What is baldness?

Baldness is hair loss, or absence of hair. It’s also called alopecia. Baldness is usually most noticeable on the scalp, but it can happen anywhere on the body where hair grows.

What causes baldness?

Hair loss can occur for many reasons. Some of the more common causes include the following:

• Aging

• Change in hormones

• Illness leading to shedding of hair (called telogen effluvium)

• Family history of baldness

But hair loss is not caused by:

• Poor circulation to the scalp

• Dandruff

• Wearing hats

Generally, the earlier hair loss starts, the more severe it will become.

What are the symptoms of baldness?

Depending on the type, the symptoms of baldness will vary. There are male and female types of baldness:

• Male-pattern baldness. Male-pattern baldness is usually inherited. The condition may start at any age. Hair loss often starts on the front, sides, or on the crown of the head. Some men may develop a bald spot or just a receding hairline. Others may lose all of their hair.

• Female-pattern baldness. Although less common, female-pattern baldness differs from male-pattern baldness in that the hair generally thins all over the head. The hairline is maintained. Usually, the first sign that women may see is a widening of the part. Female-pattern baldness rarely results in total hair loss.

How is baldness diagnosed?

In addition to a medical history and physical exam, a punch biopsy of the skin may help to identify the type of baldness or its cause. In a punch biopsy, a small core of tissue is taken out. A culture may be done if infection is suspected.

How is baldness treated?

Your healthcare provider will talk with you about the treatments available and together you will decide on the best treatment for you.

Most forms of baldness have no cure. Some types of baldness will go away without treatment. Treatment may include:

• Certain medicines to promote hair growth (such as minoxidil and finasteride)

• Hair transplants

• Scalp reduction

• Skin lifts and grafts

• Platelet rich plasma (PRP)

What are possible complications of baldness and hair transplantation procedures?

Baldness may lower self-esteem. In addition, there are complications from hair transplantation procedures that include:

• Patchy hair growth. Sometimes, the growth of newly placed hair has a patchy look, especially if it's placed next to a thinning area. This can often be fixed with more surgery.

• Bleeding or wide scars. Tension on the scalp from some of the scalp reduction techniques can cause wide scars or bleeding.

• Grafts not taking. Occasionally, there is a chance that the graft may not survive in its new location. If this is the case, surgery must be repeated.

• Infection. As with any surgical procedure, there is the risk of infection.

Key points about baldness

• Baldness, also known as alopecia, is hair loss, or absence of hair.

• Hair loss is not caused by poor circulation to the scalp, dandruff, or wearing hats.

• Baldness is usually most noticeable on the scalp but can happen anywhere on the body where hair grows.

• Treatment for baldness depends on the type of baldness and its underlying cause.

• Most forms of baldness have no cure. Some types of baldness will disappear on their own.

• It is important to talk with your healthcare provider about your baldness and how it can be treated.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: 

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.

• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions or develop a problem or complication.