Approximately 80% of European men will have a receding hairline by the time they reach 80. Therefore, you can regard a receding hairline as a perfectly natural part of ageing. But there are lots of factors that contribute to a receding hairline, causing some people to experience it before others. Here, we take a look at some facts about receding hairlines and help you understand what you can do to potentially treat associated hair loss.
What is Meant by a Receding Hairline?
A receding hairline is a result of your hair follicles falling out. But it’s not part of the natural growth cycle of your hair, and the follicles are not able to be replaced. You can develop a receding hairline at any age and for various reasons. For example, it’s common for men in their late thirties to notice a receding hairline, and it’s easy to notice hair loss and thinning above the temples and in different parts of the scalp. Although every man is different, these are the early telltale signs that you might be suffering from a receding hairline.
What is the Cause of a Receding Hairline?
As mentioned, a receding hairline is a natural cause of ageing, and it’s not something that you can necessarily avoid. When hair loss occurs due to hereditary factors, it is known as male pattern hair loss and is sometimes termed androgenetic alopecia. If you suffer from male pattern hair loss, your hair is likely to thin out above the temples and will eventually recede into an M-shape. Men who have a family history of receding hairlines are more likely to experience it themselves, and there are hundreds of genetic variations that are associated with hair loss in men. Therefore, millions of men in the UK are affected by hair loss and notice that their hairlines are receding as a result.
Diagnosing a Receding Hairline
Although there isn’t a uniform way to diagnose male pattern hair loss, you can look out for some specific things. For instance, how often you lose hair is a big factor, and although it’s normal and natural to lose 50-100 hairs every day if you shed more hairs than this, it could be a sign of male pattern hair loss. Equally important is how quickly your hair back. If your follicles miniaturise and are unable to regenerate, you will likely notice that your hairline recedes. The Norwood Scale is a good resource for identifying the pattern and progression of hair loss and should be your first port of call.
Can You Treat a Receding Hairline?
Thankfully, if you notice a receding hairline, you don’t need to just grin and bear it. At Sons, there are several hair loss treatments you can turn to in order to combat the early signs of male pattern hair loss. Finasteride and Minoxidil are the only two medications that have been clinically proven to treat androgenetic alopecia, while you can also turn to the likes of Biotin and saw palmetto shampoo in order to supplement your treatment. The sooner you start treating male pattern hair loss, the quicker you will see positive results.
So, if you notice that your hairline is receding, don’t panic. While it’s a natural part of ageing, you can do something about it by following the diagnosis and treatment steps listed above.
