What Are the Causes of Hair Loss Around the Hairline?

While not a dangerous medical condition, hair loss can cause dissatisfaction with one's appearance and affect self-esteem. Depending on the type of hair loss, there can be effective treatments available.

Hair Loss

• Hair loss can occur in different patterns: Individuals can lose hair diffusely, with it thinning all over the scalp, or in one specific place, such as the hairline.

Male Pattern Baldness

• Male pattern baldness is one cause of hair loss around the hairline. Hair follicles react to hormones by no longer growing new hairs at the site, which usually recedes in the shape of the letter "M."

Traction Alopecia

• Hair loss around the hairline can also be caused by traction alopecia, which typically occurs when hair is pulled back in tight hairstyles, such as braids or a ponytail. Over time, the constant pulling damages hair follicles, leading to baldness along the hairline.

Treatment

• Male pattern baldness can be treated with medications such as minoxidil and finasteride or with hair transplant surgery. Traction alopecia can be reversed as long as it is caught early.

Considerations

• When medication is used to treat hair loss around the hairline it must not be discontinued, as once it is stopped the regrown hair will cease to thrive and further balding can occur.