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Photo: Todor Tsvetkov/Getty ImagesA receding hairline often develops gradually, and one day you notice things just aren’t the same as before. It's more common than you might think, affecting about 50% of men during their lifetime, usually due to male pattern hair loss. Although less common and often for different reasons, women can also face a receding hairline. With insights from two trichologists, we explore the main causes and effective treatments for a receding hairline.
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Professional Tips for Managing a Receding Hairline
How you tackle a receding hairline depends on the underlying cause of the hair loss. By addressing the root cause (literally!), you'll likely see better results. Now that you're familiar with the most common causes, let's explore targeted solutions for each one.
Pattern Hair Loss
Known as androgenetic alopecia, pattern hair loss is the leading cause of a receding hairline. It mainly affects men as they age, though women can also experience it due to hormonal imbalances.
Age-related pattern hair loss follows a predictable progression, which is how it got its name. In men, this typically includes a bald spot at the crown and receding hairlines around the temples. (For women, it often manifests as a widening part in the hair.)
“Pattern hair loss is triggered by the DHT hormone,” says Gretchen Friese, a BosleyMD trichologist. “If the hair follicles are dormant—but not completely inactive—there are steps you can take to address this issue.”
The Solution: The most effective treatment in this case is to immediately use a product containing minoxidil. Minoxidil works by expanding blood vessels, enhancing blood flow to the hair follicles, which helps stimulate hair growth. It also helps extend the growth phase of hair. It’s crucial to begin using minoxidil as soon as you notice a problem, as it only affects dormant follicles. Consistency is key; once you stop the treatment, hair will start to fall out again.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia results from regularly wearing tight hairstyles, such as ponytails, buns, or braids, which put constant strain on the hairline, explains Gina Washington, trichologist and founder of Righteous Roots. This constant pulling can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss. If left unaddressed, the effects may become permanent.
The Solution: The first step is to stop wearing tight hairstyles and adopt gentler hair-styling methods immediately upon noticing the issue. “Choose loose styles that don’t strain the hair; even heat or chemical damage can be a source of stress,” advises Washington.
This allows your hair to regrow, as long as the follicles aren’t permanently damaged. Treatment products containing minoxidil can speed up the process, as can regular scalp massages. “Massaging the scalp can improve blood circulation, which may promote hair growth,” explains Washington.
Lifestyle
In certain cases, significant hair loss can occur due to lifestyle factors. These include hormonal changes (such as those associated with aging, menopause, or pregnancy) and not providing your body with adequate nutrients.
A temporary condition known as telogen effluvium can also affect hair growth and lead to hair loss when your body is under stress. You might notice increased hair loss about two to four months after the stressful event.
However, in all of the above cases, hair loss typically occurs throughout the entire scalp, rather than being confined to just the hairline. If you're only experiencing a receding hairline, pattern hair loss or traction alopecia are the likely causes. Nonetheless, adjusting your lifestyle can support healthy hair growth.
The Solution: Begin by addressing any lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your hair loss. This includes managing stress and ensuring a nutritious, balanced diet.
Friese advises, “Stress, nutrient deficiencies, medication changes, postpartum, and even Covid-related hair loss can be alleviated by taking a good supplement and using products that promote hair growth.” This includes Minoxidil treatments, biotin supplements, and multivitamins.
