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Receding Hairline- A Common Concern

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A receding hairline is a common concern for both men and women, which does not simply imply having less hair.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty

Published At December 7, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 13, 2022

What Is a Receding Hairline?

A receding hairline is a disorder that does not mean having less hair. This condition can occur in both men and women, though it is more commonly seen in men. It is one of the first signs of male pattern baldness in men, which multiple factors can cause. Women are more likely to experience hair thinning than a receding hairline, but it is still possible for women to get a receding hairline. As a receding hairline often makes a person look older than the actual age, it can have a serious psychological impact on many people. Fortunately, there are multiple promising ways to manage a receding hairline.

What Causes a Receding Hairline?

There is a range of causes of a receding hairline, including:

  • Family History: Family history can contribute to receding hairlines. For example, men with a family history of baldness tend to lose their hair. However, in most cases, the pattern of hair loss is also similar to previous generations.

  • Hormone Changes: Hormonal imbalances in both men and women can cause hair loss in them. A hormone called DHT is linked to male pattern baldness, as it causes shrinkage of follicles to the extent that no hair can grow in them anymore. Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid may also trigger hair loss in women.

  • Age: A receding hairline is one of the clearest signs of aging in people. However, young people can also have a receding hairline. Hair loss is often a natural part of aging. Thousands of hair follicles are present on the scalp's surface, each hair follicle growing its hair. Usually, as these hairs fall out, they are replaced by new ones. But if hair follicles become damaged for some reason, hair loss and receding hairline can happen.

  • Medications or Treatment Side Effects: Some medical procedures or treatments can also trigger hair loss. For example, a person's hair thins or falls out in chemotherapy. In addition, medications for cancer or arthritis or drugs for heart problems, hypertension, or depression also cause hair loss in people.

  • Emotional Stress: Stress may lead to sudden hair loss, called telogen effluvium. This is a condition in which people unexpectedly shed more hair than usual in a short period. However, the condition often reverses itself without treatment.

  • Medical Conditions: Medical conditions, such as alopecia areata, infectious diseases, ovarian tumors, thyroid disease, or other conditions, can cause hair loss in men and women.

  • Smoking: Smoking can also be a causative factor for hair loss. Smokers may experience hair loss faster than nonsmokers.

  • Diet: People who do not get sufficient protein in their diets may lose hair more often than those who eat enough protein.

  • Lifestyle Choices: Excessive hairstyling using blow dryers or curling irons, hairstyles that pull the hair very tight, and hot oil hair treatments can lead to hair shedding in some people.

What Are the Common Symptoms of a Receding Hairline?

In men, a receding hairline can start any time after the end of puberty. They have a receding hairline by the time they reach their late 30s. The process of receding hairline usually begins above the temples. Then, the hairline moves back across the top of the head, leaving a horseshoe-like ring of hair around the top of a bare scalp. Hair thinning may continue on top of the head. A receding hairline can also start just above the temples, but the hair in the middle may stay closer to the forehead, which leads to a V-shaped hairline in front, often called a "widow's peak."

In women, the hair loss pattern is usually very different than in men. Women usually do not have the typical receding hairline at the beginning of male pattern baldness.

Instead, in women, the hairs on the sides and back are typically spared, but they may notice a widening of their part and considerable hair thinning.

How Is a Receding Hairline Diagnosed?

A person should speak to a dermatologist to understand the type of hair loss they are experiencing and its cause. The doctor may ask about personal and family medical history. The dermatologist may perform a "pull test" to determine how easily the hair and how many fall out. The dermatologist may also recommend a blood test to screen for medical issues, such as thyroid disease, that can cause hair loss. The dermatologist may perform a biopsy of scalp tissue or hairs to determine any scalp conditions or if there is a scalp infection causing hair loss. In a biopsy, the dermatologist removes a small amount of tissue from the affected part of the body and sends it to a lab to test for signs of infection or disease.

How Is a Receding Hairline Treated?

Treatment of a receding hairline typically depends on the cause. However, treating the underlying can help manage hair loss. Always speak to a healthcare provider before starting any treatment regimen. The dermatologist may recommend any of the following treatments:

  • Minoxidil: It is an effective over-the-counter solution that is applied twice a day to affected areas of the scalp. It helps in increasing blood circulation and strengthening hair follicles. A higher strength of this Minoxidil tends to work better for men. This medication is more effective at restoring hair in small batches than in large areas. Early use of Minoxidil tends to produce the best results.

