A receding hairline can affect both men and women, though it is more common in men. It represents one of the early signs of male pattern baldness and usually recedes (moves back) to form an "M" shape in men. There's no outright fix for a receding hairline. However, you can take steps to prevent your hairline from receding further or even allow your lost hair to regrow. This article will explore the most effective ways to fix a receding hairline.
Key takeaways:
Receding hairline can impact both men and women; however, it is more common in men.
Several options exist for fixing a receding hairline. Some common fixes include medications (minoxidil and finasteride), scalp micropigmentation, platelet-rich plasma, wigs, and hair transplantation.
Consult a dermatologist or hair loss specialist to determine the best solutions for your receding hairline.
It is also important to note that not all treatments work for everyone. The best course of action depends on each particular case.
Receding hairline treatment options
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for a receding hairline, but certain science-proven tips can slow it down or prevent it from getting worse.
Medications
Minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride are FDA-approved hair loss medications that help slow down hair loss and promote regrowth.
Minoxidil is a topical over-the-counter solution applied directly to your scalp. It reduces the telogen (resting) phase, allowing the resting hair follicles to transition into the anagen (growth) phase. It also boosts blood flow to your scalp, which can help revive dormant follicles and stimulate growth along the hairline.
Finasteride, on the other hand, is an oral medication taken daily. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the male hormone known to induce male pattern hair loss.
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP)
This novel, non-surgical technique entails tattooing or permanently concealing your scalp. It involves camouflaging a receding hairline by injecting minute, medical-grade pigments into your scalp.
SMP’s primary goal is to create an illusion of thicker, fuller hair without having to go through surgery. It is a great alternative to hair transplant for people not ready for surgery. SMP is semi-permanent and can last several years with appropriate aftercare.
Hair-building fibers
Though not precisely considered a cure, hair-building fibers can help fill in the gaps of and conceal a receding hairline. These cosmetic fibers help give your hair a fuller, thicker look by binding to the existing hair strands.
These hair fibers are derived from wool, rice keratin, rayon, or human hair. They provide a convenient, natural-looking solution for people looking to camouflage a receding hairline. However, these benefits are temporary and not a cure for hair loss. Moreover, you’ll have to spritz or sprinkle them daily. One popular brand of hair concealer is Toppik.
Wigs
Wigs are another great way to cover up a receding hairline. They come in various styles, colors, and materials, so it's easy to find one that looks and feels natural. Wigs and hairpieces can also be a good option for those who do not prefer more permanent or semi-permanent fixes, such as a hair transplant or micro scalp pigmentation.
Hair transplant
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves removing hair follicles from one section of your scalp (donor site) and transplanting them to the bald area (recipient site). This surgical procedure can provide long-lasting results.
The surgeon will usually retrieve these hair follicles from the back and sides of your scalp, where hair growth is more resistant to hormonal changes. These are then transplanted to your head's front, top, and crown.
Types of hair transplants
There are two primary types of hair transplant techniques: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).
FUT involves excising a hair-bearing strip of skin from the donor site and cutting it into small hair follicles. The follicles are then transplanted to the recipient site. It is also known as the strip technique. FUT has more pitfalls than FUE. It leaves a linear scar at the donor site and typically requires several weeks of recovery.
On the other hand, FUE entails harvesting individual hair follicles from the donor site with the help of a manual or motorized punch tool. The follicles are then transplanted to the recipient site. FUE has gained more popularity because it leaves no linear scar and has a faster recovery time compared to FUT.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
PRP is another promising therapeutic option for hair loss. It involves stimulating hair growth through injections of one's own blood plasma. During this procedure, your doctor will first extract your blood and process it to get the plasma portion of the blood. The concentrated plasma is then injected back into your scalp.
For people who are not familiar, plasma is the liquid part of the blood packed with platelets and white blood cells. Platelets are rich in growth factors that promote healing and tissue regeneration, including hair follicles, which can improve hair growth and thickness.
A 2019 study compared the conventional minoxidil 5% to topical PRP. The results were more promising for PRP with minimal side effects in treating male pattern hair loss.
With that said, it's important to note that PRP is not a guaranteed fix for hair loss, and its effectiveness may vary widely. Thus, consult your doctor to determine if PRP is the appropriate hair loss treatment for you.
There are several options available for fixing a receding hairline. The best solution will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. It's imperative to check with a dermatologist or hair restoration specialist to determine the most effective course of action. With the right treatment, it is possible to slow down or even reverse the effects of a receding hairline and regain a full head of hair.
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