Is my hairline receding?

If you’re noticing that your hairline is being pushed back over time, then you have a receding hairline. This is a very common issue that affects men all over the world. An estimated 42% of men aged 18 to 49 suffer from moderate to extensive hair loss.

If you believe you have a receding hairline, there are steps you can take to slow it down and hold onto your hair for longer.

Medically reviewed by

Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical lead

Signs of a receding hairline

There’s no fixed pattern that a receding hairline follows, but there are tell-tale signs which can indicate that this process is beginning. It’s key to know the difference between a receding hairline and a maturing hairline. The main distinction is that a maturing hairline will move back in an even manner, whereas a receding hairline will be uneven, creating the distinguishable ‘horseshoe’ or ‘M-shape’ pattern. You will also find that the hairs on your temple will recede more than on your forehead.

You know your hair better than anyone, so keep a close eye on it to detect any slight changes. Changes to watch for include being unable to style your hair in the same way as before. You may also notice that a cowlick has disappeared. Differences aren’t always noticeable or symmetric, so check different areas to spot changes. Pay special attention to corners.

Another sign of a receding hairline is shedding. It’s important to be aware of a normal amount of shedding. Most people will shed between 50-100 hairs per day. If you notice the amount of hair that you shed on a daily basis increases, you may be experiencing hair loss. A proactive way to keep track of changes is to take photos of your hairline and look back at any changes. Changes can be so small that you can miss the early signs.

Are there different types of hairlines?

There are many different types of healthy hairline that you can have. It’s useful to find out which type of hairline you have, especially as you get older. This will help you know how to maintain your hairline. They’re characterised by how they are positioned towards your forehead or crown. A hairline that is positioned closer to the forehead is low, while one closer to the crown is high. The most common types are low hairline, mid hairline, high hairline, rounded hairline, uneven hairline, cowlick hairline and widow’s peak.

A low hairline is most common in children and adolescents. There typically isn’t hair loss at this age. When this type of hairline follows a straight line across the forehead, it’s usually called a juvenile hairline. A low hairline will begin closer to the eyebrows than most average hairlines. There is usually very thick hair growth with this type of hairline.

Another common type is the middle hairline. Men with middle hairlines have foreheads that appear more proportional. This type of hairline is usually preferred. It’s the average hairline for men in their teens and twenties. A middle hairline can be uneven or asymmetrical sometimes, but also straight or rounded.

A high hairline will start at the crown, and your forehead will appear larger. You could still have full and thick hair, or it could show thinning from your younger, lower hairline.

A rounded hairline is usually a sign of thicker hair, as it requires a more even distribution of hair. It doesn’t have edges along the hairline like most men will have.

The cowlick hairline consists of swirls of hair, usually at the crown of your head. This hairline will grow in a different direction compared to the rest of your hair. They are more commonly seen in men with short hair and can make the hair appear messy.

Finally, the widow’s peak hairline, also known as the V hairline, is characterised by a prominent peak. It usually occurs in older men.

Age

Hair loss is a natural sign of aging. In fact, in Europe, 80% of men will suffer from hair loss by the age of 80. There are around 100,000 hairs on an average scalp growing from follicles beneath the skin. It’s normal for these hairs to fall out daily, and be replaced by new ones. Hair loss and receding hairline develop when there is damage to the normal hair growth cycle.

Hormones

Hormone changes can also cause a receding hairline. One particular hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is thought to be linked to male pattern baldness because it causes the hair follicles to reduce and no longer grow.

Genetics

Genetics are thought to play a role in hair loss. If men in your family have a history of baldness it’s more likely that you'll experience this too. The timing of hair loss will be similar across generations. It’ll be gradual, with bald spots appearing slowly and over time.

Medication or treatment

If you have taken certain medications or treatments, this can trigger hair loss. A common example is radiation which is known to cause severe hair loss in a short period of time. Drugs that are prescribed for common illnesses such as depression, arthritis, high blood pressure and heart problems can also cause hair loss.

Illness or stress

Illness or stress can also result in a receding hairline. People who are experiencing stressful situations, such as getting surgery or losing a relative, may see sudden shedding. However, this type of hair loss is usually temporary and can be reversed.

Lifestyle

There are certain lifestyle choices that can also contribute to the development of a receding hairline. Examples of such lifestyle choices include smoking, dyeing your hair, not eating enough protein, and nutrient deficiencies.