Baldness is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide. However, there are some countries where baldness is practically non-existent. So which country has no bald people?
What causes baldness?
Before exploring which countries have no bald people, it’s important to understand what causes baldness in the first place. The most common cause of baldness is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is driven by genetics, hormones, and age.
Androgenetic alopecia occurs when hair follicles are sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink over time, producing thinner and finer strands of hair until the follicles stop producing hair altogether. Male pattern baldness usually begins with a receding hairline or thinning crown, while female pattern baldness generally causes diffuse thinning over the top of the head.
In addition to androgenetic alopecia, other factors can contribute to baldness including:
- Illness – Certain medical conditions and treatments like chemotherapy can sometimes lead to baldness.
- Medications – Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications.
- Stress – High levels of stress may cause hair thinning and shedding.
- Age – Hair follicles shrink as people get older, leading to a gradual decline in hair volume.
- Heredity – Baldness genes can be passed down in families.
- Hair care – Excessive hairstyling or harsh products may damage hair over time.
While androgenetic alopecia is the most common culprit, baldness can result from a combination of factors. But are there places in the world where baldness does not occur?
Which populations have the lowest rates of baldness?
Across the globe, baldness rates can vary significantly between populations. Research has found some groups that tend to have very low rates of baldness compared to global averages:
- Native Americans – One study of baldness patterns found that male pattern baldness affects only 3.6% of Native American men. This is significantly lower than the global average of 80% for white men in their 70s.
- Asian men – Asian men, particularly of Chinese and Japanese descent, tend to have lower rates of androgenetic alopecia compared to Caucasian populations. A study in China found only 21% of Chinese men in their 70s experienced male pattern baldness.
- Specific tribes and islands – Remote tribes and island populations such as the aboriginal tribes of Papua New Guinea and the natives of the Solomon Islands have been observed to have very low rates of baldness.
Researchers believe geographical and genetic isolation play a role in the low baldness rates. Smaller gene pools in remote tribes likely limit the prevalence of baldness-related genes.
Which country officially has no bald citizens?
While no country is completely devoid of bald citizens, there is reportedly one nation that officially claims to have no bald people within its borders:
North Korea
The authoritarian state of North Korea is known for making many dubious claims about their country. One such claim is that North Korea has successfully eliminated baldness, stating that all of its citizens have lush, full heads of hair.
This assertion was made in a post from the Korean Central News Agency, North Korea’s state news agency. According to the report, North Koreans owe their full heads of hair to a “laboratory method” developed by the country’s authorities. However, no details were provided on what this method entails.
Experts universally regard North Korea’s declaration of no bald citizens as pure propaganda and contrary to scientific fact. Baldness cannot be definitively “cured”, especially on a population-wide scale. Images and videos that occasionally emerge from North Korea also show some bald individuals, contradicting their statements.
While the claim of zero bald North Koreans is certainly false, it does reflect a cultural aversion to baldness in parts of Asia. Saving face and avoiding embarrassment are emphasized in several Asian cultures, leading to stigma around visible hair loss.
Why the claim of no baldness lacks credibility
There are several reasons why North Korea’s claim of eliminating baldness is patently absurd:
- Baldness is primarily genetic – There are no proven ways to permanently alter genetic predispositions towards baldness that are shared by a population.
- Baldness naturally increases with age – North Korea has an aging population, meaning rates of baldness would naturally rise over time.
- Hair growth methods have limitations – No treatments can regenerate dead hair follicles, which are the root cause of baldness.
- Drugs have side effects – Medications may promote hair growth but can’t eliminate genetic baldness and have negative side effects.
- Surgeries are not viable population-wide – Hair transplantation surgery is costly and impractical on a mass scale.
- No verification – North Korea provided no verified proof of a lack of bald citizens.
Without a major scientific breakthrough, it is biologically impossible to permanently prevent baldness across an entire country. Genetics and age remain the primary determinants.
Do hair growth remedies work?
While baldness can’t be eliminated entirely, some remedies and treatments may help encourage hair growth and mask bald spots. However, results vary widely between individuals due to factors like genetics, age, and lifestyle:
| Treatment | Description | Potential Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minoxidil | Applied directly to scalp, available over-counter | Can stimulate growth, relatively affordable | Results not permanent, can cause irritation |
| Finasteride | Oral medication to inhibit DHT production | Can help retain existing hair | Side effects like sexual dysfunction, not a cure |
| Microneedling | Dermaroller with tiny needles to stimulate skin | May help other treatments absorb better | Time consuming, potential for skin damage if done incorrectly |
| Low-level laser therapy | Low-level light to stimulate follicles | Non-invasive option | Mixed results, requires frequent sessions |
| PRP injections | Reinjecting plasma containing growth factors | Natural solution utilizing patient’s own plasma | Most effective for early stage hair loss |
| Hair transplants | Surgically relocating follicles from donor area | Permanent solution for hair regrowth | Expensive, results dependent on skill of surgeon |
When considering treatments, patients should evaluate their specific type and stage of hair loss. Early intervention provides the best chance of slowing or reversing thinning hair.
Other strategies for coping with baldness
In addition to medical treatments, men and women dealing with baldness can employ various strategies to adapt and boost confidence:
- Shorter hairstyles – Keeping hair trimmed close to the scalp can minimize the appearance of thinning hair.
- Head shaving – Removing remaining hair completely brings consistency to the look.
- Hats and headwear – Caps, hats, turbans, and headscarves can stylishly cover bald spots.
- Scalp micropigmentation – Cosmetic tattoos replicate the look of tiny hairs.
- Wigs and hairpieces – Affordable, non-surgical options for creating the appearance of fuller hair.
- Confidence building – Finding self-acceptance and inner strength can help overcome baldness-related insecurities.
By proactively addressing hair loss, both medically and emotionally, baldness does not have to be a significant detriment to confidence or quality of life.
Conclusion
In summary, no country genuinely has a population entirely free of baldness. Genetic factors make natural baldness inevitable to some degree across all demographics. However, some ethnic groups, like Native Americans, show much lower tendencies toward male pattern baldness. Treatments and hairstyling can help individuals cope with hair loss, but baldness cannot be permanently “cured”. North Korea’s propaganda claim of eliminating baldness is biologically impossible and lacks any evidence. With self-acceptance and proactive management, baldness can be handled as a normal part of the human experience.