How long can a bald spot last?

Author: Hester Nolan  |  Last update: Sunday, June 8, 2025

Usually, the bald patches appear suddenly and affect only a limited area. The hair grows back within 12 months or less. For some people, however, the problem can last longer and be more severe, causing total baldness (alopecia totalis) or total loss of body hair (alopecia universalis).

How long does it take for a bald spot to go away?

In most people, new hair eventually grows back in the affected areas, although this process can take months. Approximately 50 percent of people with mild alopecia areata recover within a year; however, most people will experience more than one episode during their lifetime.

Can a bald spot be permanent?

Overview. Hair loss (alopecia) can affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men.

Is it possible to regrow hair on a bald spot?

Regrowing hair on bald patches is possible for some individuals, depending on the underlying cause of the hair loss. Treatments such as corticosteroid injections, topical minoxidil, and immunotherapy may help stimulate hair regrowth in affected areas.

Is balding at 17 reversible?

Can balding be reversed in teenage males? Early intervention can often stop or reverse balding in teenage males. Depending on the underlying cause, treatments range from medications to lifestyle changes.

Barbara O'Neill's SHOCKING Hair Loss Discovery: What They Hid From You!

Can stress cause bald spots?

Yes, stress and hair loss can be related. Three types of hair loss can be associated with high stress levels: Telogen effluvium. In telogen effluvium (TEL-o-jun uh-FLOO-vee-um), significant stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase.

How to fix a bald spot?

The most common options include:
  1. Minoxidil (Rogaine). Over-the-counter (nonprescription) minoxidil comes in liquid, foam and shampoo forms. ...
  2. Finasteride (Propecia). This is a prescription drug for men. ...
  3. Other medications. Other oral options include spironolactone (Carospir, Aldactone) and oral dutasteride (Avodart).

Do bald spots from pulling hair grow back?

Once you stop pulling your hair, new hair growth can begin. However, it may take several months or even years for the hair to regrow fully. The regrowth may be uneven, and the new hair may have a different texture or colour to the surrounding hair.

Can bald hairline grow back?

Reversing a Receding Hairline with Hairline Restoration Treatments. If your hairline is receding due to male pattern baldness, ageing or other genetic conditions, your hair won't regrow naturally. However, there are treatments available to reverse the process and restore your hair to its former glory.

Should I worry about a bald spot?

Hair loss is not usually anything to be worried about, but occasionally it can be a sign of a medical condition. Some types of hair loss are permanent, like male and female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss usually runs in the family. Other types of hair loss may be temporary.

Does balding eventually stop?

Hair loss is a common and progressive condition in men that stems from genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. It often stops or slows between the ages of 30 and 50. Although male pattern baldness is inevitable for most individuals, lifestyle changes and medical treatments provide potential ways to stop hair loss.

What does scarring alopecia look like?

Scarring alopecia usually appears as a bald patch where there's typically hair. There might be one bald area or several. The skin where hair used to be tends to look smooth and shiny. Scarring alopecia can look different on different people.

Do massaging bald spots grow back?

In the second study, more than 300 people with hair loss did daily scalp massages for 11 to 20 minutes. After about 6 months, almost 70% of the participants reported either less hair loss or more regrowth.

How to tell if hair is regrowing?

  1. What Does New Hair Growth Look Like? Understanding the signs of new hair growth is crucial for anyone concerned with hair health, whether dealing with hair thinning or loss. ...
  2. Texture Changes. ...
  3. Increased Volume. ...
  4. Darkening Of Hair Follicles. ...
  5. Growth At The Hairline. ...
  6. Itchy Scalp. ...
  7. Shiny, Strong Strands. ...
  8. Rate Of Shedding.

Is vitamin D hair loss reversible?

There is not enough research to determine whether increasing vitamin D levels can restore hair loss. There are also numerous possible causes of hair loss, and a person may need to address the underlying issue. However, as vitamin D plays a role in hair growth, getting enough vitamin D may be beneficial for hair health.

Can hair still grow in bald spots?

There are a few limited circumstances in which hair can grow back after it's lost — and in rare cases, it can be resurrected after being lost to male pattern baldness. But balding is usually permanent (though you can definitely slow it down or stop losing more hair).

How to know if hair follicles are damaged?

Hair loss is the most obvious way you can tell that your follicles are in distress. Of course, some hair loss is expected every day, but if you've been losing an increasing amount of hair, this indicates that there might be damage.

When is it too late to reverse traction alopecia?

Generally speaking, it's never too late to fix traction alopecia. The condition can be treated at any point – whether you're in the early stages or a more advanced phase.

How long do bald spots last?

Quite often the bald patch or patches regrow hair within a few months. If hair grows back, it may not have its usual colour at first and look grey or white for a while. The usual colour eventually returns after several months. Sometimes one or more bald patches develop a few weeks after the first one.

Is stage 1 hair loss reversible?

Understanding Stage 1 Hair Loss

At this stage, hair follicles begin to weaken, leading to a gradual reduction in hair density, especially around the crown, temples, or part line. Early recognition and treatment at this stage significantly improve the chances of reversing hair loss and restoring hair health.

Does Vaseline help bald spots?

While Vaseline could moisturize your hair and scalp, there's currently no evidence to suggest that it stimulates hair growth.

Why am I suddenly getting bald spots?

It is related to aging, heredity, and changes in the hormone testosterone. Inherited, or pattern baldness, affects many more men than women. Male pattern baldness can occur at any time after puberty. About 80% of men show signs of male pattern baldness by age 70 years.

Does lack of sleep cause hair loss?

Quality sleep is as vital for healthy hair as it is for overall health. When we don't sleep enough, it can throw off the levels of certain hormones that help our hair grow, such as oestrogen and melatonin. People experiencing regular poor sleep tend to notice more hair shedding and thinning.

How to regrow hair on a bald spot fast?

Table of Contents
  1. Stimulate Scalp Circulation for Faster Hair Growth.
  2. Topical Treatments to Regrow Hair on Bald Spots.
  3. Ensure Your Diet Supports Hair Regrowth.
  4. Medical Treatments for Bald Spots.
  5. Manage Stress and Improve Overall Wellness.
  6. Avoid Damaging Hair Practices.
  7. Stay consistent and patient.

Previous article
Does dark hair make you look older or younger?
Next article
Is it better to take a bath or shower when sick?