Does your forehead look a bit bigger in pictures? Or do you feel that your hair around your temples is shifting to the back more and more with time? Then you might be going through the early stages of receding hairline.
You might have questions like, “Is my Hairline receding?” or “Am I going to get bald?” Don’t worry! A lot of people regardless of their age or genetics at play tend to go through their hairline receding. It is much more common than you think.
If you see an uneven hair line, bald spots, excessive hair fall or widening they can be early signs of a receding hair line. If you are concerned about the condition of your hairline and wish to know early symptoms to look out for, then continue reading and learn more about the types of hairlines, treatments, and much more.
How to tell if your Hairline is Receding!
Most people tend to notice differences in their hair until very late, having a busy lifestyle doesn’t help either. You can keep these signs in mind and see if any of it is happening to you.
1. Uneven forehead noticeable in pictures
Some changes are hard to identify since you look at yourself every day, until or unless a drastic change takes place minimal changes are hard to notice.
And if you’ve come across pictures that have noticeable changes in features of your forehead then you must compare it with the pictures taken before to know the state of your hairline and how far it has receded.
2. Bald spots at certain places
Bald spots are majorly seen in people going through alopecia also known as pattern baldness. These spots are seen anywhere on the scalp in a circular shape with the least amount of hair. It is important to know the kind of alopecia you must be suffering from to know if hair regrowth is possible.
3. More than Regular Hair Loss
While combing your hair, bathing, or waking up from a sleep, if you find your hair strands all over the place, you might need to check out the condition of your hair which can affect your scalp and area around your temples too. It is said that around 50-100 strands of hair fall daily. It is a natural process but if you see more hair fall and notice excessive hair on your pillow and on the comb, it is quite alarming.
4. Changes in hair texture
You might feel that your hair has gone brittle, dry, or even appear damaged from the ends. These signs indicate that your hair lacks the nourishment it needs and if it is not taken care of through a proper treatment and rather just use products to smoothen it out, then in the long run it will worsen the condition of your hair which might even go beyond repair.
Fear not! All of us have thought that the answer to dry and brittle hair is a good shampoo but remember, that if the product smoothens your hair for a while and does not stick to it for a long time then your hair definitely needs proper treatment and nourishment.
5. Widening from hair parting in women
To all the ladies who have liked the same hairstyle throughout your lifetime and refused to change the partition. Well, by now you must have noticed an increase in the widening of your hairline. It is common to happen as a lot of us stick to a certain type of hairstyle. But don’t worry, changing partitions and hairstyles from time to time should do the work! If the area still widens then don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
6. Hair thinning around the temples or the crown
Hair thinning around your temples or the crown is the most noticeable sign when it comes to receding hairline. You will notice how with time, your hairline starts to move backward from the forehead every time you look at it.
These changes indicate that your scalp might need additional nourishment and you will have to identify the cause of the problem to work on it better!
7. Noticeable Hair Fall While Washing Hair
Have you ever noticed how your hair tends to shed more while showering? This happens due to the hair collagen which goes from the resting phase to the shedding phase of the growth cycle. A few strands of hair fall is normal but more than 100 strands of hair fall is concerning and should be immediately checked.
Normal vs. Receding Hairline
Normal Hairlines are the ones that you usually have since you start growing hair from a very young age. There are a few distinctions but not all hairlines are similar and because of that it is important to always compare your recent pictures with your old ones to get a proper idea of your condition.
Normal hairlines are usually even across the forehead and don’t show any signs of hair thinning around the temples.
Whereas in a receding hairline, you can notice if your forehead has taken the shape of “M” or “V” and can gradually take your hair back from the forehead.
To know what does a receding hairline look like here are some images of people having an early receding hairline
How to Recognize a Receding Hairline?
how to know if your hairline is receding? Now that we know how different a receding hairline is from a normal one, here are some stages that can help you identify what stage you belong to
Just like how it’s important to know how big is a bruise to know the amount of ointment to apply to it, it is also important to know at which stage of baldness are you in to get the perfect treatment that could work on you.
Here are the stages given by the Norwood Scale to help us identify the degree of baldness.
Stage I: Minimal or no hairline recession.
Stage II: Triangular areas of hairline recession on the sides of the forehead, usually in a matching pattern on both sides.
Stage III: In this stage initial sign of baldness occurs. Deep and matching recession on the sides of the forehead, which might have very little hair or none at all. In the Type III vertex, there's hair loss mainly on the top of the head with some recession on the sides.
Stage IV: More severe recession on the sides of the forehead, with little or no hair on the top of the head. A band of moderately dense hair remains across the top of the head, connecting with the fully-haired sides.
Stage V: Less distinct separation between the bald spot on the top of the head and the receding hairline. The band of hair across the top of the head is thinner with larger bald areas.
Stage VI: The band of hair across the top of the head disappears, leaving only sparse hair. The receding hairline and bald spot on top join together, showing more extensive hair loss.
Stage VII: The most severe stage, where only a narrow band of sparse hair remains on the sides and back of the head, forming a horseshoe shape. This remaining hair is usually thin and not dense.
Norwood also mentioned a Type A variant, which shows minimal recession and has some unique features based on hair loss patterns.
If you have reached Norwood 2 or 3 stage of pattern hair loss then you likely have a chance to get proper treatment for hair regrowth.
The stages mentioned above are mostly seen in individuals which can still vary from person to person hence, it is advisable to seek help from a professional to understand the root cause of your problem and to work on it in the proper direction.
