What can be mistaken for balding?

Author: Rosalind Turcotte  |  Last update: Sunday, October 12, 2025

Cowlicks and balding are distinct phenomena that affect the hair, but they can sometimes be confused due to their similar appearance. Both conditions can create areas of hair that seem to be thinning or going in different directions.

What can be mistaken for hair loss?

Some women experience thinning over the lateral scalp. Common conditions that mimic androgenetic alopecia include thyroid disease, iron deficiency anemia, and malnutrition.

Am I balding or is it something else?

Am I balding or just losing hair? Shedding 50-100 hairs daily is normal. But consistent loss beyond that coupled with seeing more scalp indicates balding, especially in the frontal and top areas for male and female patterns.

Am I balding or is my hair damaged?

If they are split or frayed, that is a sign of damage. Another way is to feel your hair. If it feels dry, brittle, or stringy, that is also a sign of damage. Finally, you can look at the overall health of your hair. If it is dull, lacks luster, or is prone to tangling, that is a sign that your hair is damaged.

Am I balding or is it just my crown?

Thinning hair at the crown is a common sign of male pattern baldness. It is caused by genes and male hormones. male pattern baldness begins with a receding hairline and often causes a crown bald spot. If you are suffering with temple recession and crown thinning, then this is indicative of balding.

The Early Signs Of Balding (Causes and 6 Signs)

Am I balding or is my hairline weird?

As you advance in age and your hairline reaches its mature form, your hairline can end up 1.5 – 2 cm higher above your brow than it was in your adolescence. But this would normally happen slowly, over time. If your hairline recedes more than 2 cm in just a few months, you may start suspecting frontal balding.

Can a thinning crown grow back?

Yes. With some treatments, you can slow down or stop hair thinning -- and maybe even grow back some hair you thought was gone forever.

Am I going bald or am I paranoid?

So try not to stress out about a few individual strands of lost hair on your hair tie. If you're concerned that you're shedding more hair than this, or you've noticed substantial hair loss when you wash or brush your hair, you're probably not paranoid. This may be the first sign of sustained hair loss.

How can I test myself for hair loss?

Hair pull test.

Allow hairs that are firmly rooted in the scalp to pass through your grasp, but maintain enough traction so that loose hairs are pulled clean. About 2-5 hairs will be pulled in a normal adult. Up to 3 or 4 times that amount will be pulled free in adults who suffer with hair loss.

At what age does balding start?

Male pattern baldness doesn't hurt. 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.

How do you confirm baldness?

Signs and symptoms of hair loss may include:
  1. Gradual thinning on top of head. This is the most common type of hair loss, affecting people as they age. ...
  2. Circular or patchy bald spots. ...
  3. Sudden loosening of hair. ...
  4. Full-body hair loss. ...
  5. Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp.

Why do I think I'm balding?

Genetics, nutritional deficiency, drug side effects, or even stress caused by illness may play a role in hair loss: Genetics. More than 95 percent of hair loss in men is caused by androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness.

What autoimmune disease causes hair loss?

Alopecia areata is a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss. Hair follicles are the structures in skin that form hair. While hair can be lost from any part of the body, alopecia areata usually affects the head and face.

Am I losing my hair or is it thinning?

Most individuals lose 50 to 100 hairs daily. Shedding that exceeds this level may indicate thinning hair, and hair that comes out in clumps is more likely to be a sign of hair loss rather than routine shedding.

What does stress hair loss look like?

No Visible Pattern. With stress-related shedding, hair falls out evenly all over your scalp instead of in a defined pattern. You'll likely notice more hairs than usual coming out while shampooing, combing, or on your pillow, clothing, and bathroom floor.

Does vitamin D help hair loss?

Vitamin D is essential for creating the cells that develop into hair follicles. It also supports healthy bones and your immune system. If you have hair loss and low vitamin D levels, your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements.

What is the finger test for hair loss?

With this test, you grasp about 60 hairs between your fingers and pull a little bit while running your fingers through your hair. Of the 60 hairs, it is normal to see between 5-8 hairs fall out with this tension. Any more than that, say between 15-20, could be a sign that you are experiencing some hair loss.

What does thyroid hair loss look like?

Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.

Can hair loss be reversed?

Effective treatments for some types of hair loss are available. 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.

Am I overthinking hair loss?

While overthinking alone may not directly cause hair loss, the stress and anxiety associated with it can contribute to hair shedding over time. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, a balanced lifestyle, and seeking professional help when needed can reduce the impact on your hair health.

Can thin hair become thick again?

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.

Am I balding or is it just my hairline?

Yes, unlike a receding hairline, a mature one will naturally stop receding once it has reached its final form. That is usually about 1.5-2 cm higher than its juvenile version. If your hairline has receded further than this, it could be a sign of hair loss that warrants a trichologist appointment.

Why is my hair so thin I can see my scalp?

A visible scalp through your hair can be a sign that it's thinning (but not always). The factors that contribute to thinning hair (and thus a visible scalp) include stress, diet, vitamin deficiency and ageing.

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