Have you ever noticed someone with a shiny scalp and wondered if they were experiencing permanent hair loss? The words shiny and luminous may have positive connotations when talking about your actual hair. However, they are not words you want to associate with a shiny bald head.
The appearance of a shiny bald head can be concerning, but it doesn't always indicate permanent hair loss. In this article, we'll explore the relationship between a shiny scalp and permanent hair loss. Also, we'll explain why a bald head looks shiny and whether it's something to worry about.
If you're one of the millions of men struggling with male pattern baldness, you may have noticed a certain "shine" to your head. If so, you may be wondering what this means for your hair loss treatment options. And that's exactly what we're going to cover in this article on shiny scalps.
Is Shiny Scalp a Sign of Permanent Hair Loss?
A shiny scalp is not always a sign of permanent hair loss. It can simply mean your scalp is dry or producing too much oil. However, a constantly shiny scalp combined with excessive shedding could indicate the start of pattern baldness. If this concerns you, look closely for thinning areas and receding hairlines. These are more reliable signs of permanent hair loss caused by male or female pattern baldness.
Why Are Bald Heads Shiny?
When you see a bald head, you may notice that it often has a distinct shine. This shiny appearance of bald head can be due to a few key factors:
1. Sebum
The scalp looks particularly shiny because of the sebaceous glands found all over our skin (except for the palms and soles). However, the scalp has a higher concentration of these glands. Sebaceous glands located within the hair follicles are responsible for secreting oil called sebum, which coats the skin and provides a more uniform reflective surface. Additionally, studies suggest that more active sebaceous glands could play a role in early hair loss.
Sebum protects the skin from drying out. However, excessive sebum can make the hair look oily since some of it is absorbed by the hair. That's why the skin of the scalp is not easily visible.
However, when the hair thinning starts, the oil becomes more apparent on the skin of the scalp. This is why bald heads appear shiny. You should keep in mind that hair loss is unlikely to be caused just because of sebum on the scalp. The buildup may cause temporary hair loss, but it is usually reversible.
2. Androgenetic Alopecia
Another reason that your scalp may be looking shinier is because of androgenetic alopecia. The hair loss will make your scalp more see-through. And the sebum on it will become more visible.
There is also a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology that found that the patients who had androgenetic alopecia have overgrown (more lobules) sebaceous glands.
In this case, shiny scalp hair loss means permanent hair loss.
3. Skin Conditions
The reason for shiny scalps can be attributed to certain skin conditions, including:
Eczema: Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects areas with rich sebaceous glands, such as the scalp, face, and chest.
Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells.
It is important to note that while these skin conditions can contribute to the formation of scaly patches, a shiny scalp can have other causes as well. It does not necessarily mean that these skin conditions are responsible for the shiny scalp.
4. Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, is a type of permanent hair loss. In this condition, the hair follicle becomes inflamed and eventually destroyed. Scarring alopecia can result in a smooth and shiny appearance of the scalp where hair used to be.
5. Overwashing
Overwashing your hair may also cause your scalp to become shiny. Overwashing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading the sebaceous glands to produce even more oil to compensate. The same effect can occur when using hair products that dry out your scalp.
The Difference Between Male and Female Balding
You may have heard that laser hair therapy can be more effective for women than for men. While it is still incredibly powerful for men, there are circumstances that make it more challenging.
The reason? Male and female baldness patterns differ drastically. Male baldness is often characterized by receding hair in the temple area. This gradually forms a wedge-shaped pattern. Experts use the Norwood scale to measure baldness in men. However, doctors and scientists use the Savin scale to measure hair loss in women. This measures the width of women's parts. This part grows progressively wider as baldness progresses. However, the chance that a woman will develop a shiny bald head is virtually non-existent. This means women who experience hair loss have more hair follicles to harvest, ready to benefit from the energy of laser hair therapy.
Do you know that hair loss can be reversed? Find Out.
The Challenge with Shiny Scalp
Unfortunately, areas with a "shiny scalp" cannot benefit from Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) alone. The lasers simply cannot reach hair follicles in these areas, so they cannot stimulate growth. This includes spots caused by a number of outside factors, such as trauma, surgery, damaging hairstyling habits, or excessive pulling triggered by obsessive-compulsive disorders like trichotillomania.
