Advice On Treating Bald Spot Caused By Male Pattern Hair Loss'

Name: Samit

Question: Hey I am 17 years old. I have got a bald spot, it's male pattern baldness - how can I treat it? My one side has completely gone bald, are there any solutions for this?

Answer: Hi, Samit. The pattern of hair loss which you describe is inconsistent with a diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as Male Pattern Baldness.

A bald spot and hair loss that affects one side of the head only suggests it is more likely to be the autoimmune disorder alopecia areata.

Male Pattern Baldness causes thinning hair and/or a receding hairline gradually, over time. It is a permanent condition but can take many years to develop to where points in the affected areas - the top of the scalp from hairline to crown - could be described as 'bald'. Whilst not impossible, given male pattern hairloss can begin in genetically-predisposed individuals any time following puberty, it would certainly be somewhat unusual for a 17 year old to have developed such advanced baldness already. This, along with the location and shape of the hair loss, as you have described them, suggest that it is more likely to be autoimmune in nature. Continues below...


Alopecia areata causes temporary hair loss in many cases, with the scalp-only form often lasting no longer than 12 months, and hair regrowth starting naturally of its own accord. It happens when the body effectively turns on its own hair follicles. The reason for this autoimmune disorder is unknown though a number of triggers, including sudden shock, trauma, intense long-lasting stress, and allergies, are all suspected. When it kicks in, the hair growth cycle is disrupted, causing it to pause in the Telogen phase - the resting state - causing sudden hair fall in rounded patches from anywhere on the scalp.

This can cause hair fall as small as a coin, in one singular bald spot, or far larger patches all over the scalp which may join up - it may also come and go then recur again. In more extreme cases of autoimmune alopecia, this can affect the entire head, including eyebrows and eyelashes, or cause the entire body from head to toe to become hairless.

Given the need to be certain as to the cause of hair loss before treating it, we recommend having a professional consultation. Once a specialist has assessed you, they will be able to determine the precise hair loss condition you are experiencing and recommend a personalised course of treatment accordingly. There are effective, clinically-proven Male Pattern Hair Loss Treatment options available should this prove to be the case, whilst Alopecia Areata treatment is also possible if your shedding does turn out to be caused by this.

Either way, there are certainly a range of hair loss solutions that you can explore, but - as before - the most important thing to do as your first step is to ensure you have a confirmed, professional diagnosis of your condition so you know exactly what is causing the bald spot before you start treating it.