Hair loss can start subtly. For many, it’s a gradual process that begins with a few extra hairs in the shower drain or a widening part line. Recognising the early signs of balding helps you take action before the hair loss becomes more advanced.
Below, we break down the most common symptoms to watch out for and what they might mean for your hair health.
Common Early Signs of Hair Loss
Gradual Thinning on Top of the Head
This is the most frequent pattern of hair loss, especially in men. It typically begins at the crown or temples, where the hair becomes finer over time. In women, thinning hair may show up as a broader parting or overall loss of density across the top of the head.
If you’ve noticed more scalp showing at the crown or a receding hairline creeping higher, these are signs that your follicles are shrinking. This process is often driven by DHT sensitivity.
Receding Hairline
Often associated with male pattern baldness, a receding hairline can start as early as the teenage years. Sometimes, it begins shortly after puberty. It typically forms an “M” shape across the forehead, though in some women it may appear more as general thinning near the front.
One of the earliest signs, often overlooked, is the hair starting to look unhealthy. This happens when DHT builds up around the hair root, blocking blood flow and cutting off nutrients. As a result, the hair may become dry, brittle and prone to breakage, even before any visible hair loss begins. Once the recession starts, it can be difficult for hair to grow back without treatment.
Other Symptoms That Often Appear
Excessive Hair Fall
While it’s normal to shed around 50 to 100 hairs per day, anything more could signal a problem. You might see more hair on your pillow, comb, or in the shower drain. If shedding becomes noticeable, especially over several weeks, it's worth assessing your scalp health and product routine.
Dry, Itchy, or Flaky Scalp
A dry, irritated scalp can contribute to hair weakening at the root. While not always a direct cause of hair loss, ongoing inflammation may disrupt healthy growth. Some people experience patches of scaling that can spread over the scalp, leading to temporary or permanent shedding in those areas.
Types and Patterns of Hair Loss
Type 2 and Type 3 Hair Loss
These refer to the progression of thinning. Type 2 indicates moderate hair loss, usually with visible thinning across the top. Type 3 marks more advanced recession or loss at the crown. Knowing your type helps in choosing the right treatment, whether that’s blocking DHT, improving scalp circulation, or boosting follicle strength.
Patches or Uneven Bald Spots
Unlike typical male or female pattern baldness, some conditions such as alopecia areata can cause sudden, round bald patches. These may appear randomly and spread without warning.
Bald spots at the crown or patchy loss spread over the scalp may suggest something more than routine hair thinning.
Recognising Pre-Mature or Sudden Hair Loss
Early Signs of Balding in Young Adults
Hair loss isn’t limited to older adults. Pre-mature thinning, especially in your 20s or 30s, can often be linked to genetics, stress, poor scalp care, or hormone fluctuations. Spotting these signs early gives you more options for slowing the process.
If you’re noticing your hairline shifting or the crown becoming visible, early intervention with DHT-blocking shampoos or growth masks can help preserve density.
What to Do If You Notice Thinning Hair
The sooner you address hair loss, the better your chances of regrowth. REGROW offers science-backed, natural formulas designed to target early signs using DHT blockers, biotin, rosemary, and native Australian botanicals that support scalp circulation and reduce inflammation.
Whether you're seeing signs of recession, a patchy crown, or excessive hair fall, a consistent routine focused on scalp health and follicle support can slow or even reverse the trend.
