A receding hairline can be a confidence buster, but you're not alone in the struggle. Studies show that male pattern baldness affects up to 50% of men over 50, but it doesn't stop there. About 40% of women have noticeable female pattern baldness by the same age.
Whether due to genetics, aging, stress, diet, or other factors, thinning hair is something many people face. It's normal to lose a few strands here and there. But if you're noticing obvious thinning, it might be time to look into what's happening.
From thinning spots to shedding that won't quit, here's the 411 on why it happens and how to prevent and treat receding hair.
[signup]
What Is a Receding Hairline?
A receding hairline, often associated with male androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness, involves gradual hair loss at the hairline.
Both men and women experience a receding hairline, which is more common with increased age. While men are more likely to experience a receding hairline, women commonly develop overall thinning hair due to hormonal changes.
They may experience the female version of a receding hairline (female pattern baldness), which is a widening of the part in their hair, though they may also develop gradual receding like men.
Receding hairlines are more common than you may think. In fact, 25% of men develop the first signs of hair loss by age 21.
While up to half of men over 50 and about 40% of women have receding hair by age 50, more than 80% of men and nearly 50% of women experience significant hair thinning during their lifetimes. This includes a receding hairline, patchy bald spots, or thinning hair.
It is typical to lose about 50-100 hairs daily through normal shedding. However, hair loss appears when newer hair growth doesn't replace all of the hair that sheds.
Causes of Receding Hairlines
Receding hairlines have many causes, including:
Genetic Factors
Genetics is one of the leading causes of a receding hairline in men and women. If you have a close family member with hair loss, your risk of developing thinning hair is greater.
Diabetes, lupus, inflammatory diseases, scalp psoriasis, scarring alopecia, cancer, and other medical conditions may also contribute to thinning hair.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormone changes can also affect your hair. For example, testosterone, estrogen, or thyroid hormone imbalances can reduce hair thickness. Studies show that testosterone therapy, estrogen, and other hormone treatments have increased hair growth.
High levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone can contribute to a receding hairline. DHT might boost hair loss by shrinking hair follicles and shortening the growth cycle.
Men commonly experience declining testosterone, especially over 40, which may contribute to thinning hair.
Women often have thicker hair during pregnancy with increased hair shedding postpartum, over age 40, and into menopause.
Thyroid disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women may also contribute to hair loss.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Lifestyle habits and environment may speed up hair thinning, contributing to male or female-pattern baldness — including a receding hairline. Examples include:
- Extreme or ongoing stress
- Poor nutrition/nutrient deficiencies
- Some medications
- Cancer treatments
- Significant weight loss
- Illnesses
- Surgeries
- Certain hair care practices
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Scalp fungal infections
- Smoking
Examples of medications that may contribute to hair loss include those used to treat heart problems, high blood pressure, gout, depression, cancer, and arthritis.
Hair care practices that increase the risk of receding hair include pulling hair tight in cornrows or ponytails and using permanents, bleaching products, or hot oil treatments.
Early Signs of a Receding Hairline
Recognizing the early signs of male and female pattern baldness can help you take the steps needed to slow or stop additional balding.
Male Pattern Baldness
The stages of male pattern baldness include:
- Slight hair thinning near the skin between your temples and ears
- Deeper hairline recession around the temples in an "M" or "U" shape
- Deep hairline recession and loss of hair on your crown (top of the head)
- Hairline recession connects to any balding on your crown
- Hair between your crown and temples thins or balds
- A thin band of hair wraps around the sides of your head with no hair on the top
While everyone is different, this is the general hair loss transition many men experience with aging.
Female Pattern Baldness
About 30 million women in the United States develop female pattern baldness. The stages look a bit different than male pattern baldness and often include:
- A slight gap appears in the center hair part in a Christmas tree pattern
- A wider gap appears with hair loss on either side of the part line
- Gradual balding appears toward the front of the hairline
- Continued hair loss
If you have a side part rather than a center part, you may still have hair thinning near the center of your head, but the balding may be less noticeable, at least initially.
Women with higher levels of androgen hormones may experience thinning hair on their scalp and coarser hair on their faces.
Age of Onset
Male pattern baldness affects about two-thirds of all men, while female pattern baldness affects about one-third of women during their lifetime.
Many men notice hair thinning in their 30s, while some develop early signs of male pattern baldness as young as their late teens or early 20s.
Some women notice the beginning stages of hair loss in their 20s or 30s, but it's more common at older ages.
Two-thirds of women have thinning hair after menopause, and the average age of menopause in the United States is 52. Most women begin transitioning to menopause between ages 45 and 55.
Preventing a Receding Hairline
Here are some ways to reduce the risk of a receding hairline.
