Hair is thinning on the right side of my head, what can I do to help this and what is a likely cause?

Question

Think I've always felt I had slightly thinner hair on my sides just below my crown, but recently noticed my right side feels and looks much thinner than the left. I've only noticed it as my hair had began to grow back in on the sides as my hair is very curly, I'm 19 years old so kind of concerned with this. it feels like it's thin all the way to just above my ear. The fact it's just on the one side makes me feel it's not male pattern baldness

Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question about hair loss at 19 years old. Many factors could be responsible for your hair loss, including genetic factors. To get an accurate diagnosis, schedule an in-person consultation with a hair restoration surgeon in your area. After your diagnosis, an appropriate course of treatment can be prescribed.  Your treatment options may include Minoxidil to help sustain and thicken healthy hairs or PRP (platelet rich plasma) treatments which can also stimulate hair growth using components from your own blood. Your hair restoration surgeon can recommend other treatments after your examination and diagnosis. Good luck! 
- Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

Hair does tend to thin on the right before it does on the left in most men.  Your story is a bit atypical, though.  When you say your hair was more curly when it grew back in, was this hair that had fallen out and then regrew, or just hair growing back from being trimmed?You may be better off with an in-person consultation.  If your diagnosis is in fact male pattern hair loss, you can then discuss options such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), minoxidil (Rogaine), finasteride (Propecia) and laser therapy.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Without a photo and full details of the story, it’s nearly impossible to say. There are dozens of reasons to lose hair. A photo narrows things down considerably.

Joyce Davis, MD · Answer

It would be best for you to be examined by a board certified dermatologist.  Preferably, one who specializes in hair loss.  Hair thinning can have many causes.  It's best to be examined and start treatment early.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Assuming that you are a male, the most likely cause of thinning is early genetic balding. You might see a doctor and get this confirmed and treated

Hair is thinning on the right side of my head, what can I do to help this and what is a likely cause?

Answers (5)

Answer: Thinner hair on the right side of the scalp

Answer: Thinner hair on the right side of the scalp

Answer: Thinning hair

Answer: Thinning hair

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Hair is thinning on the right side of my head, what can I do to help this and what is a likely cause?

Answers (5)

Answer: Thinner hair on the right side of the scalp

Answer: Thinner hair on the right side of the scalp

Answer: Thinning hair

Answer: Thinning hair

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.