Hair and individual personality are often linked. When hair begins to recede, it can affect your self-esteem and confidence. Healthy, glossy hair is a sign of youthfulness and vitality, but when the hairline begins to recede, or you start losing hair, this often causes feelings of despair. Do you keep it short? Do you shave it off? Do you grow it out longer?
Many of us have panicked when we notice our hairline has moved back a couple of inches, but don't fret, it's more common than you think.
Receding hairlines are often caused by hair follicles that no longer produce hair, and there are plenty of ways to provide your scalp with the nutrients needed to encourage hair growth. It can be tricky as every person's hair needs vary, so finding the right product or treatment for your hair is essential for success.
Fear not; with access to knowledge and the right resources, you can soon restore your hairline to its former glory. Let's explore what can cause a receding hairline, the different treatments to stimulate hair growth, and how you can use them with lifestyle changes for maximum effect with professional advice.
Why Is My Hairline Receding
There are many causes of a receding hair line, but most cases are caused by one of two factors,
- Male pattern hair loss
- Female pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness is the most common form of hair follicle loss caused by genetic and hormonal factors. It generally starts with a receding hairline at the temples, followed by thinning on the crown of your head.
On the other hand, female pattern baldness is most commonly caused by a hormone imbalance, causing a receding hairline and widespread thinning of the hair. It's also possible for a person to experience both male and female pattern hair loss, referred to as androgenetic alopecia. Some other causes include:
Age
It is common that as the person ages, their hairline will start to recede. This is partly due to decreased production of hormones that stimulate hair growth.
Stress
Stress can cause further hair loss and can contribute to a receding hairline or other forms of pattern baldness. If any person is going to experience hair loss due to stress, it will manifest itself in a receding hairline.
Medical conditions
Some medical conditions can cause further hair loss or contribute to the development of a receding hairline. Thyroid disease, iron deficiency, alopecia and hormonal imbalances are four of the most common medical conditions that can lead to hair loss.
Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor diet, and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to hair loss. The new hair growth-promoting effects of healthy lifestyle choices cannot reverse a receding hairline but can prevent further hair loss.
How To Measure Receding Hairline
Many people are unaware that their hairline is receding until it becomes very noticeable. It's important to measure your hairline regularly to monitor any changes and catch them early. Measuring hair loss is tricky and doesn't always happen at the same rate.
If you're trying to determine if your hairline is receding, one of the ways to do that is through the Norwood Scale. This scale simplifies hair loss into seven classes, ranging from stage 1, considered no hair loss, to stage 7, which includes major hair thinning on top of a receding hairline and a bald patch at the back of the head.
Knowing where you stand on this scale can help you decide whether which treatment might be right for you, as it's an effective way to correct hair thinning and restore hair growth in areas affected by hair loss or receding hairlines. The stages of the Norwood Scale are as follows:
Stage 1: No Hair Loss
In this stage, your hairline is intact, and there are no signs of thinning or balding. The initial signs of receding hairline may not be visible yet. Females may not experience hair thinning or recession in this stage.
Stage 2: Slight Recession Of The Temporal Areas
At this stage, the recession at the temples is more visible. The hairline may also move back slightly, but it's still intact. Sometimes, this stage is not visible to the naked eye and must be measured with a tape measure for accuracy.
Stage 3: Receding Hairlines Begin to Form An "M" Shape
At this stage, the hairline begins to form a classic “M” shape with some minor recession of the temples. The frontal hairline is still intact but may be thinning.
Stage 4: Widening Of The Receding Hairline
In this stage, the receding hairline widens and takes on an even more pronounced “M” shape. The frontal hairline is still intact but may be thinning more rapidly.
Stage 5: Dramatic Recession Along The Temple Area
At this stage, the receding hairline reaches the mid-scalp area and widens. The frontal hairline is still present but may have become thinner or weaker in some areas.
Stage 6: Complete Receding Hairline Throughout The Scalp Area
At this stage, the recessing hairline covers the entire scalp area, from front to back. The frontal hairline has disappeared, and the scalp may be starting to show bald patches.
Stage 7: Complete Baldness
At this stage, all of the hair on the scalp is gone, and only a few wisps may remain. Male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness have both reached their full extent.
Every individual should notice their hairline changes and measure it regularly, sometimes, it’s hard to recognise receding hairline, and it is important to be aware of the condition to take preventive actions.