Healthy Hair Habits
Healthy habits that enhance hair and scalp health include:
- Wash your hair as it becomes oily or dirty, but avoid overwashing
- Condition your hair after washing it
- Be gentle with your hair; avoid vigorous brushing or pulling it tight
- Use a wide tooth comb to brush wet hair
- Protect your hair from heat or use low to medium- vs. high-heat settings
- Limit the use of blow drying, curling irons, and flat irons
- Avoid applying harsh chemicals to your hair, such as excessive color or permanents
- Don't expose your hair to extreme hot or cold temperatures
Consider holistic hair health solutions, such as massaging your scalp regularly and applying coconut oil or other plant oils to your hair to detangle, strengthen, and protect it.
Diet and Nutrition
Eating the correct calories for your gender, age, height, and activity level helps maintain fuller, thicker hair. If your goal is weight loss, lose weight slowly rather than rapidly to minimize or prevent hair thinning.
Foods that promote healthy hair include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut, nut butter, and other healthy fats
- Fatty fish, seafood, chicken, eggs, tofu, legumes, Greek yogurt, and other high-protein foods
- Fresh herbs
Studies found that the Mediterranean diet, as well as soy and other protein-rich foods, may promote healthy hair and increase hair growth in men and women with thinning hair.
The researchers also suggest that gluten-free diets may stimulate hair growth in individuals with celiac disease.
Some individuals may benefit from targeted nutrient supplementation under professional guidance. Nutrients that optimize hair health include:
- Protein
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Niacin (vitamin B3)
- Biotin (vitamin B7)
- Folate (vitamin B9)
- Vitamin B12
- Iron
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Magnesium
- Collagen peptides
- Saw palmetto
Animal studies show that collagen peptides significantly increase hair growth, help thicken hair, and improve overall hair health. The researchers demonstrate the potential of collagen peptides as food supplements for maintaining vibrant hair and reducing the risk of hair loss.
Studies also suggest that oral supplements containing hydrolyzed fish collagen, cysteine, taurine, methionine, selenium, and iron improve hair restoration treatments in individuals with hair loss.
Stress Management
Effectively managing stress is another hair loss prevention strategy, as stress commonly alters hormone balance. Ways to diminish hair loss-related stressors include:
- Lightening up a busy schedule
- Taking vacations and days off
- Trying meditation, yoga, mindfulness, massage, or tai chi
- Exercising regularly
- Spending time outdoors
- Getting 7-9 hours of sleep
- Spending time with family and friends
If you struggle with anxiety, depression, or similar mental health conditions, see a mental health specialist for personalized treatment recommendations.
Treatment Options for Receding Hairlines
Treating a receding hairline may require non-medical or medical options.
Non-Medical Treatments
Hair loss shampoos and dietary supplements may help thicken hair in men and women struggling with receding hairlines.
However, check with your healthcare provider before trying new dietary supplements and ask which hair regrowth shampoo is best suited for you.
Medical Treatments
Medical treatments for a receding hairline include over-the-counter medicines, prescription medications, and more.
Minoxidil
Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) is an over-the-counter medicine approved by the FDA for male and female pattern baldness. Apply it to your scalp once or twice daily as directed.
It's available in shampoo, foam, and liquid forms. Hair regrowth often takes at least six months of treatments to notice.
Finasteride
Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription medication for men taken daily in pill form. It typically slows hair loss and sometimes stimulates new hair growth, but the results can take several months before they are visible.
Women should avoid finasteride, and it might not work as well in men over 60.
Other Medications
Additional oral medications that may increase hair growth include dutasteride (Avodart) and spironolactone (Carospir or Aldactone).
Your doctor can determine which medication is likely the best option for you.
Advanced Options
Advanced medical treatments for a receding hairline include:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
- Microneedling
- Hair transplant surgery
- Hormonal treatments
- Treating underlying medical problems
- Laser treatments (laser combs, caps, and other low-light laser treatments)
PRP involves taking a blood sample, spinning it to extract concentrated platelet-rich plasma, and reinjecting it into your scalp or applying it with microneedling to boost new cell growth.
Hair tattooing is also available for individuals who desire the look of a full head of shaved hair.
[signup]
Key Takeaways
- Receding hairline and thinning hair are common among men and women due to aging, genetics, stress, poor nutrition, medical conditions, unhealthy hair care practices, and environmental factors.
- Eating nutritious foods, taking dietary supplements as directed by your doctor, practicing healthy hair care habits, massaging your scalp, maintaining a healthy weight, and minimizing stress are ways to reduce the risk of receding hair and other forms of hair loss.
- Treatments for a receding hairline include topical medications, oral medicines, hormone therapy, laser treatments, PRP injections, hair transplantation, microneedling, and hair tattooing.
- Take early action at the first sign of balding to prevent further hair loss, stimulate hair regrowth, and maintain luscious locks.
- Consult a dermatologist or explore the recommended techniques above to diminish a receding hairline, restore thicker hair, and achieve a younger appearance. Share your experiences in the comments below!
%201.svg){kind=logo}
