Humans lose hair every single day, and new hair grows back at the same time. However, a receding hairline occurs when hair falls out without any new hair growing back. The hairline looks like it is moving backward, towards the crown, from the forehead, back, and sides. The hairline recession begins at the temples and gradually moves backward. It usually forms an “M” shape. Men and women are both affected by receding hairlines (1), (2). There are some cases where people may also experience balding at the crown. Although there is no scientific backing, some suggest that age impacts a receding hairline as well. The hair growth cycle consists of three phases – anagen, catagen, and telogen. When the hair falls out during the telogen phase, the growth cycle starts back, beginning with the anagen phase, causing hair to regrow. However, some factors may prevent hair from growing back, causing a receding hairline. Keep reading to understand the causes of a receding hairline and the steps you can take to regrow your hair.

How To Diagnose A Receding Hairline 

Pull Test – The dermatologist pulls your hair to examine how many hairs fall out and how easily they do. Scalp Tissue Biopsy – A biopsy of your scalp tissue may help detect a scalp infection that is causing the hair loss. Blood Test – Doctors also suggest a blood test to determine if you have any underlying condition like thyroid disease that may cause hair loss.

There are no ways to stop hair fall permanently. However, you can minimize or slow down its effect in various ways. Scroll down to know more!

Ways To Stop Receding Hair Line

Maintain A Healthy Diet – Just like our body, our hair is also affected by our regular diet. Hence, maintaining a healthy diet helps strengthen the hair and reduce hair breakage. Deficiency of minerals, vitamins (B, C, D, and E), iron, and zinc might lead to hair loss (9). Thus, consume leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds to maintain hair health.

Medications – Minoxidil and anthralin are common medications to reduce hair fall. A study showed that a 5% topical minoxidil solution could improve hair loss in men (12). The topical application of anthralin controls inflammation of the hair follicles. Hence, anthralin is considered a therapeutic option for severe alopecia areata (13).

Hair Transplant – Hair transplant is implanting artificial hair on your scalp to give a fuller appearance to the hairline. In this process, doctors take hair from other parts of the scalp and implant it in the affected area.

Scalp Massage – According to research, regular scalp massage helps enhance blood circulation to the scalp and increases hair thickness (14).

Essential Oils – Rosemary and peppermint essential oils help reduce hair loss and promote healthy hair growth. Researchers have found that the topical application of peppermint oil could enhance hair growth in mice without affecting body weight and food efficiency (15). Rosemary oil can help in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (16).

While there is no definite cure for receding hairline, here are some tips you can follow to prevent hair loss.

Hair Care Tips For A Receding Hairline

Note: Be gentle while you are massaging, combing, or drying your hair. Make sure you do not pull your hair.

Avoid tight hairstyles. Hairstyles that pull your hair can cause severe hair loss, especially at the hairline. Avoid styling your hair in tight braids and ponytails. Let your hair rest naturally, especially during the recovery phase. Wet hair can be stretched 70% more than normal. Thus, drying your hair harshly can weaken it and cause hair breakage. Try scrunching or patting your hair dry. Massage your scalp regularly to help improve blood circulation. This, in turn, enhances hair length and density (14). Use combs as per your hair structure. If you have curly or kinky hair, use a bristle brush as it is not harsh on your curls. For wavy or straight hair, use a wide-toothed comb to remove tangles and knots, and a fine-toothed comb for hair styling. Do not comb wet hair as it tends to be more porous. This can lead to severe hair damage and breakage. If you have curly or kinky hair, you can comb it gently when wet. Avoid hair care products with sulfates, silicones, and parabens. These harsh chemicals might cause hair damage and brittleness and form heavy buildup on the scalp. Avoid chemical treatments like hair coloring, straightening, or perming. These treatments can damage and break the hair. Wash your hair at least once every three days to keep the scalp clean. If you have oily hair, wash it every alternate day. Clean hair and scalp help boost hair health. Deep condition your hair once a week to keep it hydrated and nourished. Conditioners contain concentrated, active ingredients that strengthen your hair. Deep conditioning treatments for 5-10 minutes can go a long way in curbing hair loss. If your hair loss is due to nutrient deficiencies, consider taking supplements for them. Consult a doctor to ensure you do not have a supplementary overdose, as some vitamins, if taken in excess, might cause hair loss. Do yoga or exercise regularly to help relieve stress.

The following section answers a few questions related to the receding hairline. Scroll down to know more!

When To See A Doctor? 

Although thinning hair and hair fall is normal, excessive hair loss may require medical attention. Consult a physician or dermatologist in case of excessive hair loss or patchy spots.

How Long Does A Receding Hairline Take To Grow Back?

It may take up to six months to get visible results from the above tips or over-the-counter treatments. However, every person is different, and hence, the results will also vary according to individual conditions. Genetics, aging, and hormonal changes are some of the common contributing factors to hair loss. Although there are no proven ways to stop your hairline from receding, you can slow down the process. With proper diet and treatments, you might notice a visible reduction in hair shedding. Follow the hair care tips listed above to prevent a receding hairline and regrow your hair. Can coconut oil regrow one’s hairline? Check out the infographic below to learn how to massage your head. Coconut oil may help improve hair health. However, there is no research to suggest if it regrows one’s hairline. Can you have a receding hairline at 17? Hair loss can start at any age. But for men, it may start in their late teens or early twenties.

Sources

8 Simple Ways To Treat Hair Loss At The Temples What Is Frontal Hair Loss And How To Treat It? What Is DHT Hair Loss And How To Treat It?