How Do You Know If You Will Be Bald? Signs and Insights You Need

The Genetics Behind Baldness: What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever looked at your hairline in the mirror and wondered, “Will I go bald?” you’re not alone. Male pattern baldness (MPB), or androgenetic alopecia, is something that most men, and even some women, worry about at some point in their lives. The first question that comes to mind is usually, “How do I know if I’m going bald?” Well, it’s a tricky question, but let’s dive into the key signs.

Genetics play the biggest role in whether or not you’ll lose your hair. You’ve probably heard it before: if your father or maternal grandfather went bald, the chances are higher that you will too. But, like with anything in life, it’s not 100% certain. I had this conversation recently with a friend, Dan, who was stressing out about his receding hairline. His dad had a full head of hair until he was in his 50s, and his mom’s side had no baldness at all. So, there’s hope.

The Role of Genetics

Male pattern baldness is largely inherited from your mother’s side, which is where things get interesting. If your mom’s father lost his hair early, you’re more likely to experience the same. However, the truth is that it’s a combination of genes from both parents. If you’re worried, consider your family history—this might be a big indicator. But again, it’s not always a direct link.

Early Signs of Balding: What to Watch For

Receding Hairline: The First Red Flag

One of the first indicators of baldness is often a receding hairline. This tends to be the first place that hair loss happens. It’s usually gradual, starting around your temples, and it can often be so subtle that you might not even notice it at first. I remember noticing the corners of my hairline thinning out, and at first, I brushed it off as just getting older. But when I saw my older brother’s hairline shrinking at the same age, I started to pay more attention.

Thinning at the Crown

Another common area for hair thinning is at the crown of the head. It’s easy to miss at first because the hair loss here can be slow and often happens out of sight. You might notice that your hair feels thinner when you run your hand through it. A great way to check for this is to look closely in the mirror, or take a picture of the back of your head and compare it over time.

If you’re starting to notice more scalp through your hair, it could be an early warning. Trust me, I’ve been there. A couple of months ago, I noticed more scalp showing when I styled my hair, and that was when I realized something was definitely going on.

General Thinning All Over

Some people don’t have a receding hairline or thinning crown but instead experience general thinning all over their scalp. This can happen as early as your 20s or 30s, and it’s one of the more frustrating types of hair loss to identify. You might think your hair just needs a trim or better care, but when you start noticing more shedding in the shower, or a wider parting when you comb your hair, it’s time to consider the possibility of thinning.

Factors That Speed Up Baldness: What’s Making It Worse?

Stress: A Silent Contributor

While genetics are the main cause of baldness, stress can certainly accelerate the process. I remember talking with my friend Sarah, who was dealing with a stressful job and noticed significant hair thinning during that period. She was convinced her stress was causing it. Stress increases the hormone cortisol, which can negatively affect your hair growth cycle. While stress might not directly cause balding, it can speed up the process if you're already genetically predisposed.

Hormonal Changes and Diet

Hormonal changes are also a huge factor. Testosterone and its byproduct, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can bind to hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually stop growing hair. This is especially true in men. If you’re experiencing noticeable hair loss in your 20s or 30s, it could be linked to these hormone changes.

Also, let’s not forget diet. If your diet is poor in nutrients like zinc, iron, and vitamins, your hair may suffer. You might be unknowingly accelerating your hair loss by not giving your body the fuel it needs for healthy hair growth. I used to eat junk food all the time, and my hair was starting to thin. Once I made a few dietary changes—added more vegetables and proteins—it slowed down significantly. It’s not a miracle, but it made a difference.

Can You Stop Balding Once It Starts?

Hair Growth Treatments: What Actually Works?

There are various treatments on the market for hair loss, but the truth is, not all of them work for everyone. Over-the-counter treatments like minoxidil can help slow hair loss and promote growth, especially if you catch it early. However, the effectiveness varies from person to person. Some of my friends have had success with it, while others saw little change. It’s important to be realistic and understand that the sooner you start treatment, the better.

Hair Transplants: The More Permanent Option

If you’re already experiencing significant hair loss, you may have considered hair transplants. It’s an expensive procedure, but it works. I’ve talked to a few people who’ve had transplants, and they swear by it. They’ve got their youthful hairlines back, and their confidence is sky-high. But it’s a personal choice—if you're willing to invest time and money, it can be a game-changer.

Conclusion: So, Will You Go Bald?

To answer the big question: How do you know if you’ll be bald? The truth is, it’s a mix of genetics, lifestyle, and luck. While you can’t change your genes, you can take steps to slow the process—whether it’s managing stress, eating right, or starting treatments early. Keep an eye on the signs: receding hairline, thinning crown, and general hair thinning. If you’re worried, consult a dermatologist who can help guide you through your options.

Ultimately, remember that hair loss doesn’t define you. Embrace the changes with confidence!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.