How to Stop Receding Hairline: Receding Hairline Treatments, Causes and Symptoms

Did you know that men and women can have receding hairlines?  

Tiffany Young (CEO and Founder of ThinHairThick and Certified Trichologist) explains her journey with hair loss.

Her battle with alopecia had her diving deep into trichology, the scientific study of the hair and scalp. The aim was to learn how to stop receding hairlines and boost hair health (among other objectives).

In her quest to figure out receding hairline treatments and understand hair loss, it took significant effort to decipher what remedies were science-backed or snake oil.

“I spent time and money in trial and error and have learned a lot in this field, and I love saving people the heartache and hassle by sharing what I have learned along the way,” says Young.

Women often generally experience thinning hair (rather than a thinning hairline). But, some examples of receding hairlines in women can be traction alopecia and frontal fibrosing alopecia.

To better understand this complex topic, we’ll primarily focus on a male’s experience with receding hairline stages and types of receding hairlines.

We’ll also review the following questions:

• How to stop a receding hairline?
• How to fix a receding hairline? 

What’s a receding hairline? 

Firstly, did you know there’s no such thing as a normal hairline? 

Hairlines come in all kinds of patterns and shapes, such as the following:

• Rectangular
• Straight
• Round
• Bell-shaped

Also, some individuals have high hairlines that showcase a lot of their forehead, while others have lower hairlines that rest closer to their eyebrows.

If your hairline is V-shaped or rather high, it may not necessarily mean your tresses are receding. 

What’s important to note is whether your hairline stays put or continually migrates backward. If your hairline is inching back, it’s likely receding. 

Stages of Receding hairline

The Norwood scale uses a seven-part identification system to define the severity of balding and the receding hairline stages. 

The receding deepens with each phase until mostly just the scalp remains.

Stages of the Norwood scale include:

1. 1. Stage 1: People in
      this phase still have a full head of hair. There are no signs of hair loss or very minimal signs of it. 

 

1. Stage 2: There are subtle indications of a diminishing hairline, usually around the temples.
2. Stage 3: Loss of hair starts to become noticeable. Typically, the hair pulls back from the temples, creating an ‘M’ shape. 
3. Stage 4: The hairline recedes further and can look like a ‘U’ shape from above. 
4. Stage 5: The hairline continues to move toward the back of the head.
5. Stage 6: For most people, a person in stage six becomes almost entirely bald on the front and top of the crown.
6. Stage 7: This is the most far-reaching phase, as only a band of hair that circles around the sides of the head remain. 

How can you learn about receding hairline stages? 

A consultation with a physician can help you understand different types of receding hairlines to see where you’re at.

To begin, we suggest downloading our Ravkoo Health App. 

Once downloaded, you can use the Ravkoo MD module to discreetly:

• Book a doctor’s appointment. 
• Consult a physician. 
• Receive a prescription. 

If your appointment results in a script, you can have it fulfilled and delivered straight to your doorstep with Ravkoo RX.

A thinning hairline can feel overwhelming to deal with alone. Therefore, a Ravkoo MD is a helpful, knowledgeable, and professional resource.

Before we explore how to stop a receding hairline, what signs should you look out for?

Signs your hairline is receding:

1. Your hairline starts to look uneven. Look at old photos to see if there’s a difference in the straightness of your hairline. If your bang line is uneven compared to your past pictures, your hair might be receding. 
2. You notice that your hairline has receded in photos. When you look in the mirror every day, it’s easy for subtle changes to go unnoticed. But a current photo offers a more objective point of view. 
3. Your hair doesn’t fall or lay like it once did. Hair loss around your hairline can alter how your locks behave. They may not fall in the same way or cover the top of your forehead anymore. 
4. You notice thinning in some areas. When your hair starts receding, it can also thin out in other areas. Chat with your doctor about different types of receding hairlines to understand your case.  
5. You notice hair shedding. You might see extra strands on your pillow or shirts as your tresses recede. Pay attention to this telling sign, and find out how to stop a receding hairline from an MD. 

 

Receding Hairline Treatments

How to fix a receding hairline with medical treatments:

1. Minoxidil: 

If you want to reverse or slow hair loss, minoxidil (or Rogaine) can come in handy. 

An over-the-counter medication, minoxidil, is rubbed on the scalp. Be aware of possible side effects like scalp irritation. 

Minoxidil is more useful in restoring hair growth in smaller areas of the scalp than in larger sections. 

If you select this treatment option, consistency is key. 

