How To Tell If You Are Going Bald Prematurely: The Common Signs of Premature Balding

In this article, we’ll look at how to tell if you might be going bald earlier than expected. We’ll cover the most common early signs of premature balding and how these are assessed by professionals. Additionally, we will explain how to check for signs of hair loss at home, what steps you can take to slow it down in the early stages and when it might be time to consult a hair loss expert. If you’re concerned about thinning hair or changes to your hairline, this guide can help you understand what to look out for and what support is available.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about losing your hair prematurely:

• Recognising early signs of balding, such as a receding hairline, changes in hair texture, thinning on top of the head, or excessive shedding, can help you take action sooner and potentially prevent further hair loss.

• Doctors use several diagnostic tools, including blood tests, scalp biopsies and trichoscopy to identify the cause of hair loss.

• Simple tests, such as the hair pull test, comb check, and DIY scalp inspection, can help you monitor changes in your hair.

• Using proven hair loss treatments, such as Finasteride, Minoxidil, and Alpecin shampoo, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, can help slow down or reverse the early stages of balding when used consistently.

• If you're concerned about hair loss, consulting with a trichologist or dermatologist can help you get an accurate diagnosis.

The early signs of premature balding

Understanding the early signs of premature balding can help you take steps to prevent it. Below are the most common symptoms of premature balding:

A receding hairline

One of the first signs of premature balding is a receding hairline, particularly in men [1]. This usually starts at the temples and creates an “M” shaped pattern as the hairline moves further back. It may begin subtly and become more noticeable over time. You might spot this change when looking at recent photos or by comparing your current hairline to how it looked a few months ago. Although a receding hairline is common with age, if it starts before your late twenties or progresses quickly, it could be a sign of early hair loss.

Your hair texture feels different

If your hair starts to feel finer, softer, or less full than it used to, this could indicate the early stages of balding. Changes in texture may be subtle at first but can become more obvious over time. Some people describe their hair as feeling “flatter” or less bouncy than usual. This change can be caused by weakening hair follicles, which produce thinner strands as hair loss begins to develop.

Gradual thinning on top of the head

Thinning at the crown (the top and back of the head) is another common early sign of balding. This often starts slowly and can be difficult to spot without checking with a mirror or asking someone to take a look. You may notice that your scalp is becoming more visible in this area or that your hair doesn’t cover it as well as it once did. This type of hair loss is known as androgenetic alopecia and is one of the most common forms of premature balding.

Finding more loose hairs in your shower, on your hairbrush or pillow

It’s normal to shed some hair each day. The average person loses between 50 and 100 strands of hair a day. If you’re noticing more hairs than usual in your shower drain, on your pillow, or stuck to your hairbrush, this could be an early warning sign. It’s essential to note that hair shedding can also increase during periods of stress or after certain illnesses, so it's crucial to monitor any changes closely and their duration.

Your hair is thinning over your whole scalp

Some people experience diffuse thinning, where hair becomes finer and less dense across the entire scalp rather than in one specific area. This can cause your hair to appear limp, lifeless, or less voluminous than before. This type of thinning can be harder to detect at first, especially if your hair is naturally fine, but over time, it can lead to an overall reduction in thickness and fullness.

How is early balding assessed professionally?

If you notice any signs of premature hair loss, it’s important to remember it's a common issue and there's help available. Scheduling a visit with a dermatologist is a positive step towards understanding and addressing your hair loss. Early detection and treatment will give you the best chance of reviving thinning hair.

The doctor has several methods for examining your scalp and hair to pinpoint the cause of premature balding and the type of hair loss you're experiencing. Here are three common tests used:

Blood tests (to check the internal causes of hair loss)

Your doctor may suggest a blood test to rule out any health conditions that could be contributing to your hair loss. Common causes include:

• Low iron levels

• Thyroid disorders

• Vitamin deficiencies

• Hormone imbalances

Identifying and treating these conditions early can often help improve hair growth.

