Hair loss at the crown (vertex)
Thinning and bald patches at the crown/whorl, a classic sign of hereditary hair loss that often begins at the same time as the temples recede.
The essentials about hair loss at the crown (vertex)
Common symptoms
- Thinner hair at the whorl
- Scalp showing through at the crown
- A growing bald spot at the back of the crown
Common causes
- Androgenetic alopecia
- DHT sensitivity at the crown
Treatment options
- Hair transplant
- PRP treatment
- Medication
Hair loss at the crown, around the whorl, is sometimes called the vertex. It is a classic sign of androgenetic alopecia and often starts at roughly the same time as the hairline recedes, but can also appear on its own.
The crown is a tricky area. It spreads out in a circle and often requires more grafts than people think to achieve full coverage, because the hair grows in a whorl and light reflects more easily off the scalp there. On the Norwood scale, crown thinning corresponds to stage III vertex through V.
The treatment choice depends on how far it has progressed. In the early stage, when it is mostly thinning, PRP and medication can slow the progression and densify. With established bald patches, a hair transplant is the solution, we move DHT-resistant follicles from the back of the head and place them in the whorl's natural growth pattern. For large bald areas at the crown we may need to plan the treatment in stages, and we are always honest about what the donor area can supply.
At the consultation we measure the crown area and the donor density and give you a realistic plan with a fixed price.
Read more about hair transplantation, or explore the article The Norwood scale explained, how we assess your hair loss step by step. To find out what applies to you, book a free consultation.
