What Is A Receding Hairline?

Pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss. It is most often seen in men, though it occurs in women as well. In men, it typically begins with a receding hairline. According to the Cleveland Clinic, male-pattern baldness occurs in 30 percent to 40 percent of men.

Symptoms

In male-pattern baldness, the hair begins to thin and disappear on the sides of the top of the head at the front of the hairline, leaving hair on the sides of the head and a patch of hair in the middle that may eventually recede as well. While a receding hairline is more common in older men, some men experience a receding hairline in their 20s or even in their late teens.

Causes

While hair loss can be caused by myriad things such as diseases, medications, poor nutrition and hair treatments, the receding hairline typical of male-pattern baldness is generally caused by hormones and heredity. According to the Mayo Clinic, a history of pattern baldness on either side of your family increases your chances of having a receding hairline.

Prevention

While eating a healthy diet and being gentle with your hair during washing and styling may slow hair loss, there is no proven way to prevent hair from receding.

Treatment

A receding hairline is not a danger to your health, but if it bothers you there are things you can do. Minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) are the two drugs used most commonly to treat male-pattern baldness. Minoxidil is an over-the-counter solution you apply to your scalp. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 90 percent of the time, minoxidil helps slow hair loss, but only 10 percent to 14 percent of people experience hair growth. Hair loss returns after you stop using minoxidil. Finasteride is a prescription pill that affects the male hormone dihydrotestosterone that plays a role in male-pattern baldness. Finasteride helps slow hair loss and may help hair growth.
Surgeries, such as hair transplants and scalp reductions, also can be used to treat hair loss. Other simpler measures to disguise a receding hairline are hair weaves and hairpieces.
Spencer Kobren, founder and president of the American Hair Loss Association, says: "Cosmetic concealers can also be helpful. One product we recommend is DermMatch, which disguises the contrast between the scalp and the hair."
A new therapy called Platelet Rich Plasma therapy also has been showing promising results for treating hair loss, Kobren says. The therapy uses growth factors from the patient's blood and may be a safe, effective nonsurgical treatment alternative.

Warnings

Consult your doctor if your receding hairline is accompanied by skin irritation, scaling, redness or pain; if the hair loss is extremely rapid; or if you would like to try treating your hair loss.