65+ Balding Statistics: Demographics, Male and Female Pattern Baldness
65+ Balding Statistics:
Demographics, Male and Female Pattern Baldness
Miriam Otero
17 min
June 28, 2024
Alopecia, or hair loss, can strike your scalp or whole body and be temporary or permanent. It can be inherited by hormonal changes, physical illnesses, or aging. Although everyone loses their hair, males are more likely to suffer.
Balding is usually called severe scalp hair loss, mostly caused by age and genetic hair loss. While some disguise their hair loss with haircuts, cosmetics, caps, or scarves, others decide to let it develop unhidden and untreated. Besides, some therapies exist to stop hair loss or encourage hair regeneration.
Balding can strike quickly or gradually, depending on several factors. Knowing the possible reasons and getting early medical advice will help slow down or halt the advancement of hair loss and guarantee appropriate treatment.
We at HAIR & SKIN provide answers for hair loss, receding hairlines, and bald patches. Our method emphasizes knowing your hair's demands, therefore transcending treatments.
Our staff is always researching this subject, so we want to share some fascinating and educational facts about hair loss.
Top 10 Balding Statistics
Hair loss can start as early as age 15 or 16. [Source: 3]
Alopecia Areata, a type of hair loss causing bald patches on the scalp, is common in people aged 15 to 29. [Source: 19]
Less than 15% of men experience little to no baldness by age 70. [Source: 4]
People with a strong predisposition may go bald in their teens, while those with a weak predisposition might not lose their hair until their 60s or 70s. [Source: 4]
By age 70, up to 80% of men experience some hair loss. [Source: 11]
By age 50, about 40% of women show signs of hair loss, and less than 45% have a full head of hair by age 80. [Source: 8]
By age 35, two-thirds of American men will notice some hair loss. By age 50, about 85% of men will have significantly thinning hair. [Source: 7]
About 40% of men will experience noticeable hair loss by age 35, and around 40% of women will have visible hair loss by age 40. [Source: 18]
MPB affects 1 in 5 men in their 20s, 1 in 3 men in their 30s, and nearly 1 in 2 men in their 40s. [Source: 13]
Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the most traumatic aspects of cancer care, affecting about 65% of patients. [Source: 15]
Balding Statistics by Demographics
Hair loss is common and can be caused by genetics, hormonal changes, and other factors. It can be distressing and significantly impact the quality of life.
Carolyn Trieu, PA, a physician assistant at Franciscan Health, says, “Genetics or hormone shifts can influence androgenetic alopecia, and it can start at any age.”
The average scalp has around 100,000 hairs, and you lose about 100 hairs daily. [Source: 3]
Most people don't notice their hair thinning until they lose about 50%. [Source: 3]
It's well-known that a family history of MAA and racial differences influence its prevalence, with heredity accounting for about 80% of the risk. [Source: 4]
Severe early onset of MAA before age 30 may increase the risk of ischemic heart disease. [Source: 4]
Twin studies show that genetics account for about 80% of the likelihood of baldness. [Source: 4]
People with a strong predisposition may go bald in their teens, while those with a weak predisposition might not lose their hair until their 60s or 70s. [Source: 4]
Over 35 million men and 21 million women worldwide suffer from alopecia or hair loss. More than 650,000 opt for hair transplants as the most effective treatment each year. [Source: 5]
By age 35, two-thirds of American men will notice some hair loss. By age 50, about 85% of men will have significantly thinning hair. [Source: 7]
CIA is one of the most traumatic aspects of cancer care, affecting about 65% of patients. [Source: 15]
A survey shows that 47% of female cancer patients find hair loss the most traumatic part of chemotherapy, and 8% might even refuse treatment due to this fear. [Source: 15]
Hair shedding typically starts 1 to 3 weeks after chemotherapy begins and is complete within 1 to 2 months. Noticeable hair loss occurs after losing 50% or more of scalp hair. Since up to 90% of scalp hair is in the growth phase, hair loss is usually significant, and the resulting baldness is quite noticeable. [Source: 15]
Children's hair loss is about 3% of all pediatric office visits in the USA. [Source: 16]
About 40% of men will experience noticeable hair loss by age 35, and around 40% of women will have visible hair loss by age 40. [Source: 18]
By age 35, 66% of American men experience hair loss. By age 50, around 85% of men have significantly thinning hair. [Source: 18]
Alopecia Areata, a type of hair loss causing bald patches on the scalp, is common in people aged 15 to 29. [Source: 19]
FPHL rates rise with age across all ethnicities. Over 32% of adult Australian women of European descent experience it, affecting around 800,000 women moderately to severely. [Source: 21]
According to a Medihair study, nearly 71% of participants have one or more family members with hair loss. [Source: 21]
There are different treatments for hair loss based on its cause. Once the doctor identifies the type, they can prescribe the right treatment.
