Hairline Recession in Men and Women: Causes, Treatments, and More

Hairline recession is a type of hair loss that has been bothering a lot of men and women lately (it’s more common in men though). Characterized by a gradual thinning or receding of the hairline at the front of the scalp, it can have a serious impact on people’s self-esteem and confidence.

A full head of hair is associated with youthfulness and attractiveness. A receding hairline can make us feel self-conscious, anxious, and even depressed. But what exactly causes a hairline recession in males and females? And how can one stop it?

In this blog, Lordhair will share the reasons behind the hairline recession, and also list treatments to slow down hair damage. Let's learn about hairline recession first.

What Does Hairline Recession Look Like?

Before we delve into the causes of hairline recession, let us first understand how exactly one can tell if they are experiencing it. Men will notice thinning of hair along the front of the scalp, particularly around the temples and forehead. There will be a formation of an M-shape pattern where the hairline recedes on both sides of the forehead, leaving a peak or triangular-shaped patch of hair in the center.

In women, however, the hairline recession may not always follow the same pattern that is commonly seen in men. It may appear as a more diffuse thinning of hair along the front of the scalp or as a widening of the parting line instead. Scientists also say that the hairline may also become more rounded or form a squared-off shape in some females.

hairline recession

What Are the Causes of Hairline Recession?

Here are some common causes of hairline recession that can affect both males and females:

#1 Age

For some of us, age may be just a number but when it comes to the hairline recession, it is one of the biggest factors for men. As we age, hair follicles on the scalp begin to shrink and become less active. The result? Hair begins to thin and then eventually recede. The human scalp also loses elasticity over time which can be another age-related reason for hairline recession.

#2 Family history

Also known as genetic predisposition, family history is one of the leading causes of hairline recession. Men with a family history of frontal baldness and thinning are more likely to lose their precious strands. The hairline recession may even follow a similar pattern as previous generations. Receding hairline triggered by family genes is influenced by many external factors like physical health and stress.

#3 Hormonal changes

Yes, you read it right! Hormonal changes can contribute to hairline recession. This can occur in both men and women and is caused by the interaction of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and genetically sensitive hair follicles at front of the head. DHT causes those follicles to shrink to the point that no hair can grow in them anymore.

#4 Autoimmune disorders

For those who don’t know, autoimmune disorders are a class of disorders in which the immune system (protector of the human body from invaders like bacteria and viruses) mistakenly attacks healthy hair cells in the follicles and scalp tissues. Frontal fibrosing alopecia, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and scleroderma are some autoimmune disorders that cause hairline recession in males and females.

Learn about the 10 best hairstyles for men with a receding hairline

#5 Stress

Stress is like an iceberg. We can only see the tip (say, sadness and anxiousness) of it but the majority of its mass is hidden beneath the surface, affecting us in ways we may not even realize. Sadly, the hairline recession also comes into that hidden mass. People who take too much stress usually experience unexpected shedding not just at the front but also at other parts of the scalp.

#6 Traction

Traction alopecia is a condition that occurs when one repeatedly pulls his or her hair follicles on the scalp. It can happen due to a plethora of reasons including tight hairstyles like braids, weaves, or ponytails and wearing caps, hats, or helmets that are way too tight. Commonly seen along the hairline, the constant pulling of hair follicles can damage them, leading to frontal hair recession and potentially permanent damage.

#7 Medication and treatments

Some medications and treatments that males and females use to treat other medical conditions may also trigger a hairline recession. A very common example is chemotherapy. It can cause temporary hair loss and even thinning along the hairline. Certain medications used for treating acne or hormonal imbalance such as oral contraceptives may cause hair loss at front of the head as a side effect.

hair recession

What Are the Treatments for Hairline Recession?

Although it is true that a receding hairline triggered by underlying conditions or genetics may not always be reversible, there are treatment options available to slow down or even reverse hairline recession caused by certain conditions.

The following treatments and lifestyle changes are helping men and women overcome hairline recession:

#1 Medication

Certain medications can help in stopping hairline recession. While some inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - a hormone that is known to contribute to male pattern hair loss, others widen the blood vessels in the scalp, increasing blood flow to the hair follicles and promoting hair growth at the front.

There are also some medications that are injected directly into the scalp to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation caused by autoimmune disorders.

#2 Surgery

Males and females can also get back hair at the front by undergoing surgeries that involve taking strands of hair from other thicker-hair parts of the head and moving them to the front to stop the hairline recession. In some procedures, the balding area at the front can be surgically removed by the doctors and the remaining scalp is stretched and repositioned to cover the area.

However, keep in mind that these types of surgeries can be expensive, painful, and have ample side effects.

#3 Frontal hair systems

In comparison to the above two options, frontal hair systems are considered safe and pain-free with no side effects. Also known as hairpieces, toupees, wiglets, or toppers, they are made using human hair that is cleaned, treated, and sewn onto a wig cap (also called foundation) to create a natural-looking hairline and part.

Frontal hair systems not only will conceal the receding hairline but will also provide the opportunity to style the hair in any way you desire. And that’s not it. Here are more reasons to buy frontal hair systems from Lordhair:

High-quality human hair used in hairpieces
Easy to wear and maintain
Durable and long-lasting
Can be customized to fit individual needs and preferences
Super comfortable
Affordable pricing options are available
Excellent customer service and support

Browse the complete Lordhair collection of the best hair replacement systems and hair wigs for women!

#4 Essential oils

Another effective treatment for stopping hairline recession in males and females. Dermatologists believe that essential oils can help in stopping a receding hairline by promoting blood circulation to the scalp. They also provide nutrients essential for the stimulation of hair follicles. Rosemary, peppermint, lavender, cedarwood, coconut, and tea tree oil are some of the finest essential oils to be used for fixing frontal hair.

#5 Healthy lifestyle choices

It may sound strange to some readers but lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, drinking, and hairstyling can also trigger a hairline recession. External factors such as sun exposure and chemical products such as bleach and dye can also cause frontal hair loss. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help in addressing these issues.

Consider the following healthy lifestyle tips to put a full stop to hairline recession:

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Eat a healthy diet rich in nutrients, especially foods that are high in biotin, iron, and protein
Exercise regularly to improve blood circulation and eliminate stress
Get enough sleep so your body can repair and regenerate
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Keep away from harsh chemicals and heat styling tools

recession hairline

Recover from Hairline Recession

Above are the causes and best treatments for hairline recession. Keep in mind that a receding hairline is the first sign of baldness. If not taken care of in time, it can lead to significant hair loss or even permanent baldness. So, make sure to consider the aforementioned treatments to reverse your receding hairline or stop it from getting worse.

Consider buying a frontal hair system if nothing works for you. Lordhair offers a variety of wigs and custom-made hair toupees for men and women who are facing hairline recession. Our units are shipped to 100+ countries and all come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Got any queries? Send them to support@lordhair.com and have them answered by our hair experts!