How to Deal with a Bald Spot: Causes and Treatments
Few moments in life are as upsetting as the day you realize that your hair is thinning. You may notice a few more hairs on the shower floor, or catch a different angle in the mirror, or a well-meaning friend might ask about it. No matter how you find out, it will likely come as surprising (and unwelcome) news. And, if you notice balding on the crown of your head, it may be the telltale signs of male pattern hair loss (MPHL).
First, the bad news: MPHL cannot be cured. There is good news though: appropriate prescription and non-prescription medical treatments can slow down and treat this type of hair loss, especially if you start treatment relatively early. Those with more advanced balding also have options, including both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
If you’ve noticed a bald spot on your crown, thinning through your hair, or a receding hairline, we’re here to answer some common questions about hair loss and outline the treatments available to you.
How can I Tell if I’m Really Balding?
Many men notice their hair is thinning when a barber or stylist holds up a mirror to show them the back of their heads.
If balding runs in your family and you want to keep an eye on the state of your hair, you might look out of these common signs:
- Hair loss around the crown – Typically, one of the first signs of MPB is the least noticeable. If you can’t examine the hair on the crown of your head on your own, ask someone you trust to give you an honest answer.
- Reduced hair density – Even if you don’t lose a section of hair entirely, thinning often begins at the crown and the hairline. Be on the lookout for less hair on the top of your head as well as a noticeable change in texture. Finer, miniaturized hairs are usually noticeable throughout the affected area.
- Receding hairline – MPHL usually begins at the hairline and the crown of your scalp. Your hairline may recede subtly. If you are unsure about whether or not your hairline has changed, compare your current hairline to a photo of yourself from the past.
What Causes Bald Spots?
Dihydrotestosterone, or as it’s commonly referred to, DHT, is the cause of most bald spots. All men and women produce DHT. In fact, 10% of the testosterone in your body will be converted into DHT.
While this is a totally natural and normal process, some individuals have hair follicles that are genetically susceptible to DHT, meaning the follicle will shrink and weaken when exposed to DHT. The reason MPHL begins at the crown and hairline is because those follicles are the most sensitive to DHT.
However, DHT isn’t responsible for all balding. Outside of MPHL, there are a variety of factors that can cause other types of hair loss. Some include:
- Physical stress
- Emotional stress
- Hormonal changes
- Medical conditions
- Medications
- Hair products and styling
- Poor diet
- Aging
If you’re unsure about what could be causing your bald spot, consider speaking with a trained professional at Bosley. Not only can Bosley Physicians provide some insight into what may be causing your hair loss, they can also design a hair solution personalized to your needs.
Can I do Anything to Treat my Bald Spot?
Ultimately, there is no way to permanently stop MPHL because it’s a progressive, natural genetic process. That does not mean you have to let yourself go bald, however. Bosley offers several options that can treat hair loss and even grow thicker, fuller hair where you need it most.
If your balding began relatively recently, you may be able to regrow hair and slow the progression of existing bald spots with appropriate medical solutions. Studies show that minoxidil and finasteride can treat hair loss in men on their own, but they are especially effective when used together. Additionally, the Bosley Revitalizer uses another clinically proven treatment, low-level laser therapy (LLLT or photobiomodulation), to promote hair growth while slowing hair loss. This easy-to-wear cap has a specially designed matrix of diodes that stimulate cellular activity and promote blood circulation on the scalp.
While these treatments can still benefit men that have been balding for a while, they are not as effective at recovering hairless areas from MPHL. If minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser therapy cannot provide you with your desired results, you may consider surgical and non-surgical procedures.
BosleyRx® Finasteride
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Bosley’s Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a non-surgical solution that creates the appearance of thicker hair. This advanced form of hair pigmentation is applied to the scalp by a trained Bosley technician. This technology can be helpful to both men and women and can even be used to help optimize that “shaved head look” in men who have chosen that hairstyle.
Before After Scalp Micropigmentation
An innovative new solution for the look of a fuller head of hair
If your hair loss is more advanced, a hair transplant may be the most appropriate solution for you. These minimally invasive, one-day, outpatient surgeries take healthy hair follicles from donor areas on the back of the scalp and implant them onto the affected area. Bosley, The World’s Most Experienced Hair Restoration Expert®, utilizes the latest hair transplant techniques.
Hair Transplant
Next Steps
To learn more about your hair restoration options, download Bosley’s FREE info kit, The Complete Book on Hair Restoration, to see how great your hair can look. If you’re ready to do something about that bald spot or thinning hair now, schedule a FREE in-person or video consultation with a trained Bosley hair restoration specialist. Together with a Bosley Physician, we can help you find out what’s causing your balding and what treatment solution is right for you.
What to do next?
To learn more about your hair restoration options and the average hair transplant timeline, The Complete Book on Hair Restoration, to see how great your hair can look. If you’re ready to do something about that bald spot or thinning hair now, schedule a FREE in-person or video consultation with a trained Bosley hair restoration specialist. Together with a Bosley Physician, we can help you find out what’s causing your balding and what treatment solution is right for you.