The very fact that you’re here, reading this blog right now means that you’re not alone. It’s normal to lose about 80-100 strands of hair every day. All of us do. But, if you notice signs of your hair thinning, you are probably suffering from premature balding. Men find themselves plagued with the stress of going bald well before their age, sometimes even as early as their twenties. This is a medical condition known as premature male pattern baldness. 

The earliest premature balding signs are thinning of the scalp and noticing a receding hairline. But, there isn’t much to worry about. Premature balding in men also called androgenic alopecia is very common. According to, US National Library of Medicine, more than 50 per cent of men suffer from this. While there isn’t a “cure” to this, there are things you can do to treat it. 

What is Androgenic Alopecia? 

In layman’s terms, androgenic alopecia is the male equivalent to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is a hormonal pattern or condition where men start to lose out hair, suffer from a receding hairline and thinning scalp. In premature balding, several hormones in the metabolism of the androgen are responsible for this. 

What causes Premature Balding in Men? 

Each hair follicle on your scalp has a hair cycle. When the cycle weakens, the hair follicles shrink and tend to fall off or produce really thin and fine hair. Ultimately, the growth cycle for each follicle gets exhausted, and no new hair forms. One of the most common premature balding causes are genetics, that is having a family history of premature balding. Inherited premature balding has no side effects and isn’t in any way related to a serious health condition. 

However, if hair loss occurs very rapidly or in reaction to some medication, you must see a doctor. It could be related to thyroids or anabolic steroids. Health conditions may also cause premature balding in men, especially when hair loss is accompanied by a rash, pain, redness, irritation, flaky scalp, or bleeding of the scalp. If that is the case, a skin biopsy and blood tests may be crucial to diagnose disorders responsible for hair loss. However, there isn’t a cause for worry, because this is rare.

Can you Prevent Premature Balding? 

There is no proven research on how to prevent premature balding in men. However, premature balding is more than often related to stress. A theory suggests that stress can lead to a reduction of the sex hormones in the body and the bloodstream. You should find ways to tackle stress. Suggested options include engaging in leisure and recreational activities, improving lifestyle and sleep patterns, and going to therapy. 

Premature Balding Signs

Premature Balding signs can have several related and unrelated meanings. Some of these signs are early and can lead to early prevention while some occur when there is no hope. Here are the signs that you can identify. Balding is usually evaluated by using the Hamilton-Norwood classification system. This system focuses on recognizing the two possible major patterns of hair loss that can be seen:

1. Temples

The hair starts thinning around the crown of the head, that is the temples.

1. Receding hairline

This is the most common early sign of premature balding. The hairline starts moving backwards exposing a wider forehead.

Other signs include:

• Gradual thinning on the top of the head
• Circular patchy spots
• Patches of scaling
• Sudden hair loss

To diagnose premature balding, it’s necessary to understand your hair loss, the texture, and the patterns. 

How to Address Premature Balding? 

Medical treatment and diagnosis are unnecessary if underlying health conditions aren’t an issue. However, cosmetic treatments and elective surgery are always available for those who are unhappy with how they look after premature balding. Here are some other techniques that can reduce the appearance of premature balding.

1. Wigs

There is nothing shameful about wearing a wig. If your premature balding is bothering you and you don’t want to opt for elective surgery or cosmetic treatments, consider getting fitted for a wig. A wig that is made just for you will completely cover up thinning hair, receding hairlines, and bald spots. Wigs come in a variety of lengths, shapes, textures, and colors. For a natural look, go for something close to your natural hair. A visit to a professional wig stylist can help. 

2. Hairstyle

This is an easy and quick fix to premature balding. Not to forget, it is also extremely easy to maintain. Consider going to a good hairstylist and he will design a haircut that is the perfect fit for you! A creative cut can make your hair look fuller. Spending a few extra bucks is totally worth it!

3. Hair Transplants

Hair Transplants are extremely expensive treatments. Usually, multiple treatments are often necessary, and the hair transplant procedure can carry the risk of scarring of the scalp and infection. The pros of a hair transplant are that it looks more natural and it’s permanent. To tackle premature balding in men, hair transplants are not 100 per cent recommended. There are other cheaper fixes you can look into.

4. Minoxidil and Finasteride

Minoxidil and Finasteride are topical and oral medications for premature balding. However, the changes are a 50-50, it may work wonders or it may not work at all. You should be careful and fully aware of what you’re getting into. It is best to consult a general physician or a hair loss expert/specialist before resorting to medicines like Minoxidil and Finasteride to treat premature balding in men. There are also significant risks and side effects associated with these medications. Side effects can include weight gain, chest pain, depression, painful ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, pain in the testicles, etc. 

If you’re not at your wit’s end yet due to premature balding and have just spotted the earliest possible signs, you can look into ways that boost faster hair growth. It can be about 60 per cent effective if done carefully and properly. There are many natural hair growth treatments. Premature balding can be extremely stressful. Going bald and noticing early premature balding signs can be scary and can result in anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and other related emotional and mental health problems. It is always wise to see a therapist if you find it hard to deal with the symptoms. No matter what you do, remember that you’re not alone in this! 

And, with a little confidence, you can own a bald head. Bald men can be really sexy if they know how to own it! 

Also Read: Can Your Hair Grow Back After Going Bald?