As you get older, your body starts having some drastic changes. One of the most common yet most devastating is hair loss or a receding hairline.
The hair which you were so proud of before is now literally slipping through your fingers. However, you shouldn’t worry, because there are several things you can do to cure and prevent hair loss.
What Is A Receding Hairline?
As people age, hair gets weaker and falls off. A receding hairline is a clear sign the hair is thinning on the head.
Another name for this condition is “male pattern baldness.” This is because receding hairlines are more common in men. It can start anytime after puberty, with men seeing obvious results in their late 20s to 30s. By the age of 50, almost half of all men suffer a receding hairline.
The hairline is the portion of hair that starts above the forehead and leads down to the temples. A receding hairline usually starts at the temples and works its way up to the scalp. It’s common for a bald spot on the top of the head to appear after time.
This condition isn’t limited to men, though. Women can also suffer from a receding hairline, so it’s essential to take care of your hair while it’s still healthy.
What Causes A Receding Hairline?
Several factors can cause hair loss — it may be due to genes or an illness. It’s essential to recognize the causes to prepare yourself.
1. Genes
A receding hairline is usually hereditary. If your parents or grandparents suffered from hair loss, then expect that you will feel the symptoms too.
2. Hormones
There is a reason why a receding hairline is more common in men. There is a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a by-product of testosterone that is responsible for the growth of body hair. The downside to this hormone is it causes hair follicles to shrink until they can’t grow anymore.
3. Stress
Stress is horrible for anyone in general, but it also sends signals to the scalp that hinder hair growth. It’s essential to have calming activities that will keep you at peace.
4. Hairstyles
The fad of man-buns and bleached hair can contribute to a receding hairline. The chemicals in bleach can significantly weaken your hair follicles.
5. Smoking
Smoking isn’t only horrible for your lungs; the toxins in the smoke can harm your hair follicles and interfere with their growth.
6. Scalp conditions
Some complications on your scalp can also cause a receding hairline. The continuous scratching on your scalp when you have dandruff can weaken your strands.
There is also a condition called Telogen Effluvium which puts the hair on a “resting” phase. This condition is normal, but sometimes it causes more hair to fall than usual.
Stages Of A Receding Hairline
Your hair won’t fall out at once, it’s a gradual process that may not be obvious at first. Try to observe your hair if it looks unusual.
- Stage #1. There are barely any signs; you won’t notice much difference in your hair.
- Stage #2. You start to notice receding hair on your temples
- Stage #3. The hairline starts moving back into an “M” shape. This stage is where it starts getting obvious.
- Stage #4. This stage is the start of “vertex” balding. You will notice a bald spot on the top of your head.
- Stage #5. Hair loss is obvious, and it forms a “U” from above.
- Stage #6. Receding hair moves to the back of your head.
- Stage #7. The front part of your head is completely bald.
- Stage #8. You can see hair loss at all sides of the head.
Home Prevention For A Receding Hairline
It’s always better to prevent hair loss from the beginning, and there are some easy tricks you can do at home to strengthen your hair.
1. Have enough iron
Iron deficiency can cause hair loss; eat food like healthy meat and green vegetables to enrich your diet.
2. Take biotin supplements
This B-complex vitamin is excellent for the hair. It is found in some food like lentils or broccoli, but taking a supplement is also an excellent choice.
3. Try some saw palmetto
Saw palmetto is an herbal remedy from the American dwarf tree. It’s best for the prostate, but it can also help with hair loss.
4. Eat more seaweed
Kelp is becoming a popular food around the world. It is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that are excellent for the hair and skin. Regular consumption of seaweed can make your hair follicles stronger.
5. Try some MSM supplements
Methylsulfonylmethane is organic sulfur that helps with inflammation and pain. It is proven to help hair grow faster, too.
Professional Solutions To Combat A Receding Hairline
Sometimes hair loss is inevitable, no matter how much you try to prevent it. Luckily, there are several medications and treatments to help with your condition.
Don’t be ashamed to visit a medical professional when you see your hair thinning.
- Medication
Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Anthralin are some over-the-counter medications that can help with a receding hairline. Minoxidil is topical, so you must apply it to your scalp at night.
Finasteride is an oral medication that can lower the harmful DHT hormone, while Anthralin boosts hair growth.
- Hair Transplants
There used to be a huge stigma against hair transplants, but now people see the benefits. It involves extracting hair from the back or sides and transferring it to the balding portions.
Make sure to consult with your doctor before undergoing this procedure.
- Micropigmentation
This is a new treatment that involves tattooing a hairline. It gives the illusion of hair and makes thinning less obvious.
- Laser Treatment
Laser therapy can alert your cells to start the growth or “anagen” phase of hair. It is painless and non-invasive, but you will need several sessions to see any improvement.
- Scalp Massage
A regular scalp massage improves blood circulation and can make your hair stronger. A gentle, ten-minute massage may stimulate your follicles to produce more hair.
- Cosmetic Shampoos and Essential Oils
DHT blocker shampoos can prevent the effect of the hormone on your hair. Try looking for bottles with ketoconazole too, as it can stimulate hair growth.
Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and rosemary can help with hair regrowth. Mix it with carrier oils like olive or coconut oil and massage it on your scalp.
- Embrace it
If you don’t want to go through all the hassle of treatments and medicines, you can always shave your head! Shaving is a popular choice among men since it’s less stressful and makes you feel cool.
If you are nervous about shaving your head for the first time, you can always visit a barber.
Conclusion
A receding hairline can be embarrassing and annoying, so it’s good that you have some precautions and treatments that can help. Just remember that whatever you decide, it will make you feel comfortable with your appearance.
