Crown thinning
Crown thinning refers to hair loss at the top of the scalp and is commonly seen in male pattern baldness. It's caused by the hormone DHT, which shrinks hair follicles, leading to thinning or bald spots.
What is crown thinning and when does it start?
Hair thinning at the crown is a telltale sign of male pattern balding and it can happen to men at any age, with some men noticing it as early as in their 20s. Crown balding can sneak up on you because itās not easy to see yourself, so ask a trusted friend/hair stylist to take a peek. If detected and treated early, you can halt progression and possibly regrow hair.
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What does a bald spot at the top of your head look like?
Hair loss on your crown often appears as a circular patch of hair loss or thinning. Since hair naturally forms a swirling pattern as it grows, thinning can give the appearance that this swirl is expanding.
What medication helps with a bald spot on the back of your head?
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Finasteride (generic PropeciaĀ®)
Minoxidil (generic RogaineĀ®)
Dutasteride (generic AvodartĀ®)
Effective for crown balding. Optimize results by combining finasteride treatment with another medication, such as minoxidil or natural hair growth treatments.
Effective at treating hair loss on the crown. It can be effective on its own and even more so when combined with finasteride.
Effective for crown balding. Optimize results by combining dutasteride treatment with minoxidil, or a natural hair growth treatment.
A DHT-blocking medication which stops an enzyme from converting testosterone into DHT. Helps lower DHT and prevent hair follicles from shrinking.
Widens blood vessels in the scalp, improving the flow of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles to support healthy hair growth. Prolongs the active growth stage.
Blocks DHT, just like finasteride but potentially stronger effects. Lowered DHT levels help prevent hair follicles from shrinking.
Typically takes at least 6 months to see visible results. Maximum benefit is seen after 1-2 years of use. An initial increase in shedding is normal and should resolve by 6 months.
May take 3-6 months to see results. Like finasteride, an initial increase in hair shedding is possible, but should subside after a few months.
In many cases, at least 6 months of consistent treatment are needed for visible results. However, some may notice results sooner. Like finasteride, initial shedding is possible.
Approved for hair loss as a 1mg oral dose, but can be prescribed as a topical solution following a consultation with a physician.
FDA and Health Canada approved as a topical solution for hair loss. Can be prescribed off-label as an oral medication following a consultation with a physician.
Not FDA or Health Canada approved for the treatment of pattern hair loss. Can be prescribed topically following a consultation with a physician.
Should a bald spot be treated with the same solution as a receding hairline?
Hair loss at the crown and hairline are caused by the same processes so they can be treated the same way. Having said that, hair follicles in some areas of the scalp may be more sensitive to DHT and could respond differently to DHT-blocking medications. Adopting a combination approach to treatment can maximize hair growth benefits across all regions of the scalp.
When it might notĀ be a bald spot:
The area on your scalp where the hair creates a swirl is known as a hair whorl. The follicles here produce hairs that lay flatter against the scalp, which can give the illusion of less dense hair growth. This is commonly mistaken for crown balding. Pattern hair loss is progressive, so monitoring for any worsening thinning can help to determine whether you truly have hair loss.
A double crown refers to the phenomenon of having two hair whorls. Around 5% of the population have a double crown and it can be mistaken for crown balding, particularly when the whorls are positioned close together. Although it can resemble hair thinning, a double crown is not a sign of pattern balding.
Do bald spots always lead to baldness?
Pattern balding is a progressive hair loss condition, so without treatment it will continue to worsen. The good news? There are effective treatment options available which can slow and prevent hair loss. By recognizing the signs early and taking action, you can be proactive in preventing baldness.
How to treatĀ a bald spot
Medication
Minoxidil and DHT-blockers like finasteride and dutasteride are highly effective medications for treating bald spots and they may be even more effective when used together. Combination therapies in various formats are available and we encourage you to connect with a doctor to find out which one is right for you.
Consider a hair transplant
A hair transplant involves moving hair from dense areas of the scalp to less dense areas. People with more advanced thinning or a lack of response to medication may opt for this more invasive treatment. In many cases, surgeons may recommend medication alongside a transplant to maintain hair growth after the procedure.