What to Do If You Develop a Bald Spot

Nothing shakes a man’s core quite like when his barber says, in a hushed tone, “You have a bald spot over here.” Does this mean you have to shave off your head? Get a hair transplant? Before you do anything rash, know that balding is a common concern affecting two-thirds of gents in their thirties. Heck, even David Beckham is not immune to it.

If hair loss has been gnawing at the back of your mind, there are strategies you can employ to make that bald spot less obvious. And, no, we’re not going to suggest wearing a toupee (unless you want to – no judgment!). But first, you need to know what’s causing your hair to fall out.

Hair loss can result from a variety of factors, and genetic makeup sure does play a big role in it. If your family has a history of balding, chances are you’ve inherited certain genetic traits that contribute to patchy bald spots and a thinning crown. Sometimes, the hair follicles shrink over time due to overactive dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which leads to a receding hairline, also known as male pattern baldness.

Age is another significant driver of hair loss and it’s inevitable. As years pass, the hair growth cycle decelerates, and the strands become finer. The pace at which this happens is influenced by – surprise! Your DNA and lifestyle choices. Obesity, weight loss, smoking, alcohol, lack of sleep, and even a bang on the head can take a toll on your hair. That means your parents are (mostly) not to blame for that bare space on your pate.

Whether you’ve just noticed a new, shiny bald patch or are trying to prevent one from forming, take these tips to keep your hair situation under control.

If your barber points out a bald spot, don’t shoot the messenger. Instead, ask him to give you a haircut that creates the illusion of thicker hair. If you have curls, they might opt for a shorter that length tapers slightly on the sides and back. A Caesar cut and skin fade are also awesome choices for camouflaging bald areas.

We mean this both literally and figuratively. According to a 2021 study, stress stimulates the release of more cortisol, which puts the follicles in the resting stage and inhibits hair regrowth. So, the more you worry about your bald spot, the wider it grows. Bummer.

Take it from us and countless others who have walked this path: focus on what’s up there, not what’s missing. Stop covering your head in a tight hat or putting it in a man bun if you have long hair. This can only make matters worse.

Moreover, take good care of your scalp, especially when dandruff is involved. CLEAR Cool Sport Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men helps you rinse off any traces of grime, grease, and flakes. It’s also infused with menthol to relieve itchy scalp.

Scalp sunburn is no joke. It hurts so bad you won’t be able to get some decent shuteye for weeks. Worst of all, the peeling and redness draws even more attention to your thinning hair. While staying at home might be the most effective way to avoid this hazard, it’s not a realistic thing to do. Your body needs vitamin D to grow new strands, after all.

To safeguard your scalp, slap some SPF on your scalp (powder and spray-on sunscreens do exist!). If you prefer something quick and easy, don well-fitting headwear on a sunny day. You can go for a beanie, a bandana, a baseball cap – whatever suits your style.

Lay off pomades and hair gels for now. Your hair could really need a pause from these styling products. Besides, they weigh your hair down, dry out your strands, and expose your scalp.

During this break, reach for haircare products that are gentle on your scalp but tough enough to remove buildup. You can try using Dove Men+Care Refreshing Clean Shampoo. It’s infused with caffeine that helps reduce hair fall and strengthen your hair against breakage.

If your goal is to get your hair back to its former glory, then consulting a dermatologist is your best bet. They’ll determine the underlying cause of your balding through a series of tests and evaluations. Once diagnosed, you’ll be presented with treatment options, such as prescription medications, topical creams, microneedling, and laser therapy.

Admittedly, nothing can guarantee your bald spot will be full of hair again. If that were the case, we’d all look like guys in shampoo commercials. Still, these strategies can help curb your losses and build your confidence.