A receding hairline is often one of the first signs of male-pattern baldness, according to the National Institutes of Health. It's caused by a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone, which is a byproduct of testosterone when it comes into contact with type II 5-alpha-reductase. To fix this, you can turn to standard treatments for androgenetic alopecia, the medical term used for pattern baldness.
Step 1
Take finasteride. Considered the first line of defense against androgenetic alopecia by the American Hair Loss Association, this prescription medication inhibits the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. This can slow the progression of your receding hairline and potentially encourage the regrowth of lost hair.
Step 2
Apply minoxidil to the scalp. If finasteride fails to provide results, your dermatologist may recommend minoxidil. Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp twice a day to slow hair loss and encourage the regrowth of lost hair.
Step 3
Change your hairstyle, suggests the National Institutes of Health. Though this won't slow the progression of hair loss, a change in hairstyle can mask a receding hairline. Instead of wearing your hair back from your forehead, pull it forward to create the illusion of a fuller head of hair.
Step 4
Undergo a hair restoration procedure. Hair restoration is the surgical transplant of hair follicles from other areas of the scalp. It can be used to fill in any recession experienced along the hairline. But unlike the follicles no longer growing hair, these do not contain the receptors sensitive to dihydrotestosterone. This means the transplanted hairs should not fall out as a result of androgenetic alopecia.
Tips and Warnings
- It can take several months to see results from finasteride, according to the Mayo Clinic. Regular consultations with your dermatologist can help determine if this method of treatment is slowing the progression of your receding hairline. Minoxidil usually takes about 12 weeks to show results. If no improvement is seen, another form of treatment may be necessary. For more significant hair loss, consider nonsurgical hair replacement. This form of treatment uses a hair piece to mask the hair loss. Talk to a dermatologist for a recommendation.
Things You'll Need
- Finasteride
- Minoxidil
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