A double crown is a relatively unique hair growth pattern and something you might inherit from your parents or other family members. Double crowns involve two separate, distinct whorls at the crown of your head rather than the typical one.
Hair loss is also largely connected to genetics, but there is no direct connection between a double crown and balding.
However, some people dislike the visual appearance of a double crown or may find that hair loss becomes more apparent sooner, given the two areas of thinner growth, or because hair that grows in opposite directions is more difficult to style over patches of thinning.
The best solution for anybody concerned about a double crown, unsure if their hair growth is indicative of pattern hair loss, or dissatisfied with their hair density is to schedule a free consultation with our sector-leading hair restoration specialists to evaluate the potential treatments and therapies to achieve their aspirations.
The Main Contrasts Between a Double Crown and Balding
- A double crown is best described as having two whorls at the crown of your head rather than one – these might grow in either direction and are harmless and a natural part of your hair growth genetics.
- Double crowns are fairly rare and affect a very small proportion of people – around 5% of Caucasian individuals. However, a larger percentage of people from ethnic minority backgrounds may have a double crown, while there are no correlations between double crowns and eye colour or gender. [1]
- Having a double crown does not affect the likelihood that you will experience hair loss or pattern baldness. There is, though, a potential that a double crown could make hair loss more visible due to having two areas with a slightly thinner density of growth.
Differences Between Balding and a Double Crown Explained
A double crown or double whorl in your hair is something you’ll usually be born with. [2] There isn’t a direct connection with hair loss, although because hair loss around the crown is quite common, there is a potential that thinning or balding will become apparent sooner in those with a double crown.
Everybody is unique, with a hair pattern dictated by their heritage and genetics [3]. Although some people have two distinct, separate whorls, others will have one larger and one smaller whorl, or whorls that grow in consistent directions, or one clockwise and one anticlockwise.
There is no suggestion that hair loss is more likely, but the nature of a double crown often means that thinner areas of hair growth around each whorl can mean the overall appearance of your hair seems thinner.
Double crowns are less noticeable in people with lighter, finer hair but stand out more if you have darker, thicker hair with greater density in each strand.
Here’s a summary table comparing a double crown with balding:
| Aspect | Double Crown | Balding |
| Definition | A natural hair growth pattern where two whorls (circular patterns) of hair form on the scalp, often at the back of the head. | Hair loss condition where hair thins or falls out, typically starting from the crown or hairline. |
| Cause | Genetic or natural variation in hair growth pattern. | Can be caused by genetics (androgenetic alopecia), ageing, stress, or medical conditions. |
| Appearance | Hair may appear to part or swirl in two directions, creating a distinct pattern, but the area is still covered with hair. | Hair thins or is absent in certain areas, leaving patches of visible scalp. |
| Hair Density | Full hair density with no actual hair loss, just a unique growth pattern. | Reduced hair density or complete loss of hair in affected areas. |
| Progression | Remains stable and doesn’t lead to hair loss; a natural characteristic. | Progresses over time, starting with thinning and potentially leading to complete baldness in certain areas. |
| Treatment Needed | No treatment required; a normal variation. | Treatments may include medications (e.g., minoxidil), hair transplants, or PRP therapy. |
| Common Locations | Back or crown of the head. | Can occur at the crown, temples, hairline, or across the scalp. |
| Impact on Hairline | No effect on the hairline. | Can cause a receding hairline, especially in male pattern baldness. |
| Age of Onset | Present from birth or develops during early life. | Typically begins in adulthood, but can start in the late teens or 20s for some individuals. |
| Visual Confusion | Sometimes mistaken for thinning or balding due to the pattern, but no hair loss is involved. | Clear signs of hair loss with visible scalp and reduced hair coverage. |
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How to Determine Whether You Have a Double Crown or Are Experiencing Hair Loss
Some clients, particularly men, approach KSL Clinic because they perceive that the two whorls in their hair are a sign of pattern hair loss – and dislike the aesthetic of having two visibly thinner patches on their crown.
However, as we’ve indicated, hair loss and double crowns look very different, and you might experience hair loss if you are genetically predisposed to this, whether or not you have a double crown or a conventional single crown.
The easiest way to verify whether you have hair loss or are potentially seeing thinning in your hair is to speak with one of our accredited hair transplant surgeons and hair restoration technicians. We offer free scalp and hair assessments across our nationwide network.
We’ll evaluate your hair, discuss your objectives, and provide custom suggestions about the right treatments, therapies, or solutions to adjust the appearance of your hair—provided we feel these are suitable, necessary, and will achieve the results you wish.
Managing Hair Loss and Thinning With a Double Crown
Crown hair transplants can correct unwanted hair growth patterns, replenish areas of hair loss, and be adapted to the style and appearance you’d like your hair to have – meaning a private hair transplant is certainly an option if you are unhappy with your double crown.
Alternatively, if you have pattern hair loss or hair thinning linked to another cause, there is the possibility of a hair transplant or non-surgical treatment to reactivate dormant follicles and improve the rate of cellular activity in the relevant areas of your scalp.
Some clients opt for a hair transplant after spending years styling their hair extensively to conceal a double crown or decide that professional hair regeneration therapy is the best way forward when initial hair loss or ongoing thinning begins to impact their self-esteem.
We welcome all clients to book a consultation at their preferred clinic. Our Director of Surgical Services notes that ‘Hair transplants are a safe, one-day procedure known to be effective in treating patches of balding or hair loss at the crown but might also be combined with or supplemented by other therapies.
The right options are always based on your goals and scalp health, and we provide a full suite of treatments and services to ensure you achieve your hair goals.’
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Double Crown?
A double crown is a unique hair growth pattern where you have two instead of one whorl at the back of your head. While some people like to style their hair to conceal a double crown, this is a perfectly natural type of hair growth.
Does a Double Crown Make Pattern Baldness More Likely?
Not necessarily, no – a double crown is a hereditary hair growth pattern and might exist in people with little or no familial history of balding.
This misconception may exist because the presence of two whorls in the back of the crown may potentially make hair loss more noticeable; however, your susceptibility to hair loss is also largely genetic, and the two factors are not interlinked.
Can a Hair Transplant Work on Hair Loss With a Double Crown?
Yes, KSL Clinic offers wholly bespoke hair transplants based on your hair type, characteristics and desired aesthetic. We can create a custom hair transplant strategy to replenish hair loss around a double crown or other aspects of your hairline as required.
