How To Tell If Your Hairline Is Receding? 5 Signs to Look Out For!

Medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Revene M.B.B.S.

Written by Our Editorial Team

Last updated May 09, 2023

It's an ordinary reality for many men to experience hair loss, especially a receding hairline. Studies show that a significant percentage of men will have moderate to extensive male pattern hair loss, with the likelihood increasing as they age.

Ignoring early signs of hair loss and attributing them to natural features like a widow's peak can be a mistake.

Recognizing and addressing hair loss early may prevent it from progressing and even restore some lost hair.

To help you identify the most prominent signs of a receding hairline, we have outlined the differences between a normal and receding hairline and listed a few warning signs to look out for.

Additionally, we have provided information on available treatment options, such as medication and hair transplantation, to help you combat male pattern baldness.

Summary

A receding hairline is primarily caused by genetic factors and aging, such as male pattern hair loss and frontal fibrosing alopecia. Factors like stress and hormonal changes can also contribute to hair loss.

To prevent a receding hairline, avoid hairstyles that damage or pull out hair, and consider changing your hairstyle.

Although frontal fibrosing alopecia and male pattern hair loss cannot be prevented or cured, early detection and consultation with a dermatologist can help prevent future hair loss and potentially promote hair regrowth.

Treatment options typically involve a combination of minoxidil, finasteride, light therapy, PRP therapy, and hair transplant surgery.

In addition to these methods, incorporating the Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine, which includes plant-powered products designed to help stimulate hair growth and strengthen follicles, can also potentially aid in the management of a receding hairline.

What is a hairline?

The hairline can be seen as a frame that outlines where hair falls around the face. While hairlines are unique to each individual, certain factors play a role in their shape and location on the scalp.

Age, genetics, gender, lifestyle, hairstyling habits, and hormones are all elements that can influence the hairline.

Women tend to have more shape variations in their hairlines than men.

However, male pattern hair loss, which can result in a mature or receding hairline, is more common in men.

What is a receding hairline?

how to tell if your hairline is receding

A receding hairline is a type of hair loss that affects the hairline on the forehead, typically beginning with thinning hair at the temples and gradually receding over time. This can result in a more prominent forehead and an "M" or "V"-shaped hairline.

Due to a combination of genetic and hormonal factors, male pattern baldness is most frequently associated with a receding hairline.

While it is less common, women can also experience a receding hairline for various reasons, such as hormonal changes, stress, or medical conditions.

It is essential to note that receding hairlines are a natural process for many people as they age, but for some, it may happen earlier and more rapidly due to genetic factors.

However, treatment options are available to help slow down or even reverse the hair loss process, which we will discuss below.

Normal hairline vs receding hairline

Before discussing the signs of a receding hairline, it's crucial to dispel some misconceptions about how a man's hairline should look. There is no such phenomenon as a "normal" hairline, as they come in various shapes and patterns.

Some are almost perfectly straight and rectangular, while others are more bell-shaped or round. Hairlines can also be high, showing off much of the forehead, or lower, sitting closer to the eyebrows.

Therefore, having a relatively high or V-shaped hairline does not necessarily indicate hair loss. Instead, a receding hairline refers to the movement of the hairline.

If you are experiencing ongoing hair loss and your hairline is moving higher, it's considered receding.

While a receding hairline does not necessarily lead to full baldness, it's often one of the first signs of male pattern baldness.

One of the seven stages used to gauge the severity of the condition, known as the Norwood scale, distinguishes the first two stages of male pattern baldness by the progression of a receding hairline.

It's essential to take a receding hairline seriously if you have one and be proactive in treating it, as it could potentially lead to more severe hair loss in the future.

Five signs of a receding hairline

It can be challenging to detect a receding hairline since it's a gradual process that happens over time. Seeing yourself in the mirror every day can make it harder to spot changes in your hairline.

However, there are some common signs you may notice that indicate your hairline is receding. Here are five of them:

1. You look different in your current photographs

One of the most basic ways to determine if your hairline is receding is by comparing photos of yourself from a few years ago to recent ones.

This method helps you notice differences in your hairline that might not be visible in the mirror.

Comparing photos is a straightforward process, but you should use images in similar lighting conditions to make spotting changes in your hairline easier. Additionally, avoid letting your hairstyle obscure your hairline.

For a more accurate comparison, please photograph your hairline every 3-6 months and compare them after a few years.

This method allows you to see the gradual changes in your hairline that might have gone unnoticed.

