22/08/2026
HAIR LOSS & BALDING: WHICH STAGE ARE YOU IN?
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) usually doesn’t cause baldness overnight. It develops gradually:
Hair becomes thinner → hair density decreases → scalp becomes more visible → bald areas expand.
The earlier we identify and treat it, the more hair follicles we may be able to preserve.
🔹 STAGE 1 – EARLY HAIR THINNING
Your hair may still look normal, but you may notice:
• Increased shedding
• New hairs becoming finer and shorter
• A receding hairline, especially around the temples in men
• A widening part line in women
👉 This is an ideal stage to start treatment.
🔹 STAGE 2 – NOTICEABLE THINNING
• Hair density gradually decreases
• The scalp becomes more visible under bright light
• The crown or temples become thinner
• More miniaturized, fine hairs appear
👉 The goal is to preserve the remaining follicles and slow further progression.
🔹 STAGE 3 – PROGRESSIVE BALDING
The thinning area becomes larger, and many hairs become increasingly fine and weak.
In men, the hairline may recede further and thinning at the crown becomes more obvious.
👉 Treatment can still help maintain and improve existing hair, but consistency is important.
🔹 STAGE 4 – CLEAR BALDING
Hair density is significantly reduced and the scalp is clearly visible.
After prolonged miniaturization, some follicles may have limited ability to produce thicker hair.
👉 A combination of treatments may be considered depending on the individual case.
🔹 STAGE 5–7 – ADVANCED BALDING
The frontal, temporal and crown areas become extensively bald.
If the donor area at the back and sides of the scalp remains healthy, hair transplantation may be considered to improve the hairline and overall appearance.
⚠️ However, not everyone with baldness needs a hair transplant immediately.
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💊 TREATMENT DEPENDS ON THE STAGE
Early stage:
→ Medical treatment is usually the priority to slow progression and preserve hair follicles.
Moderate stage:
→ Control the underlying cause + stimulate hair growth when appropriate. Treatments such as PRP may be considered as an adjunct in selected patients.
Advanced stage:
→ Medical treatment can still help preserve the remaining native hair.
→ If hair loss is relatively stable, the donor area is adequate, and the patient wants further cosmetic improvement, hair transplantation can be evaluated.
🌱 ONE IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER
A hair transplant does not create new hair follicles.
Hair follicles are taken from the donor area and transplanted into areas affected by hair loss.
If AGA continues to progress, your non-transplanted native hair can continue to become thinner.
👉 That’s why a good treatment strategy is:
Correct diagnosis → control hair loss → preserve existing follicles → consider hair transplantation when appropriate.
If you notice progressive thinning, a widening part line, a receding hairline, or increasing crown visibility, don’t wait until you are noticeably bald before getting your scalp and hair follicles evaluated.
Dr Hang Healthy Skin
BS CKI Dermatology – Aesthetic Dermatology
078 398 7079
