Receding Hairlines in Men: Causes and Treatments

If you have noticed your hairline has changed and your experiencing thinning of the hair around your temples, it is likely you have a receding hairline. Please don’t panic, a receding hairline is more common than you may think.

While a receding hairline can happen to both men and women, it is mostly seen in men and is generally part of the natural ageing process. While some men feel comfortable embracing hair loss and accepting their receding hairline, for others it can have a huge impact on self-confidence. The good news is that there are options available to help treat hair loss and prevent further hair loss from occurring. 

Why do men’s hairlines recede?

A receding hairline is generally associated with the most common and well-known form of hair loss, male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. It is characterised by diffuse thinning on either the crown, top of the scalp or the temples, creating the appearance of a receding hairline. Men with a family history of hair loss are more likely to experience diffused hair loss as male pattern baldness tends to be hereditary. Hair loss in men can also be caused by stress, illness and treatment.

How to prevent hairline from receding?

While we don’t have a cure for pattern hair loss, there are several extremely effective treatment options available to help prevent further loss and encourage new growth. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of restoring your hairline. For a quick fix, concealment products like hair fibres are amazing at concealing a receding hairline to give you that instant boost of confidence.

They are tiny fibres that are electrostatically charged, they cling to hair and build thickness in thinning areas. They are a great option for those with thinning hair, particularly in the front temples to add thickness and redefine the hairline. You can head over to our results page to check out how they work.

Finasteride

Suitable for men aged 18 and over, Finasteride is a private prescription medication which helps reduce the amount of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in your system. DHT is the chemical which reduces circulation to the hair follicles and is the main cause of miniaturisation of the hair follicle. The major benefit of Finasteride is its ability to slow down or even stop hair loss in its tracks entirely. When taken with a topical solution like Minoxidil, the results can be fantastic. As with many medicines, Finasteride can cause side effects however they are typically uncommon and mild.

Laser Therapy

Laser Hair Therapy is a very popular treatment for men experiencing diffused hair loss, particularly a receding hairline caused by male pattern baldness. It is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates the hair follicles and breaks down the build-up of DHT to grow fuller and thicker hair. Laser therapy goes hand in hand with the topical solution, Minoxidil and can create very successful results. In salons Laser Machines as well as Laser Therapy caps mean there is a Laser solution to suit most.

Minoxidil

Available at Optima, our high potency Minoxidil 5% is a scientifically proven treatment for men suffering from male pattern baldness. To be used daily, Minoxidil is an FDA approved topical solution that is applied to the scalp and stimulates hair follicles which in turn, increases blood flow to the scalp and encourages healthy hair growth. It is most known under its brand name Regaine, or Rogaine in the US which has Minoxidil as its main active ingredient.

While working well on its own, a study found that a combination therapy of finasteride and minoxidil is most effective for androgenetic alopecia in men.

Both minoxidil and finasteride can be used from the comfort of your own home so if you’re experiencing a receding hairline, these are great treatments to consider either alone or as part of a programme with the recommendation of a consultant.

Scalp Micro Pigmentation

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a great non-invasive option that camouflages the surface of the scalp redefines the hairline and restores that natural, yet sharp appearance. Creating the illusion of a shaved head or buzz cut, SMP works by depositing pigment into the hair follicles and is suitable for all skin tones. It usually takes between 9 and 12 hours to complete and is typically spread over three sessions. You can head to our SMP results page to see some of our amazing results.

Hair Systems

For those in the more advanced stages of a receding hairline who are looking for a full head of hair, a hair system can provide an instant resolution as opposed to some of the previous options discussed. Whether it is to conceal bald spots or cover a receding hairline, custom-made hair systems give you a full head of hair which gives a natural and younger look. They are a great option for men who love the popular crew cuts and quiff cuts. You can head to our men’s hair system results page to see just how natural bespoke hair systems can look.

To fully determine which of these treatments would be best suited and discuss your hair loss in more detail, it’s always best to seek professional advice. Here at Optima, we offer a free, confidential and no-obligation consultation service, where our specialists can find a tailored solution to help you with your receding hairline.