It's worth noting that shorter hairstyles, like buzz cuts, make it easier to spot changes in your hairline over time.

If you see that your hairline is receding near your temples or thinning out, it might indicate that you're starting to experience hair loss.

2. Your hair starts acting unusually

As an individual, you are most familiar with managing your hair. You understand how it falls and how to brush it to make it look its finest.

However, hair loss around your hairline can significantly alter your hair's behavior.

It may change its direction or no longer provide the same coverage when styled a certain way.

Therefore, If you observe that your thin hair is no longer behaving as it used to and appeared less attractive in some hairstyles, it could indicate that your hairline is receding and thinning.

3. You observe thinning patches in your hair

Hair loss is not limited to just the hairline; it can occur throughout the scalp, leading to hair thinning. This can result in various changes, such as a higher hairline near the temples or a bald spot near the crown of the head.

If you are going through male pattern baldness, you may also notice thinning in other areas of your scalp as your hairline recedes.

Even if your hairline still has some coverage, you may notice certain parts looking thinner than before.

To check for this, you can look at the corners of your hairline, crown, and other areas of your scalp when styling your hair.

It may be easier to spot when your hair is still wet, such as after showering or under bright lighting.

Observing an area that appears thinner than normal could be an initial warning of a receding hairline.

4. You are experiencing more hair shedding than usual

Excessive hair shedding is a common indicator of male pattern baldness. You may notice more hair than usual accumulating on your hairbrush, pillowcase, or around your living space.

Typically, individuals lose between 50 and 100 hairs daily, a natural part of the growth cycle. However, if you observe yourself losing more hair than usual, it could signify the onset of male pattern baldness.

It's essential to remember that other factors, such as stress, weight loss, or particular illnesses, can also cause hair loss.

Significant hair shedding can often indicate permanent hair loss when combined with other symptoms on this list.

5. Your hairline is receding unevenly

It cannot be easy to differentiate between a maturing hairline and a receding one. One of the easiest ways to tell the difference is by examining how the hairline recedes.

If the hairline has moved back uniformly, the hairline has likely matured, which is a natural process for young men, often referred to as a mature hairline.

A tell-tale sign of a hairline receding is the "horseshoe" or "M-shape pattern" that emerges. The hair on the temples recedes far more than on the forehead. This is one of the most recognizable signs of male-pattern baldness.

Another distinguishing feature between the two is how far the hairline recedes.

A maturing hairline retreat minimally, typically rising by around 1-2 cm or less compared to its juvenile version.

If you observe that your hairline has retreated more than this, it could indicate a receding hairline.

How to treat a receding hairline?

Losing hair or experiencing thinning can be emotionally distressing, regardless of age. However, numerous hair loss treatments can prevent you from continuing to lose hair or even promote hair growth in areas with sparse hair or bald spots.

Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine

Experts have created a three-step system to help hair loss and support growth.

This Hair growth routine by Scandinavian Biolabs is enriched with plant growth factors developed through stem cell technology to provide optimal care to hair follicles.

The included Bio-Pilixin Serum, a clinically tested product in the system, has shown results as early as 45 days.

It is a drug-free solution and safe for everyday use. In a clinical trial, 93% of users reported satisfaction with the results.

Hair Growth Routine | For Men

Helps cleansing, hydrating and supports reduced hair loss in 3 easy steps.

Minoxidil

The FDA has approved minoxidil as a topical treatment that is accessible over-the-counter. It can help slow down hair loss and even reverse it in some cases, particularly in people with male baldness.

However, it may not prevent frontal fibrosing alopecia from progressing unless used with other medications.

The treatment works best when used early on small areas of hair loss, and a clinical trial has shown that 5% topical minoxidil is particularly effective for hair regrowth.

Recent research suggests that 2% and 5% minoxidil treatments are equally effective.

While oral minoxidil is not FDA-approved for treating hair loss, studies have shown that it may be more effective than topical options.

Finasteride

Finasteride is an oral medication that can aid in promoting hair growth by blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels.

Elevated levels of DHT are associated with preventing hair growth in both men and women who have pattern hair loss.

This medication is also prescribed to help individuals with frontal fibrosing alopecia to prevent hair loss in the future. However, oral finasteride can cause a reduction in libido and sexual dysfunction in some individuals.

Finasteride is also used in combination with minoxidil in topical hair loss treatments. In a small study conducted in India, 50 men found that combining topical 0.1% finasteride with 5% minoxidil helped improve hair density.