Scalp biopsy (assessing your hair follicles under the microscope)

In some cases, a small sample of skin may be taken from your scalp and examined under a microscope. This is known as a scalp biopsy. It helps the doctor to assess the condition of your hair follicles and determine the exact type of hair loss you’re experiencing, such as scarring or non-scarring alopecia. The procedure is quick and carried out under local anaesthesia.

Trichoscopy (using a specialist microscope to scan your hair and scalp)

Trichoscopy is a non-invasive technique that uses a handheld device, similar to a magnifying camera, to examine the scalp and hair. It allows the specialist to see signs of inflammation, follicle damage or miniaturisation (when hair strands grow back thinner than before), which are common features of early balding. This helps provide a clearer diagnosis and can be useful for tracking progress over time.

Checking for early signs of hair loss at home

If you are concerned about your hair loss, waiting for the results of an examination, or are thinking about visiting a specialist but would like to check for yourself, there are some ways you can do so:

The hair pull test

This simple test can help you gauge how much hair you may be shedding. Start with clean, dry hair. Take a small amount, around 40 to 60 hairs, between your fingers and gently pull. It’s normal for one or two strands to come away. However, if you notice that more than five or six hairs fall out easily, this could be a sign of excessive shedding and may be worth discussing with a specialist.

The comb check

Another useful way to track hair loss is the comb check. Comb your hair over a light-coloured surface, such as a white towel or bathroom sink, and look at how many hairs are left behind. Try to do this test at the same time each day, ideally in the morning, to see if the amount of hair you’re shedding increases over time. A noticeable increase in loose hairs may indicate early balding.

DIY scalp inspection

Checking your scalp at home can help you spot signs of thinning or a receding hairline. Use a hand mirror and good lighting, or take photos of your scalp to compare changes over time. Look for areas where your scalp is becoming more visible, the hair is thinning, or the hairline is moving further back. You can also ask a partner, friend or family member to help you check areas that are harder to see, such as the crown of your head.

What to do to prevent premature hair loss in the early stages

Taking action early is key to preventing premature hair loss from worsening. Thankfully, there are several things you can do, including medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and ensuring you stay consistent with your routine.

Use proven hair loss products (Finasteride, Minoxidil, Alpecin shampoo & Dutasteride)

There are many clinically approved treatments available that can help prevent further hair loss and support regrowth:

• Finasteride – A prescription tablet that works by reducing levels of a hormone (DHT) that contributes to male pattern baldness. It is suitable for men only and is typically taken once a day.

• Minoxidil – An over-the-counter topical solution or foam applied directly to the scalp. It helps improve blood flow to the hair follicles and can be used by both men and women.

• Alpecin Shampoo – A caffeine-based shampoo that may help strengthen the hair roots and reduce hair loss when used regularly. While the evidence is more limited than with Finasteride or Minoxidil, some people find it useful as part of their routine.

Make healthy diet & lifestyle choices

Your overall health plays a key role in hair growth. Eating a balanced diet rich in iron, zinc, biotin, and protein can support healthy hair. Make sure you’re staying hydrated, managing stress and getting enough sleep. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake may also contribute to hair loss, so cutting down could be beneficial. Regular exercise can also improve circulation and reduce stress, both of which may have a positive impact on hair health.

Stay consistent with your efforts

When it comes to treating hair loss, consistency is key. Most products take several months to show visible results, and stopping treatment early may lead to further hair thinning. Track your progress with photos, stick to a regular routine and give any new treatment time to work. If you’re unsure whether your current approach is effective, a specialist can help review your plan and make recommendations tailored to your needs.

Get help from a hair loss expert

If you believe that you are suffering from excessive hair loss, do not hesitate to visit a hair loss expert. Below is some information on how expert help can turn your hair loss fortunes around:

Trichologists and Dermatologists

When it comes to hair loss, two types of specialists can help:

• Trichologists are trained to diagnose and manage hair and scalp conditions. They can offer non-medical advice, recommend over-the-counter treatments and support you with hair care routines and scalp health.

• Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialise in the care of skin, hair, and nails. They can diagnose the underlying cause of your hair loss, conduct clinical tests, and prescribe licensed treatments such as Finasteride or Minoxidil.

