Am I balding? Should I start hair loss treatments?

Question

Do I need to start treatments

Erik Peterson, MD · Answer

If you’re wondering “am I balding?”, the single best thing you can do is see a board-certified dermatologist for a proper look and baseline evaluation. A derm will take a detailed history, examine your scalp and hair pattern, and use tools like dermoscopy or even microscope-level imaging to check for miniaturization &mdash; that’s when hairs get thinner and shorter over time and is a hallmark of pattern hair loss. That info is really useful to guide whether treatment is needed and what kind.
Many things can make hair look thinner &mdash; normal shedding, styling, stress, nutrition, or medical conditions &mdash; and not all of it is permanent baldness. A dermatologist can differentiate pattern hair loss from other causes, look for signs of follicle shrinkage, and help you track or treat it early if needed.
So instead of guessing from pictures or how your hair feels, a dermatologist’s exam gives you an objective baseline and a plan if there’s any issue to address.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hi,

From the photo you shared, it looks like there is some thinning on the crown area. This can be an early sign of male pattern hair loss, especially if you’ve noticed gradual hair shedding over time or a family history of hair loss.

Whether or not to start treatment depends on how quickly the thinning is progressing and your goals. Early intervention often gives the best results, and there are safe, effective options available like topical minoxidil or oral finasteride. Additionally, supporting your hair health with a balanced diet, gentle hair care, and avoiding harsh styling can help.

You don’t need to feel rushed, but starting treatment sooner rather than later can help preserve hair and slow further thinning. Keep an eye on changes over the next few months to determine if intervention is appropriate.

Am I balding? Should I start hair loss treatments?

Answers (2)

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