Receding Hairline TreatmentSchaumburg, IL

Understanding Receding Hairlines

A receding hairline can cause hair loss in a variety of different patterns. This type of hair loss typically begins when the hairline creeps back on either side of the scalp, exposing more of the forehead. After this, a bald spot often occurs on the crown along with thinning on the top of the head.

Receding hairlines are more common in men than women. Many men experience a receding hairline by the time they reach their late 30s. The average person has around 100,000 hairs and normally sheds between 50 and 100 hairs each day. Losing more than this amount can be a sign of damaged hair follicles or a disturbed growth cycle, resulting in a receding hairline.

Causes of Receding Hairlines

A receding hairline can result from hair follicle damage or a medical condition that disturbs the growth cycle. People who have a family history of this condition are more likely to lose their hair. Men are especially affected by this hereditary trait as male hormones can result in overly sensitive hair follicles. Changes in hormones, such as those in menopause, can cause women to be affected by receding hairlines as well.

Other common causes of receding hairlines include:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Poor diet high in saturated fat, processed foods, preservatives, and sugar
• Hairstyles that pull the hair back tightly
• Medical conditions such as infectious diseases or ovarian tumors
• Medical procedures or treatments
• Smoking cigarettes
• Stress

Stages of a Receding Hairline

Hair loss patterns in men and women are different. In men, the progression of a receding hairline usually occurs in steps. At first, the hairline appears uneven before a noticeable “M” shape appears. Then, hair loss at the top or back of the head results in a bald spot. Eventually, the area with the receding hairline meets the bald spot, creating a larger bald area and even complete balding.

. Women do not typically experience the same stages of hair loss as men. Women experience thinning hair or gradual hair loss. One of the first signs of a receding hairline in women is a smaller ponytail. Receding hairlines in women will usually spare the sides and back of the head, while the part over the top of the scalp will widen and thin considerably.

Diagnosing a Receding Hairline

Our doctor can help patients understand the type of hair loss that they are experiencing. To make the proper diagnosis, they will ask about the patient’s family and personal medical history. Patients may receive a “pull test” where our doctor will pull gently on a few hairs to see how many hairs fall out and how easily.

A scalp tissue or hair biopsy can help determine if a patient’s hair loss is due to a scalp infection. Our doctor will take a small piece of affected tissue during a biopsy and send it to the lab for testing. Patients may also have a blood test to look for conditions that can contribute to hair loss like thyroid disease.

Treatments for Receding Hairlines

Treatment of receding hairlines depends on the underlying cause. Patients that experience this hair loss as a result of an age-related development do not require medical treatment. However, if a medical condition causes hair loss, medication may be necessary.

Various treatments and procedures are available to combat hair loss that causes receding hairlines. There are over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help slow or reverse hair loss. Surgical procedures like hair restoration surgery are also available to help stop a receding hairline. This procedure consists of transplanting small sections of scalp or hair follicles to sparse or no hair growth areas.