Receding Hairline in Women
Even though it’s not very common for women to deal with drastic changes which a receding hairline in men usually brings. Some women do suffer from Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia which means, hair thinning around the temples usually through having the same partition over the years or due to hormonal changes or right after their menopause. Women usually go through Female Pattern Hair loss which can be treated in the early stages.
A lot of factors affect hair fall in women and the same can affect your hairline to recede as well. It is not something to be scared of if you start with your treatment and nourish your hair regularly.
These are some causes due to which one might have a receding hairline.
- Genetics
- Hormonal Changes
- Age
- Stress
- Poor Nutrition
- Medications
- Hairstyles, and Hair Treatments
The major concern is that if it is not treated, it becomes one of the major signs of baldness in men commonly known as Androgenic Alopecia.
Proactive Measures and Treatments
Better be safe than sorry! Here are some measures that you can take to keep your hair and scalp healthy
- Use mild and gentle hair products. Using Mild shampoos will ensure that less chemicals enter your hair.
- Don’t use too many products to cause a build-up on your scalp
- Wash your hair with mild shampoo consistently
- Stay Hydrated and maintain a good diet
- Massage your scalp often
- Oil your hair twice a week
- Keep changing your hairstyles and wear one normally which helps your scalp to breath
Add these hair care steps to your daily routine to avoid infections, dandruff, and all the problems related. If you’re wondering “What would be the best treatment to go for?” then here are some medications that you can certainly use to kickstart your haircare journey.
To learn more about your hair condition, Take Traya’s Free Hair Test and find out the root cause of your problem.
Remember the right solution is always found after figuring out the whole problem! This isn’t about maths.
Here are some medications that you can consider taking:
1. Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a trusted medication that is used for hair regrowth, Its success rate varies from 80% to 90% of the people who have used it till now. It comes in the form of topical solution or foam which can be applied directly to the scalp, it can be taken orally as well in the form of a tablet. Minoxidil works by stimulating hair follicles, increasing blood flow to the scalp, and promoting hair growth. There are some side effects to take note of while using this medication, which are allergic reactions, flakiness, and hair shedding.
If you’d like to know how Minoxidil works, click here to get a complete guide!
2. Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride is taken orally unlike Minoxidil. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of DHT can shrink hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and loss. Finasteride helps reduce DHT levels which helps in reducing hair loss and regrowing hair. Women are recommended to not use this medication, especially during pregnancy to avoid potential birth defects. There are some side effects to keep in mind while using Finasteride which are decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual side effects, which should be discussed with a professional before starting treatment.
If you wish to know more about the working of Finasteride, Click here to learn more!
Conclusion
Having a receding hairline can surely be scary and you might get confused and wonder which approach would be the best. Remember, The best you can do for your hair is to be consistent with your efforts.
By now you would have understood the importance of a good treatment and for you to make a good choice and save time by not trying and testing. Here at Traya, We have designed a holistic treatment plan that caters to every individual on the basis of their underlying root cause.
We believe that by working on the root cause and treating the problem from within shows lasting effects. Take Traya’s Free Hair Test and get started with your journey!
In the plan, you will be provided with
- Hair coach who you can book a call with for queries! They will help you to track your progress and support your journey.
- A diet plan on the Traya App
- Prescribed Medications and Products that are suitable for your hair to make it healthier and better!
Key Takeaways
- Early signs like an uneven forehead in photos or shifting hair around temples could indicate the onset of a receding hairline.
- Understanding normal versus receding hairlines helps in identifying changes like an "M" or "V" shape forming in the hairline.
- The Norwood Scale outlines stages of hair loss, ranging from minimal recession to severe baldness, aiding in understanding the progression.
- Women can also experience receding hairlines, often due to hormonal changes or styling habits.
- Proactive measures such as using gentle products, regular washing, staying hydrated, and scalp massages can help maintain hair health.
- Medications like Minoxidil and Finasteride can stimulate hair growth, but it's essential to be aware of potential side effects.
- Professional guidance is crucial for diagnosing the root cause of hair loss and determining the best treatment plan.
People Also Ask
Q. Can you fix a receding hairline?
Yes, at early stages receding hairline can be fixed. With proper nourishment and treatment can help in slowing down further hair loss and hair regrowth. Medications like Minoxidil and Finasteride are trusted medicines for the treatment but make sure to first consult a hair care professional.
Q. Why do I have a receding hairline at 14?
A receding hairline at a young age like 14 is not common but surely possible, it could be due to genetic factors (family history of early-onset hair loss), hormonal imbalances, underlying medical conditions, or excessive stress.
Q. Is it normal for hairline to recede at 18?
While hairline changes can occur during puberty and early adulthood due to hormonal fluctuations, a noticeable receding hairline at 18 may indicate male pattern baldness or other underlying factors.
Q. Is M shaped hairline normal?
An M-Shaped hairline is usually seen by a slight recession at the temples. It is normal for most of the people but if the hairline becomes more pronounced over time then do consult a professional.
Q. How can I regrow my hairline naturally?
To encourage natural hairline regrowth, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in nutrients, regular exercise, stress management, and gentle hair care practices. Additionally, use natural remedies like essential oils (e.g., rosemary oil, peppermint oil), scalp massage, and minimizing heat styling to support hair health.
REFERENCES
- James Roland | February 2023 | Receding Hairline: Stages, Causes, and Treatments | https://www.healthline.com/health/receding-hairline
- Grace Gallagher | February 2021 | Normal Hairline: How It Looks Compared to Receding | https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/normal-hairline
- Mrinal Gupta | Venkataram Mysore | March 2016 | Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review - PMC | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4812885/
