fbpx
Call us on 1300 602 380

Receding Hairline: Stages, Causes, Prevention and Treatment Options

Receding hairlines are more common than you might think, regardless of gender. Both men and women can experience thinning hair, hair loss, or a receding hairline as they age. Other factors also come into play, including disease.

While a receding hairline bothers some people more than others in terms of confidence and perceived self-image, it does not have to be permanent. Many promising treatments and therapies exist to keep receding hairlines at bay, including medically reviewed options. The sooner you act, the more likely you are to succeed.

What is a Receding Hairline & What Are The Different Stages

Receding Hairline: Stages, Causes, Prevention and Treatment Options 1
circular hair loss at the back of the head and receding hairline at the front

What is a receding hairline, and why does it often happen differently for women and men? Loss varies between genders and individuals, and male pattern hair loss tends to start around the temples and move around towards the back of the head. It can also leave a V-shaped or M-shaped growth pattern instead of receding evenly (for women as well).

Some receding hairlines accompany a bald spot that forms on the crown. Eventually, the receding hairline and the bald spot meet, which may result in total baldness. It can also leave a ring of hair below a bare (or mostly bare) scalp.

The process for women may happen slightly differently, but not always. Instead of starting at the hairline, the thinning process may begin at the natural parting instead and widen over time, resulting in visible bald spots. When combined with thinning around the temples, it can create the appearance of a receding hairline, as well.

Causes and Symptoms of Receding Hairlines & Hair Loss

The symptoms of alopecia tend to be relatively static across the board. Most medically reviewed cases describe the following process:

  • a receding hairline
  • more of the hair falling out than usual
  • thinner or weaker strands than before
  • no new hair growth in places where it once grew

However, the causes of alopecia tend to vary far more across cases in men and women, including influences like genetics, age, and hormones.

Genetic History

Receding Hairline: Stages, Causes, Prevention and Treatment Options 2

A receding hairline and early hair thinning are strongly linked to family history. If your parents, grandparents, or any other blood relatives have experienced thinning hair or loss early in their lives, you are far more likely to face the same risk. However, if your relatives were fortunate enough to not experience much early hair loss, then your risk of developing the condition will correspond to that tendency.

One side of the family’s predisposition to hair loss may not be the only influence, and something like an immune disorder could also have the same effect. It may have been passed down in your family, and it can affect your prospects for healthy hair as much as genetics.

Age

One of the biggest contributors to further hair loss is age. Even in a family that doesn’t have much hair loss, most people’s locks naturally tend to become thinner or fall out more as they get older. The primary reason is that hair follicles become less effective over time, naturally growing back less vigorously in our later years.

Hormones

The most prominent contributors to natural hair loss conditions are hormonal, especially where there are drastic or unexpected changes in the hormone levels. These changes can happen to men and women as they age. It can also occur in the wake of medical issues and bodily changes, such as menopause.

Receding Hairline Treatment Options

Receding Hairline: Stages, Causes, Prevention and Treatment Options 3
PRP hair injecting treatment. Cosmetic Anti-Aging Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment

If you’ve noticed the onset of alopecia or know your family is predisposed to the condition, it is an excellent idea to explore treatment options, including medically reviewed ideas. The earlier you treat the hair loss, the better your chances will be of staving off the long-term effects. Read on to learn more about how to stop receding hairline with various therapies.

Stimulating Hair Growth and Hair Follicles with PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)

PRP treatments are a relatively new way to treat hair loss with numerous other beneficial effects on the human body. In this procedure, a specialist will draw blood from your body, isolate the plasma, and inject it into the scalp to encourage new growth. The PRP treatment increases blood flow, helping to prevent further loss, revitalising the scalp tissue and hair follicles, and initiating the hair growth cycle.

Another form of PRP treatment is Factor4, which isolates specific growth factors and cytokines from your blood and plasma before the injection. Both Factor4 and our regular PRP treatments act as anti-aging and collagen-boosting treatments. It is excellent value for money and shows great results.

Essential Oils

Beneficial home-based remedies include essential oils, with many positive health effects in a variety of situations. For example, men and women can apply peppermint oil, lavender oil, and rosemary oil to the top of the head (in a carrier oil) to help stimulate regrowth in balding areas. You might consider coupling this with a scalp massage as an effective preventative measure that stimulates follicles in the process.

Laser Therapy

Modern lasers offer several uses in women’s and men’s health, but few people realise that lasers can also help to grow hair, not only to prevent its loss. One particular treatment is “low-level light therapy,” which is thought to send signals to the body’s cells and stimulate the growth of the hair follicles.

Hair Transplant

If you have a significantly receding hairline already, your best option might be to research a hair transplant procedure instead. A doctor will move strands from one area of the body to the hairline (usually from the back of your head). The transplanted hair is often permanent, but it is typically a costly and time-consuming surgery that has potential complications worth considering before you commit.

Hair transplants are popular, though. It is an effective treatment in the men’s health sector and an excellent long-term solution to existing baldness.

Preventative Measures That Help Fight Female and Male Pattern Baldness

Receding Hairline: Stages, Causes, Prevention and Treatment Options 4
Hands holding an healthy fresh vegetarian salad in a bowl, fresh raw vegetables on background, top view

Many of the preventative measures that help stave off the first signs of alopecia also serve as effective treatments for its effects. The same treatments one might use to reduce male pattern baldness may also work to keep it at bay, and much research goes into harnessing these effects.

Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

Nutritional imbalances often affect the way hair grows, including whether people have more hair or grow it thinly or unevenly. A full, thick head of hair tends to be a hallmark of a healthy individual, but it isn’t only down to diet—healthy habits count.

For example, bad habits change the way a person can shed hair, including:

  • smoking,
  • prescription drug abuse,
  • excessive alcohol consumption,
  • a lack of exercise, and
  • medicinal side effects

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can contribute to overall hair health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding smoking can all play a role in promoting healthy hair growth.

While a human can lose dozens of strands daily, you should always consult with a healthcare professional or healthcare provider if the number of individual hairs you lose seems excessive. They can check for causes like an underlying medical condition and give you helpful guidance on how to proceed.

Hair Care

Unsurprisingly, the way you treat the follicles and scalp has a significant effect on their long-term health and the hairline. For example, many men with receding hairlines may decide that the best hairstyles are a buzz cut or clean shave. Long hair is a common choice in both men and women, but where there is evidence of loss, all people should avoid hairstyles that stress the scalp (particularly around the temples and the top of the head in tight ponytails, braids, and cornrows).

Some men prefer longer hairstyles, but it is much more common for women around the world. However, a short haircut is sometimes better for women who want to prevent the development of alopecia, especially if there is a history of it in the family.

Excessive use of certain hair products like gels, sprays, and harsh shampoos can potentially damage the hair and weaken the follicles. It’s best to use hair products in moderation and choose those that are gentle and suitable for your hair type.

FAQs

If you have any questions that we haven’t been able to answer in this article, you might find what you’re looking for in our frequently asked questions below.

Is hair loss preventable?

Preventing thinning or loss is not always possible, but treatments such as PRP and Factor4 may slow or stop the progression. If you already have quite an extensive receding hairline, you may be able to reverse it with PRP, transplants or other therapies that stimulate hair growth.

At what age can I expect hair loss?

Alopecia can happen at any time, but it is common sometime after puberty ends in men and women. The likelihood of loss rises with age, but it might also happen with disease or other conditions that are outside of that window. People younger than 17 years of age do not generally see this happening outside of those factors.

How can I encourage hair growth?

There are many things you can try at home to stimulate your hair follicle development and increase hair growth. If you would like to try some ideas, take a look at the “Treatment Options” section listed in this guide or contact our professionals.

What is a receding hairline?

A receding hairline is a common pattern of hair loss that primarily affects men. It typically starts with the hairline gradually moving backward, creating the appearance of a more pronounced forehead. This can be accompanied by thinning hair at the temples and above the forehead.

What causes a receding hairline?

The primary cause of a receding hairline is often genetics. If you have a family history of male pattern baldness, you’re more likely to experience a receding hairline. Hormonal factors, age, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to this type of hair loss.

Can women experience receding hairlines?

While receding hairlines are more common in men, women can also experience a form of hairline recession due to factors such as hormonal changes, aging, and genetic predisposition. However, the pattern and extent of hair loss may differ between men and women.

If you are ready to receive one of our many effective treatments to address your receding hairline, please feel free to contact one of our Hair and Skin Science clinics today. We have offices in Ashwood, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane for your convenience.

Jenna Chan

Jenna Chan

Jenna Chan is the founder and director of Hair and Skin Science and has worked in the hair loss industry for over 20 years.

Recent Posts

Related Posts

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Cosmelan Peel for Your Skin

Cosmelan Peel is a state-of-the-art, topical treatment revered for its ability to tackle a wide array of skin concerns, from hyperpigmentation and melasma to acne scars and sun damage. Its efficacy, combined with a reputation for delivering visible, long-lasting results, has catapulted Cosmelan Peel to the forefront of skin treatments both in Australia and worldwide. This article will delve into the top five reasons why Cosmelan Peel stands out as the preferred choice for those seeking to rejuvenate and revitalise their skin. Addresses a Range of Skin Concerns Cosmelan Peel is renowned for its potent effect on various skin conditions,

Read Article

Understanding the Different Types of Acne Scars & Treatment Options

Acne, an unwelcome guest that often overstays its welcome, affects a majority of people at some point in their lives. It can sometimes leave behind unpleasant mementos in the form of scars. These acne scars can vary widely in their appearance and severity, often causing psychological distress. However, understanding the different types of acne scars and how to treat them can be empowering and provide a roadmap to clearer, healthier skin. A Brief Introduction to Acne Acne is an extremely common skin condition, affecting approximately 80% of individuals between the ages of 11 and 30. It typically arises due to

Read Article

How Much Does an FUE Hair Transplant Cost in Australia?

Hair loss can be an emotionally distressing experience for many, impacting self-esteem and overall quality of life. However, with the advent of advanced medical technology, hair restoration surgeries such as the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) have become a popular and effective solution. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the FUE hair transplant cost in Australia. What is an FUE Hair Transplant? FUE, or Follicular Unit Extraction, is one of the most advanced and popular techniques for hair transplantation available today. It involves the removal of individual hair follicles from a donor area, usually the back or sides

Read Article

Arrange a free consultation with our friendly and experienced doctors & cosmetic nurses.

If you’d like to know more about the hair & skin treatments we provide and what they can do for you, why not arrange a free, friendly consultation with our team?