A receding hairline can be one of the first signs of hair loss. Most men will experience it at some point in their lives, as the NHS suggests that male pattern baldness affects 50% of men by the age of 50. There are plenty of other causes too, which means it's more common in women than you might have thought.
If you think your hairline might be receding, your first question might be can it grow back? To answer that, we need to consider the causes, how to identify when your hairline is receding and when it's likely to be temporary hair loss.
What causes a receding hairline?
There are various different causes of hair loss and many of these begin around the hairline. The most common factors are:
- ageing, many men notice their hairline receding by their late 30s
- hereditary hair loss, such as male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia)
- constant pulling, due to tight hairstyles (traction alopecia)
- regular use of chemicals like peroxide and bleach
- unhealthy diet
- smoking
Healthy hair will naturally fall out and be replaced by new hair. This process happens to us all every day but it's rarely noticed. When hair follicles are damaged, this growth cycle will stop. There are also medical conditions that can disrupt the healthy hair growth cycle. At this point, we can experience noticeable hair loss.
How to check if you have a receding hairline
A receding hairline is defined as hair loss or thinning which usually occurs around the temples. This can expose more of the forehead or scalp, so the line of your hair starts further back than it used to.
If you're not sure if this is happening to you, here's how to tell:
- You notice an unusual amount of hair loss.
- Your hairline appears further back than it did in older photographs.
- You notice hair thinning or a difference in the way your hair behaves.
- Your hair feels finer and softer than usual.
- Your hairline appears patchy or uneven.
These are most of the telltale signs. As the majority of hair loss tends to start around the hairline, the chances are that a receding hairline and hair thinning will go hand in hand. A receding hairline will look a little different for each person, but if your hair is thinning around the hairline at all then you have identified the condition. At HHC, Our hair loss clinics can help resolve all your hair loss worries and give the best advice.
Can a Receding Hairline be Temporary?
The big question is, does a receding hairline mean you will go bald? Will it keep receding, or can the process be stopped or even reversed?
In some cases yes, a receding hairline can be temporary. Certain treatments, medications, or a very stressful life event can cause temporary hair loss. Equally, if your hair is receding due to traction alopecia or the use of chemicals, addressing this cause can stop it from getting any worse.
Reversing a Receding Hairline with Hairline Restoration Treatments
If your hairline is receding due to male pattern baldness, ageing or other genetic conditions, your hair won't regrow naturally. However, there are treatments available to reverse the process and restore your hair to its former glory.
Depending on the cause of hair loss, our expert team can provide medical advice to help you find the right solution for you.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Some medications and non-surgical treatments can be used to stimulate hair growth, which can help to restore the hairline.
Finasteride: (also known by the brand names Propecia and Proscar) is a medication that reduces the amount of DHT, a hormone that can lead to hair loss. This can help to slow or stop hair loss.
Minoxidil: (also known by the brand name Rogaine) is another drug that's commonly used for hair loss. However, this medication stimulates growth and won't actually cure a receding hairline.
PRP: (platelet-rich plasma) is a therapy to treat hair loss. It uses platelets within blood plasma to stimulate dormant hair follicles. This treatment can be quick, simple and effective and can be used in combination with finasteride for increased results.
Hair Transplants
Suitable for both men and women, hair transplants can be very effective in restoring hairlines. This surgical procedure takes hairs from areas of growth on the head and replants them in balding areas. The healthy follicles allow hair growth, giving you the full head of hair you once had.
Noticing your hairline is receding can cause stress and worry. If you seek professional help, it doesn't have to mean going completely bald. Noticing the signs early and determining the cause are important steps in managing your hairline. You could slow or even reverse the process with the right treatment, so don't delay!