What Is Considered a Receding Hairline?

A receding hairline is a common sign of male pattern baldness. Hair loss begins at the hairline near the temples and the hairline recedes until bald spots develop between the sides of the head and the crown of the head.

Diagnosis

• According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, a receding hairline is usually included in a visual diagnosis of male pattern baldness which also includes thinning hair on the crown of the head that can result in baldness on the entire top part of the head.

Medications

• Minoxidil or finasteride may be applied to balding areas of the scalp to slow hair loss, stimulate hair follicles and result in new hair growth.

Other Treatments

• Hair pieces may be used to disguise balding or hair transplant procedures may be performed to insert new plugs of hair in balding areas of the scalp.

Complications

• A receding hairline and balding may cause psychological complications such as anxiety, stress and a loss of self esteem.

When to Call a Doctor

• Individuals with a receding hairline should call a doctor if rapid hair loss occurs, if itching and skin irritation accompany hair loss or if hair loss occurs as a side effect of a medication.