An M-shaped hairline is a common type of receding hairline where the hair recedes from the temples but remains fuller at the centre of the forehead, forming an “M” shape. This pattern typically occurs as part of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), but it can also happen with ageing.
An M-shaped hairline is the classic indication of early hair loss in men, for whom age-related and genetic hair loss is characterised by a receding hairline at the front of their hair around the temple.
However, an M-shaped hairline might be something you are born with, especially if other family members have a similar hair growth pattern. The easiest way to identify an M-shaped hairline is to look for hair replicating the capital letter, with a more prominent growth in the middle, bracketed by two deeper areas without any hair to the sides.
If pattern hair loss is the cause of changes to your hairline, you are far from alone – roughly 50% of all men ages 50+ and 50% of women aged 65+ have some degree of hair loss, usually referred to as female or male pattern hair loss. [1]
The positive news is that there are varied innovative treatments, therapies and hair transplant procedures that can reverse an M-shaped hairline or correct hair loss and thinning around the temple – if this is something you feel would augment your appearance and confidence.
M-Shaped Hairlines: The Facts
- M-shaped hairlines may be genetic, and some people have hair that naturally grows in this pattern regardless of age – rather than seeing an M-shaped hairline develop as their hairline recedes.
- The more common reason to see an M-shaped line around your temple is that you have a hereditary receding hairline or are in the early stages of pattern baldness, which in men typically begins at the temple.
- Depending on the reason for your M-shaped hairline and whether you would like to correct this, solutions might include a bespoke hair transplant, hair restoration therapies to reactivate dormant follicles, or alternative styling.
Defining the Shape and Look of an M-Shaped Hairline
The first area to clarify is that there are hundreds of hairlines, some natural, some genetic, some influenced by your health or injuries to your scalp, and others that begin to curve and form a cowlick, widow’s peak or M-shape as you age.
Most people’s hair growth is genetic rather than influenced by lifestyle factors. A feature like a widow’s peak is technically called morphogenetic, something you are predisposed to. Your hormones and family history dictate how your hair will form over time.
Widow’s peaks and M-shaped hairlines also affect a large proportion of people as one of the most common types of hair loss, with as many as 32.8% of men and 29.6% of women having a hairline that forms the typical V shape, usually developing more noticeably after middle age. [2]
Notably, a widow’s park and an M-shaped hairline are slightly different, although both present with one area of hair growth that extends lower onto the forehead.
However, a widow’s peak has more of a V-shaped point in the middle section of the forehead, while the hair grows in a gradual curve outward from the centre to the side. This hairline normally has a mature growth pattern rather than being a sign of hair loss.
M-shaped hairlines form the configuration we’ve mentioned, although they have a more defined triangle area of growth at the front and steeper growth lines from the front leading to the sides. This hairline is more likely to indicate hair loss, usually age-related.
Potential Causes or Factors in M-Shaped Hairlines
Age is the most frequent factor in an M-shaped hairline, although this could occur in earlier adulthood when hormonal changes impact hair growth.
More commonly, M-shaped hairlines occur because of:
- The quantities of the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, within the body – higher DHT levels are one of the leading causes of male hair loss and are linked to your genetics. [3]
- Elevated stress levels, where conditions like telogen effluvium mean the physical impact of stress and stress hormones, affect your hair growth. This is normally temporary, although it can be addressed with treatment if the hair loss does not self-correct. [4]
KSL Clinic’s Director of Surgical Services notes that ‘While there isn’t necessarily any need to act to reverse or address an M-shaped hairline, and clients with early-stage pattern hair loss may not yet be suited to a full hair transplant, professional advice can help prevent unnecessary hair loss or keep your hairline healthy for longer.’
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Free Consultations to Correct or Reverse an M-Shaped Hairline
If you are concerned about hair loss, a thinning hairline, or the changing pattern of your hair, the first step is to schedule a no-cost consultation with your closest KSL Clinic.
Our accredited, highly experienced hair restoration experts will examine your scalp and hair before providing independent recommendations and quotations.
While we specialise in hair transplantation, we also offer varied non-surgical treatments, therapies, and medications that may assist. You can also schedule a permanent procedure to fix your M-shaped hairline if you wish to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Conceal an M-Shaped Hairline Without a Hair Transplant?
Yes, potentially. M-shaped hairlines, especially in the early stages of hair loss, can often be disguised by changing your styling, using a fringe or side part to cover the affected area, or cutting your hair shorter so that the contrasts between hair growth and the hairline are less noticeable.
What Is the Difference Between an M-Shaped Hairline and a Mature Hairline?
Maturing hairlines are a natural element of ageing and often look like a slight recession, although this will usually stop rather than progress further with time. Receding hairlines may initially look similar to mature hairlines. Still, hair loss will continue, often with inconsistencies in the areas affected or the pace at which hair recedes in different regions.
Do M-Shaped Hairlines Only Affect Men?
Typically, a true M-shaped hairline is a distinct pattern of hair loss often associated with male pattern hair loss or male androgenetic alopecia [5] – it is rare for a woman to see this shape of hair growth since female pattern hair loss usually affects the crown rather than the front hairline. [6]
However, there are countless misconceptions about hair loss in women, and we can provide further advice on request to determine the right ways to restore your hairline, regardless of your gender.
References and Sources:
- Alopecia UK: Androgenetic Alopecia
- National Library of Medicine: Widow’s Peak
- National Library of Medicine: Assessment of the Usefulness of Dihydrotestosterone
- National Institutes of Health: How Stress Causes Hair Loss
- National Library of Medicine: Male Androgenetic Alopecia
- British Association of Dermatologists: Hair Loss Female Pattern
