There are instances when one is styling their hair, and a section cannot go in the direction one wants. This could be cowlick or, in other instances, a sign of baldness. Cowlick is a section of hair that grows in a different direction from the rest; even though it is harmless, it makes it difficult to style the hair. The cowlicks create swirls in the hair, especially at the crown of the head, and they happen naturally.
Conversely, balding is a natural condition where one gradually loses hair from the scalp. The major influential factors for this are hormone changes, genetics, and even age. Besides, it happens to both men and women and could lead to partial or complete hair loss. Today, we will discuss the differences and treatments of cowlick and balding, and hair system for hair loss.
What is a cowlick, and what causes cowlick?
The word cowlick originated in the 1590s when the cow mother groomed their calf by licking upwards. Therefore, cowlicks could be defined as some of the strands of hair strands to grow in opposite directions causing the affected area to have hair that is straight up. This is primarily predominant in people with short hair. Although those with long hair might not easily notice cowlick, it can be located almost anywhere on their heads.
This condition develops mostly due to genetic factors and family history. Chances are that it develops before birth, affecting both males and females. Therefore, when the infant is developing, the cowlicks start to develop when their hair follicles start growing in a slant, contrary to the direction of the rest of the hair.
There are other factors that could result in this condition and is not entirely genes. For example, there was research that was conducted on identical twins that share 100% of their genetic materials and who almost had matching hair whorls, and there was a tiny percentage of the identical twins that showed opposite whorls, and this indicates that this trait is not purely genes.
Besides, it can also be caused by other external factors like surgery and injury. For example, when hair is being moved from one part of the head to the other during a hair transplant, it is relatively challenging to choose the direction the hair will take.
What is balding and the sign of balding?
Balding, on the other side, also known as alopecia, is the gradual loss of hair on the scalp, and this can occur to both men and women due to genetic or environmental factors. There are different levels of balding, ranging from mild to severe. When one is experiencing baldness, it affects their confidence and self-esteem. They are of several types: male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, and alopecia areata.
Cowlick vs. balding: key differences
Visualizing the appearance of the two, the cowlick could appear like hair that’s parting in a specific direction, while balding is the sparseness of hair from thinning or gone from the scalp entirely. Therefore, when cowlicks happen, it often exposes the scalp and can be mistaken for balding. Besides, the major influence for this confusion is because of the location, as when the cowlick happens closer to the scalp, the more it is mistaken. Cowlicks often affect people lacking dense hair as this might make the area of separation appear empty. The major difference between the two is that cowlick is a natural growth pattern while balding is the loss of hair which is not necessarily natural as other factors like the environment and aging factors can influence it. Also, cowlick happens naturally in people of all ages, while balding combines genetic and environmental factors. Cowlick can add character and texture to the hairstyle, while balding deteriorates one self-esteem and confidence.
The cowlick is a pattern of hair growth, while balding is hair loss which can be permanent or temporary. However, the cowlick can create the illusion of hair loss or hair thinning due to the spot of visible skin at the center of the cowlick swirl. The cowlicks might turn to a bald spot, more so to the men, known as a parietal whorl. Therefore, to understand if the cowlick is a sign of balding, you should look at the scalp to see if the hair follicle looks thick as they always have, and if they are the same, that could be cowlick; however, if fewer hair follicles in the area could be an early sign of balding.
How to treat cowlick and balding?
Hair loss is a condition that affects many people globally, and there are several ways how one can deal with this condition. If one is seeking medical treatment for cowlick and balding, Finasteride and Minoxidil are the two most common medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that are effective in treating hair loss. Finasteride is in pill form, and one is required to take it once a day, and then it blocks the production of the DHT hormones that result in hair loss. One must take the drug for several months before noticing the difference.
Conversely, minoxidil stimulates hair growth and should be applied twice daily on the scalp. One can apply for up to four months before start seeing the results, and it can be purchased over the counter. To get the best output combining the two medicine should be considered, and when it is applied for almost six months, it helps the hair regrow. The results are usually permanent but require one to continue taking their medication.
Conclusion
Cowlicks are genetic, and one is born with them, while balding is the gradual hair loss influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The two conditions result in thinning hair whereby the hair follicles shrink with each new cycle of hair growth to the extent the hair follicle becomes too small to penetrate the scalp’s skin, which might result in baldness. Also, there is receding of hairline and hair shedding, especially when experiencing balding. When there is a history of balding in the family, it increases the risks of one experiencing it. Cowlicks develop in infants, and one grows with it while balding starts gradually, but this condition is addressed with appropriate medication.
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