Why is that? In simplistic terms, a bald shiny head means there are no hair follicles. This occurs due to increased production of epidermal growth factor (EGF), a factor responsible for cell growth stimulation and proliferation. Unfortunately, the cells that are stimulated and multiplying are not your hair follicles', but as implicated by its name, epidermal refers to the epidermis– the outermost layer of the skin. As the skin cells of your scalp multiply, inflammation occurs as a result (or occurs simultaneously).
Here Find Out: Why does inflammation cause hair loss
This causes your pores to narrow, and hair cannot grow. At this advanced state of baldness, terminal hair is replaced by vellus hair– thin, short, light-colored hair. Typically this kind of hair is only present on teenagers during puberty. This is probably not quite what you imagined when "turning back the clock" and trying to shed a few years off of your real age.
With all of the above, we can sadly conclude that any medications meant to act as a possible non-surgical hair replacement option, such as laser hair therapy, will most likely be ineffective when used on bald patients with shiny scalps or plagued with slick areas.
How To Get Rid of Shiny Scalp?
Here are some home remedies you can try to get rid of a shiny scalp:
Keep Your Scalp Clean
It's important to keep your scalp clean, even if you don't have any hair left. This not only promotes healthy skin but also helps reduce shine. Avoid using drying agents like soap, as they can lead to an overproduction of oil. Instead, use a shampoo. Proper and regular use of shampoo can effectively remove excess oil, dirt, and buildup from the scalp. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid heavy hair products that can make the scalp appear greasy and shiny.
Avoid Shaving Too Close to the Skin
If you decide to go completely bald, refrain from shaving too closely to the skin. Leave a short length of hair behind. This will minimize the reflection of light on your scalp, making it appear less shiny.
Limit the Use of Styling Products
Excessive use of styling products such as hairsprays or dry shampoos can also contribute to a shiny scalp. Use these products sparingly and ensure thorough removal during washing to prevent buildup on the scalp.
Consider Your Diet and Lifestyle
Maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, can contribute to overall scalp health. Additionally, managing stress, getting regular exercise, and sufficient sleep can also support healthy hair and scalp.
Wipe It
If you want to quickly reduce the shine on your scalp, you can gently clean it with tissue or oil-absorbing sheet.
Use a Mattifying Product
Using a mattifying product designed for the scalp is an effective way to reduce shine and maintain a matte appearance. These products are specifically formulated to control excess oil and create a matte finish on the scalp.
- Oil absorbing/matte/anti-shine moisturizers
- Mattifying lotion
- Matte setting spray
- Matte powder
- Matte primer
Hide or Camouflage The Scalp
If you're bothered by the appearance of your shiny scalp, you can also consider hiding it hat, cap, scarf, wig, hair fibres, scalp tattoo, etc.
The Solution for Early Shiny Bald Head
If you are in the early stages of hair loss and have not developed a shiny bald head, your best is to begin laser hair therapy as soon as possible. Time is of the issue when it comes to hair loss, especially with bald areas that might become slick with time.
However, even if you do have a shiny bald head, there is still hope! You are likely a great candidate for hair restoration surgery. While hair restoration surgery was previously not very effective, new research has found that it produces far better results when paired with laser hair therapy.
The reason? Freshly harvested hair benefits immensely from high doses of energy. Laser hair therapy devices deliver a precise dose of energy via medical-grade lasers. This energy helps hair stay firmly rooted and grow to its full potential. Most patients who undergo hair transplants end up losing a substantial amount of new hair, and thus their financial investment, in the following year. So feed your new hair with the energy it needs with the Theradome PRO LH80 and, your chances of undergoing a successful hair transplant drastically improve.
Like all things medical, prevention is half the battle when fighting health issues. You should begin laser hair therapy as soon as you notice a problem. Shine on a scalp is equivalent to more obstacles down the road for achieving a full head of healthy hair. With at-home solutions for hair growth now readily available, like Theradome PRO or EVO, you have the choice to be proactive and act sooner than later, preventing any shine from dulling your happiness and self-confidence in life.
Theradome's laser helmet is the epitome of hair restoration innovation. Don't miss out on this opportunity to revitalize your hair. Act now and rejuvenate your locks for a brighter tomorrow.
