Going bald is often one of the biggest worries on a bloke’s mind as he ages. In fact, male androgenetic alopecia (MAA) is the most common form of hair loss in men, which hits as many as 30-50% of men by the time they turn 50 [1].
But are there any early warning signs that you could be more prone to baldness than someone else?
The double whorl, or double crown, gives rise to some of the biggest myths, including that you’ve got a higher chance of losing your hair.
In this guide, we’ll go into what the double crown is, what it means, and how to work with it.
What is a double crown?
Most people have one hair crown that runs clockwise up to a single point on the scalp. However, 5% of the population has two hair whorls, often called a double crown [2].
Generally, it’s an uncommon occurrence, which is why it’s given rise to myths that cross borders and cultures in a similar way, as being left-handed was considered strange throughout history.
Even though the double crown is rare in Caucasians, Afro-Caribbeans tend to see it more regularly.
Hair whorls typically run clockwise, but a 2004 study found that 11% of people have their hair running in an anti-clockwise pattern [3].
In terms of what they look like, there’s no clear pattern. Double crowns can look radically different based on the person. Some of your friends might have prominent double crowns, with two patches of hairless skin on their heads, whereas in others, it might be barely noticeable.
What causes double crown hair?
Studies into double crown hair have found a genetic element to it. If various members of your family have multiple hair whorls, you’ve got a good chance of getting one as well.
An examination into double crown prevalence found that double crowns were present in 3 generations of the same family [4].
If you’ve got a double crown, you would have been born with it. Only in very rare cases will you find that an extra hair whorl develops over time.
Before discussing the baldness issue, it’s important to discuss some of the old wives’ tales you might have heard about double crowns. No research has ever found any link with:
- Rare talents
- Exceptional intelligence
- Gender prediction
On the other hand, a study did find a link between issues like slow language learning and hyperactivity [5]. But before you panic, this is just one link, and there’s still no conclusion on whether double crowns mean anything at all in health terms.
Is a double crown a sign of hair loss?
Visible baldness impacts around half of Australian men age 50, making us one of the baldest countries in the world, with a quarter of women also experiencing hair thinning by the same age [6].
The good news is that double crowns have nothing to do with going bald. It’s an illusion because the unique hair pattern of the double whorl can give the appearance that your hair is getting thin on top.
Likewise, no evidence shows that you’re less likely to go bald if you’ve got a double whorl.
Due to the way double crowns work, the issue is that it can exasperate the appearance of common conditions leading to baldness, including:
- Androgenetic alopecia. This is the most common form of hair loss. The hair begins thinning around the temples and the crown. If you’ve got a double crown, the thinning can be much more noticeable.
- Telogen effluvium. Men with this condition have hair that prematurely falls out when it enters the resting phase. Thinning across the scalp causes the double crown to become more prominent than it otherwise would. Aussies with this type of hair loss often experience nutritional deficiencies, hormone changes, and stress. Thankfully, changing your lifestyle can slow this down.
So, double crowns have nothing to do with baldness, but the myth persists because it can make balding much more prominent. However, it’s nothing more than an optical illusion.
Do I have a double crown or male pattern baldness?
You’d be amazed at the number of people who don’t know they have a double crown at all.
Due to differing types and styles of hair, some people go through their lives without noticing a double hair whorl until they start noticing signs of thinning.
If you’re actually balding, you’ll likely notice hair loss by looking at your pillow in the morning or through hair loss in the shower. A double crown alone won’t show signs of baldness, but if you’re having trouble, then take a few photos.
Compare photos of your hair when it’s dry. Wet and greasy hair tends to make thinning look worse than it is or gives off the appearance of thinning hair when there’s nothing wrong.
On the other hand, if you’re unsure whether you have a double crown or are going bald, book an appointment with a trichologist. Trichologists are medical professionals who can conduct a scalp and hair examination to assess whether you’re losing your hair.
In many cases, Aussies who are panicking about going bald simply have a double crown they never knew was there!
How to style double crown hair
It’s possible to have a double crown and a mane of thick, healthy hair. Double whorls are nothing more than a growth variation and don’t require any special attention.
But some people may not like the appearance of two whorls and would rather sport a style that diminishes the look.
Your hair stylist is your best mate when working with a double crown. Here are some options you might want to consider:
- Grow your hair longer. Growing your hair longer helps disguise the double crown as your hair gets thicker. Many women have disguised double crowns because long hair covers the crown areas naturally.
- Strategically part your hair. Adopting a different parting can have incredible results in hiding a double crown. Try a side parting that falls over your whorls. You can also opt for a deep centre part for a more balanced look.
- Try updos or braids. Certain types of styles strategically hide double crowns. Adopt a bun, ponytail, cornrows, or French braids to stay stylish, add a signature look, and hide your double crown.
- Embrace them. If you’d rather use your whorls to your advantage, consider a style that embraces them as a sign of your uniqueness. Shorter haircuts that use textured styles make double crowns the centrepiece of a signature style.
What you decide to do with your double crown often depends on who you are and the type of hair you have. That’s why working with a hairstylist is so valuable if you’re ready to adopt a new style.
Hair products for double crowns
Hair products designed explicitly around the hair needs of double crowns do exist. Creams and gels can be used for prominent double crowns to mitigate the separation between your whorls, which gives the illusion of thicker hair.
Investing in hairspray is also a good idea if you’ve got longer hair and want to stop flyaway hair strands from ruining your style.
How to treat baldness on your double crown
Double crowns have no impact on your chances of experiencing baldness. There are solutions if you’re concerned that you’re going bald and your double crown is making the appearance worse.
Like anything else, the correct treatment plan is the one that’s tailored to your needs, which is why you should work with your GP or dermatologist to explore your options.
In this section, we’ll go through various treatment options that are available to you.
Topical treatments
Topical treatments containing compounds like minoxidil are a proven way to stimulate hair growth.
Minoxidil widens the blood vessels in the scalp, enabling increased blood flow and extending the growth phase of hair, which can:
- Boost hair production
- Increase follicle size
- Expand follicle activity
Various topical treatments exist to stimulate the growth factors for hair development, including Pilot’s Hair Growth Shampoo & Conditioner.
Medical treatments
Some Australians also turn to medical treatments provided by their doctors.
Modern treatments, like those in Pilot's hair loss plans, are easily available, affordable, and effective in helping men like you keep and regrow their hair.
If you take action soon, there’s a very good chance you’ll be able to reverse any of the damage that genetics, nature, and time have already done to your hair.
Hair transplants
Aussies searching for permanent solutions may want to consider hair transplant surgery. This surgical procedure targets specific areas of hair loss.
A surgeon harvests hair follicles from another part of the body, with the back of the scalp being the most common.
These follicles are then transplanted into thinning and bald areas, such as the hairline or crown.
Over the years, advances in techniques like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) have led to increasing success rates and more natural-looking results.
Ultimately, while double crowns aren’t a sign of baldness, they can make natural hair thinning look worse than it is. Acting quickly when you start noticing thinning is the best way to preserve a head of healthy hair for years to come.
Image credit: Pexels/William Fortunato
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