Crown balding, also known as vertex hair loss, occurs when hair in the circular area at the top of the head starts thinning or disappearing altogether. This region is one of the most common areas affected by hair loss, particularly in men.
A bald spot on the crown isn't considered normal, in most cases it's one of the earliest signs of male pattern baldness. That doesn't mean you're destined to lose all the hair on top of your head, but it does indicate that you're likely to keep shedding over time.
Balding on the crown is a common form of hair loss, particularly in men. Usually this is caused by a condition called male pattern baldness.
Yes, it is normal for some people to see their scalp when they lift their hair, especially if they have fine or thin hair. Hair density, texture, and color can all affect how much of the scalp is visible. Additionally, certain hairstyles or haircuts may also expose the scalp more.
With the right treatment, there are ways hair can regrow on the crown. From hair loss medications to surgical treatments and even natural methods, there are plenty of treatment options you can try.
Many start to notice the early stages of male pattern baldness by their 30s, but they may begin as early as your late teenage years or early 20s. Hair loss on your crown usually appears in a circular shape. A receding hairline often occurs in an “M” shape.
Use Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a topical medication that you apply to your scalp, or crown bald spot, twice daily. You can most often find it under the brand name Rogaine® but, there are also different off-brand versions that you can also find.
Your crown is the highest point of your head, and while it's not entirely clear why hair thins in this particular location, both men and women lose hair there, explains Kimberly Lee, MD, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Beverly Hills.
You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year. Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery.
Common conditions that mimic androgenetic alopecia include thyroid disease, iron deficiency anemia, and malnutrition. Treatment is based on patient preference. Topical minoxidil (2% or 5% solution) is approved for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men.
How do I tell if I have a balding crown? Common signs that you have a balding crown include: hair thinning on the top but not around the sides, hair at the crown becoming more brittle, and/or if you have a receding hairline.
Haircuts like the crew cut, Caesar cut, or buzz cut are great for hiding a balding crown, giving you a low-maintenance look that makes your hair appear thicker. Styles like the slicked-back look, comb-over, or quiff can use longer hair and a bit of product to cleverly cover up any bald spots.
Choose the right hairstyle
A shaved head is not the only flattering haircut for men who are balding on top. Depending on the extent and location of your hair loss, you can try slicked-back styles, side-swept business cuts, faux-hawks, pompadours, or a timeless buzz cut for a receding hairline.
By stage 3, some men will not notice any further recession at the hairline (in fact, their hairline may remain the same as it did during stage 2). Instead, they will start to lose hair on the crown, leading to the formation of a small bald spot.
Hair loss without a receding hairline is a less common type of hair loss, but it can still be a frustrating experience for those affected. This type of hair loss is usually caused by pattern hair loss or alopecia areata.
Yes, absolutely! Stress, excessive heat styling, age and even genetics can deplete your hair's thickness. Keeping your scalp and roots healthy is how you can promote the growth of thick hair. You can do the same by oiling regularly, refraining from wearing tight hairstyles and following a nourishing hair care routine.
Once the arrector pili muscle, that attaches circumferentially around the primary follicle, has detached from all secondary follicles and primary follicles have undergone miniaturization and detachment, hair loss is likely irreversible.
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. Within a few months, affected hairs might fall out suddenly when simply combing or washing your hair.
Progression: Cowlicks remain consistent, whereas balding areas will continue to thin and expand. Location: Cowlicks can appear anywhere but are most common at the crown or hairline, while balding often starts at the temples, crown, or hairline and spreads.
So the thick, coarse hair of a young adult eventually becomes thin, fine, light-colored hair. Many hair follicles stop producing new hairs. Men may start showing signs of baldness by the time they are 30 years old. Many men are nearly bald by age 60.
Blunt Bob. The shorter and blunter your hair is, the fuller it will appear, Collins says. “If you're experiencing hair loss, chances are there is already texture in your hair, so there is no need to add this,” he says. “Just go for as blunt as possible.”
Medication (Finasteride)
Finasteride is a prescription medication that works by inhibiting the production of DHT, the hormone responsible for hair follicle shrinkage in androgenic alopecia. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride helps slow down hair loss and may even promote regrowth.