Hair loss on the crown of the head is one of the earliest signs of male pattern baldness – a type of alopecia that affects 6.5 million men in the UK, according to the NHS. However, it can also result from various factors, like hormonal shifts, medical conditions, stress, or simply the natural ageing process.

Crown balding can progress through various stages, starting with mild thinning and potentially leading to complete baldness in the crown area. The specific stages may vary from person to person.

To learn more, read our guide on the 7 stages of male pattern baldness.

The duration of crown hair transplant surgery varies from person to person and depends on factors like the extent of hair loss and the desired outcome. Typically, the procedure takes two to three hours to complete.

Determining the suitability for a crown hair transplant is a personalised process that involves a consultation with a surgeon. Factors such as the extent of hair loss and individual goals will be considered to determine candidacy.

For crown balding caused by pattern baldness, it's usually best if you've been losing hair for five years or more (typically past class 3 on the Norwood Scale). This is because, at this stage, balding tends to stabilise, allowing your surgeon to better assess the pattern of your hair loss. This reduces the chance of needing more procedures later on.

Read our guide on the best candidate for a hair transplant to learn more.

Crown hair transplant surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia to keep you comfortable during the surgery. After the procedure, you might feel a bit sore, but this can usually be managed with prescribed pain medication.

The number of grafts required for a crown hair transplant depends on individual factors like the extent of balding and the desired hair density. Your surgeon will assess your specific needs during the consultation and determine the appropriate number of grafts.

While some initial hair growth may become visible within a few months, it typically takes around 12 months to see the final results as the transplanted hair fully matures and thickens. Regular follow-up visits at FUE Clinics will help us keep a close eye on your progress and provide any support you may need.

The answer depends on its underlying cause. If it's due to hereditary factors, there's not a whole lot you can do to prevent it completely. However, treatments like minoxidil, which can help stimulate hair growth, or even a hair transplant, may be options to consider.

On the other hand, if your crown balding is linked to lifestyle factors like stress or diet, making some positive changes in those areas could potentially slow down or even reverse hair loss.

Your surgeon can provide guidance on the most suitable approach for your situation.

A double crown is a unique hair growth pattern characterised by two whorls or centres of hair growth on the top of the head. It's usually influenced by genetic factors.

If you're not a fan of your double crown, a hair transplant is a potential option to explore.

The cost of a hair transplant for crown balding can vary significantly based on factors like the number of grafts or procedures needed, the complexity of the surgery, and your expected results. 

During your initial consultation, you will receive a personalised cost estimate. You can learn more about the cost of hair transplants on our pricing page.

While crown balding is more commonly observed in men, crown hair transplant surgery is equally suitable for women experiencing thinning or balding in the same region.

A crown hair transplant offers a permanent solution to restore hair in the crown area. This can improve your overall appearance and boost confidence.

Besides hair transplants, alternative options to address crown balding include topical treatments like minoxidil or finasteride or low-level laser therapy. Your surgeon can discuss these alternatives and their suitability during your consultation.

To learn more, read our ultimate guide to hair loss treatment.