weeks.

It is a highly advanced technique for combating hair loss.  Low light therapy caps are readily available and offer a secure way to reduce hair thinning without having to go through any adverse side effects. 

Minoxidil 

The drug is Rogaine and a popular option many people use to prevent hair loss. People can rub this over the counter medicine on the scalp to reduce bald spots.

Prescription Medications

You can use some medications to treat conditions like androgenic alopecia that cause hair loss and balding signs. For example, dutasteride and Finasteride are effective for combating male pattern baldness.

Topical Retinoids 

Some dermatologists and medical professionals recommend compounded hair topical that includes an adequate amount of retinoid. It is beneficial in reversing hair growth.

Summing up

In a nutshell, balding signs are essential to identify to save hair in time. The given signs can help you understand how you can spot baldness and treat it using innovative technology LLLT and medications. You can always consult a hair specialist to find the cause of balding or hair loss.