Losing hair at the temples, am I going bald? My father and my paternal grandfather are bald. Maternal grandfather is not (Photo)

Question

Okay, so, where do I begin... Recently, I've been having a lot of stress after losing someone I love/loved 5 months ago. I started to see a lot of hair falling out from my head, especially if not washed. My hair has also gone through heat damage (flat iron) and hair dyeing. And, I decided to cut my hair because it was really damaged. (Short hair doesn't suit me) And the shock after I saw my hairline/temples... My hair stylist told me that it's fine and that cowlick is to blame....

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

It’s not possible to say with these photos alone. Two more things are needed: a full story and a chance to see your scalp up close. First a full story is important. You’ve given parts of it but unfortunately it’s not enough. I don’t know the age of the patient or prior medications, supplements, health issues, not scalp symptoms like itching, burning or tenderness. These matter. If you are under 35 you may be balding. If you are 85, this is not balding. (Of course I know the patient is not 85 but the point has been made). Likely there is some degree of hairline maturation going on here and the big question is whether a telogen effluvium has precipitated the early stages of androgenetic alopecia. An up close examination will help clarify this so be sure to see an expert. The most important thing that can be done now is to keep taking photos every 3-4 months. More frequent photos are not helpful.

Losing hair at the temples, am I going bald? My father and my paternal grandfather are bald. Maternal grandfather is not (Photo)

Answers (1)