Noticing a bald spot on crown of head makes everyone think and worry about the future of their hair. Hair loss is a common condition that affects millions of men and women and does not occur in the same way in everyone. It is common for people to lose their crown hair throughout their lives. A bald spot on the crown of head is usually caused by androgenetic alopecia, but it can also have other causes. It’s inevitable that the first signs of baldness will come as a shock. Hair loss may begin with receding hairline, hair thinning may occur along the entire scalp, or bald spots may occur around the crown or other specific parts of the scalp. The bald spot on the crown of head is difficult to see for oneself. However, you can detect crown hair loss in its early stages. Although it is not possible to completely reverse hair loss, there are treatments such as hair transplant to slow it down and improve hair density in the crown area.
Hair loss is not a source of embarrassment or insecurity or the end of the world. No matter how severe the hair loss is, different treatment options are available. Below you can find out everything you need to know about bald spot on crown of head. Read on for more about what bald spot on crown of head looks like, how they form and what can be done to prevent them from spreading to other parts of the scalp.
What Causes a Bald Spot on Crown of Head?
A bald spot on crown of head can result from various different reasons, but when bald spots specifically develop around the hairline or the top of the head, it is most likely one of the most common and recognizable signs of male pattern baldness, or medically known as androgenetic alopecia. While it is often associated with older men, this common type of hair loss can also occur at a younger age.
A bald crown and androgenetic alopecia are caused by a potent androgen hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone is responsible for the development of male characteristics such as deepening of the voice and body hair growth. While these are natural biological processes, DHT can have some side effects. Specifically, hair follicles, especially those located in the hairline and the top of the head, are sensitive to this hormone and can shrink, weaken, and eventually completely stop producing new hair in its presence. Hair follicles on the sides and back of the head are more resistant to DHT.
DHT doesn’t immediately cause the hair on the crown of your head to fall out. Instead, it causes your hair to thin and gradually, eventually leading to complete baldness on the top of your head, often combined with receding hairline. Male pattern baldness is genetic, and if one or both of your parents have experienced hair thinning, it could mean that you’re also prone to it.
Androgenetic alopecia is not the only condition that can lead to a bald spot on crown of head. Other possible causes that can lead to bald spot on crown of head include:
- Trichotillomania (plucking one’s own hair, often without realizing it).
- Alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks a person’s own hair follicles).
- Telogen effluvium (hair shedding due to excessive stress).
- Excessive styling.
- Medical treatments.
- Nutritional deficiency.
- Hormonal imbalance.
- Disease.
- Trauma.
What are the Early Signs?
Here are four common early signs that indicate the onset of balding on the crown of the head:
1. Hair loss at the crown
Hair loss on the crown of the head is one of the most prominent early signs of male pattern baldness. While there is no change in the hair on the sides and back of the head, a gradual change can be noticed in this area.
It may be difficult to assess this condition on one’s own, but it may be helpful to get someone’s opinion in order to decide what to do and what steps to take.
2. Receding hairline
The receding hairline at the front of the scalp is an important early sign of male pattern baldness. So, when the hairline starts to recede further and further back along the scalp, it is possible that the person has also started to lose the hair on the crown.
3. Thinning hair
In male and female pattern hair loss, hair thinning is observed in one or more areas of the scalp over a certain period of time. This gradual thinning may start in the crown or in another part of the scalp.
As the hair follicles shrink and new hair growth decreases, your scalp may become more visible, or you may notice that it is more sensitive to cold weather.
4. Widening part
As one of the most common early signs of male pattern baldness, the enlarged part can lead to the appearance of a bald spot on crown of head in the near future.
Common Signs of a Bald Spot on Crown of Head
A bald spot on crown of head can be difficult to recognize because conditions such as male pattern baldness can be insidious. In the normal course of life, hair loss on the crown of the head may go unnoticed.
However, it is important to recognize male pattern baldness early to treat it effectively. At this point, you should pay attention to two things: General thinning or balding concentrated on the crown. A receding hairline can also be an indication of future balding of the crown.
What to Do about a Balding Crown?
If hair loss is hereditary, it can be very difficult to stop hair loss in the crown area from spreading to the scalp and can lead to complete baldness on the crown of the head.
However, there are different options available to stop the spread and reduce the visibility of a bald spot, ranging from over-the-counter medications to more permanent treatments such as crown hair transplantation. Depending on the nature and severity of hair loss, you can use one of the following treatments to treat bald spots.
1. Use Medicine
Treatment options for thinning hair in the crown area may include medication. Some medications are designed to treat hair loss and stimulate hair growth but may not give the same results in everyone. These medicines include the following:
- Minoxidil.
- Finasteride.
- Dutasteride.
- Spironolactone.
- Steroids.
However, these medicines may not give permanent results and may cause many side effects. Therefore, they should not be used without consulting a doctor.
2. Hair Transplant
If the bald spot on crown of head has become really noticeable, hair transplantation is the most effective way to restore hair. Hair transplantation involves transplanting hair follicles from the back and sides of the head, where hair grows naturally, to the areas of hair loss. With this procedure, bald spots in the crown area can be completely covered using healthy hair follicles.
However, androgenetic alopecia should be allowed to run its course before starting any hair loss treatment. Otherwise, hair loss will continue, and additional care will be required to keep up with it.
Can You Regrow Hair on Crown?
If the hair follicles are not permanently damaged or shrunken, it may be possible to regrow hair on the crown of the head. However, in the case of progressive hair loss, it is also possible to stop or slow down the process with the right treatment.
If the hair loss is temporary, the hair can grow back once the underlying problem is resolved. For example, if the bald spot on crown of head was caused by severe alopecia areata, hair growth may resume after treatment.
