Experts at the barber shop Ruffians analysed the average number of monthly Google searches for terms related to male balding, such as ‘how to cover a receding hairline’ and ‘how to prevent male hair loss,’ to determine the UK cities and towns where men are balding the most.
UK cities with the highest rates of men experiencing hair loss
| Rank | Location | Keyword Searches (per 100k Population) |
| 1 | Wakefield | 314 |
| 2 | Preston | 305 |
| 3 | Chelmsford | 275 |
| 4 | Swansea | 274 |
| 5 | Birmingham | 265 |
| 6 | Lincoln | 261 |
| 7 | Liverpool | 253 |
| 8 | Peterborough | 239 |
| 8 | Leeds | 239 |
| 9 | Edinburgh | 234 |
| 10 | Newcastle upon Tyne | 233 |
At the top of the list is Wakefield, with 314 monthly Google searches per 100,000 citizens for terms related to male balding, compared to the UK average of 195. This West Yorkshire city is the UK’s balding capital.
In second place is Preston, with 305 monthly Google searches per 100,000 people. While it ranks second in the UK, Preston is the baldest city in Lancashire.
Chelmsford, Essex is in third place, with 275 monthly Google searches about hair loss per 100,000 people.
In fourth place is Swansea, with an average of 274 monthly Google searches per 100,000 residents. While Swansea ranks fourth in the UK, it is the baldest location in Wales.
Rounding out the top five is Birmingham, the UK’s second largest city, with 265 monthly searches per 100,000 citizens.
Further down the list, Lincoln takes the sixth spot with 261 monthly searches per 100,000 citizens, followed by Liverpool with 253. Peterborough and Leeds both rank eighth with 239 searches per 100,000 people. Edinburgh ranks ninth, with 234 monthly searches per 100,000 citizens, followed by Newcastle upon Tyne with 233.
On the other hand, the place with the fewest balding men is Derby, with just 77 monthly searches per 100,000 citizens for terms related to male balding.
Robyn Mulgrew, store manager at Ruffians, has commented: “It is fascinating to see such a wide range of cities and towns in the ranking. There are many reasons why men in some areas may experience a higher rate of balding than others, from genetics and stress to diet and smoking.
“While most men will inevitably experience hair thinning and loss as they age, there are some steps you can take to slow down the process, for example, managing stress levels.
“Proper blood circulation to the scalp ensures hair follicles receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy. A good way of promoting this is through regular scalp massage; even just a few minutes per day can make a difference. Smoking, however, reduces blood flow to the scalp, and can consequently contribute to hair loss.
“It is also important to maintain a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals like biotin, zinc, and iron, which support overall hair health. Lastly, using gentle hair care products and avoiding harsh treatments can prevent further damage and maintain hair thickness.
“While these steps can slow down the progression of balding, it is an inevitable change for many men as they age, and it is important to embrace it. Many people find that a clean-shaven look or a well-groomed buzz cut helps with confidence after experiencing hair loss. Baldness can be a sensitive issue for some people, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t define you, and embracing it with confidence is key.”
(Lead image: Pexels)
