Cutting-edge hair loss and hair quality treatments Dr. TOUHI CLINIC

Why does thinning hair on the top of the head (baldness) occur? Explaining the causes, signs, and how to identify them

AGA
2023.11.14
Why does thinning hair on the top of the head (baldness) occur? Explaining the causes, signs, and how to identify them

table of contents

     Back of head of a man applying hair restorer
    Source:pixta.jp

    There are various causes for thinning hair on the top of the head (baldness).
    This article provides a detailed explanation of the causes and symptoms of thinning hair on the top of the head (baldness).
    In the second half of the article, we will introduce hairstyles and styling methods that can cover thinning hair on the top of the head, so please read until the end.

    Article supervisor introduction

    Aiko Isami

    Aiko Isami
    Representative Director of Next Beauty Labo General Incorporated Association
    Dr. TOUHI AGA Clinic Director

    [Career]
    Graduated from the University of Tokyo Completed initial training at Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital
    While specializing in neurology, he became aware of the importance of scalp and hair care after being involved in AGA treatment.
    In 2023, we will open Dr. TOUHI AGA Clinic and Dr. TOUHI Hair Medical Salon, clinics that will help you with all your scalp and hair concerns.

    Thinning hair on the top of the head tends to be the main symptom of AGA, but because it is an area that is invisible to the naked eye, it tends to be noticed late.
    This is an area where hair can grow properly if treated properly, so please do a self-examination so that you can notice the signs of thinning hair as early as possible.

    *Click here for official website

    Why does it happen? Main causes and reasons for thinning hair on the top of the head (baldness)

    Men Men's Beauty Image
    Source:pixta.jp

    The following are the main causes of thinning hair on the top of the head (baldness):

    1.AGA・FAGA
    2. Disturbed lifestyle habits
    3. Hair loss due to stress
    4. Drinking/Smoking
    5. Hairstyles that put stress on your hair

    1.AGA・FAGA
    Back view of a man, back of the head
    Source:pixta.jp

    If you notice a loss of volume on the top of your head, you may have androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA).
    In particular, AGA is said to occur in about 30% of all Japanese men (*1), so it is not uncommon.

    AGA/FAGA is a condition in which the growth phase becomes shorter during the repeated hair cycle, and more scalp tissue remains in the resting phase, resulting in hair loss and thinning (*2).
    Hair loss on the top of the head is said to be more common in men, but the symptoms vary from person to person, so women may also experience hair loss on the top of their head.

    AGA/FAGA is a progressive alopecia, so if left untreated after onset, the symptoms will almost never improve.

    *1, 2:“Male pattern and female pattern hair loss treatment guidelines 2017 edition”  reference

    2. Disturbed lifestyle habits
    junk food snack photos
    Source:pixta.jp

    It is said that poor lifestyle habits hinder healthy hair growth.
    If you have a nutritionally unbalanced diet, or if you are concerned about lack of exercise or sleep, try to maintain a regular lifestyle.

    3. Hair loss due to stress
    business person photo
    Source:pixta.jp

    Physical abnormalities such as hair loss and thinning hair can also be caused by excessive stress.

    Many people from the middle generation onwards hold positions at work, and many feel daily stress from the burden and pressure of work.
    Try to refresh yourself on your days off by devoting yourself to a hobby or doing some exercise.
    If your body is not feeling well due to excessive stress, one thing to do is to reconsider your work environment.

    4. Drinking/Smoking
    cigarette and beer pictures
    Source:pixta.jp

    Drinking alcohol and smoking are also factors that promote hair loss. This is because smoking obstructs blood flow, and drinking alcohol diverts nutrients that would normally be used for hair growth to the breakdown of alcohol.

    If you have a habit of drinking or smoking, start by cutting back little by little.

    5. Hairstyles that put stress on your hair
    Scalp dandruff itching hair loss thinning hair trouble back of head
    Source:pixta.jp

    Continuing to wear hairstyles that put stress on your hair, such as an all-back hairstyle or ponytail, can cause ``traction alopecia.''
    Traction alopecia is a condition in which hair loss occurs due to damage that accumulates on the scalp and hair roots.

    If you are suffering from traction alopecia, it is recommended that you change your hairstyle to one that is as stress-free as possible.
    Other effective ways to deal with this include wearing a different hairstyle every day, changing the parting regularly, and cutting your hair short if you have long hair.

    What are the signs and symptoms of thinning hair on the top of the head (baldness) due to AGA?

    Photo of a doctor speaking with hand gestures in front of a computer
    Source:pixta.jp

    If you have thinning hair on the top of your head (baldness), it may be caused by AGA.
    Among the various types of hair loss, AGA is a progressive type of hair loss, so early treatment is required for improvement.

    Here, we will explain the signs and symptoms of thinning hair on the top of the head (baldness) due to AGA.

    - Increased amount of hair loss
    ・My hair is short and unreliable.
    ・The skin on the top of the head is visible

    Increased amount of hair loss
    Photo of hair loss in a young man
    Source:pixta.jp

    Even in healthy people, it is said that around 50 to 100 hairs fall out every day (*).
    However, if you are experiencing more hair loss per day, there is a possibility that you are suffering from scalp and hair problems such as AGA.

    If you notice a large amount of hair falling on your pillow when you wake up in the morning, or an abnormal amount of hair falling off when you shampoo, you may have AGA.

