A double crown (also known as a double hair whorl) happens when a person has two whorls on the top of their head. These hair whorls can develop in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.
Double crowns are relatively rare. Studies suggest a double crown may affect around 5% of white people, though the rate is far higher in the black population [1-3].
A double crown can often be mistaken for balding. The crown is a common area for hair loss, especially in men with male pattern baldness. So what does this mean for people with double crowns? In this article, you’ll learn:
The appearance of a double crown can vary widely from person to person. It doesn’t always look like two distinct crowns on the scalp. This baby has a double whorl, but it’s not obvious. As the baby’s hair grows longer and thicker as part of its natural hair development, the whorls may be disguised naturally:
These adults, meanwhile, have more obvious double crowns. The colour of their hair contrasts with their skin tone, making double whorl stand out more:
Double crowns are hereditary. One study found that double crowns were present in 3 generations of the same family, suggesting a genetic element to this characteristic [4].
You’re usually born with a double crown as multiple hair whorls rarely develop over time. One study has linked double crowns with neuropsychiatric symptoms like hyperactivity and slow language acquisition [5]. However, this link needs to be researched further.
A double crown isn’t an inherent indication of male pattern baldness. A double crown can create the appearance of thinner hair, due to having two central points instead of one. But they’re not signs of baldness in themselves. As the photos above show, it’s possible to have a double crown and still have thick, healthy hair.
People with double crowns are susceptible to balding and thinning, just like other men. Those with double crowns may also experience hair loss or thinning not just on the crowns themselves, but also in the area between them.
If you’re balding, you’ll probably notice hair loss in the shower and see strands of hair on your pillow in the morning. A double crown without balding won’t show any signs of hair loss.
Photos may also help you tell the difference. If you’re balding, the thin area will expand over time, while a double crown will look the same. Try to compare photos of clean, dry hair — if your hair is wet or greasy, this may make thinning look worse.
If you’re still not sure, book a consultation with a trichologist. They’ll conduct a thorough hair and scalp exam to find out if you’re losing your hair and assess the extent of your hair loss. We offer free consultations to all our patients so you can find out if the Wimpole Clinic is right for you.
People with naturally thin hair are more likely to have a double whorl that looks like a bald spot on the crown. Sometimes, this has nothing to do with hair loss — it’s just your natural hair pattern.
In these instances, a crown hair transplant is the best way to tackle your double crown. The UK’s best hair transplant surgeons have the skill to extract hair follicles from your safe donor area and insert them into your double crown, creating denser, thicker hair at the vertex.
If you’re not ready to try surgery, you can also camouflage your double crown with a new haircut or style. Try a slicked-back pompadour or swept-over undercut to hide your double crown.
A crown hair transplant can also be a great choice. But it’s not the only option. Non-surgical hair loss treatments like Finasteride, Minoxidil, and laser therapy for hair loss can help stimulate hair growth on the crown. In fact, these treatments often reap better results for those with crown hair loss than those with a receding hairline [5-6].
To find the best treatment plan to tackle your hair loss, book a free consultation at the Wimpole Clinic.
Learn more about double crowns and how they can affect your hair growth in these frequently asked questions.
Having a double crown isn’t inherently good or bad, but it can increase the appearance of thinning. Some myths persist that double crowns are associated with high intelligence, but there’s no scientific evidence to back this up.
Hair is often thinner at the whorl, even in those who are completely unaffected by pattern baldness. So having a double whorl can create the illusion of a bald spot, even if your hair is still mostly thick and full. The double crown can be more obvious in those with darker hair combined with lighter skin tones.
Yes, it’s certainly possible to get a hair transplant if you have a double crown. The surgeon will assess your hair pattern and follow this, ensuring your new hair grows in a natural-looking direction.
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