Bald spots are a relatively common problem. Whether you’re developing a bald spot at the crown due to male pattern baldness, or you have the telltale hairless patches of alopecia areata, it’s not always easy to figure out how to regrow hair on your bald spot.
While there’s no quick fix, there are plenty of effective treatments out there. You just need the right diagnosis and the commitment to stick with your treatment in the medium- to long-term.
In this article, you’ll discover:
There are several possible causes of a bald spot. In men, the most common cause is androgenetic alopecia – otherwise known as male pattern baldness. However, other causes include:
Knowing a little more about these causes can help to tailor treatment to try and regrow hair on bald spots.
Whilst less common than androgenic alopecia, particularly in men [2], alopecia areata is often a cause of bald spots on the scalp. It is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its hair follicles, both on the head and in other areas of the body. A certain type of T cell called NKG2D+ collects around the hair follicles and attacks them, preventing the follicles from growing more hair [3].
The first signs of alopecia areata are small oval or round patches on the scalp. Some people only ever have one or two small bald patches. However, others can have many patches which can also develop into more widespread forms of alopecia:
In most cases, the bald patches associated with alopecia areata remain small and eventually, hair regrowth occurs.
Whilst alopecia areata may be the cause of a bald spot you want to get rid of, the causes of alopecia themselves are not yet well understood. Professor Kevin McElwee from the University of Bradford Centre for Skin Sciences explains how there are many possible causes of the alopecia areata [4] including genetic, environmental and hormonal triggers, with each person likely experiencing different triggers even throughout the course of their own hair loss experience.
Alopecia areata often clears up spontaneously. So you may not need to do anything to regrow bald spots from alopecia areata.
However, if you want to speed up your recovery and/or stop alopecia areata from spreading, you can try the following proven treatments:
If you suspect that alopecia areata could be the cause of your bald spot, seek advice from your GP. They may be able to refer you for further assessment and diagnosis, and recommend private treatment centres if they can’t prescribe treatment themselves.
Male pattern baldness (MPB) is the leading cause of hair loss in men [1] affecting over 50% of men over 50 years of age. Some women also experience androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss), but it is far less common.
The cause of male pattern baldness is related to a person’s genes and sex hormones. Men with other family members who have male pattern baldness are more likely to experience it themselves.
A person’s genes influence healthy hair growth and regrowth. Androgens (male sex hormones) have many functions, one of which is regulating hair growth. One of the androgens involved in the hair growth process is dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is largely responsible for men losing their hair earlier and faster. DHT binds to androgen receptors in the hair follicles, causing them to miniaturise and stop producing hair.
There are currently two licensed treatments for androgenetic alopecia in the UK:
Combining Minoxidil with Finasteride is the most effective way to tackle male pattern baldness. Both medications are particularly effective for crown hair loss, so they’re ideal for regrowing a bald spot on your crown.
Aside from the two most common causes of a bald spot, other conditions contribute to the development of a bald spot including:
When you’ve found a bald spot, you may look for natural remedies or treatments that may help your hair grow faster. Natural products such as aloe vera, rosemary oil and peppermint have proven positive effects on the body and may help to regrow hair on a bald spot. Other natural remedies such as coconut oil, henna, egg, hibiscus and garlic and their effects on hair loss have also been discussed.
Find out if it’s possible to regrow hair naturally in just three weeks.
Aloe vera is a succulent plant species that contains many anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory agents. Many believe that its unique combination of ingredients gives it soothing and healing properties. It is commonly used as a treatment for sunburn and rashes. The enzymes present in aloe vera may help reduce hair loss as they work to protect the scalp from diseases that cause it [6].
There is some scientific evidence that rosemary benefits our body, with one study pitting rosemary oil against Minoxidil (a hair loss medication used to stimulate hair growth). The results of this study proved it to be just as effective as the drug at stimulating hair growth.[7]
Whilst more research is needed, the initial research into the efficacy of rosemary oil in helping hair regrowth cannot be ignored.
