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Can certain degree of hair miniaturization present in a normal non balding person?

I read in some online sources that a normal non balding person can typically expect roughly 10 - 20% of their hair to miniaturize, not sure if this is true or not? Also is it possible for some people to have just naturally thin hair or naturally decreasing hair density as they age (but no apparent balding)? Or is this simply a sign that the balding process is very slow? Thanks very much.

Doctor Answers 5

August 1st, 2016

In general it may be normal to have 10% miniaturized hairs even when you are not balding.

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In general it may be normal to have 10% miniaturized hairs even when you are not balding.  Everyone is different and you may have more or less and this can be normal.

Learn more: https://newhair.com/resources/

Jae Pak, MD


Los Angeles Hair Restoration Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 102 reviews

July 26th, 2016

Can certain degree of hair miniaturization present in a normal non balding person?

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Yes hair miniaturization can be a very variable phenomenon. We believe it's more like 2% to 12% miniaturization, although such stats are estimates and not analytically derived. Most men have naturally decreasing hair as they age.-many without apparent balding. The tale of balding can be very unpredictable. It is a good rule of thumb to judge by close at photos of relatives such as parents and/or siblings. It is wise to be conservative when estimating future hair loss. Hope for the best but plan for the worst is usually the most prudent way to go.

William Woessner, MD

William Woessner, MD
New Orleans Hair Restoration Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 reviews

July 24th, 2016

Hair loss -- PRP, Progesterone, Viviscal, Rogaine, Finesteride, Spironolactone

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Hairs miniaturize in everyone and balding is often not apparent till 30-50% of the hairs have already done this.  So you need to treat early as prevention.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z66LWmAOVVk

Jason Emer, MD

Jason Emer, MD
Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 203 reviews

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July 23rd, 2016

Miniaturization

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In the follicular unit, we may see hairs that look miniaturized, but these hairs should never constitute more than 20% of the total hair population or it would suggest early balding.
William Rassman, MD

William Rassman, MD
Los Angeles Hair Restoration Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 28 reviews

July 23rd, 2016

Early balding vs normal hair

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Examining a patient with very early balding is challenging because you can't easily tell if there is AGA present. However, if there are photos from the past or a very good history one can often determine if early AGA is present. 
Generally if less than 20 % of the hairs are miniaturized, one is in somewhat of a grey zone as to whether to call it AGA or not. If there is a clear history of reduced density in a patterned region, that increases the likelihood that what one is dealing with is in fact AGA

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD
Vancouver Dermatologist

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.