Unless under extreme circumstance, for most men baldness (aka male androgenetic alopecia or MAA) doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process, which means one of the best ways to prevent balding is learning how to recognise the early signs and symptoms. That way, you can act quickly in treating and preventing future hair loss.
Male androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in men, affecting 30-50% of men by age 50. The earlier you act in preventing hair loss, the more hair you’ll save.
So, what are the early signs of hair loss to look out for?
A change in your hairline
More often than not, baldness begins in the hairline. Thus, the most obvious sign of hair loss to look out for is a change from a flat or receded hairline into more of an M-shaped hairline. If in doubt, compare a current photo with a photo from two years ago. If you notice that your hairline has receded or transformed into an M-shape, it’s a sign that you’re experiencing hair loss.
Noticeable thinning of your hair
You may be under the impression that a receding hairline is the most common sign of baldness. Whilst that is somewhat true, baldness can begin anywhere on your scalp. So, your hair loss journey could surprise you when thinning occurs from the back or top of your head. Again, the best way to know if you’re experiencing this form of hair loss is to compare two photos taken two years apart.
Excessive hair loss after showering or brushing your hair
It’s completely normal for hair to fall out over the course of a day. But, if you notice an increasing or excessive amount of hair loss, you may be in the early stages of baldness. As a rule of thumb, remember that the average person loses between 50-100 hairs daily, so if you still fall within that category there’s no need to panic just yet. And remember, temporary hair loss is totally a thing. Caused by stress, lifestyle changes or trauma, your hair loss could be a short phase and your mane will be back on track soon.
What to do if you notice early signs of balding?
Whether you’re experiencing temporary balding or a more permanent hair loss, it’s important to acknowledge the changes occurring on top of your head. Potential hair loss may be a massive blow towards your confidence and send you down the ageing rabbit hole of wrinkles, false teeth and sagging skin, but nowadays there are plenty of hair loss treatment options available. The key is to recognise the signs of balding early and start the conversation with your trusted healthcare professional, pronto.
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This guide is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your medical practitioner.