Why do I suddenly have a bald spot on my head?

Author: Chaz Gibson MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

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.

Why did I get a random bald spot on my head?

Scientists believe the cause is genetic, as it tends to run in families. Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder that often results in unpredictable hair loss. Alopecia can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, though most cases develop before the age of 30.

What causes sudden hair loss in one spot?

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.

Should I worry about a bald spot on my head?

When to call a professional. Make an appointment to see your doctor if: you suddenly develop a bald spot on your scalp. your hair stylist tells you that your hair is thinning, or that you have small bald areas.

Can bald spots grow back?

Yes, hair can grow back on bald spots. However, the rate of regrowth and the thickness of the hair may vary depending on the cause of the bald spot. Treatments such as minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and laser therapy may help to stimulate hair growth.

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Can stress bald spots grow back?

Stress is well known to cause hair loss. However, this hair loss is unlikely to be permanent and will grow back. The hair should start to grow back roughly 6 months after the stress has resolved. It is important to distinguish between physical and emotional stress when it comes to hair loss.

What age does alopecia start?

The condition can develop at any age, although most people develop alopecia areata for the first time before the age of 30. Alopecia areata is not life-threatening and does not cause physical pain. However, the psychosocial effects of hair loss can be devastating.

Why did I get a bald spot overnight?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that attacks your body's hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. Medications and therapies can help your hair regrow, though severe cases may not respond to treatment.

What does hair loss from stress 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.

What does alopecia look like when it first starts?

Patchy hair loss (alopecia areata)

In the type of patchy hair loss known as alopecia areata, hair loss occurs suddenly and usually starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap.

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.

Does alopecia start in one spot?

The main symptom of alopecia areata is hair loss that occurs in small, round patches on your head. This leaves smooth, peach-colored areas of scalp exposed. A mild case of alopecia areata starts with one to two coin-size hairless patches. In many instances, it stops after that.

How to know if hair follicles are dead?

So dead hair follicles can look like a smooth, bald patch of skin or like a scar. A trichologist may be able to get a better view of your follicles by using a microscope or other trichological tools.

How do I fix bald spots on my head?

Topical over-the-counter medication

Most people need to apply minoxidil two to three times daily for three to six months before seeing regrowth. If the medication does cause hair to regrow on a bald spot, you will likely need to continue to apply it daily to maintain the growth.

What is the trigger of alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata can be triggered by environmental factors like stress, injury, or illness. But in many cases, there is no clear answer as to why someone develops alopecia areata.

Which deficiency causes hair fall?

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].

Can hair grow back after thinning?

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.

How do I know if my hair loss is hormonal?

Unlike hair loss caused by chemotherapy or autoimmune disorders, hormonal hair loss is gradual. You might not notice it until your hairline has visibly receded, your ponytail has grown thinner, or your scalp has become visible.

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.

Can hair regrow in bald spots?

Hair may regrow on its own in about a year, and some people never have another episode of hair loss. Sometimes, hair needs help to regrow. Without treatment, hair loss may remain the same or worsen. With treatment, it's possible to see some regrowth in 6 weeks.

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.

What is stage 1 alopecia?

Stage 1: There's little or no hair loss or hairline recession. Stage 2: There's slight hair loss near the skin between your ears and forehead (temples). Stage 3: You have deep hairline recession around your temples, and your hairline may have an “M” or “U” shape.

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