For most people, starting with a dermatologist is the most direct route to a diagnosis and effective treatment.

What is involved in a hair loss consultation

During your consultation, the specialist will take a complete medical history and ask questions about your hair loss, including when it started, whether it’s getting worse and whether you have any family history of baldness. They will examine your scalp and may conduct simple tests, such as the hair pull test, or use tools to examine your hair more closely. In some cases, blood tests or a scalp biopsy may be recommended to rule out underlying conditions.

The consultation is also your opportunity to ask questions, share any concerns and understand what may be causing the changes to your hair.

Building your personal treatment plan

Once the cause of your hair loss has been identified, an expert will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may include prescription medication, topical treatments, dietary advice, or lifestyle changes. In some cases, they may also discuss other options such as PRP therapy (platelet-rich plasma) or hair transplant surgery, depending on the severity of the condition and your long-term goals.

Premature Balding: Frequently Asked Questions

At what age does balding start?

Balding can begin at different ages, but for many men, it starts earlier than expected. Research shows that around 16% of men aged 18 to 29 experience moderate to extensive hair loss. This number increases significantly with age, reaching 53% of men aged 40 to 49 [2].

Although hair thinning is often thought of as something that happens later in life, it’s not uncommon for the early signs to appear in a man’s twenties or even late teens. In some cases, the hairline begins to recede or the crown starts to thin before the age of 30.

Around 12% of men experience what is known as frontal baldness, where hair loss occurs mainly at the front of the scalp, often forming an “M” shape as the hairline recedes backwards.

While age is a key factor, genetics and hormones play a bigger role. If close male relatives started losing their hair early, there’s a higher chance you may too. Recognising the signs early and getting support can help you manage or slow the progression of hair loss.

Am I actually bald, or am I being paranoid?

It’s completely normal to feel concerned if you think you're losing more hair than usual, but it’s important to understand the difference between typical hair shedding and true hair loss. Most people shed around 50 to 100 hairs a day as part of the natural hair growth cycle.

However, if you’ve started to notice more hair in the shower, on your pillow, or in your brush, or if you’re seeing clear signs such as a receding hairline, thinning at the crown, or noticeable patches where the scalp is more visible, it could be a sign of early hair loss.

If you're unsure or feel worried, it’s always worth speaking to a doctor or dermatologist. They can assess your scalp, check for any underlying medical conditions and help you understand whether what you're experiencing is part of the normal cycle or something that needs treatment.

Am I balding or losing hair?

It’s easy to confuse hair shedding with hair loss. Still, there is a difference between the two, and understanding that difference can help you work out whether what you’re experiencing is temporary or something more permanent.

Hair shedding is a completely normal process that occurs in everyone. This type of shedding doesn’t usually lead to noticeable thinning or bald patches and is often temporary. It can be triggered by factors such as:

• Stress

• Illness

• Weight loss

• A change in routine

Hair loss, on the other hand, is when shedding becomes excessive and is often accompanied by signs like:

• A receding hairline

• Thinning at the crown or temples

• Widening partings

• Bald patches or overall thinning across the scalp

If you’re noticing more hair than usual coming out and can see changes in your hair’s thickness or shape, it’s more likely to be hair loss rather than just shedding.

Final Thoughts

Noticing signs of premature balding can be worrying, but the good news is that taking early action can make a real difference. From changes in your hairline and texture to increased shedding or thinning across the scalp, recognising these early signs gives you the chance to take control before the issue worsens.

Whether you're keeping an eye on things at home, exploring proven treatments, or speaking to a professional for a clearer diagnosis, there are plenty of options available. Hair loss is a common issue, and you're not alone. If you're concerned, consulting a specialist, such as a dermatologist or trichologist, can help you understand the cause and guide you towards a treatment plan that suits your needs.

Sources

[1] Male Androgenetic Alopecia - Endotext - NCBI Bookshelf

[2] Prevalence of male pattern hair loss in 18-49 year old men - PubMed

Further Reading

Hair loss - NHS