Hair Whorl Or Balding

Do you worry that the hair whorl at the back of your head might be a sign of baldness? A hair whorl is a type of cowlick that has naturally occurring circular or spiral patterns of hair at the crown whereas baldness has areas of thinning and patchy hair loss.

However, there is an increasing fear, is it a hair whorl or balding – how to tell the difference? Let’s get to know what a hair whorl is, how it differs from baldness, and the early signs of balding.

What Is A Hair Whorl?

“A hair whorl is the natural distribution of hairs around an axis in the form of a swirl on top of head.”

The direction of the swirl in hair depends upon the direction in which hair follicles grow naturally. It may be clockwise or anti-clockwise. A normal hair whorl pattern usually develops from birth permanently and has nothing to do with hair loss or baldness.

Sometimes, there are two swirls in the normal top of head hair, also known as a “double crown”. If someone has two or three hair whorls, they consider them bald. However, it is a misconception because normal hair whorls are natural and hereditary.

What Does Balding Look Like?

“Balding is a hair loss condition in which hair becomes thin and weak or bald spots are observed. It is also known as pattern hair loss.”

People experience baldness or hair loss in their 30s or 40s. It may be due to genetic or health issues. You may notice baldness in the form of an M-shape patch in the crown, a horseshoe shape on the sides, or a back of bald head.

Does Everyone Have A Bald Spot On Their Crown?

You might be thinking, “Does everyone have a bald spot?”. But it is not right. Baldness or hair loss is a disease that occurs due to various reasons.

A major cause of baldness is the hormone DHT which shrinks hair follicles. It stops hair growth at the upper hair layer and causes bald patches. It may also occur due to severe hair loss caused by stress, anxiety, medications, or hormonal changes.

What Are The Early Signs Of Balding?

The early signs of balding vary largely due to its different causes, but some common signs of balding include:

• Thinning Crown – The normal top of head hair becomes thin and weak.
• Receding Hairline – The front and side hair start thinning and disappearing, it makes an M shape on the front because the hair on sides recedes faster than the middle.
• Widening Part – The top of the head hair splits and pulls apart, leaving wide patches of hair loss.
• Excessive Hair Shedding when you comb or wash your hair.
• Clumps Hair Fall – When hair loss occurs in the form of clumps, which is a severe baldness.
• Losing All Body Hair – People experience hair loss occurring in the other parts of the body including legs, arms, etc. as they age.

Hair Whorl Vs. Balding: Key Differences

Hair whorl and balding are entirely different situations. Here are the key differences between the two:

How To Fix A Balding Crown?

The back of the head bald can be treated in its early stages by using various medications or topical ointments or creams. Some of these treatments are given here:

• Finasteride: It slows the hair loss process.
• Minoxidil: It regrows hair in the bald regions.
• Spironolactone: It prevents androgen receptors from creating hormonal imbalances and is helpful in female pattern hair loss.
• DHT-blocking Shampoos: These shampoos block DHT production and prevent hair loss due to DHT.

In Case of Severe Hair Loss

If you experience severe hair loss or balding, you must visit your doctor. Treatment options for baldness include:

• Hair Transplants: A process where hair from a donor region is implanted in the bald regions to cover the scalp.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): It uses the patient’s blood to form PRP that is injected into the scalp.
• Laser Light Therapy: It uses low-power laser light to enhance hair density in the scalp.

How To Conceal A Thinning Crown?

Some hairstyling techniques can cover thinning crowns or spiral bald spots due to hair whorls.

• Choose layered cutting that creates depth and enhances hair density visibly.
• Side-swept bangs conceal the receding hairline.
• Use headbands or clips to lift and secure hair with a stylish touch.
• Use hairpieces or microscopic hair fibers to make hair look thick apparently.
• Hair sprays that add volume to thinning hair.