bald

Bald is the condition or state of lacking hair on the scalp or other parts of the body. In humans the term most often refers to hair loss on the scalp, which can be partial or complete. Baldness can be hereditary, age-related, or caused by medical factors. The most common type is androgenetic alopecia, known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness, characterized by a receding hairline and thinning at the crown. Other forms include alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition causing patchy loss), telogen effluvium (diffuse shedding after a stressful event or illness), and scarring or inflammatory alopecias that permanently destroy hair follicles.

Diagnosis is typically based on medical history and physical examination, with dermoscopy or scalp biopsy in uncertain cases; blood tests may assess nutritional deficiencies or hormonal disorders.

Management focuses on coping with hair loss and addressing underlying causes when possible. Treatments may include topical minoxidil, oral finasteride or dutasteride (usually for men), and, in selected cases, antiandrogen therapy for women. Surgical options such as hair transplantation can restore density. Non-surgical approaches include low-level laser therapy, scalp micropigmentation, and cosmetic methods like wigs.

Prognosis varies by cause and age; some forms stabilize, others progress. Psychological and social effects are variable, and some people choose shaving or styling for aesthetic reasons.

In addition, the term is used in the common name of the bald eagle, a bird whose identity is associated with its white head rather than an absence of feathers.