Signs of pattern baldness: Ever glance in the mirror and feel your hairline has edged back, or spot extra strands in your comb, on the pillow, or circling the shower drain? It’s easy to chalk it up to routine shedding, but these can be early signs of thinning.
No one loves the idea of hair loss, but here’s the upside: the sooner you recognise the changes, the better your chances of slowing them down.
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What is pattern baldness?
Pattern baldness, clinically called androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss, affecting both men and women. It looks different by sex: men often notice a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, while women typically see diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp with the hairline largely preserved.
The condition is driven by a mix of genetics and hormones and tends to progress over time if left untreated. Early evaluation and targeted care can help preserve density and slow further loss.
Early signs of androgenetic alopecia you shouldn’t ignore:
Receding hairline (men): The hairline starts creeping back, often first at the temples, forming a subtle “M” shape. Snap a front photo every couple of months; gradual change can signal pattern baldness.
Thinning at the crown: This is a common early clue that’s hard to spot without help. Use a mirror or take a photo from above; if more scalp is showing at the back of your head, take note.
Widening part (women): The part line slowly widens as hair over the top of the scalp thins, making the scalp more visible. It may start subtly and progress over time.
More hair on your pillow or in the shower: Shedding 50–100 hairs daily is normal. Clumps in the drain or noticeably more hair on your pillow can point to more than routine shedding. Watch for sudden increases.
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Change in texture or fullness: Hair can feel finer or less dense before obvious thinning appears. A smaller-feeling ponytail or limp strands may be an early warning.
Losing hair can be unsettling, but catching the early signs of pattern baldness gives you time to act. Whether it’s a receding hairline or thinning at the crown, don’t ignore what your hair is telling you. Early steps like assessment, treatment, and routine tracking can make a real difference in how much hair you keep.
