How to Treat Crown Balding Stages in Male?

Crown balding in males is a common concern that affects millions of men worldwide, often starting as early as their 20s.

Characterized by hair thinning or hair loss at the top or crown of the head, it is a sign of male pattern baldness, a condition largely influenced by genetics, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors.

Understanding the stages of crown balding and how to treat them is essential for preserving your hair and preventing further progression. Early intervention with the right treatments can make a significant difference, slowing down or even halting the hair loss process.

What Causes Crown Balding in Men?

Several factors contribute to crown balding in men. Understanding these causes can help you make informed decisions about treatment and prevention. Here are the key factors responsible for hair loss:

• Genetics and Heredity: The primary cause of crown balding is genetic predisposition. If you have a family history of male pattern baldness, it’s likely you will experience hair loss as well. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that binds to hair follicles, shrinking them and making it difficult for new hair to grow.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances, particularly an increase in DHT levels, play a significant role in crown balding. As men age, testosterone levels change, leading to more DHT, which weakens hair follicles.
• Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions like hypothyroidism, alopecia areata, or scalp infections can contribute to hair loss. These conditions can exacerbate male pattern baldness.
• Stress: Psychological stress triggers hormonal fluctuations that can lead to hair thinning. Stress reduces blood flow to the scalp and damages hair follicles.
• Poor Diet: Nutritional deficiencies, especially lack of vitamins and minerals like iron, Vitamin D, and B-vitamins, contribute to hair loss.
• Environmental Factors: Harsh chemicals in hair products or excessive use of heat styling tools can damage hair and scalp health, contributing to crown balding.

The Seven Stages of Crown Balding in Males

Male pattern baldness progresses through specific stages, categorized by the Norwood-Hamilton scale, which helps assess the severity of hair loss. Understanding these stages is essential for selecting the right treatment.

Stage 1: No Hair Loss

At this stage, the scalp appears full, and there is no recession or thinning. This is a baseline, with hair evenly distributed across the head.

• • • Treatment: No treatment is needed at this stage, as there is no visible hair loss. However, it’s an ideal time to adopt preventive measures like a healthy diet and stress management.

Stage 2: Slight Hairline Recession

In this stage, a slight recession occurs at the temples, indicating early signs of hair loss. The hairline begins to form a subtle “M” shape.

• • • Treatment: At this stage, hair loss can be effectively managed with minoxidil (topical solution) and finasteride (oral medication). These treatments can help slow the progression of hair loss. Regular use of hair vitamins and gentle shampoos is recommended.

Stage 3: Significant Balding

Stage 3 is characterized by noticeable recession at the temples and thinning at the crown. The hairline becomes more defined, forming a “U” or “V” shape.,

• • • Treatment: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and topical treatments like minoxidil can help preserve existing hair and promote growth. Partial hair transplants might also be considered.

Stage 4: Advanced Hair Loss

At this point, the recession at the temples is more severe, and there is little to no hair left at the vertex (top of the head). A narrow band of hair connects the sides.

• • • Treatment: A partial hair transplant may be considered for restoring hair to the crown. Continued use of PRP and LLLT therapies can support remaining hair follicles.

Stage 5: Very Advanced Hair Loss

The horseshoe-shaped pattern of hair loss becomes more defined. A small band of hair remains at the crown, but the rest of the scalp is bald.

• • • Treatment: Hair transplantation (especially Direct Hair Implantation, DHI) is the most effective solution. It is vital to seek a professional consultation to determine the best course of action for long-term hair restoration.

Stage 6: Extensive Hair Loss

At stage 6, the hair loss has joined at the crown, forming a complete horseshoe shape. There is minimal hair left on the crown, and thinning is noticeable throughout the scalp.

• • • Treatment: Hair transplant techniques like FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) or Sapphire FUE are highly effective for individuals at this stage. Scalp micropigmentation may also be an option to create the illusion of a fuller head of hair.

Stage 7: Complete Baldness

In stage 7, most men experience total baldness, with only a thin band of hair remaining on the sides and back of the head.

• • • Treatment: Restoration is challenging due to the lack of donor hair. FUT (strip method) is often used for hair transplant, where a strip of scalp is removed and grafted to the bald areas. Many individuals opt to shave their heads completely for a clean look.

Early Stages (Stage 1 & 2)

• • Prevention is key at these early stages. Incorporate a healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially iron and Vitamin D.
  • Minoxidil (topical solution) is effective in stimulating hair growth and slowing down hair loss. Apply it regularly to the scalp.
  • Oral Finasteride works by blocking DHT production, which prevents hair follicle shrinkage.

Mid to Advanced Stages (Stage 3 – 5)

• • PRP Therapy: This non-surgical treatment uses your own blood plasma to rejuvenate hair follicles and encourage growth.
  • LLLT: Low-level laser devices can stimulate hair follicles and improve scalp health, making them useful in preventing further hair loss.
  • Hair Transplants: In cases of significant hair loss, consider partial hair transplants or FUE to restore the crown area.

Late Stages (Stage 6 & 7)

• • Hair Transplant Surgery: Advanced stages require hair restoration via FUE, FUT, or DHI. A consultation with a specialist is necessary to determine the right procedure.
  • Scalp Micropigmentation: For those who choose not to undergo surgery, this cosmetic procedure creates the illusion of thicker hair by tattooing the scalp.