Receding hairline in men: Causes, treatment, and prevention

Attractiveness and self-confidence are just some of the many benefits that come from having healthy hair. A well-groomed hairstyle reflects a man’s image and is often noticed by the opposite sex. Despite changing grooming trends, men still do not take proper care of their hair. They usually start fighting the problem only when it is already in an advanced stage, which prolongs the treatment process and reduces its effectiveness. They often ignore early signs such as a receding hairline or deepening temples.

Causes of receding hairlines in men

The causes of hair loss can be found on many levels. One of them is an improper diet. Consuming large amounts of processed foods, sugar, and alcohol leads to poor overall health, including weak nourishment of the hair (hair follicles). A diet rich in all essential nutrients, macro and microelements, and vitamins ensures proper nourishment of the hair follicles and helps maintain a healthy growth phase.

Read more: Receding hairlines in women – causes and treatment options

Long-term and severe stress also negatively affects healthy hair. During stress, the body functions less efficiently, weakening various processes, including reduced microcirculation, which results in weakened hair follicles.

Causes of receding hairlines before the age of 30

1. Genetics – One of the main factors influencing early receding hairlines. If your parents or grandparents had receding hairlines, the likelihood of developing them at a young age increases.
2. Hormones – The hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the main culprit behind receding hairlines in men. Excess DHT causes follicle miniaturization, leading to thinner, shorter hair and eventually baldness.
3. Lifestyle – Unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep can contribute to hair loss and receding hairlines.
4. Stress – High stress levels can accelerate hair loss, leading to receding hairlines.

Diseases causing male receding hairlines
Excessive hair loss can also be a reaction to antidepressants or chemotherapy. In such cases, it is worth consulting a doctor who can recommend the right treatment and, if necessary, coordinate with the prescribing physician. A change of medication or additional tests may be required. Another common cause of hair loss is coexisting conditions, such as hypothyroidism, which need proper diagnosis.

Read also: 3 most common scalp conditions

Androgenetic alopecia as a cause of receding hairlines
The most common cause of receding hairlines in men is androgenetic alopecia. It is also the most common reason for receding hairlines in women. It affects over half of men over the age of 60. With age, hair loss intensifies. This is associated with male sex hormones and the hypersensitivity of hair follicle receptors to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Excess DHT disrupts the hair growth cycle. Hair falls out more frequently, and new growth becomes slower and weaker. Over time, the hair becomes thinner, more fragile, and in advanced stages, only fine vellus hair grows back. Androgenetic alopecia is a condition with genetic and hormonal roots, though excessive hair loss can sometimes be caused by other factors.

Preventing receding hairlines in men

Before the problem occurs, prevention is key. Regular brushing of hair in the morning and evening helps. Brushing both with and against the hair direction removes excess oil and cleanses the scalp of dead cells and dandruff.

Preventing receding hairlines can also be supported with the use of 5% minoxidil ( Loxon, Alopexy, Minovivax, Piloxidil, Alocutan) applied topically. It stimulates hair follicles and promotes nourishment. Prevention also includes a properly balanced diet. Adequate amounts of iron, vitamins, and minerals nourish the body and scalp effectively.

Energy drinks are not recommended, as they flush essential microelements out of the body. Another important preventive step is daily scalp massage, which improves circulation.

Receding hairlines – the first stage of baldness

The first stage of male pattern baldness is the appearance of small thinning areas at the front of the head – forming receding hairlines. Over time, these patches expand, pushing the hairline higher. This results in the so-called “high forehead,” a traditional sign of male baldness. The sooner treatment begins, the faster and more effective the results. If hair loss is not stopped at this stage, thinning will spread to the middle of the scalp. Advanced androgenetic alopecia may eventually result in complete baldness.

Read more: How to stop hair loss in men?

Treatment for receding hairlines in men

Fortunately, there are many ways to address receding hairlines at a young age. Some of them include:

• Healthy lifestyle – A healthier diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress management can help reduce the risk of hair loss.
• Medications – Drugs such as minoxidil and finasteride can be effective in preventing further hair loss and may even help regrow some hair.
• Surgical treatments – Hair transplants are increasingly popular and effective.
• Natural remedies – Some people find natural solutions such as castor oil, tea tree oil, or aloe vera beneficial for hair health.

We already know that baldness can be prevented in different ways. It is worth emphasizing that aesthetic medicine meets patients’ needs by offering hair transplants. Over the years, the procedure has been refined, leading to the development of the modern FUE hair transplant technique.

FUE Hair Transplant

The FUE method involves harvesting individual hair follicles from areas unaffected by hair loss (the donor area). Hair transplants are performed using a micro punch tool, which leaves microscopic scars invisible to the naked eye. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is an excellent solution for receding hairlines. Depending on the number of grafts transplanted, the procedure takes between 5 and 8 hours.

Choosing the right specialist with extensive experience in FUE hair transplants is crucial. Selecting this method helps avoid scarring and long recovery. The doctor will choose the appropriate donor and recipient areas depending on the patient’s needs. The success of the procedure largely depends on following post-treatment recommendations.