43.5% of users tried autologous blood treatment, 32% used various vitamins and nutrients, 27% used biotin, and 25% used ketoconazole shampoo. About 18% opted for wigs, hairpieces, or extensions, while smaller groups, under 10% each, used saw shampoo or dutasteride. [Source: 21]
Medihair's study found that 32.6% of people tried hair loss shampoo, 13.8% used scalp massage, 11.2% relied on food, 10% took medication, 7% used ampules or supplements, and 6.2% used food supplements to boost hair growth. [Source: 21]
25.66% of Medihair research participants had hair loss for under five years, 41.34% for 5-10 years, and 33% for over ten years. [Source: 21]
35 million Americans experience baldness. [Source: 23]
Some people are more likely to lose their hair than others, which can happen to people of all ages, genders, and races. Even though the numbers show that genetics play a big role, it's important to remember that everyone deals with hair loss uniquely. Hair loss can be seen and experienced differently depending on culture and location.
Some examples are how people deal with and treat their hair loss: social pressures and beauty standards often play a role. Early detection and easier access to a wider range of treatments, such as medications and hair transplants, also show that people are becoming more aware of this disease and taking a more proactive approach to controlling it.
The effect on mental health, especially in people going through treatments like cancer, shows how deeply hair is connected to identity.
"Just about everybody experiences extensive body shame. I don't believe I've ever met a human being who has not experienced some degree of shame about his or her body no matter how much it seems to match the ideal. There's always something wrong with the body." says Psychotherapist Gershen Kaufman, PhD., Author of The Psychology of Shame.
Androgenetic alopecia, or common male pattern baldness (MPB), causes more than 95% of hair loss in men. [Source: 7]
Hair loss can start as early as age 15 or 16. [Source: 3]
Most men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) begin noticing hair loss in their mid to late twenties. [Source: 3]
Male androgenetic alopecia (MAA) is the leading cause of hair loss in men, affecting 30-50% by age 50. [Source: 4]
Less than 15% of men experience little to no baldness by age 70. [Source: 4]
Androgenetic alopecia in men usually shows receding hairlines and balding at the crown (male pattern hair loss). However, 3.9% of Australian men and 11.1% of Korean men with androgenetic alopecia experience "female pattern hair loss (FPHL)," marked by thinning hair on the top and crown of the scalp, while the front hairline remains intact. [Source: 4]
MPB is the most common hair loss type, affecting 6.5 million men in the UK. [Source: 6]
About 25% of men with male pattern baldness start losing their hair before they turn 21. [Source: 7,12,18]
By age 70, up to 80% of men experience some hair loss. [Source: 11]
About 30% of men at age 30 and 50% at age 50 experience significant balding. [Source: 11]
According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, 40% of men will have noticeable hair loss by age 35, and 47% will spend their life savings to regain a full head of hair. [Source: 12]
MPB is the most common form of hair loss, typically starting in the twenties and progressing with age. It often affects the crown and hairline. Some men experience thinning at the top and crown, sparing the front hairline. Hair loss impacts men significantly, leading many to invest heavily in restoration. At Hair & Skin, we set the standard for excellence in hair restoration.
MPB is quite common in Caucasian men. [Source: 13]
MPB affects 1 in 5 men in their 20s, 1 in 3 men in their 30s, and nearly 1 in 2 men in their 40s. [Source: 13]
MPB affects about 50 million men in the U.S., half of all men by age 50. [Source: 17]
MPB can be inherited from either parent, affecting 98.6% of men and 64.4% of women. [Source: 19]
Baldness is the top issue for 9 out of 10 men. [Source: 23]
40% of men don't know that baldness is largely inherited. [Source: 23]
1 in 7 men have DNA genetic variants that raise their risk of baldness. [Source: 23]
MPB is widespread among men, often inherited and influenced by genetic factors. Many men, especially as they age, experience this condition, which is a major concern for the majority.
Despite its prevalence, there is still a lack of awareness about the hereditary nature of MPB, underscoring the need for better education and understanding of the genetic components involved.