    *“Taisho Pharmaceutical Official Website” reference

    My hair is short and unreliable
    Hair health check image
    Source:pixta.jp

    When AGA develops, abnormalities are seen in the frontal (hairline) and parietal areas, and the hair becomes soft, thinner, and shorter (*).
    If the hair on the top of your head is less reliable than before, you may have AGA.

    Also, if you notice frequent hair loss, check the shape of the hair roots. Ideally, the roots of hair that are falling out should be plump and rounded.
    If there is no bulge or the shape is distorted, there may be some kind of problem with the crown of the head, including the AGA.

    * “Male pattern and female pattern hair loss treatment guidelines 2017 edition” reference

    The skin on the top of the head is visible
    Photos of middle-aged men with thinning hair
    Source:pixta.jp

    Also, be careful if the skin on the top of your head is visible.
    AGA is patterned and classified to some extent, and the most common case is the gradual spread of thinning hair on the frontal region (hairline) and crown of the head (*).

    Thinning hair on the top of your head is difficult to notice on your own, so have a family member check it regularly or use a three-way mirror to check your back.

    * “Male pattern and female pattern hair loss treatment guidelines 2017 edition” reference

    4 hairstyles recommended for thinning hair on the top of the head (baldness)

    Hair salon image photo
    Source:pixta.jp

    Treatment is required to prevent the symptoms from progressing, but you can also change your hairstyle to cover up the appearance.

    Here, we will introduce recommended hairstyles for thinning hair on the top of the head.

    ・Soft mohawk 
    ・Stylish shaved head・Berry short
    ・Up bang style

    soft mohawk
    Photo of one man's upper body
    Source:pixta.jp

    A soft mohawk is a hairstyle with volume at the top and short sides and nape.
    Since the top is left long, it is easy to cover thinning hair on the top of the head when styling.

    The key point is that you can control the impression by changing the length of the top to make it look sporty or mature.
    This hairstyle is also recommended for those who get bored with the same hairstyle.

    Fashionable shaved head/very short
    Beige visiting kimono photo
    Source:pixta.jp

    We also recommend the ``Oshirashi-bozu'' and ``Very Short'' styles that leave a little volume on the top.
    By cutting your hair short, you lose the overall volume of your hair, so the key point is that thinning hair on the top of your head is less noticeable and can be covered naturally.

    Another big advantage is that it doesn't take long to style your hair because it doesn't have long hair.
    Recommended for those who frequently go to the beauty salon.

    up bang style
    male portrait
    Source:pixta.jp

    The up-bang style that raises the bangs is a hairstyle that is easy to create a clean and fresh look.
    The key point is that you can create a variety of looks depending on the cut, such as a cropped style, short style, or two-block style.

    Raising the bangs gives the whole face a firmer look, so it's a hairstyle that looks good on any face shape.

    "Dr. TOUHI AGA Clinic" for thinning hair on the top of the head (baldness)

    Dr. TOUHI AGA Clinic

    It is difficult to cure AGA/FAGA on your own, which is the root cause of thinning hair.
    Therefore, it is recommended that you visit a clinic that offers treatment as soon as possible.

    "Dr. TOUHI AGA Clinic" handles multiple types of AGA treatment drugs (*1) recommended by the AGA treatment guidelines (*2) established by the Japanese Dermatological Association, as well as FAGA treatment for women. We are compatible.

    We also accept consultations in advance, so if you are unsure about whether or not to undergo treatment, please feel free to contact us.

    *1:“Male pattern and female pattern hair loss treatment guidelines 2017 edition” reference
    *2: Free medical treatment.

    Click here for official HP

    Supporting the creation of a healthy hair foundation with AGA treatment and medical head spa
    Medical Head Spa

    At Dr. TOUHI AGA Clinic, we not only provide AGA treatment based on medical evidence, but also scalp care using a medical head spa.

    Thoroughly supports the creation of a healthy scalp to keep it clean and grow healthy hair!
    A hairdresser will perform a custom-made head spa based on each individual's scalp data and interview details.

    Click here for official HP

    Careful counseling by a beautician
    Careful counseling by a beautician

    A major feature of Dr. TOUHI AGA Clinic is that experienced beauticians provide careful counseling and propose appropriate treatment plans according to each individual's scalp and hair type.

    Furthermore, we have a wide variety of treatment plans to suit your needs! In addition to our original plan that combines AGA treatment and medical head spa, we also offer a full support plan for those who want to do everything possible, so the fact that you can choose according to your budget and situation is a big attraction.

    Click here for official HP

    Take immediate action against thinning hair on the top of your head

    gray hair senior man
    Source:pixta.jp

    We introduced the causes and signs of thinning hair on the top of the head, as well as recommended hairstyles and styling methods.

    There are various causes of thinning hair on the top of the head, but if you are developing AGA or FAGA, early treatment is required.
    If you have any concerns, please visit a clinic that offers treatment.

    LINE free scalp diagnosis

    Article supervisor

    Aiko Isami
    Representative Director of Next Beauty Labo General Incorporated Association
    Director of Dr. TOUHI CLINIC

    Aiko Isami

    Aiko Isami
    [Career]

    Graduated from the University of Tokyo Completed initial training at Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital
    While specializing in neurology, he became aware of the importance of scalp and hair care after working in AGA treatment. In 2023, he opened "Dr. TOUHI CLINIC" and "Dr. TOUHI SALON," clinics that cater to all scalp and hair problems.