Figuring out if you have a receding hairline is easier said than done. After all, it's hard to tell when your locks go from boy-band-perfect to balding ballad easily. But with a few tools like a mirror and measuring tape, you could check the size of your forehead and learn the answer yourself.
Studies have shown that when someone's forehead increases to over 5 cm above their primary hairline, it's time to start being aware of the possibility of hair loss. Take multiple measurements over the next weeks and months because you can never be too careful about your precious mane.
Treatment Options For Receding Hairline
You are not alone if you're starting to worry that your forehead is slowly shrinking. Receding hairlines are the bane of many men and even some women.
As frustrating as it can be, there's no need to despair, as a few options can help evenly redistribute those strands without surgery or scalpels. It may take time, but relief isn't far out of reach. Below are some of the most popular hair loss treatments for a receding hairline.
Medication
Fear not if you are struggling with a receding hairline, as multiple treatment options are available. Medication is often prescribed to help stabilize your estrogen levels which can reduce the additional shedding and balding.
The most commonly used medications for receding hairlines are minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia). Naturally, derived solutions such as saw palmetto are also often used for their topical anti-inflammatory effects.
Whatever option you choose, it's important to research to determine what works best for your particular situation. Each medication has its risks and side effects, so it's essential to read all the instructions carefully before starting any treatment.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a great option if you're looking for a more natural solution. It works by injecting your platelets into your scalp to stimulate new hair growth. The injection helps supply essential nutrients, proteins, and hormones to the targeted areas of your scalp to promote new hair growth.
PRP therapy can be effective for both men and women who have a receding hairline, though it is important to note that results may vary depending on each individual's body and hair type. This hair loss treatment is typically done in a series of treatments, so it's important to be patient and consistent when utilizing PRP therapy.
Shampoo Treatments
If you’re dealing with a receding hairline, shampoo treatments can be a great place to start. Most likely, the cause is genetic, so these treatments will focus on nurturing and strengthening your remaining hair rather than reversing the issue.
Shampoos specifically designed for this issue contain a blend of vitamins and minerals to help strengthen each strand of hair, reduce breakage, and promote regrowth.
And since they don’t promise to give you a full head of hair overnight, you can use them as part of your long-term solution without feeling pressured. Just remember, even if they make your locks look luscious and full, they won’t make the other aspects of ageing any less gruelling.
Hair Transplants
For the more extreme cases, hair transplants are the most effective solution for treating receding hairlines. During surgery, your surgeon will carefully extract healthy hair follicles from donor areas on the scalp and replant them around the receding hairline area.
It is important to note that hair transplant results are not guaranteed, so they can be an expensive option. Additionally, depending on the severity of your thinning or baldness, you may need more than one session to get better results.
Laser And Light Treatment
Laser and light treatments are becoming increasingly popular for individuals with receding hairlines. These treatments are typically non-invasive, so they're a great option if you're looking to avoid surgery or injections.
Laser and light therapy work by stimulating the hair follicles, which can help encourage healthy new growth over time. It can take several treatments to see results, but this method is often a successful solution for mild to moderate hair loss.
Scalp Micropigmentation
Finally, if you're looking for more of a cosmetic solution that can be done quickly and guarantees results, scalp micropigmentation might be the right fit. Instead of transplanting new hair onto your head, this treatment involves injecting pigments into the epidermal layer of your scalp to give it a look of fuller hair growth.
At Visionary Scalps, we have lived through how you are feeling right now. Our Founder, Georgio, found Scalp micropigmentation to be the best treatment for him due to its effectiveness.
Depending on your overall goal, the immediate results may not require maintenance treatments. No matter which option you choose to explore, a receding hairline doesn’t have to define you.
Scalp Micropigmentation will require top-ups, but with the proper aftercare, maintenance and lifestyle habits, you can keep your hair looking full, healthy, and attractive.
Talk To An Expert
If you're noticing a receding hairline, the best thing you can do is to talk to an expert. By talking with a knowledgeable doctor or trichologist (a specialist in hair and scalp disorders), you can get information on the cause of your hair loss and discuss possible treatments.
At Visionary scalp, we have an experienced team of experts ready to help address your concerns. We offer a free consultation to help you gain clarity on your hair loss and will guide you through the process step-by-step. Call us today or visit our clinics to get started on the road to better hair health.