Spain tops the global baldness ranking: genetics or stress?

Spain, number one in baldness: the data behind the hair myth

Is Spain really the country with the most bald men on the planet? A viral map of androgenetic alopecia, based on studies from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and updated in 2025, places Spain first worldwide, with 44% of men affected. Italy and Portugal trinc, while Argentina, despite its Spanish-Italian genetic origins, shows much lower rates. The paradox has sparked intense debate about the real causes: from environmental factors to everyday stress.

The figure is not new, but the spread of an infographic map on social media and its listing on Polymarket — the prediction platform linked to Trump's circle — have revived curiosity. Baldness, beyond aesthetics, has become a matter of socioeconomic analysis and, for some, a business opportunity.

The figures: Spain at the top, Portugal far behind

The map shows a striking concentration in southern Europe. While Spain approaches 45% prevalence among men, Portugal sits at around 30%. Genetic proximity does not explain the gap: the Portuguese share 85% of similar European ancestry. The key? Some point to diet, stress or even cultural factors. One forum user jokes: "Maybe potato omelette is harmful." But the objective fact is that the gap between the two Iberian countries is too large to be genetics alone.

Another curious contrast: Argentina, with a population mostly descended from Spaniards and Italians, barely reaches 20%. Some speculate that mixing with native populations or a different lifestyle moderates the expression of alopecia. However, there is no scientific consensus supporting this hypothesis.

Stress, partners and politics as suspects

The explanations get more down to earth. "The constant swings of emotional stress when you walk in the door and hear your partner," suggests one commenter, mixing humour and complaint. Others point to political factors: "The years of socialism take their toll," says one message, while another replies that "baldness is caused by feminist-policy stress" — a reference to Spain's gender-equality policies. What is clear is that chronic stress, a silent epidemic in Spain, could be an accelerating factor. According to the WHO, Spain is one of the countries with the highest consumption of anti-anxiety medication, which reinforces this line of thinking.

The dark side and business opportunities

The economic angle emerges bluntly. "Selling hair-growth products" seems the most obvious business, but the debate goes further: some suggest "selling caps and wigs," or even using the scalp to install solar panels. The irony does not hide the fact that the hair market moves millions in transplant clinics and products. Yet behind the humour there is real concern: the link between baldness and divorce is mentioned, and some even ask whether bald men are more likely to commit suicide. There is no conclusive data, but the social unease is palpable.

Immigration and changing rankings

A recurring thread is the arrival of immigrants from countries with low alopecia rates — such as those in North Africa and Latin America — which could change the statistics in the future. "Don't worry, we're importing pension-payers with first-rate hair," one user jokes, referring to the migrant population with abundant hair. Although the comment has an uncomfortable undertone, it reflects an awareness that demographic data are changing.

The article ends with a reflection: the map is just a snapshot, and baldness remains a mystery halfway between genetics, stress and chance. Meanwhile, Spaniards look at their crowns with a mix of resignation and pride. Because, as one participant puts it, "Spain has always had superior genetics."