Female Pattern Baldness Statistics
For some, baldness can be a nightmare, and it's not just a male issue. Loose Women panelist Nadia Sawalha shared an emotional video about losing her hair at 52.
But what is female baldness?
“Genetic or pattern hair loss - androgenetic alopecia by its proper name - is the most common cause of hair loss in men and women,” explained Iain Sallis, Director of the Institute of Trichologists.
By age 50, about 40% of women show signs of hair loss, and less than 45% have a full head of hair by age 80. [Source: 8]
In Female pattern hair loss (FPHL), hair thins across the scalp because of increased shedding or reduced volume, or both. It's normal to lose 50-100 hairs daily. [Source: 8]
Alopecia often leads to significant psychological distress and a lower quality of life.
Around 40% of women with alopecia have experienced marital issues, and about 63% say it has affected their careers. [Source: 9,21]
Almost 90% of hair loss treatment requests came from women in 2021, with stress being the main reason for the increase. [Source: 10]
"On the treatment side, about 85 per cent of our clients are now women. When I started 20 years ago I would say, of our clients, the proportion was 90 per cent men. But in the last ten years in particular, it was well over 50 per cent women. And I would say in the last five years, getting on for 85-90 per cent women.
We see a lot of women getting older, and a lot of it is peri-menopause. But the main reason we have so many women clients is stress. Stress has contributed to a surge in demand from women in the 25-40 age group."
Hair thinning is more common in women after menopause, but about 10% experience hair loss before menopause. [Source: 11]
About 50% of women experience some hair loss by the time they turn 70. [Source: 11]
In a study from the National Library of Medicine, 54% of 157 women reported hair loss, and 29% experienced at least two major symptoms of depression. [Source: 14]
Complaints of hair loss were linked to symptoms of depression even after adjusting for other factors (p=0.02; OR=2.79; **95%**CI: 1.18-6.61). [Source: 14]
Significant differences were found between patients with and without hair loss in terms of age (p=0.03), family history of alopecia (p<0.01), hair length (p=0.01), number of hairs extracted in the hair pull test (p=0.02), hair thinning (p<0.01), seborrheic dermatitis (p<0.01), and personal relationship issues (p=0.04). [Source: 14]
For women, thinning hair and hair loss affects about one in four, with 95% of these cases being due to androgenetic alopecia. [Source: 18]
On average, women experiencing hair loss are aged 25 to 35. [Source: 18]
Additionally, 24% of women feel that losing their hair is like losing a limb, highlighting the deep emotional impact of hair thinning and loss, especially for women. [Source: 18]
NHS England estimates that about 50% of women over 65 experience female-pattern baldness. [Source: 20]
About 49% of women experience hair loss, with FPHL leading cause. [Source: 21]
Risk factors for FPHL include aging, family history, smoking, high fasting glucose levels, and over 16 hours/week of UV light exposure. [Source: 21]
A study found that 52% of women were extremely upset by their hair loss, while only 28% of men felt the same way. [Source: 21]
In another survey, 70% of women with hair loss reported negative body image, lower self-esteem, poor sleep, guilt, and limited social activities. [Source: 21]
The complex problem of hair impacts women's personal and professional lives to a great degree. Many women have experienced hair thinning and hair loss due to factors such as age, hormonal imbalances, and stress, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. The psychological blow is massive, and often, it leads to embarrassment, low self-esteem, and even depression.
Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, a Washington, D.C.-based psychologist and hair stylist, says, “Psychology suggests that people who have hair loss have a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and social phobia, like social anxiety."
As more women lose their hair, treatment centers are now attracting most of their female clients and placing more emphasis on it. Providing complete treatment and support for afflicted individuals depends on an awareness of and ability to solve the psychological and social aspects of hair loss.
Take, for instance, this small business in Maryland. Kindred Hair & Skin Center, owned by Kindred, has partnered with Peterkin, a hair loss specialist and senior licensed cosmetologist. Together, they provide holistic care for Black women experiencing hair loss.
Kindred says, “[The treatment of] hair loss really is team-based, which includes the stylist, myself, the patient, and if need be, a mental health professional. And all of us are working towards it.”
While Kindred tends to patients’ medical needs, Peterkin tends to their wellness and healing. Peterkin explains, “Women tend to share more or get more emotional with me. I see the crying and the hesitation and the fear and the shame and everything that goes along with hair loss.”