Whilst still in its infancy, studies into the use of peppermint oil to help promote healthy hair growth show promising results. In one study, they discovered that peppermint oil used as a topical treatment for four weeks induced thick and long hair growth and caused the hair follicles to elongate.
The data, whilst experimental, suggested that 3% peppermint oil promotes the growth of hair and stimulates hair growth [8].
For those with troublesome bald spots for whom natural treatments aren’t an option, many resort to finding an over-the-counter treatment that can help encourage their hair to regrow. Some common over-the-counter options include:
Minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine, is what’s called a peripheral vasodilator. This means that it loosens and widens the blood vessels and allows blood to pass through more easily. Minoxidil is more typically used in treating high blood pressure, but it can also work to promote hair growth if applied directly to the scalp.
Theories suggest that the improved flow of blood to the scalp allows more nutrients to enter the hair follicles during the growth stage, helping prevent the worsening of bald spots.[9]
Minoxidil is a topical treatment that can be used by both men and women who are troubled by hair loss. Some treatments (like hormone blockers) are not suitable for women as they can cause negative interactions.
Minoxidil usually comes in 2% and 5% dosages, with quicker results typically found with the higher percentage dose. If you’re looking to regrow hair on a bald spot fast, the higher percentage of topical Minoxidil solution is your best bet.
For most people, Minoxidil works within a couple of months but it will take up to around four months to see the true results. Of course, it should be used consistently each day for maximum results.
Unfortunately, many people experience side effects with Minoxidil. These include:
Another over-the-counter treatment that can work to encourage hair regrowth on a bald spot or make existing hair appear thicker and healthier are products such as shampoos containing collagen as well as dietary supplements such as vitamin and mineral complexes.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Collagen and keratin – the protein that gives us healthy hair – both require similar amino acids to be produced. Without enough of these amino acids, the body cannot synthesise sufficient amounts of these proteins.
As we age, our natural supply of collagen decreases. This is why our hair thins as we get older. Certain vitamins, such as Vitamin C, promote the production of collagen in the body, helping our hair stay stronger and shinier.
Aside from Vitamin C, other vitamins and minerals are involved in the hair growth process including biotin, a natural B vitamin (sometimes called Vitamin H or Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6. Biotin helps maintain and boost keratin levels in the nails, hair and skin.
A study from 2015 also suggested that it can help your hair regrow and prevent your existing hair from falling out.[10] However, it isn’t possible to isolate that this effect was solely down to biotin as the supplements contained other active ingredients. A deficiency in biotin can cause hair loss, but biotin supplementation in those without a deficiency is unlikely to have an effect on hair loss.
Whilst B Vitamins may not necessarily cause your hair to regrow, they are essential to our health and may make existing hair thicker and healthier.
Iron is another essential mineral that can only be obtained in our diets. Those with low iron can experience symptoms that are similar to male- and female-pattern baldness.[11]
Studies have found statistically significant links between hair loss and low levels of Iron, Boitin and Zinc.
Biotin, iron and other vitamin supplements are readily available over the counter but are also present in the foods we eat. Biotin is in nuts, whole grains and egg yolks whereas Vitamin C is commonly found in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits. It is also found in green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. Foods such as red meat, liver, legumes, spinach and nuts are all good sources of iron in our diets.
For most people, vitamin and mineral supplements are not the best way to encourage hair regrowth. Eating a balanced, healthy diet usually gives most people all the vitamins and minerals that they need.
There is little evidence to suggest that vitamin supplements work to reduce hair loss or encourage hair regrowth, especially in individuals who are not deficient.
If you have tried the natural remedies and/or over-the-counter treatment options without success, or if you’re desperate to regrow hair on a bald spot fast, there are some prescription medications that you can take to promote hair growth.
Finasteride (sometimes known as Propecia or Proscar) is a prescription-only oral medication that is used for male-pattern hair loss. It is currently not prescribed by the NHS and is only available on private prescription. Finasteride is not normally recommended for female hair loss as there are certain contraindications. You can learn more about the effects that Finasteride has on women.
