Most people will have some hair loss during their lifetime. It is not uncommon to see patients with pattern hair loss (hair thinning/loss) who have more hair loss on one side of the scalp compared to the other side. This is an interesting phenomenon and is probably due to more than one factor. First, most patients who part their hair usually do so on one side (right or left) their entire lives. Forming the part with a brush or comb on one side over many years can result in minor tears in the hair cuticle (the outer, protective layer) of the hair shaft. The damage to the hair over time can result in hair thinning on the part side, as compared to the non-part side.
Dana Point Dermatology recommends alternating your part side every year. This helps minimize any long-term damage to the hair shaft that could result in hair loss. Secondly, humans are born with about 100,000 hairs on the head; we don’t acquire any more as we get older. Just as our faces and bodies are not exactly symmetric, it follows that people can be born with more hair on one side of the scalp compared to the other side. Since androgenetic alopecia (common hair loss) affects susceptible hairs equally, the side that starts off with more hair appears fuller down the road, even after significant hair loss.
Lastly, hair has a tendency to form hair whorls or cowlicks. These are caused by groups of hairs exiting the scalp at the same angle and direction. Sometimes the presence of these hair whorls leads one’s eye to perceive that the hair is thicker, when in reality it is not. This is similar to the fact that curly hair appears thicker compared to straight hair: it is an optical illusion.
Dana Point Dermatology’s Bottom Line: It is possible to have more hair on one side of the head compared to the other side. Regardless, if you are thinning out or losing your hair, contact us for solutions.