  • Finasteride: Finasteride is a prescription medication that addresses genetic hair loss. It prevents testosterone from converting to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that weakens hair follicles. Finasteride is an FDA-approved pill for men and is taken once a day daily. Consistent use has a high success rate at slowing genetic hair loss. Although Finasteride does not reverse hair loss, it can slow receding hairline. However, this medication carries some side effects, such as depression and sexual side effects.

  • Hair Restoration Surgery: This treatment option involves transplanting small sections of the scalp and hair follicles from the back of the head to areas where hair growth has stopped.

  • Red Light Therapy: The procedure focuses red laser light on certain wavelengths on the scalp. Red light therapy stimulates fast hair cell repair and growth and promotes blood flow and circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, strengthening hair.

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This is a popular three-step nonsurgical procedure in which a person's blood is drawn, processed, and injected into the scalp that needs hair growth. PRP is a safe and effective way to reverse hair loss and promote new hair growth.

  • Corticosteroids: These drugs can help lowers inflammation around the hair follicles, allowing them to grow new hair.

  • Biotin: Biotin, also called vitamin B7, stimulates keratin production to stimulate hair growth.

  • A Careful Daily Routine: A good hair care regimen is important in treating a receding hairline. People with receding hairlines should switch to shampoo with low sulfate content.

  • Managing Stress: Stress-induced hair loss can be managed by indulging in stress-relieving activities, such as music, yoga, games, and meditation.

  • Eating a Wholesome Diet: A healthy diet rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins helps nourish hair. Certain food items, such as eggs, fish, berries, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and fruits, help promote hair growth. In addition, omega-33 fatty acid supplements like fish oil capsules promote hair growth.

How Is Receding Hairline Prevented?

A receding hairline cannot be prevented if the cause of a person's receding hairline is hereditary. However, some preventative measures can help prevent hair from falling out, including:

  • Avoid tight hairstyles, such as braids, buns, or ponytails.

  • Use a wide-toothed comb for combing hair.

  • Avoid vigorous pulling, rubbing, or twisting hair.

  • Avoid using harsh chemical treatments, such as permanent or hot oil treatments. Instead, use more natural products to rejuvenate the hair.

  • Avoid using heated styling methods, such as hot rollers, straighteners, and curling irons.

  • Avoid drugs or supplements as much as possible that can cause hair loss.

  • Quit smoking.

  • Protect the hair from prolonged sunlight exposure.

  • Use a cooling cap to lower the risk of chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

What Is the Outlook for People With Receding Hairline?

A receding hairline can be an early sign of baldness. However, it is often difficult to predict how far the hairline will recede in the future. In some cases, by looking at the hair loss pattern of a family member, a person can get a possible preview. Fortunately, some proven medications and medical procedures can help restore hair growth in affected areas of the head.

Conclusion

A receding hairline can be upsetting for a person to look at. However, it poses no risk to health. Most people can manage their hairline with available medical treatments and procedures that can help slow down the receding hairline process. Before embarking on any treatment, discuss with a healthcare provider to understand the condition's cause and find the most suitable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Can receding hairline be reversed?

Receding hairline is the loss of hair along the hairline. Age-related receding hairline without any accompanying conditions can be reversed without any treatment through natural methods. Receding hairline due to medical conditions or infections requires medications. Effective results can be seen if the cause is identified precisely and treated accordingly. Consistency is the key to regrowth if medications are taken to correct receding hairline.

2.

Is It Normal for Anyone to Have a Receding Hairline?

A receding hairline can signal male pattern baldness (a pattern of hair loss in men related to genes and male sex hormones). It is completely natural and normal for anyone to have a receding hairline as they age and is also common in women. Receding hairlines that are M-shaped is normal and can occur in any hairline. If the hairline recedes unusually at a young age or due to other medical conditions, one can consult a physician and take medications or style their hair in a way to make it less obvious.

3.

Which Type of Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss?

Micronutrients like vitamins and minerals have a role in contributing to hair loss but a clear relationship is not established regarding their contribution to the normal development of hair follicles and immune cell function. Deficiency of Vitamin B12, folate, biotin, and riboflavin have been linked to hair loss. Deficiency of Iron, vitamins A, C, D, and E, zinc, and selenium have also been associated with hair loss. Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals constitute a modifiable risk factor in the development and prevention of hair loss.

4.

Is It Possible for a Receding Hairline to Stop on Its Own?

