If you’re starting to notice a bit more scalp showing at the back of your head, you’re not alone. Crown hair loss is one of the first signs of male pattern baldness, and it can be surprisingly easy to miss in the early stages—especially if you’re in your twenties or thirties and weren’t expecting it yet.

At Townhead Pharmacy, we regularly speak to men who are only just beginning to realise their hair is thinning. The good news is that early intervention makes a real difference. The sooner you act, the more hair you can preserve—and in many cases, even regrow.

So how can you tell if you’re in the early stages of male pattern baldness? Here are five signs to watch for.

1. Thinning at the Crown

The most obvious early sign is subtle thinning right at the crown (the top back part of your head). You may not notice this yourself at first—it’s often picked up by a partner, hairdresser, or in photos taken from behind.

You might spot:

• –> A widening area of scalp showing through the hair

• –> A circular patch that looks less dense than the surrounding area

• –> Hair that lies flat or parts more easily at the crown

If you’re unsure, try using two mirrors or take a photo under bright lighting. Consistent change over several weeks or months is worth noting.

2. More Hair in the Shower or on Your Pillow

Seeing a few hairs in the plughole or on your pillow is perfectly normal. However, if you’ve noticed a steady increase in hair shedding—particularly shorter or finer hairs—it could indicate early crown hair loss.

Pay attention to how much is collecting in your comb or when towel-drying your hair. If it’s becoming a daily occurrence, it’s time to have it assessed.

3. Scalp Becoming More Visible in Bright Light

One of the early signs of thinning is how easily your scalp shows through under strong lighting or sunlight. You might first notice this in photos taken outdoors or under bathroom lights.

If the crown area is reflecting more light or appears ‘shinier’ in photos, this is often because the hair in that area has become thinner and sparser—allowing more scalp to show.

4. Difficulty Styling Your Hair Like You Used To

Changes in hair density at the crown often lead to frustration when styling. You might find it’s harder to achieve the volume or shape you used to manage with ease.

Signs include:

• –> Your usual hairstyle not holding its shape

• –> Hair lying flatter around the crown

• –> Needing more product or time to disguise thinning

If styling suddenly feels more difficult, it’s often a sign that your hair texture or density has changed.

5. Family History of Hair Loss

Male pattern baldness is largely genetic. If your father, uncles, or grandfathers experienced crown hair loss or receding hairlines, there’s a good chance you’ll be affected too.

Genetics can influence when it begins, how fast it progresses, and which areas are affected first. Even if the changes are subtle now, a strong family history is a good reason to monitor things closely and speak to a healthcare professional early.

Why Early Action Matters

The earlier you catch male pattern baldness, the more treatment options are available—and the more effective they can be.

At Townhead Pharmacy, we advise positive lifestyle changes, as well as offering pharmacy-led hair loss consultations where we assess your scalp health, discuss your history, and recommend clinically approved treatments. These may include:

Finasteride – a daily tablet that helps block the hormone (DHT) responsible for follicle shrinkage

Minoxidil – a topical foam or solution that helps stimulate growth and improve blood flow to the scalp

Combined treatment plans – for those looking to strengthen regrowth and prevent further loss

These treatments are most effective when started early—before the follicles shrink to the point that they can no longer produce healthy hair.

Don’t Wait for It to Get Worse

It’s completely normal to feel unsure or hesitant when you first notice hair changes. But ignoring crown hair loss often leads to faster progression and fewer options later on.

If you’re noticing any of the signs above, we encourage you to book a private, confidential consultation with Townhead Pharmacy. Whether in person or online, we’ll help you understand your options and take action before it becomes more difficult to manage.

You don’t have to wait until it’s obvious. Take control of your hair health now—and keep your confidence intact for years to come. Reach out today for support.

This blog was written on behalf of Townhead Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.