Receding Hairline: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

NOTICING THAT YOUR HAIR does it look a little thin on top? Or that your hairline seems to be growing higher and higher? These are signs of a receding hairline.

And, it’s quite common. By age 35, about two-thirds of men will experience some type of hair loss, according to the American Hair Loss Society. By the time you reach 50, about 85 percent of men have thinning hair.

“ONE receding hairline refers to hair loss or thinning on the top of the forehead and the front of the scalp,” he explains Jeremy Brauer, MDboard certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Spectrum Skin and Laser in New York.

He adds that receding hairlines it can be caused by genetics, hormones, stress, general health and certain lifestyle habits.

When your hair starts receding, your self-esteem can take a hit. Fortunately, there are several treatments that can help minimize hair loss and even help in hair regeneration. Usually, you need to see a dermatologist to get the right treatment.

“If you are experiencing thinning hair or hair lossa dermatologist will perform a thorough consultation, including a review of your personal and family history, medical, surgical, social, medication, and allergy history,” says Dr. Brower.

The doctor’s visit will also include a scalp exam and lab work or other tests to determine the health of your hair and a possible cause for your receding hairline. This helps doctors recommend the best treatment.

Here, dermatologists discuss the common signs of a receding hairline, the most common causes, and possible treatments.

Symptoms of receding hairline

Thinning hair and hair loss are the most common ways hairlines recede, she says John Kahn, MD, lead surgeon, hair transplant specialist and founder of Beverly Hills Hair Restoration. Receding hairlines can look different from person to person and can range from mild to severe where you go bald.

Some symptoms include:

• Thin hair around the front of your hairline
• The hairline is pushed back
• Subtle receding around your temples
• A V-shaped hairline, where the hair in the center of your forehead is more pronounced

Stages of receding hairline

Receding hairlines often happen gradually, especially if you have male pattern baldness, which is common.

“Many people first experience hair thinning at the front of their hairline, starting at the temple, before losing hair completely,” says Dr. Kahen. “Hair may become patchy or thinner than it originally was.”

According to Cleveland Clinicthere are different stages of male pattern baldness:

• Stage 1: Little or no hair loss or receding hairline.
• Stage 2: Light hair loss on your temples, between your ears and on your forehead.
• Stage 3: Deep receding hair around your temples. Your hair can be M or U shaped.
• Stage 4: Deep receding and hair loss on the top of your head, known as the crown.
• Stage 5: Recession of the hairline connected to the bald spot on top.
• Stage 6: The hair between your temples and crown is thinning or gone.
• Stage 7: No hair on top of your hair, with a thin strip of hair on the side of your head.

What causes receding hairline?

A number of factors can cause your hairline to recede, including:

Male Pattern Hair Loss

Also referred to as male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia, this is the most common cause of receding hairline in people born male, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It can be caused by age, genetics and hormones.

High levels of the sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in hair follicles can contribute to hair thinning and eventual hair loss, he says Amy Huang, MDboard-certified dermatologist with Manhattan medical offices and LabFinder partner.

High levels of DHT can also shorten your hair growth cycle, lead to hair loss and brittle hair, and slow hair growth, Dr. Brauer says.

Smoking

Smokers may be predisposed to a receding hairline because of the oxidative stress smoking puts on your hair follicles, says Dr. Kahen. Research suggests that smoking can alter the growth cycle of hair follicles, contributing to hair loss. When you quit smoking, you reverse your receding hairline.

Over Styling

Overdoing hair care can contribute to a receding hairline, Dr. Brower says. “If you’re hard on your hair, the natural force can make it fall out.”

Heat styling, using a lot of chemicals, coloring or aggressive washing or styling can lead to hair loss.

Stress

Emotional stress or anxiety related to an injury or surgery can affect your hair and cause hair loss, Dr. Brauer says.

Health Conditions

Certain health problems, such as hypothyroidism, hormonal disorders, or malnutrition, can cause receding hairline, Dr. Huang says. Infectious diseases or autoimmune disorders can also contribute, Dr. Brower adds.

Diet and weight

Dr. Brauer says hair loss can be caused by a poor diet. There have been deficiencies of vitamin B12, riboflavin, biotin and folate are associated with hair loss. Research in mice suggested that obesity can cause cellular stress that can cause hair thinning.

Treatments for receding hairline

Early treatment is critical to receding the hairline. Dr. Brauer says long-term treatment is usually necessary to prevent additional hair loss. These are the most common treatments:

Minoxidil

Many people start with the over-the-counter Minoxidil treatment to help with hair loss, Dr. Huang says.

This topical treatment usually works best to treat early-stage hair loss, says Dr. Kahen. “It is usually effective in preventing hair loss and increasing hair thickness.”

Minoxidil is believed to increase blood flow to hair follicles, increasing hair growth, he explains. But the AAD says it is unlikely to stimulate full hair regrowth.

Finasteride

Finasteride has been shown to slow hair loss and some people see hair regrowth when they start taking it at the first signs of hair loss, AAD.

The results aren’t always permanent, says Dr. Kahen. The medicine is meant to be taken long-term — if you stop taking it, your hair loss may come back.

Sometimes, finasteride is prescribed together with minoxidil,

Laser and Microneedling treatment

Low-level light therapy and microneedling can stimulate hair growth in thinning areas, says Dr. Kahen. Lasers can enhance cell growth in hair follicles. Microneedling creates tiny injuries to the skin and enhances the skin’s natural healing response, which can help regrow hair.

Platelet-rich plasma

This procedure involves drawing blood, placing it in a machine to separate red blood cells from plasma, and then injecting it into your scalp, according to the AAD. This helps in regulating hair growth and hair density. It’s not a permanent solution though.

Corticosteroids

Doctors may prescribe corticosteroids for hair loss caused by autoimmune conditions, Dr. Brower says. These drugs may reduce inflammation, counteract the effects of the disease, and allow hair to grow.

Hair transplant

Hair transplantation is a permanent treatment for hair loss. Dr. Kahen says it’s the best option when you’re genetically predisposed to hair loss. However, it may take several months to see results.

Hair supplements

Vitamins and supplements this claim to help with hair loss could help with hair regrowth, but Dr. Brauer says most of that hasn’t been studied. Effectiveness depends on what’s causing the receding hairline, and they may work best when caused by a vitamin deficiency, Dr. Kahen says.

However, many dermatologists recommend certain over-the-counter hair supplements, including Nutrafol, Viviscal, and Isdin, Dr. Huang says.

When to See a Dermatologist About Your Receding Hairline

The sooner the better, says Dr. Kahen.

“I recommend seeing a receding hairline dermatologist or trichologist as soon as you start experiencing symptoms — if it’s something that’s bothering you — so you can start preventative measures as soon as possible,” she adds.