Premature Balding: How To Tell If You Will Go Bald

Losing hair can be an emotional journey, especially for young individuals. Finding hair in the shower drain or on a pillow can evoke a turmoil of emotions. Just know that you are not alone in this.

If you are experiencing hair loss sooner than you expected, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss premature balding, its early signs and symptoms, realistic expectations and available treatment options.

Role Of Genetics In Premature Balding

There is a common saying for men: if you want to know if you will go bald, just look at your father or your mother’s father. If they were bald, chances are you would be too. If not, then you might be pretty much safe from it too.

For example, male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia, mostly depends on genes inherited from your maternal grandfather. Although other genes from parents and grandparents also play a role.

What Are The Signs Of Premature Balding?

Premature balding can start at any age, but usually begins in middle aged and older people. Some people notice early warning signs as early as their late teens and early 20s.

Early Signs Of Balding

The early warning signs of balding vary from person to person with regard to their age and family history. Common signs include:

• • • Thinning Temples:- Temple area is usually one of the earliest affected areas in balding. Hair starts thinning around temples. It progresses to other areas such as the crown or back of your head.
    • Receding Hairline:- This means hair on the front and sides of the head starts moving away from your head. The hairline may transform into an ‘M’ shape as hair on the sides of the head is receding way faster than hair in the middle of the hairline.
    • Thinning On Top Of Head:- Some people have hair thinning directly on top of their head. This type of balding takes longer to become prominent, sometimes even years. It could be more common in certain ethnic groups such as Asian men.
    • Widening Hair Partition:- Hair loss can cause the hair partition line to become wider and more prominent.
    • Hair Thinning Across The Head:- Some people experience hair thinning equally all over the head with no specific pattern. This type of hair loss is more common in females as compared to men.
    • Hair Fall In Clumps:- Hair loss can occur in large clumps as well, which may indicate a serious health condition. Consult a good healthcare professional to identify any serious concerns.

Genetics play a very important role in determining if you will go bald, but there are other causes as well:

• Hormonal Changes: PCOS is a common cause of hormonal imbalance in females and it can lead to hair loss.
• Alopecia Areata: A small circular area of hair loss without any other symptoms can be a cause.
• Tinea Capitis: A fungal infection of your scalp can cause localized balding spots which are usually permanent.
• Nutritional Deficiency: Your body might be lacking on protein, iron and other vitamins, which can lead to hair loss.
• Thyroid Conditions: Hypothyroidism, meaning low levels of thyroid hormone can lead to hair thinning as well.
• Hair Treatments: Tight braids, chemical treatments and frequent use of heating tools can cause hair breakage, thinning and loss.

Premature Balding – Diagnostic Methods

Visiting a hair specialist, often a dermatologist, can help you figure out your concerns and discuss prevention and management tips. Early recognition of hair loss patterns and thinning gives you a better chance of treating your hair.

Your doctor may examine your scalp and hair and perform some tests such as:

Scale biopsy

This involves removing a skin sample from the balding area and examining it under a microscope.

It can identify specific diagnoses such as fungal infection or confirm shrinking follicles which is common in male and female pattern baldness. These biopsies can be used to track changes over time and plan management over time.

Trichoscopy

A hand-held microscope is used to examine hair and scalp in detail. It can magnify them up to 70 times and take close-up images to check for any signs of inflammation.

Blood Tests

These can rule out any underlying medical issue such as nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroidism etc. Blood tests may include:

• • • Hormones like thyroid or testosterone
    • Iron or ferritin levels
    • Vitamin deficiencies
    • Inflammation (CRP, ESR)

How To Prevent Premature Balding?

If there is a strong family history of premature balding, there is no guaranteed treatment or prevention. However, you can take steps to maintain hair quality.

1. Prescription Medications such as Minoxidil, Finasteride etc., to promote hair regrowth.
2. Scalp Therapies such as massage, microneedling and hair regrowth light therapy to improve scalp circulation.
3. Diet & Lifestyle modifications to improve hair health.
4. Hair Transplant if hair loss is permanent and medical treatment is ineffective.