Thin Hair vs Balding? Hair thinning and balding are experienced by both men and women. Both terms are often overlooked. They are somewhere related to each other, but their causes and treatments for thin hair and hair shedding are completely different. Note that losing 50-100 strands daily is totally normal. However, if you are losing more than 100 hairs per day, you are probably experiencing hair loss instead of hair shedding.
You can stop hair loss and thin hair through effective hair treatments and annual tricho check-ups for maintaining hair health. With regular check-ups, you can figure out the signs and causes, and at the same time, you can provide an effective solution to curb the problem.
We have broken down the essential information needed to identify the difference between balding vs thin hair.
Let’s Begin.
Table of Contents
Thin Hair vs Balding – What Is Hair Thinning?
Hair thinning refers to thin hair shafts. Hair thinning starts when your hair grows thinner and finer in men or women. Generally, thin hair occurs gradually with aging. However, there are several factors affecting the health of hair. Sometimes, simple changes in hormone levels are the cause of hair shedding. It is normal to experience thin hair or hair loss at some point in life.
Sad as it is, the truth is that if hair thinning continues, it will lead to irreversible fine hair or permanent hair loss. Therefore, it is necessary to notice the early signs and prevent them. Hair thinning and losing hair are quite confusing, even though they are both different.
Hair Loss: What Is It?
Alopecia areata is a health condition that developed due to a weak immune system, and it triggers hair follicles and causes hair loss. This disease attacks any body part, including the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair.
Hair loss is excessive hair shedding. It is a common hair problem worldwide. In men, it is called “men’s pattern baldness,” while in women it is known as “women’s pattern baldness.”
In hair loss, people start losing hair at the crown. It is believed that when your hair follicles begin shrinking, they eventually stop growing. When hereditary hair loss occurs, you will probably experience overall thinning or widened hair spots.
Causes of Hair Thinning and Hair Loss
As we have said earlier, thin hairs are a gradual process that comes to both men and women. An example of hair thinning is androgenic alopecia. It is a process that comes over time. In men, androgenic alopecia can be a fairly noticeable pattern that leads to complete hair loss. However, in women, the hair loss can be seen on the top of the scalp with a wide part until the scalp becomes visible.
Some common causes of hair thinning include:
- PCOS
- Menopause
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Zinc Deficiency
- Genetic
- Lack of sleep
- Aging
Common causes of hair loss comprise:
- Postpartum hair loss
- Iron deficiency
- Thyroid disorders
- Stress
- Smoking
- Acute illness
Normal Crown vs Thinning Crown
A normal crown is a hair growth pattern. It is different from the rest of the hair growth patterns. A normal crown oftentimes appears as a section of hair growth with a pattern like a hair whorl. This hair pattern is less likely to be seen in longer hair. However, in cropped hair, it can be seen easily. A normal crown is located at the top of the scalp.
On the other hand, a thinning crown is the result of permanent or temporary hair loss. It can trigger hair growth, especially in the middle of your scalp. Thinning hair can be experienced by both men and women. There are multiple reasons for hair thinning, like stress, tight hairstyles, thyroid issues, illness, etc.
Male Pattern Baldness vs. Thinning Hair
Hair thinning and male pattern baldness aren’t the same thing. Usually, men age 25 or older start losing hair by the time they reach their 30s. Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition, whereas hair loss can be caused by different factors.
The person who started randomly losing patches of hair has alopecia. Alopecia is a condition when a person loses patches of hair from any body part. However, hair loss occurs in a receding pattern and usually starts from the crown of your head. Experts say that hair thinning or hair loss is the negative result of several factors, but male pattern baldness is a genetic issue.
Male pattern baldness cannot be stopped, but hair loss can be cured. Baldness is a natural process. You have to spot the reasons for hair thinning, and you can regain your hair.
What to Do With Thinning Hair and Balding?
According to dermatologists, it’s common to shed 50–100 hairs every day, but if you are losing more than you should, it probably leads to overall hair thinning. Many times, thinning hair doesn’t cause baldness, but it just gives the appearance of a sparser spot. In contrast, when less hair grows in place of the shedder’s hair and you have noticed a receding hairline, then it is baldness.
Hair loss can be prevented if you add a few things to your diet and daily routine.
Stop using harsh hair care products and heating tools. Avoid bleach and hair dyes. In women, tight hairstyles can also affect your hair.
Keep your scalp clean and hydrated. Wash your hair frequently.
You can also go for low-level laser light therapy; it is a newer hair treatment approved by the FDA for hair growth.
Over-the-counter medications such as minoxidil can also prevent hair loss.
Follow a Mediterranean diet. Add fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods to your diet.
Many doctors suggest taking vitamins. Certain vitamins, such as Vitamin A, B, C, D, and E, along with minerals like zinc and iron, can be helpful.
Final Verdict
Although thin hair vs balding is quite confusing, knowing the symptoms, causes, and differences can be a key to effective treatment. Losing hair will affect you physically, but it also emotionally hurts. No doubt, men and women of both genders experience hair loss or thin hair. But if you know what the signs are, you can stop these hair problems from happening and get good treatment for healthy hair.
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