For optimal results, it’s suggested that you use minoxidil for about eight weeks. If this medication isn’t helping you, there might be better solutions. Remotely chat with a Ravkoo doctor to learn alternatives.

2. Finasteride: 

Finasteride can increase testosterone to stop androgenetic alopecia and restore hair loss. It’s taken as an oral tablet.

Ladies and gents can take finasteride, but women have been shown to develop unpleasant side effects. 

A study of nearly 2000 men showed improved hair loss symptoms after taking oral finasteride for one year. 

3. Dutasteride: 

An oral medication, dutasteride works similarly to finasteride.

A 2019 review reveals dutasteride works better than finasteride for men combatting androgenetic alopecia.

Side effects, such as sexual dysfunction, were similar to finasteride.

How to fix a receding hairline with natural remedies:

1. Learn how to style your hair.

One of the simplest ways to make a receding hairline less apparent is to get creative with styling.

 For example, you can:

• Shave your head. Think Bruce Willis, Vin Diesel, and Dwayne Johnson (The Rock).  
• Grow frontal hair longer to help it cascade over the forehead.
• Create a part and comb hair to the sides. This look won’t suit everyone, but it’s worth a shot.
• Wear a hat if you’re feeling self-conscious or want sun protection. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for hairstyles that enhance confidence. 

Experiment and get creative, but know it’s okay to go through a trial and error phase when getting used to a diminishing hairline.  

2. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich foods.

Eating an antioxidant-rich diet can help your tresses look fuller and healthier.

Antioxidants fight the harmful impact caused by oxidative stress on the hair. Blueberries, kidney beans, spinach, and walnuts are all antioxidant-rich foods.

Also, the following vitamins and minerals are essential for hair health and growth:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Iron
• Zinc

Including lots of leafy greens, nuts, and seeds can amplify your hair’s look, feel, and fullness. 

3. Use herbal preparations.  

Herbal preparations applied topically may promote healthier, fuller locks. 

In traditional holistic medicine, aloe vera, Chinese hibiscus, ginseng, and gooseberry serve as hair loss treatments. Similarly, saw palmetto is another herbal remedy, and it’s believed to stop or slow hair loss. It’s even used as an ingredient in several shampoos and conditioners.

You can combine your chosen herbs with a carrier oil solution to create a treatment to leave on your scalp. But be sure to speak with a trusted healthcare provider to ensure the safe use of the products. 

4. Wear a hairpiece.

Nowadays, hairpieces look more realistic than ever. To find one that’s right for you, visit a shop and consult a specialist to find a wig that closely matches your natural hair color. 

Hairpieces are convenient because they’re customizable and relatively easy to wear. They also allow you to try something new. 

5. Massage the scalp.

A soothing scalp massage may promote more robust and thick hair. 

The effects of this DIY treatment are believed to stimulate the cells in the bottom of the hair follicle. 

And these cells are essential for the hair cycle of shedding and regrowth. 

Furthermore, a recent study demonstrated that gentle scalp massages enhanced blood flow, scalp health, and hair growth. 

6. Minimize stress.

According to a study by the American Journal of Pathology (AJP), excessive stress is connected to hair loss, known as telogen effluvium. 

In short, undergoing prolonged stressful situations may impact your hairline. 

Relieving tension can help you feel lighter, happier, and even healthier. Look into different forms of stress release to find what resonates with you. 

Speaking to a caring, vetted, and licensed Ravkoo therapist is an excellent way to reframe thoughts and develop beneficial patterns.

How to stop a receding hairline with alternative methods:

• Light therapy: A 2015 study found low-level light therapy effective for women and men experiencing hair loss. 
• Hair transplant surgery: A hair transplant involves a physician moving hair from the back to the front of your head towards the hairline.

Causes:

1. DHT Sensitivity 

By certain statistical accounts, roughly 70% percent of men will experience hair thinning. The most common form of hair loss is due to androgenic alopecia (or Male Pattern Baldness).

“This is the type of baldness that results from DHT sensitivity, and DHT is a common cause of hairline recession,” says Young

2. Family history

A family history of hair thinning and loss can mean that a male is likelier to lose their hair. Not to mention, the timing of hair loss often lines up from generation to generation.

In an article for Web MD, Dr. Adam Mamelak, MD and Dermatologist, explains that hair loss genes are passed down from blood-related parents.

3. Age 

According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, by the age of 80, 80% of European men will have a receded hairline. 

As uncomfortable as it may be to experience, hair loss isn’t uncommon and is often a natural part of aging.