Balding Statistics by Country
Balding is a common issue across the globe. Though it mostly affects men, women can also be affected. There are areas of the globe where baldness rates are higher than others.
For instance, compared to other races, those of Caucasian background often have higher rates of male pattern baldness. The greatest rates of male pattern baldness are seen in North America and Europe. Though baldness is a concern in many other places worldwide, it is more widespread in certain regions.
In Australia, a study of 1,390 men aged 40 to 69 was conducted to determine the prevalence of MAA and its risk factors.
The rate of vertex or full baldness increases with age, rising from 31% in those aged 40-55 to 53% in those aged 65-69. [Source: 4]
A receding frontal hairline was seen in 25% of men aged 40-55 and 31% aged 65-69. [Source: 4]
A survey in the USA found that 53% of people aged 40-49 experience moderate or severe MAA. [Source: 4]
The prevalence of MAA in Singaporean males was 63%, rising from 32% at 17-26 years to 100% after age 80. [Source: 4]
A large Australian study found that vertex balding increases prostate cancer risk by 50%. Eleven-year follow-up data suggests that vertex androgenetic alopecia at age 40 might indicate a higher risk of early-onset prostate cancer. High-grade prostate cancer was linked to all male-pattern baldness, especially in men aged 60-69. [Source: 4]
According to a self-reported survey of 4,000 students at Tsinghua University in Beijing, almost 60% said they were experiencing significant hair loss. [Source: 19]
Even more noteworthy, 40% of participants were aware of their receding hairlines, while 25% didn't notice the hair loss until told by family or friends. This is alarming because, by the time people in their 20s notice hair loss, they already have a condition. [Source: 19]
On average, 2 out of every 1000 people in the UK are affected by Alopecia Areata. [Source: 19]
Men worldwide suffer from hair loss; as they age, the prevalence of this condition rises. Different research conducted in Australia, the USA, Singapore, China, and other countries exposes the general presence of MAA and its possible health effects, including a higher risk of prostate cancer.
These results underline the need for early identification and possible intervention plans. Particularly among younger people, the knowledge and view of hair loss draw attention to the psychological influence and the necessity of further education and assistance.
Frequently asked questions
What causes balding?
Androgenetic alopecia, or male/female pattern baldness, causes 95% of permanent hair loss. It's linked to genetics, aging, and androgens. Increased DHT or follicle sensitivity to DHT shrinks hair follicles, causing early hair loss. Men experience receding hairlines and thinning on top, while women see thinning across the scalp and a wider hair part. [Source: 1]
What won’t cause hair loss?
Despite common misconceptions, the following do not cause balding:
Wearing hats
Wearing wigs
Frequent shampooing
Dandruff. [Source: 1]
Can you prevent hair loss?
Genetic balding can't be prevented, but you can reduce other hair loss risks with these tips:
Loosen tight hairstyles like ponytails and braids to avoid follicle damage.
Limit heat-styling tools like straighteners and curling irons to prevent root damage.
Massage your scalp regularly to promote hair growth, but avoid overdoing it.
Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support healthy hair.
Quit smoking, as it may contribute to hair loss.
Use a cooling cap during chemotherapy to reduce hair loss.
Talk to your doctor about switching medications if yours is causing hair loss. [Source: 1]
Does hair thinning mean balding?
Hair thinning doesn't always mean balding. Sometimes, the hair shaft just grows thinner. Both men and women experience hair thinning differently.
Men often see a receding hairline, while women usually notice thinning on top of the head behind the hairline. Various factors, including diet, sleep, health, lifestyle, and medical conditions, can influence whether thinning hair will lead to balding. [Source: 2]
What works best for female hair loss?
Here are the most common options:
Minoxidil (Rogaine): Apply minoxidil, available as a liquid, foam, or shampoo, once daily for women and twice daily for men.
It helps regrow hair or slow hair loss, but it requires at least six months to see results. It must be used continuously to maintain benefits. Side effects may include scalp irritation and unwanted facial or hand hair growth.
Propecia: This prescription pill for men, taken daily, can slow hair loss and promote new hair growth. It may take a few months to see results and must be used continuously to maintain benefits.
Less effective for men over 60, with rare side effects including reduced sex drive, sexual dysfunction, and increased prostate cancer risk. Pregnant women should avoid handling broken tablets.
Other Medications: Other options include oral spironolactone (Carospir, Aldactone) and oral dutasteride (Avodart). [Source: 24]
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