How to Tell If Your Hair Is Thinning

Hair loss doesn’t always start with a dramatic bald spot. For most men, it creeps in quietly. A slightly wider part. A little more scalp showing in photos. Hairs in the sink that weren’t there last month. The earlier you catch it, the better your chances of stopping it.

This guide walks through the signs of early hair loss, how to confirm it’s happening, and what to do before it gets worse.

Common Signs of Thinning Hair

The first sign is usually increased shedding. Losing 50 to 100 hairs per day is considered normal. If that number starts climbing, you’ll notice more hair in your brush, your shower drain, and your hands.

Next comes visible thinning. This usually appears in three places:

• The crown. You might notice the skin of your scalp showing through more clearly in this area.

• The temples. Hair recedes on both sides, often forming a V or M-shaped hairline.

• Along the part. If you part your hair, it might look wider or less dense than before.

You may also notice your hair feels finer when you run your hands through it, or that it doesn’t style the way it used to. These are early signs that the follicles are shrinking.

How to Confirm It’s Not Just in Your Head

Hair loss can be subtle, and it's easy to second-guess yourself. Here’s how to get a clear answer:

Take photos. Use the same lighting and angle once per month. Compare side by side. If the thinning is progressing, it will become obvious.

Ask someone honest. A friend or partner can often spot changes you’ve become blind to. Just be ready for the answer.

Try the tug test. Grab a small group of hairs and gently pull. If more than two or three come out each time, it may indicate active shedding.

Microscopic analysis or dermoscopy by a professional is also an option, but most men can confirm hair loss with photos and visual tracking alone.

What to Do If You’re Losing Hair

Waiting is the worst decision you can make. By the time thinning is visible, a significant percentage of hair density is already gone. Early intervention is everything.

Start with a topical anti-androgen. RU58841 is one of the most effective options available. It blocks DHT at the scalp without harming systemic hormones.

Support regrowth with growth stimulants like caffeine and peppermint oil. These increase blood flow and can reactivate dormant follicles. Castor oil supports the scalp and delivers nutrients deep into the skin.

Microneedling once or twice per week helps all of these work better. It improves absorption and signals your scalp to begin a regenerative process.

Clean up your internal health. Poor sleep, seed oils, chronic stress, and nutritional deficiencies all contribute to early hair loss. Fix them now and your scalp will reflect the change.

If you’re reading this, there’s still time. But not forever. The sooner you act, the more you keep.