It is common to find people brush their hair while heading to work or for a day out and suddenly notice their receding hairline! Well, if one thinks this is common with men, even women spend a significant amount of their time checking for hair fall and receding hairlines. If you wish to know more about treatments for receding hairline, this article is for you!

Receding hairline, also known as male-pattern baldness, is a common condition affecting millions of men worldwide. It is characterized by a gradual thinning of hair at the temples and crown of the head, which can eventually lead to complete baldness.

While receding hairline is generally considered a natural part of aging, it can be a source of significant psychological distress for some men, impacting their self-esteem, confidence, and social interactions. In women, a receding hairline is less common than in men. Nevertheless, hair thinning in women can lead to hair forming a V shape on the middle of the head also commonly called a widow's peak.

What are Some Early Signs of Hair Loss and Receding Hairline?

People who are experiencing hair loss and a receding hairline may notice the following signs and symptoms:

• Gradual thinning of hair on the head
• Development of a bald spot that grows slowly
• A receding hairline that grows more evident each year
• Widening forehead
• Thinner ponytail or plait in women

Though less common, some people may experience the following symptoms with hair loss:

• Burning or stinging sensation before hair fall
• Itching or tenderness in the area of hair loss
• Bald patches with pus oozing from sores or blisters
• Psoriasis of the scalp

Causes of Receding Hairline

There are several reasons for receding hairline in men and women. The most common ones include the following:

• Age

Hair naturally thins out and loses volume with age. This can be particularly noticeable at the temples and crown of the head, causing a receding hairline. 

• Hormonal Changes

Changes in hormone levels, such as those that occur during menopause and childbirth in women, can lead to hair loss and thinning. 

• Family history

Genetics play a significant role in determining whether an individual will experience hair loss. If there is a family history of receding hairline, the chances of developing the condition are higher. 

• Medications

A few medications, such as those used to treat cancer, arthritis, and depression, can cause hair loss as a side effect. 

• Medical conditions like alopecia areata

Autoimmune disorders like alopecia areata, where the body's immune system attacks hair follicles, can lead to patchy hair loss and a receding hairline. 

• Other factors
  • Stress:

High-stress levels can cause hair follicles to enter a resting phase, leading to hair loss.

• Haircare practices and habits:

Certain hair care practices, such as frequent use of hot tools, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles can damage hair and contribute to hair loss.

Treatment for Receding Hairline

Identifying the underlying cause of hair loss is essential to determine the best course of treatment. Treatment for receding hairline can be non-surgical or surgical, depending upon individual factors.

• Non-surgical Treatment Options

Non-surgical hair treatment for a receding hairline involves using topical and oral medications, topical essential oils, low-level laser therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and scalp micro-pigmentation. These have been discussed below. 

1.     Topical medications: Topical medications such as minoxidil and finasteride can be used to treat a receding hairline. Both minoxidil and finasteride are FDA-approved drugs routinely used to treat male pattern baldness. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that promotes hair growth, while finasteride inhibits the production of dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that causes hair loss. Corticosteroids can also be used as they help to reduce inflammation near the hair follicles and aid hair growth. However, corticosteroids may be associated with side effects and must be used only after consulting a doctor. Just like other hair-receding treatments, these medications take a few months to work and show visible results. 

2.     Essential oils: Topical application of essential oils have been suggested to aid hair growth. Recent research on animal models shows that peppermint oil and lavender oil have hair growth-stimulating properties comparable to topical medications, such as minoxidil.

3. Oral medications: Oral medications such as finasteride and dutasteride can be taken to treat receding hairline. These medications work by inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone. Spironolactone is a medication that may be prescribed to women experiencing hair loss and receding hairline. This medication prevents further hair loss and increases hair thickness.

4.     Low-level laser therapy: Low-level laser therapy involves using lasers to stimulate hair growth. This painless therapy can be done at home or in a clinic.

5.     Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP therapy involves injecting platelet-rich plasma, a component of blood, into the scalp to promote hair growth. This therapy is minimally invasive and has shown promising results in treating receding hairlines. PRP is one of the best treatments for receding hairline. PRP can cost around INR 5000 to 25000 depending upon the number of sessions required. Learn more about PRP treatment at UnCover.

6.     Scalp micro-pigmentation: Scalp micro-pigmentation involves tattooing the scalp to create the appearance of hair follicles. This treatment is non-invasive.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments for receding hair lines depend on the individual and the severity of their hair loss. Scalp micro pigmentation can cost anywhere between INR 15000 to 80000 depending upon the amount of baldness. Consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended before choosing the best treatment for receding hairline.

• Surgical Treatment Options

When non-surgical treatment options do not restore an individual's hairline, a hair transplant or scalp reduction surgery may be recommended. These surgical options for hair-receding treatment are discussed as follows.

1. Hair transplant surgery

A hair transplant for receding hairline is a surgical cosmetic procedure involving transplanting hair follicles from areas of the scalp with healthy growth to areas with thinning or balding hair. The procedure can be performed using either follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE) techniques.

 During a FUT procedure, the surgeon removes a strip of hair-bearing skin from the back of the scalp and dissects it into individual hair grafts for transplantation. On the other hand, FUE involves removing individual hair follicles directly from the scalp using a small punch tool.

 Hair transplant surgery is a safe and effective procedure that helps restore hair growth and improves the appearance of a receding hairline. However, it requires careful consideration and consultation with a qualified and experienced surgeon. Each hair graft can cost you between INR 20 to INR 120. The total hair transplantation procedure can cost you around INR 25000 to INR 2,65000 depending upon the amount of baldness.

• Scalp reduction surgery

Scalp reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure used to treat a receding hairline and involves removing a bald scalp and stretching the remaining scalp to cover the bald area.

 Although scalp reduction surgery can be an effective treatment for a receding hairline, it is not suitable for everyone. It is typically recommended for individuals with a relatively small area of baldness and healthy hair growth at the sides and back of the head.

It is essential to discuss the potential benefits and risks with a qualified and experienced surgeon before deciding to undergo the procedure. The cost of the procedure generally amounts to INR 50000.

Lifestyle Changes to Promote Hair Growth

Though medical and surgical treatments are effective for people experiencing hair loss and receding hairlines, most dermatologists and trichologists will recommend making healthy lifestyle changes as part of your treatment for receding hairline to promote hair growth. Healthy lifestyle changes and good hair care practices can help promote healthy hair growth and manage a receding hairline. Some of these lifestyle changes include:

• Nutrition

A healthy, balanced diet with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and proteins promotes healthy hair growth. Foods rich in iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D are essential for healthy hair.

• Stress management

Stress management is critical, as stress can significantly contribute to hair loss. Stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress levels and promote healthy hair growth.

• Hair care tips

Proper hair care is essential to healthy hair growth. A regular hair massage helps to improve blood circulation in the scalp and may aid healthy hair growth. Avoiding harsh chemicals and heat-styling tools can help prevent hair loss due to hair damage and breakage. Regular shampooing and conditioning can also help keep the scalp and hair healthy and clean. Avoiding rough brushing and tightly done hairstyles also helps to reduce hair fall.

Conclusion

A receding hairline is a common condition that affects many people, especially men. There are several hair-receding treatment options available to manage and restore hair growth. Both non-surgical and surgical treatments can be effective in treating a receding hairline. But, they have different risks and benefits that should be carefully considered before making a decision. A qualified and experienced medical professional should be consulted to determine the best treatment option based on the individual's needs and medical history.

If you are experiencing hair loss and wish to know more about hair-receding treatments, get in touch with hair experts at UnCover. Regrow your hair naturally with UnCover's PRP treatment with one session starting at just INR 5000!