Moreover, on average, a person’s scalp has 100,000 hairs that sprout from follicles under the skin’s surface. 

Eventually, these hairs fall out and are replaced with new ones. If hair follicles are damaged over time, this can result in a receding hairline. 

4. Hormonal changes

For women, a dwindling hairline can materialize during menopause because the body undergoes hormonal changes, and progesterone and estrogen levels drop. 

Likewise, males will also undergo hormonal changes that can affect their moods, emotions, and biological processes. 

Men go through midlife hormonal changes with something called andropause. 

Also, as a man ages, testosterone production decreases, which can provoke hair loss or downsized production. 

Thankfully, a lab test can assess a person’s hormones for imbalances.

Q&A with hair and scalp specialist Tiffany Young

Young was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Q: How to stop a receding hairline? Is it possible?

A: In some cases, if treated early on, you can reverse the hairline recession. You can do this with topicals, oral medications, or a hair transplant. 

There are also homeopathic supplements that minimize DHT levels. If caught before the hair follicle starts to miniaturize, your odds of restoring your hairline are greater.

Q: If your hairline recedes, does it mean you’ll go bald?

A:  A hairline is where most people will first notice their hair is thinning. However, the thinning is usually throughout the crown area too. 

Typically, the hair follicles in the back of the head are resistant to DHT and don’t react by falling out.

Q: Who do you work with most?

A: Most of her trichology work focuses on women experiencing hair loss. However, she confidently refers men to helpful treatment resources. 

Q: Is a receded hairline caused by hair falling out, or do follicles stop producing hair?

A: The hair follicles react over time to exposure to DHT. With each growth cycle, as long as DHT is present, the hair will continue to miniaturize until only vellus hair can grow. 

The reduced density of the hair follicle makes the overall appearance of the hair look thin.

Q: How does a receded hairline affect self-confidence? 

A: Hair loss can take a toll on confidence. Thinned-out hairlines are associated with aging, which can be problematic for those wanting to maintain a certain physical prowess. People are conditioned to jump to immediate conclusions based on how an individual looks.

Initial judgments used to be confined to a resume, but now, with social media platforms like LinkedIn, a profile photo is a key critical assessment tool.

Below are a few more commonly asked questions: 

Q: Does a receding hairline mean high testosterone?

A: To answer this question, we must sort myth from fact. 

According to a BBC article, Socrates and Aristotle highlighted a link between high testosterone levels and baldness. 

But this conclusion is only part of the truth.

Men with MPB may experience lower circulating testosterone levels but higher levels of the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. 

Most importantly, it’s not how much testosterone or DHT a person has that leads to balding, receding, or thinning but the sensitivity of the hair follicles. 

If your receptors are extremely sensitive, they are more readily triggered by even slight amounts of DHT, and hair loss can transpire more easily. 

Q: Does an M-shaped hairline mean balding?

A: Renowned hair transplant center, Wimpole Clinic, notes that an M-shaped hairline usually indicates stage 3 of hair loss on the Norwood Scale. 

An M-shaped hairline doesn’t always imply that an individual is balding, but it strongly suggests this. 

Therefore booking an appointment with an expert and doing any necessary tests can shed light on your situation. 

Q: At what age does the hairline recede?

A: Keep in mind that a hairline can start receding anytime after a man goes through puberty. 

By 30, many guys will notice their hair is receding, especially around the temples.  

The process usually begins subtly and gradually. 

Q: Will I go bald if my dad is?

A:  There are various causes of hair loss, like hormone imbalances, excessive stress, and scalp conditions. That said, family history can come into play. 

A study published in Nature Genetics points out that we inherit many chromosomes from our mom and dad, who inherited them from their parents.

All these genes interact in complex ways; we have yet to understand how they relate to hair loss fully.

A father with a smooth hairless scalp doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll also go bald, but it may increase your chances. 

Q: How can I regrow my hairline naturally?

A: Growing your mane back depends on the reason for thinning. But taking good care of your scalp certainly can be a positive step in the right direction. 

Some ways to enhance your hairline include:

• Gently massaging your scalp with the tips of your fingers to stimulate growth.  
• Appling pure aloe vera gel to the scalp as long as no irritation occurs. The cool gel is meant to soothe the head. 
• Using organic coconut oil on the crown and strands to boost moisture.

Final thoughts

Losing your hair can bring up different emotions, and it’s natural to want to look your best. It’s imperative to narrow down the potential cause to ensure your health is on track. 

Still, trying to figure out where to start?

Book a remote consultation with a Ravkoo MD today!