Crowning Glory: 101 on Crown Hair Transplant
Having a flawless hairstyle is a desire we all share, but sometimes one section of hair refuses to cooperate. It could be a cowlick or, in some cases, a sign of thinning or balding at the crown. Noticing this can be an alarming moment, causing concern about hair loss.
For men who have experienced a gradual recession in their hairline over time, a balding crown marks another stage of hair loss that can be difficult to accept. Similarly, for women, the thinning of the crown can be a distressing first sign of hair loss. However, there are ways for both men and women to address the issue of a balding or thinning crown — one of them being crown hair transplants.
What Exactly is Crown Hair?
By definition, the crown, also known as the vertex, is the highest point on your scalp located towards the back of your head. It’s an area that can often draw attention, and for many people, it can be a source of frustration when it comes to their hair.
While not backed by Scientific evidence, many individuals tend to see the hair at the crown as unique due to it having its own set of characteristics compared to the rest of the areas on the scalp. For example, it’s common to hear complaints about the hair at the crown being dry, dull, coarse, or even difficult to manage. Some even find that the hair at the crown is more prone to breakage and has a different texture compared to the surrounding hair. Why might this be so?
The reason behind these differences could very well be associated with the fact that the hair at the crown is often exposed to external elements such as the sun and other environmental pollutants. These factors can take a toll on the hair, leading to dryness, damage, and a higher likelihood of breakage.
What is Crown Balding?
As its name suggests, crown balding refers to the loss of hair around the vertex scalp. And this type of balding is one of the most common signs of male pattern hair loss.
The process of crown balding typically starts with a receding hairline and the eventual development of a bald patch on the crown. As mentioned, it is a gradual progression that many men with male pattern baldness sooner or later notice in the mirror.
Other forms of hair loss in men can also affect hair growth around the crown area. These include Alopecia Areata, Telogen Effluvium, Tinea Capitis (fungal infection), and Cicatricial Alopecia (scarring alopecia). Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, thyroid medications, and anticoagulants, can also contribute to hair loss in this area.
How Common is Crown Balding?
Crown balding, specifically in the form of male pattern baldness, is a relatively common condition that can affect a significant number of men. As a matter of fact, it is almost safe to say that it is a natural part of the ageing process, with males over the age of 50 experiencing some degree of this type of male pattern baldness.
But why is this type of balding more common in men than in women? Interestingly, unlike the typical pattern of female hair loss, where thinning occurs more evenly throughout the scalp, men tend to retain hair at the back of their heads for a longer time. This can result in the development of a bald spot near the crown while maintaining a stable frontal hairline, creating a distinct pattern of vertex balding.
How to Tell if Your Crown Hair is Thinning?
Detecting thinning hair at the crown area is crucial for addressing hair loss concerns. Some common signs include the hair on the crown of your head becoming thinner compared to the sides and back, indicating thinning of the crown hair.
Additionally, the hair at the crown area may become more brittle and prone to breakage. Hence, increased fragility and noticeable changes in texture could be signs of thinning as well. A receding hairline is another common early sign of hair loss. If you notice your hairline moving backwards along with thinning hair at the crown, it may suggest progressive hair loss.
Lastly, some individuals have a natural occurrence called a double crown, which may be mistaken for balding. However, if you start losing hair between the two whorls on your vertex, it can exacerbate the appearance of a bald spot.
Can a Balding Crown Grow Back?
When it comes to a balding crown, the possibility of regrowth depends on various factors and the chosen treatment approach. While regrowing hair in the crown area is possible for some individuals, it’s important to understand that results may vary.
Several hair treatment options are available to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. For example, hair loss pills and medications can help slow down the progression of hair loss and promote regrowth in some cases. These medications work by addressing the underlying factors contributing to hair loss, such as hormonal imbalances and the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
In addition to medication, surgical treatments like crown hair transplants can also be considered. Crown hair transplant procedures, such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), involve harvesting healthy hair follicles from donor areas and transplanting them into the balding crown region. This technique can help with natural hair growth in the treated area.
Furthermore, exploring natural methods, such as maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress levels, and adopting proper hair care practices, can contribute to overall scalp health and potentially support regrowth in the crown area.
Can Hair Transplant Work on the Crown?
A hair transplant is indeed one of the treatment options worth considering to address crown balding. However, there are several challenges associated with this specific area of the scalp.
Firstly, the spiral nature of hair directions in the crown makes it challenging to achieve natural results during transplantation. Expertise and experience are thus essential to ensure proper angle and direction of hair placement without damaging surrounding existing hairs.
Secondly, due to the fact that the affected area on the scalp tends to be larger than usual, a significant number of grafts may be required for optimal coverage.
Another challenge is the presence of pre-existing hairs in the crown that have not yet thinned. Because of this, transplanting new hair into this area carries the risk of shock loss and potential damage to the existing hairs. In addition, improper execution of the procedure can result in permanent scarring and further hair loss. Furthermore, if the area is still experiencing ongoing hair loss, it may not be the right time for a hair transplant.
Therefore, it requires careful evaluation to determine whether the crown has reached a stable stage where transplantation methods, like FUE hair transplants, can be effective.
Are You a Suitable Candidate for FUE Crown Hair Transplant?
Not all individuals experiencing hair loss and balding in the crown area are suitable candidates for FUE crown hair transplant. This is mainly because the suitability of the procedure depends on various factors that need to be assessed during a consultation.
For one, the extent of hair loss is an important consideration. Surgical hair transplantation is typically recommended when hair loss progresses into a permanent issue or affects a significant portion of the scalp area. Beyond that, there needs to be sufficient healthy hair follicles for extraction before crown hair transplants are considered.
Therefore, to determine suitability, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary. This includes a detailed analysis of medical and family history, as well as a physical and microscopic examination. These assessments provide valuable insights into the feasibility and potential success of an FUE crown hair transplant.
Transform Your Crown at Our Hair Transplant Clinic in Singapore
If you’re struggling with crown balding and searching for hair transplant treatments in Singapore, our hair transplant clinic is here to assist you. At Sage Medical, our team of hair specialists understands the challenges of crown balding and is dedicated to helping you regain the health of your scalp. Through hair treatment options like FUE hair transplant, we can address the specific needs of crown hair loss and restore your confidence.
Contact our hair transplant clinic in Singapore today and take the first step towards transforming your crown.
