Hair loss at the temples, or a slightly receding hairline, is usually the first area where hair becomes thin. While this is not necessarily evidence of of future hair loss, it is usually the very first stage of androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. It is classified as "type 2" on the Norwood scale described as "insignificant hair loss at the temples". Hundreds of remedies for hair loss exist, but most effective treatments for the temples are the same treatments effective for male pattern baldness.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil, the generic ingredient in Rogaine, is a Food and Drug Administration approved treatment for hair loss at the vertex of the head, but can also be effective on the temple area. Dr. Robert Bernstein, one of premier hair restoration doctors in the world, says minoxidil can be effective on the frontal area as long as there is hair present.
The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery describes a 4-month surveillance study where 5 percent minoxidil was a safe and effective treatment for male pattern hair loss. Hair density was considered "improved" in 74.2 percent of men and scalp coverage improved in 67.3 percent. Minoxidil can help slow or prevent hair loss and can even regrow hair in some cases.
Propecia
Propecia is another FDA-approved hair loss treatment that can be effective on the frontal area. Dr. Bernstein notes that Propecia, similar to minoxidil and available only by prescription, can thicken miniaturized in the frontal area. Bernstein notes that patients can ignore the package insert claiming the treatment was only proven effective at the top of the scalp because the FDA limits pharmaceutical claims to the areas tested in clinical trails.
A 2-year study published in the "Journal of American Academy of Dermatology" led by Dr. Keith Kaufman found Propecia, 1 mg of Finasteride, to be a safe and effective treatment of male pattern baldness. In the 24-month study, 83 percent of patients retained or increased their hair count. It was noted that "adverse effects were minimal."
Ketoconazole Shampoo
Ketoconazole shampoo is a scientifically proven treatment for hair loss that may be effective at the temples based on the conclusion of a Belgium study. Researchers at the Department of Dermatopathology at the University of Liège found hair growth and hair loss prevention results from ketoconazole shampoo to be similar to 2 percent strength minoxidil. Scientists suggested that ketoconazole can be promising in the long term treatment of androgenic alopecia. Ketoconazole can be purchased as Nizoral shampoo at grocery and drug stores.
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