Finasteride works as it reduces the amount of DHT in the body, inhibiting the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. This means that DHT cannot bind to receptors on the hair follicles and therefore they do not shrink as quickly.
Some studies report great success with Finasteride:
You can read all about Finasteride results to learn more and learn whether Finasteride really works.
Whilst these statistics are very encouraging for those suffering from male-pattern hair loss, Finasteride isn’t what’s considered a ‘quick fix’ when trying to regrow hair on a bald spot. Most people will have to take the recommended dose (usually 1mg) each day for three months before any improvement is noticed.
Only after around 12 months of using the drug consistently will you see its full effects. The reason it takes so long is due to the hair growth cycle. However, it’s important to note that not everyone will experience a regrowth of hair in previously thinning or balding areas. Despite this, many men still notice that their hair loss has not got worse and the drug has worked to prevent further hair loss.
Generally, Finasteride is considered safe. Unfortunately, there are some well-documented side effects of taking DHT blockers like Finasteride. These include:
Most of these side effects are rare and will only endure for the time the person is taking Finasteride. One of the common but often quite alarming effects of taking Finasteride is perceived increased hair loss initially.
Although this may be alarming, it is a normal side effect as the hair follicles need to shed existing hair before growing new hair. This shedding should only last around two weeks but may last a little longer in some cases.
Topical steroids are usually prescribed to treat skin conditions, including scalp conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, pityriasis amiantacea and severe dandruff. However, some steroid creams have also shown encouraging results with certain types of hair loss such as alopecia areata and alopecia barbae. [13]
Patients with these types of alopecia often have follicular inflammation due to the immune system’s erroneous attack on the hair follicles. Topical steroids reduce this inflammation and help the hair follicles to recover which stimulates new hair growth.
Anthralin is another topical treatment that has been used to treat cases of severe alopecia areata and is more commonly a treatment that’s prescribed for psoriasis. Anthralin is applied to the affected area for several hours.
There has been at least one study that has proven its efficacy in some cases of alopecia areata, particularly when used in combination with calcipotriene, another psoriasis treatment.[14]
The above natural remedies, over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications may not always produce the rapid response that many people who suffer from bald spots are looking for. Indeed, they do not always work. However, if all other avenues have failed or if someone is looking for a more permanent result, surgical options may be more appropriate options to explore.
Hair transplant surgery falls into two kinds of surgery: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Hair transplant surgery should be the last resort for regrowing hair on your bald spot.
Around two-thirds of people chose FUE surgery, with the remainder opting for FUT and a small percentage (2.35%) having a mixture of the two. [15] Unfortunately, for those with alopecia areata, hair transplants are not advised.
In Follicular Unit Extraction surgery, each hair follicle is extracted and transplanted individually. This makes the surgery more time-consuming. However, it heals faster and there is less scarring.
With Follicular Unit Transplantation, the operating surgeon removes an area of skin (the donor site) and separates it into small sections. These grafts are then transplanted into balding areas.
Sadly, given that many ways of trying to regrow hair on a bald spot either take time or may not work, you may need to come up with a different plan. There are a few things you can try to ease your feelings associated with hair loss, including some non- hair regrowth remedies:
Your barber or hair stylist may be able to offer you ideas to try and wear your hair in ways that minimise the appearance of any bald or thinning patches. This may include:
Aside from trying to cover the areas affected, talk to friends and family about how you’re feeling regarding your hair loss. Their support may help you manage your feelings.
Choosing a hair transplant clinic can be difficult and you should do your research before choosing one. Many hair transplant clinics have popped up in recent years, promising great results for low hair transplant costs. These clinics are renowned for their inexperience and in some cases for being unlicensed.
You should ask to see the clinic’s before and after hair transplant photographs, be sure to read the hair transplant clinic reviews and do your research around crown transplant costs to cover your bald spot.
If you suspect that your hair loss may be related to a skin condition such as alopecia areata you should definitely consider seeking medical advice.
The Wimpole Clinic has been helping men and women treat hair loss in the UK since 1975. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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