Receding Hairline: Causes & How to Stop

A receding hairline is quite common in men as they age¹. While losing hair can be a source of stress for some, it’s important to remember that it’s nothing unusual – with up to a half of men aged fifty experiencing receding hair¹.

Read on to learn about the possible causes of a receding hairline, the key things to look out for, and how to stop it from getting worse – including potential treatment and prevention options.

In this guide:

What is a receding hairline?
Signs of a receding hairline
Receding hairline stages
What causes a receding hairline?
Receding hairline treatment options
How to help prevent a receding hairline
Receding hairline FAQs

1 - https://www.healthline.com/health/receding-hairline (Page 1)

What is a receding hairline?

Androgenetic alopecia is a common type of hair loss that can affect both men and women². Men in particular may experience a ‘receding hairline’ as a result of this – which is when the boundary of your hair gradually shifts away from your face and forehead, and sits higher up on the head¹. You are most likely to first lose the hair around your temples¹.

Women can also experience a receding hairline, though this tends to be less common¹. This begins with gradual thinning at the midline parting, followed by increasingly diffuse hair loss/thinning from the top of the head. A woman’s hairline rarely recedes, however, and women rarely go bald.

2 - https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/patient-information-leaflets/minoxidil-for-hair-loss-ghpi1649/

1 - https://www.healthline.com/health/receding-hairline

Signs of a receding hairline in men and women

A receding hairline can develop at any time after puberty, but many men will have a receding hairline when they reach their late thirties¹. Key signs to look out for include¹:

Hair loss above the temples – A receding hairline usually begins to the side of your forehead.
A ring of hair on top of your scalp – From here, the hairline often moves to the crown of your head, which can leave behind a ring of hair on top of your scalp.
Thinning hair – Hair may carry on growing in affected areas, but could be noticeably thinner.
V-shaped hair growth – Hair in the middle can remain close to your forehead, resulting in V-shaped hair growth, which is often referred to as a ‘widow’s peak’.
Bare sides and back of your head – The sides and back of your head may eventually become bald, although some people will still have hair here, unless they decide to shave.

Women usually experience hair loss in the centre of their scalp at their parting¹, which may become more noticeable as time goes on¹. However, women may also start to lose hair around their temples¹.

1 - https://www.healthline.com/health/receding-hairline

A receding hairline can develop at any time after puberty, but many men will have a receding hairline when they reach their late thirties¹. Key signs to look out for include¹:

Hair loss above the temples – A receding hairline usually begins to the side of your forehead.
A ring of hair on top of your scalp – From here, the hairline often moves to the crown of your head, which can leave behind a ring of hair on top of your scalp.
Thinning hair – Hair may carry on growing in affected areas, but could be noticeably thinner.
V-shaped hair growth – Hair in the middle can remain close to your forehead, resulting in V-shaped hair growth, which is often referred to as a ‘widow’s peak’.
Bare sides and back of your head – The sides and back of your head may eventually become bald, although some people will still have hair here, unless they decide to shave.

Women usually experience hair loss in the centre of their scalp at their parting¹, which may become more noticeable as time goes on¹. However, women may also start to lose hair around their temples¹.

1 - https://www.healthline.com/health/receding-hairline

Receding hairline stages

Below is an overview of what typically occurs with a receding hairline².
In men, male pattern baldness (male androgenetic alopecia) often begins above the temples, which gradually see the hairline moving away and up.
This progressing hair loss continues on top of the head, which causes the hair to thin.
Eventually, thinning hair may lead to patches of baldness, or the loss of hair altogether.

2 - https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/patient-information-leaflets/minoxidil-for-hair-loss-ghpi1649/

What causes a receding hairline?

Various factors can result in a receding hairline, including:

Age

Hair loss is a natural part of ageing, and most people will experience it at some point¹.

Genetics

A receding hairline can be hereditary in men and women¹, with the timing of hair loss also similar from generation to generation¹.

Hormonal changes

In women, hormones can also be an important factor in hair loss. Women going through menopause may experience thinning hair, for example¹.

Stress

Stress can also sometimes be linked to certain types of hair loss³, especially if an individual has experienced a prolongued period of anxiety or trauma.

There are several other factors that may also contribute to a receding hairline³:

Over-styling - especially if using heated implements such as hair straighteners, which can damage hair follicles over time
Tight hairstyles – such as cornrows and braiding, for example
Certain chemicals - e.g. hair colouring containing bleach and peroxide
Smoking – which is also damaging for health and wellbeing in general
Inflammatory scalp conditions – e.g. lupus or frontal fibrosing alopecia.

1 - https://www.healthline.com/health/receding-hairline

3 - https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-receding-hairline#causes

Receding hairline treatment options

If you’re interested in learning how to help stop a receding hairline from getting worse, or even improve it, there are various treatment options available.

Minoxidil is an antihypertensive drug that is often used as a treatment option for hair loss¹. It can be taken as a tablet if prescribed by a doctor, but can also be applied topically using non-prescription products¹.

Regaine®, for example, has a range of hair loss products for men and women which contain Minoxidil. These work by reactivating your inactive hair follicles. With continued use of Regaine^®, results may be visible within as little as four to six months.

1 - https://www.healthline.com/health/receding-hairline#treatment

How to help prevent a receding hairline

While factors such as aging and genetics may make a receding hairline more likely, there are several things you may be able to do in general to help promote hair growth, or reduce the extent of hair loss.

Manage stress

Stress has been linked to certain types of hair loss³, and adequately managing stress and anxiety may help to keep your hair fuller for longer³. Some practical tips to consider include getting regular exercise, spending time outdoors and meditation³. You should also see a GP if your stress levels are impacting your day-to-day life.

Consider your hairstyle

It may be a good idea to avoid certain tight hairstyles that could contribute to a receding hairline³. Being gentler with your hair, avoiding certain harsh chemical products and not brushing as frequently may also help to prevent hair loss³.

Scalp massage

One study has suggested that a scalp massage may help to promote thicker, healthier hair³. Massaging your scalp for at least four minutes per day may help to increase blood circulation, which could stimulate the hair follicles around your hairline³.

Think about nutrition

Eating a diet that’s rich in antioxidants may help promote healthier and fuller hair³. This is because antioxidants fight oxidative stress, which can contribute to hair ageing³. Examples of foods that are high in antioxidants include spinach, blueberries and walnuts³.

3 - https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-receding-hairline#causes

Receding hairline FAQs

Can a receding hairline grow back?

With appropriate treatment, a receding hairline may grow back³. Regaine^® products are clinically proven to help stop and even reverse hereditary hair loss.

How can I hide a receding hairline?

Receding hairlines are quite common and nothing to be ashamed of¹. But if you would prefer to disguise or hide a receding hairline, trying different hairstyles might work⁴. You can talk to your barber or hairdresser about receding hairline haircuts⁴.

Will I go bald if I’m receding?

While the sides and back of the head can eventually become hairless due to a receding hairline¹, it doesn’t always lead to baldness³. It’s quite normal for your hairline to change as you age, and there are treatment options available which may help to prevent your hair from receding further³.

3 - https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-receding-hairline#takeaway

1 - https://www.healthline.com/health/receding-hairline

4 - https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/receding-hairline

1 - https://www.healthline.com/health/receding-hairline#treatment

3 - https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-receding-hairline#takeaway