5 Ways to Treat a Receding Hairline and Boost Hair Growth—No Matter the Cause
Even switching your shampoo and conditioner can make a big difference
Did you know that over 80 million Americans deal with hair loss in their lifetime? Hair loss comes in many forms and while a receding hairline is more common in men, this type of front-and-center hair loss can especially be a confidence-sapper for women. “What many are experiencing is called androgenetic alopecia,” says Ronda Farah, MD, a dermatologist at M Health Fairview Clinics and Surgery Center in Minneapolis and assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. “More commonly known as female pattern hair loss—typically there is thinning on the top, and sometimes pretty close to what we call the temporal area of the scalp where it indents a little bit.” To learn more about what causes this type of thinning and how to stop a receding hairline, keep scrolling.
What causes a receding hairline in women?
The most common causes of a receding hairline in women are genetics and hormonal changes, though other causes can also contribute to the problem. “This type of alopecia usually starts as a gradual thinning of hair, and hair may become finer and shorter over time, adds Mandy Buechner, a trichologist and CEO of Thairapy Wellness Center. “What’s more, nutritional deficiencies, stress, medical conditions, medications and hairstyling techniques can all play a role.” These reasons are why she says it’s imperative to see a dermatologist or trichologist to help differentiate between hair thinning and hair breakage, as they have different causes and therapies.
5 tricks on how to stop a receding hairline
Besides paying a visit to a hair loss specialist, some hair loss treatments can help reverse a receding hairline. Read on for the expert-recommended solutions for promoting hair growth.
How to stop a receding hairline: Try topical minoxidil
“This FDA-approved topical treatment in the form of a liquid or a foam can be applied directly to the scalp,” says Buechner. “It helps to promote hair regrowth and is available over-the-counter—the key to success is to stay consistent.”
How to stop a receding hairline: Take an oral medication
A doctor may also prescribe oral medications like spironolactone or oral minoxidil, says Dr. Farah. These medications have been proven to reduce hair loss in women who experience female pattern hair loss.
How to stop a receding hairline: Apply a hair serum
When triggers such as stress, pregnancy, or even tight hairstyles like ponytails cause rapid hair shedding—called telogen effluvium—this can lead to a receding hairline in women. To halt this type of hair loss Andy Goren, MD, a hair loss expert, professor and head of the research lab at the Department of Dermatology at Marconi University in Rome, recommends Daniel Alain Intact5, a hair serum his research helped create that stops hair shedding after one use. “The product works by contracting the small muscle attached to each scalp hair called the arrector pili muscle,” explains Dr. Goren. “Thus holds the hair tighter to the scalp.” To use: Apply the serum to the scalp and let sit for 5 minutes before washing hair.
How to stop a receding hairline: Swap your shampoo and conditioner
Scalp-stimulating shampoos can also help with a receding hairline and hair loss, says Buechner. One she likes is Nutri Ox Thinning Hair System 30-Day Starter Kit. The shampoo, conditioner and tonic contain peppermint oil, biotin and more to help strengthen hair and promote new growth. To use: Wash and condition hair as usual, then once hair is dry spray the tonic on dry hair and massage into the scalp twice daily.
How to stop a receding hairline: Test out a laser treatment
FoLix is a new FDA-cleared fractional laser that treats the hair on the scalp. Treatment consists of a few sessions where the device is moved across the scalp in a grid-like fashion. “It’s only slightly uncomfortable for those with a sensitive scalp—and patients typically do great with it,” says Dr. Farah. “Treatments are spread several weeks apart so we can monitor the scalp and see how the treatment is doing.” The cost can range from $300 to $700 per session.
What’s most important, say the pros, is to take action the moment you notice a receding hairline. “It’s important to consult with a certified trichologist or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause of hair loss and to choose the most appropriate therapy plan at the first signs of hair loss,” says Buechner. “While we cannot change your DNA, we can help change the chemistry inside your body and on the scalp that is causing the hair loss.” That’s why getting on a good therapy plan as early as possible will help retain hair longer.
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