- Wakefield is the baldest city in the UK, with 314 average monthly Google searches per 100,000 citizens for terms related to male balding.
- Preston and Rochdale are second and third, with 305 and 301 monthly searches per 100,000 citizens, respectively.
- The city with the fewest balding men is Derby, with just 77 monthly Google searches per 100,000 citizens.
New research has revealed the baldest cities in the UK, with Wakefield taking the top spot.
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 locations with the highest rates of men experiencing hair loss
|
Rank |
Location |
Average monthly keyword searches per 100k citizens |
|
1 |
Wakefield |
314 |
|
2 |
Preston |
305 |
|
3 |
Rochdale |
301 |
|
4 |
Hove |
286 |
|
5 |
Mansfield |
284 |
|
6 |
Chelmsford |
275 |
|
7 |
Swansea |
274 |
|
8 |
Birmingham |
265 |
|
9 |
Bournemouth |
263 |
|
10 |
Lincoln |
261 |
At the top of the list is Wakefield, West Yorkshire with 314 monthly Google searches per 100,000 citizens for terms related to male balding, compared to the UK average of 194.69. According to the Circle Health Group, around 50% of men over 50 have some degree of hair loss. Data from the Office for National Statistics show that 39.4% of Wakefield’s population is over 50, among the highest in the ranking, compared to the national average of 37.9%. This slightly older population could contribute to the city’s rate of men experiencing balding.
In second place is Preston, Lancashire with 305 monthly Google searches per 100,000 people. According to Healthline, smoking can lead to hair loss. The Office for National Statistics released data shows around 15.3% of people in Preston are smokers, the second highest in the ranking, 2.4% higher than the 12.9% across the UK. This higher rate of smoking could be a contributing factor in the town’s higher rate of balding.
Next on the list is Rochdale, Greater Manchester with an average of 301 monthly searches per 100,000 residents. Similarly to Preston, 15.3% of Rochdale’s population smoke, which could play a part in its high ranking.
Fourth is Hove, East Sussex with 286 monthly Google searches per 100,000 people for terms related to balding. Despite its smaller population size, many residents of Hove are concerned about hair loss, with a total of 291 searches per month.
Mansfield, Nottinghamshire ranks fifth, with 284 monthly searches per 100,000 citizens. Four in 10, 40.1% of the town’s population, is over 50; this is 2.2% higher than the national average, which could be a factor in the larger number of men who are balding.
Chelmsford, Essex is in sixth place, with 275 monthly Google searches about hair loss per 100,000 people. Chelmsford also has a slightly older population, with 38.8% over the age of 50, compared to the national 37.9%.
In seventh place is Swansea, with an average of 274 monthly Google searches per 100,000 residents. The percentage of people in Swansea over 50 is 39.9%, 2% higher than the national average, which could play a part in the city’s high rate of men experiencing balding. While Swansea ranks seventh in the UK, it is the baldest location in Wales.
Taking the eighth spot is Birmingham, with 265 monthly searches per 100,000 citizens. Stress, pollution, and poor dietary habits, which are all common in large cities like Birmingham, can contribute to hair loss according to Healthline.
Bournemouth is ninth, with 263 monthly searches per 100,000 people. 40.7% of its citizens are over the age of 50, which is almost 3% higher than the national average and is the highest in the ranking.
Closely following is Lincoln, with 261 monthly searches per 100,000 residents. 23.5% of Lincoln’s population are smokers, which is 10.6% higher than the national average, making it the highest in the ranking. This could be a reason why they experience a higher rate of balding.
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.
This information was provided by the barber shop Ruffians.