What Is a Receding Hairline?

A receding hairline occurs when a person's hair begins falling out along the hair line. This usually occurs from front to back, creating more bare skin in the forehead area. Because of hair loss, the hairline literally begins to withdraw toward the crown, or topmost part, of the head. When combined with hair loss at the crown of the head, a receding hairline can lead to male pattern baldness.

Causes

• According to the Medline Plus Web site, typical male pattern baldness, which includes a receding hairline, is caused by genetics, aging and hormones. The normal life of a hair is about 4½ years, and a person may lose an average of 100 hairs per day. Those hairs grow back in about 6 months.
  However, when the hair follicle grows smaller, a person will experience thinner hair and eventually a receding hairline and/or pattern baldness, according to Dr. Phillip Ginsberg, a Philadelphia osteopathic physician.

Who's Affected

• Approximately 25 percent of men begin to bald by the time they turn 30, and 66 percent of men have experienced some kind of pattern baldness by age 60, according to Medline Plus. Women also experience pattern baldness in the form of thinning hair, but do not often experience a receding hairline.

Prevention/Solution

• There is no cure for a receding hairline caused by pattern baldness, according to Dr. Ginsberg. However, there are ways to slow hair loss and diminish the appearance of baldness.

  Some people who have a receding hairline opt to get a hair transplant, a process which involves removing skin containing hair plugs from one part of the head (where hair is growing well) and surgically placing the skin on a balding area of the scalp.

  Prescription treatments, including minoxidil and finasteride, have been shown to slow hair loss and/or stimulate hair growth in some patients, according to Dr. Ginsberg. There are also a number of over-the-counter treatments available, including Rogaine (minoxidil) and a variety of herbal supplements.

  Some men prefer to cover up their receding hairline without surgery or pharmaceuticals. Toupees and wigs are available in stores and on the Internet.

Common Misconceptions About Hair Loss

• The following are misconceptions about hair loss and receding hairlines, according to Dr. Ginsberg and Medline Plus:

  -Hair loss only occurs at old age.
  -Hair loss only happens in men.
  -Hair loss is primarily inherited from the mother's side.
  -Excessive brushing and blow-drying can lead to a receding hairline.
  -Wearing a hat can cause hair loss.

Other Health Concerns

• A receding hairline may be caused by other serious medical factors, including autoimmune conditions, ringworm and a variety of diseases. If you suspect your receding hairline is not because of genetics, hormones or age, contact your doctor.