You only get one head of hair to last your entire life, which means you know your hair pretty well. You know exactly when it needs to be washed, conditioned, cut, and treated. However, sometimes even the most attentive people miss some pretty glaring signs. Is your hair trying to tell you something and you’re just not ready to hear it?
Have you begun to notice that your scalp suddenly feels sunburned after a day at the beach? Or the amount of hair that falls out in the shower has nearly doubled? What about your haircut? Is it looking just a little different lately? Maybe the usual amount of hair styling product you use suddenly seems like too much. If you’ve noticed any of these patterns, they could be the early signs of balding.
Balding is a sensitive subject but the more you know about a problem, the better equipped you are to deal with it. Mikey Denton, Baxter of California brand ambassador and barber, is here to school you on everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the early signs of balding.
What are some of the early signs of balding?
If you’re beginning to bald, Denton says you’ll typically see patchy areas begin to form around the crown of your head or notice your hairline has begun to recede. Before we delve into baldness, however, it is very important that you know the difference between thin hair and thinning hair.
Thin hair refers to the diameter or thickness of each strand. Many people who have thin strands have really dense hair, making their thin locks a lot less noticeable. Others have both thin and thinning hair, putting their sparse strands on display.
Thinning hair refers to a loss of hair density. Men with both thick and thin hair can experience a loss of hair density. If you have thin strands, you probably rely on thickening products to create the illusion of fuller hair.
There is no fool-proof way to predict if you’ll experience baldness. However, because balding is often hereditary, the density of your parent's hair can be an indicator.
Denton also says he often begins to see signs of balding on clients around their early 30s. If you wish to take any preventative measures, don’t wait to start. By your mid to late 20s, you should seek the expert advice of a doctor and use products specifically designed to target early baldness.
Once you notice the some of early signs of balding, how should you change your hair care routine?
First, you need to determine the cause of your hair loss. Balding can be triggered by many things, including something as common as stress. Once you’ve begun to notice the early signs of balding, think back on your life over the last three to six months. Have you been under a lot more stress than usual? Has your diet changed? Have you lost weight very quickly? Have you stopped or started any medication? If you answered yes to any of those questions, chances are you’re due for a bit of a lifestyle change.
Unfortunately, no lifestyle changes guarantee your hair will grow back. If you feel like you’ve done everything in your power to ensure your hair is healthy and are still experiencing balding, it’s time to visit a doctor. A dermatologist who specializes in trichology (the study of the structure, function, and diseases associated with the human hair and scalp) should be able to access your hair needs properly.
What are the best ways to hide the beginning signs of balding?
When you’re battling the early signs of balding, your instinct may be to hold onto as much of your hair as possible. However, Denton says the best way to camouflage the signs of balding is to head to the barber for a short cut.
“Honestly, I recommend guys go shorter which gives the hair more dimension whereas longer hair I feel makes the thinning or balding more apparent,” he explains. “When we obviously try to hide something is when it’s more noticeable.”
Now you’re equipped with everything you need to know to stop balding in its tracks or embrace a new ‘do.
