We’re often asked whether a receding hair line can grow back. Receding hairlines are a common sign of pattern hair loss. In men, androgenetic alopecia almost always begins initially with thinning and hair loss around the temples, creating a widow’s peak or characteristic M-shaped hairline—which, in most cases, will not grow back by itself.
Because the most frequent reason for frontal hairline hair loss is hereditary and genetic [1], there are very few circumstances in which follicles will naturally start producing new hair. However, there are several treatments to slow the pace of hair loss or therapies and transplants to restore the former density of your hairline.
The expert hair restoration surgeons at KSL Clinic have put this guide together to run through the reasons you’ve likely seen a loss of hair growth or thickness around your frontal hairline, the varied ways to manage or slow down the speed of hair loss, and some of the options, if you’ve found changes to your hairline aren’t correcting themselves naturally.
Frontal Hairline Hair Loss and Regrowth:
- In most cases, hair loss to the front of your hair and temples will not naturally grow back because the cause is commonly attributed to androgenetic alopecia, particularly in men for whom pattern hair loss typically begins with changes to this aspect of their hair.
- Receding frontal hairlines are widely recognised as the first indication of male pattern hair loss. However, diffuse thinning across larger areas or hair loss to the crown and parting are more common in women. [2]
- Since hair loss around the temples is usually permanent rather than temporary, there is little chance the hairline will grow back, although we can offer several strategies, such as hair transplants and non-surgical therapies, to restore your hairline.
The Causes and Phases of Hair Loss to the Front of Your Hairline
Male pattern baldness usually follows a series of steps, and seeking help at the right point can be important.
This is before hair loss extends to a degree at which a hair transplant would not be possible, but without attempting to undergo a hair transplant or other treatment too soon and when further treatments may be necessary.
Usually, pattern baldness develops as follows:
- Men first see the beginnings of a receding hairline at the temples. Hair growth begins to look uneven and then gradually becomes more pronounced, resulting in a widow’s peak or M-shaped hairline.
- Next, hair loss begins to affect the top of the scalp or growth towards the back of the head, evolving into a bald patch to the rear of the crown.
- Over time, these two areas of hair loss expand and eventually meet, creating a larger and more visible area of hair loss or complete baldness.
- If left untreated, a receding hairline may become a pattern of baldness affecting all of the top and front of the scalp, with residual hair growth only on the back and sides of the head.
Because this type of hair loss is progressive, there is little potential for hair to begin to regrow around your temples by itself—although the recommendations we make will depend on the current stage of hair recession and the results you’d like to achieve.
Reviewing the Reasons Your Hairline May Be Receding
Hair loss is incredibly common in men, with a reported 42% of males experiencing some extent of hair loss, and with a higher 53% of men seeing balding by the time they reach ages 40 to 49. [3]
Some of the many underlying causes and factors behind hair loss around your frontal hairline can include:
- Age-related hair loss, caused by hormonal changes, with most of us seeing thinning and reduced density of hair loss as we age.
- Other hormonal impacts such as an excess of the DHT hormone in men, which speeds up the cycle of hair growth and loss and means that new hairs grow more slowly or not at all.
- Familial tendencies, with many people experiencing receding hairlines having parents or grandparents with similar hair loss patterns.
- Reactions to medications or treatments, with responses and side effects to blood thinners, antidepressants and chemotherapy as a few examples.
- Heightened levels of stress or ongoing ill health, with telogen effluvium, a type of sudden and sporadic hair loss often linked to anxiety, depression or bouts of illness – which may or may not self-correct over time.
- Lifestyle factors, with research showing that smoking can be an issue associated with earlier-onset androgenetic alopecia [4] and connections between higher levels of oxidative stress and receding hairlines.
Irrespective of the reasons for a receding hairline, most are progressive and ongoing, which indicates that hair will not regrow independently. The best way to replenish your hairline is with a professional series of therapies, medicated treatments, or a full hair transplant.
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Options to Restore a Receded Hairline or Hair Loss to the Temples
The ideal ways to correct, slow down, or address a receding hairline will always depend on your specific circumstances. Our Director of Surgical Services, Dr Matee, says, “Receding hairlines are far from rare, but we never underestimate the impact this might have on your confidence, self-esteem, and perceptions of your appearance.”
From topical treatments as an interim measure to advanced platelet-rich plasma therapies to activate fresh growth and bespoke, minimally invasive and precise hair transplants, we aim to ensure every client is delighted with their outcomes.
Our consultation process is flexible, free, and without obligation. We’d encourage anybody concerned or unhappy with their hairline to pick a day and time at any of our nationwide clinics to have a confidential chat with me or one of my experienced colleagues.
We’ll answer all your questions, evaluate your scalp and hair, and put together a personalised package of treatments or strategies. This will ensure you correct your hairline once and for all and make informed decisions throughout.’
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Receding Hairline Grow Back By Itself?
Unfortunately, there are few scenarios where we’d expect to see a receding hairline correct its growth pattern and produce healthy new follicles. Typically, those follicles have been impacted by hormones, age, or pattern hair loss and have shrunk or become dormant.
Nevertheless, we might suggest numerous approaches, including medications, laser and platelet-rich plasma therapies, and hair transplantation, that can restore your hairline or prevent further hair loss.
What Is the Best Way to Promote Regrowth in My Hairline?
As we’ve discussed, the right options always depend on the reasons for hair loss, your age, the current stage of hair loss, and how you’d like your hairline to look in a perfect world.
Rebuilding a hairline naturally might be possible, but in most cases, we’d suggest a series of therapies to reactivate dormant follicles, topical treatments to slow the rate at which hair continues to shed, and potentially a permanent hair transplant to replenish your hairline, utilising your own healthy donor follicles for a seamless, natural appearance.
Will My Receding Hairline Grow Back By Itself?
Unfortunately, there are few scenarios where we’d expect to see a receding hairline correct its growth pattern and produce healthy new follicles. Typically, those follicles have been impacted by hormones, age, or pattern hair loss and have shrunk or become dormant.
Nevertheless, we might suggest numerous approaches, including medications, laser and platelet-rich plasma therapies, and hair transplantation, that can restore your hairline or prevent further hair loss.
What Is the Best Way to Promote Regrowth in My Hairline?
As we’ve discussed, the right options always depend on the reasons for hair loss, your age, the current stage of hair loss, and how you’d like your hairline to look in a perfect world.
Rebuilding a hairline naturally might be possible, but in most cases, we’d suggest a series of therapies to reactivate dormant follicles, topical treatments to slow the rate at which hair continues to shed, and potentially a permanent hair transplant to replenish your hairline, utilising your own healthy donor follicles for a seamless, natural appearance.