It is hard to stop hairline recession once it has begun. Natural hair loss can be due to genetics, age, or a mix of both. Though a receding hairline cannot be stopped completely, certain treatments can retard a receding hairline or can even promote the regrowth of hair to a certain extent. Hair loss due to medical reasons can be treated by correcting the underlying condition, medications, or by other treatments. Natural hair loss is common and normal and one need not be embarrassed or self-conscious as they are treatable.

5.

How to Differentiate a Receding Hairline From a Mature Hairline?

 
A mature hairline differs from a receding hairline in that a mature hairline recedes in an even manner and is just an inch above the highest crease or wrinkle on the top of the forehead. A receding hairline moves back in an M or V shape. A mature hairline appears during the teenage at around 17 years but can happen anytime between 17-29 years. The speed with which this happens differs for each individual. A receding hairline moves back faster than a mature hairline.

6.

Is It Possible for Hair on the Forehead to Grow?

It is impossible to regrow the hair on the entire forehead but hair can grow back on a receding hairline. A timely remedy can prevent it from proceeding to baldness. Natural remedies and medications can reduce hair loss and promote hair growth on the forehead. Hair loss can be a result of age, genetics, hormonal change, or stress. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants (substances that protect the cells from free radicals) can encourage hair growth.

7.

Do High Testosterone Levels Impact Receding Hairlines?

The link between testosterone levels and receding hairlines is complex. Dihydrotestosterone is a derivative of the testosterone hormone and is present in the skin, prostate, and hair follicles. The actions of this derivative and the sensitivity of the hair follicles to this derivative are responsible for hair loss. Male pattern baldness can be noticed in men with both high and low levels of testosterone. The genes determine the sensitivity of the hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone which affects hair loss.

8.

Are Receding Hairline and Stress Interlinked?

Stress can have an effect on receding hairline. The hair growth cycle involves stem cells that are situated in the hair follicle. During the growth phase, the stem cells divide to regenerate new hair. But in situations of stress, the stress hormone can affect the stem cells present in hair follicles and prevent them from entering the growth phase thus affecting hair growth. With time, the hair can fall even if touched, washed, or combed. Hair loss due to stress is temporary and grows back when one is relieved of stress.

9.

Can One Become Bald From a Receding Hairline?

A receding hairline is an initial stage of baldness and the person does not always become bald. When caught early, a receding hairline can be treated through simple lifestyle changes, home remedies, medications, or by other alternative methods. Balding does not always start from the hairline and there can be dispersed hair loss on the top of the head or the entire scalp.

10.

How Can a Receding Hairline Be Slowed Down?

There is no permanent cure for a receding hairline but certain medications can retard and promote hair regrowth. The drug finasteride slows the rate of conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (a derivative of testosterone). Minoxidil, a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) slows down the receding hairline. Other options include the use of corticosteroids, anthralin, essential oils, home remedies, platelet-rich plasma therapy, change in hairstyle, hair transplants, and laser surgery.

11.

How Long Does It Take To Become Bald Once the Receding Hairline Starts?

Receding hairline is the initial stage of baldness. The time taken from receding hairline to baldness differs with each individual. In male pattern baldness, once the hair begins to thin from the temples, front hairline, crown, or from all three, it may take about 15-25 years to become partially or completely bald. Hair loss can occur for some time, pause, and then resume again in a few individuals. Certain factors can accelerate the process.

12.

From What Age Does the Hairline Begin to Recede?

Studies show that receding hairline in men is common and 50 percent of men turn bald by the age of 50. Few men can experience receding hairline towards the end of puberty or in their early 20s. Few kids as young as 2 years of age can develop triangular temporal alopecia (a condition in which there is hair fall followed by scab formation). Receding hairline in men can start at any time after puberty and by the late 30s, they can have a prominent hairline recession. It usually begins above the temples.

13.

What Are the Natural Remedies to Regrow Frontal Hair?

Natural remedies include massaging the scalp, applying aloe vera gel, coconut oil, rosemary oil, or geranium oil to the scalp, consuming food rich in omega fatty acids, taking ginseng supplements, and applying onion juice, or lemon juice to the scalp. Viviscal is a natural supplement that prevents hair thinning and promotes hair growth. Taking a diet rich in Vitamin B, iron, zinc, and other needed vitamins and minerals can encourage the regrowth of frontal hair.

14.

Are People With Receding Hairlines Intelligent?

It is a misconception that those with a receding hairline or those who are bald are smart. Just because hair is in proximity to the brain, it does not mean that they are interlinked. Overthinking and stress can have an effect on hair loss but it does not affect the intelligence level of a person. Age, genetics, hormonal levels, stress, and some medical conditions are related to receding hairline.
Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty
Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty

Venereology

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