How Do I Know If I Am Going Bald?

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on April 29, 2021

At what age does male pattern baldness start? What are the signs?

We’ve all been through different periods of time where we started to lose hair and subsequently, our minds! We’ve lost so much sleep over the amount of hair loss in the shower or worse while brushing afterward. We started to count the hairs that fell, to see if they exceed 100. And at some point decided to give in and give up and to just move on! 

The fact is that good, healthy hair falls too! Not every hair loss is a sign of hair thinning or balding. But again, if we consider hair loss as normal every time it happens, sooner or later, it is highly possible to get to a point where we realize it’s been too late to do something about it! 

That is the reason why it is so important to know the early and the real signs of losing hair for good. Only then we can take the right steps to stop it. The sooner we start taking care of our hair, the less hair we lose. We can even reverse the process and help some of the hair loss to regrow. The trick is not to give up the treatment and be consistent and patient! Like everything else around us, our hair needs some attention too!

Read more: How To Prevent Hair Loss: 20 Common Causes Reviewed

Starting point

When it comes to losing hair, the ‘when’ and the ‘how’ are not easy to figure out. But, studies show that male pattern baldness mostly starts before the age of 21. It is crucial to know the signs, to be able to slow, stop or better yet, reverse it! 

Signs of losing hair for good

1- Receding hairline

In most cases, this is the first starting point; the hair starts moving backward from the front of the head and the sides. So, if you notice this, it’s a good idea to pay more attention or see a professional.

2- Losing the crown

The next most common spot that visibly loses hair is the crown or the vertex; the topest part of the back of the head. 

3- Growing patchy bald spots

Some people might lose hair in circular spots on the scalp, eyebrows, or beards. It mostly happens when the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles. A lot of the time, the hair grows back in 12 months or sometimes more.

4- Loosening hair

Hair might start loosening for different reasons, most of which are temporary. But sometimes they are the signs of balding and need to be attended to.

Final Words

What you need to bear in mind at all times is that thinning hair can be stopped or, in some cases, reversed. It is not something to necessarily accept and get along with. Today there are medications to at least slow or even stop the hair-thinning process. So, if you or anyone you know is struggling with hair loss, set up an appointment with your doctor to explore your options.