How The Hell Do I Spot Early Signs Of Balding?

The age-old adage states: The first step to fixing a problem is admitting that you have one in the first place.

The same can be said of hair loss. To fix hair loss, you must begin to recognise that you have hair loss and that it's a problem.

This brings us to ask: How the hell do I realise if I am beginning to see my hair thin out? How do I realise if I am starting to go bald?

That's actually a great question because often those who realise they are beginning to go bald can start to fix the problem before it becomes a chronic condition or before the balding condition goes too far and is too noticeable to others.

What Are the First Signs That I Am Losing Hair?

So, it's worth noting that once you hit puberty you are able to start losing hair at any time thereafter. The time at life during which you start losing hair is largely based on genetics rather than environmental factors or any other reason.

However, if you are looking for the first signs that hair thinning or loss is coming into play and are actively looking to avoid it, here are some of the following things to watch out for as you go from puberty all the way through to your 50s and 60s:

• Remember, if you are a male, then it's more than 50% likely you will experience some hair loss in your lifetime.
• Most patterns in male baldness begin at the temples (start checking that area first) and subsequently will continue to move along the scalp back towards the back of the head... then the top of the head and the back will show signs of hair loss.
• Taking pictures of your hair now and comparing it in the future can help determine how much (if any) hair you are losing. Taking pictures every 6 months or once per year is adequate.
• Check the crown of your head as a bald spot may develop there early on before the baldness gets more advanced and noticeable to others.
• Hair loss will occur in most men over time and is a "receding hairline" and the pattern usually begins in the front of the head as a horseshoe pattern and continues to advance over time.
• Some men may go bald in a few months to 5 years, whereas others may take 15 to 25 years to go bald completely. Others may never get more than a receding hairline. It depends on genetics for most men.
• 80% of men will have hair loss by age 70, however, some few men may never experience hair loss as genetics prescribes.
• Observe your hair periodically as many times hair doesn't grow in fewer strands, it just simply becomes finer and as it does so it's more noticeable to others around you. However, if you observe it regularly you may notice it sooner and be able to get some treatment for it before others begin noticing the same effects.

These are some tips to help you recognise when hair loss is becoming prevalent for you and when you may want to do something about it before others notice. The earlier it's detected the easier it can be to treat and possibly stop from getting worse.

Should I Ever Contact My Doctor?

The only time you need to contact your doctor is if hair loss isn't typically running in your family, yet you are losing yours rapidly. Otherwise, unless you feel ill, unwell, or sick your hair loss is probably no big issue. However, if you have an underlying skin condition, you may also check with your doctor as that skin condition may trigger hair loss in certain cases of that illness being left untreated.

When in doubt of knowing if it is a skin condition or not, having it checked out can help assure you if something needs to be fixed or not. Otherwise, it's likely a genetic issue that will need preventative measures taken to help ensure the hair loss is no worse than it has to be.

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The views expressed in this article intend to highlight alternative studies and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of joebloe, and are for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.