Although two-thirds of men will be affected by male pattern baldness in their lifetime, it doesn’t necessarily feel like any consolation when you start to notice hair loss.
As we age, most men start to notice their hairlines receding. This typically starts between the ages of 17 and 29, at which point it may start to slow down – this is known as a mature hairline. It can be a very gradual process, but by their late 30s, many men will have noticed receding in their hairline.
Generally, men initially start to lose hair around the temples, but may find that the hair in the centre remains closer to the forehead, forming a V-shape, commonly known as a ‘widow’s peak’. For some men, the hair loss will progress, leaving bald spots on the top and the back of the head.
Women can experience a receding hairline; however, it is rarely associated with female pattern baldness, which generally causes the hair to thin all over the head. A receding hairline is more likely to be caused by a condition like traction alopecia in females.
What causes a receding hairline?
There are several potential causes for a receding hairline. As well as ageing being a cause of hair loss for many, it is thought that a receding hairline is a hereditary trait. This means that if your family has a history of pattern baldness, you may be more likely to be genetically predisposed to hair loss.
Hormonal changes can also trigger hair loss. In men, a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes the hair follicles to shrink, has thought to be linked to male pattern baldness.
What can I do about my receding hairline?
Although there is no way to stop your hairline from receding, there are treatments available if you are unhappy with the changes in your hairline.
The first port of call for many people is changing their hairstyle to disguise hair loss. Receding hairlines can look less visible when the hair is shorter, so some men prefer to opt for a crew cut or buzz cut. You could also try hair-building fibres, such as Toppik, which can temporarily fill in and disguise thinning areas.
However, if you are looking to take more drastic action, you may consider prescription medications such as Finasteride (Propecia), which can slow down the rate of hair loss by encouraging the blood flow to the scalp. Over-the-counter topical lotions such as Minoxidil (Rogaine) can also help arrest hair loss but is less effective at regrowing the hair.
The only permanent solution to hair loss is hair transplant surgery, where hair is harvested from the donor area at the back of the scalp and moved to the receding areas. Creating a natural-looking hairline is an incredibly skilled, precise technique, so when you are researching hair loss clinics, make sure to look at patients’ photos to get a strong idea of the level of their work.
If you’d like to restore your hairline back to its former glory, Crown Clinic are happy to discuss the best course of treatment for your needs, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.