Another study from China in 2015 found that combining 1 mg of finasteride with 5% topical minoxidil effectively improved hair regrowth.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy

The process of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss entails injecting platelets obtained from a person’s blood into the scalp.

The injection helps regulate hair follicle growth and improve hair density.

In a small study conducted in 2020 on 69 men with male pattern hair loss, it was observed that individuals who underwent PRP therapy experienced increased hair follicle cells and improved hair growth.

The study also revealed that the best results were seen in those who received a combination of PRP and minoxidil compared to those with only PRP or minoxidil.

Hair transplant

Hair transplant, also called "hair plugs," is a surgical procedure moving hair follicles from the sides or back of the head to areas that are balding.

This procedure effectively treats receding hair lines associated with male pattern hair loss. Typically, the transplanted hair falls out after surgery but eventually grows back.

Additional tips to avoid a receding hairline

Here are some additional pro tips to avoid a receding hairline.

Avoid tight hairstyles, such as ponytails or braids, that can put excessive tension on the hairline and lead to hair loss.
Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a leave-in conditioner with SPF. UV rays can damage hair and lead to thinning and hair loss.
Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals essential for healthy hair growth. Foods such as fish, nuts, leafy greens, and eggs are all excellent sources of nutrients that can help promote healthy hair.
Reduce stress levels through exercise, meditation, or other relaxation techniques. Stress hormones can contribute to hair loss and thinning, so finding ways to manage stress can help maintain a healthy head of hair.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as both can damage hair follicles and contribute to hair loss.
Use gentle hair care products and avoid harsh chemicals or heat styling tools that can damage hair and contribute to hair loss.
Consider incorporating scalp massage into your hair care routine, as it can help increase blood flow to the scalp and stimulate hair growth.

Conclusion

To prevent a receding hairline, avoid hairstyles that damage or pull out hair, and consider changing your hairstyle.

Treatment options typically involve a combination of minoxidil, finasteride, light therapy, PRP therapy, and hair transplant surgery.

FAQs

What causes a receding hairline?

A receding hairline is usually caused by genetics and ageing related to male pattern hair loss or frontal fibrosing alopecia. Stress and hormonal changes can also cause hair loss.

Can a receding hairline be prevented?

Both frontal fibrosing alopecia and male pattern baldness are conditions that cannot be prevented or treated in any way. Nevertheless, notice a receding hairline early and seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist. In that case, you will have a better chance of preventing additional hair loss and, in some cases, growing back the lost hair. Avoiding hairstyles that damage and pull out hair could also help prevent a receding hairline.

Can hair loss from a receding hairline be reversed?

While hair loss from frontal fibrosing alopecia and male pattern hair loss is generally irreversible, catching a receding hairline early and treating it with minoxidil, finasteride, light therapy, PRP therapy, or hair transplant surgery can potentially slow or stop future hair loss and help regrow hair.

Is it normal to have a receding hairline at a young age?

It is not uncommon for young men to have a receding hairline due to maturing hairlines, which is a natural process. However, if a receding hairline is accompanied by significant hair loss, it may be a sign of male pattern hair loss or frontal fibrosing alopecia, which a dermatologist should evaluate.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can prevent a receding hairline?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can improve overall hair health, but it is not guaranteed to prevent a receding hairline. Avoiding hairstyles that damage and pull out hair could also help prevent a receding hairline.

What is the difference between a maturing hairline and a receding hairline?

A maturing hairline is a natural process that occurs as a man ages, usually during late adolescence or early adulthood. It typically involves a slight recession of the hairline, usually around 1-2 cm. A receding hairline, on the other hand, indicates a progression of hair loss beyond this natural maturation process, often presenting as a more noticeable M-shaped or V-shaped pattern, particularly around the temples.

Can certain hairstyles or hair care habits lead to a receding hairline?

Yes, certain hairstyles like tight ponytails, braids, or man buns can cause a condition known as traction alopecia, which occurs when the hair is pulled tight regularly, causing tension on the hair follicles. Over time, this can lead to a receding hairline. Similarly, overuse of harsh hair care products or heat styling tools can damage the hair and contribute to hair loss. It is recommended to use gentle hair care products and avoid hairstyles that put tension on the hair.

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Dr Amy Revene M.B.B.S. graduated from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. She is currently working as a General Physician at New Hope Medical Center. Amy has a passion for research and offers her expertise and opinions to help people in their quest to lead healthy, happy lives.