Receding hairline - How to prevent it

Hormones, genetics and androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hereditary hair loss.

In people with a genetic predisposition, the hair follicles may be particularly sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT.

Over time, the affected hair follicles may produce finer and shorter strands of hair.

In men, this often manifests as:

• receding temples
• a more M-shaped hairline
• thinning on the crown of the head

In women, androgenetic hair loss is more commonly seen as more diffuse thinning on the crown of the head.

If you suspect androgenetic alopecia, a doctor or dermatologist can help assess the condition and advise on relevant treatment options.

See also our guide on baldness and hair loss in men.

Could diet be the cause of receding hairlines?

A varied and balanced diet is part of a healthy lifestyle.

However, it is important not to automatically assume that receding hairline is caused by a deficiency in a specific vitamin or mineral.

There are many different causes of changes in hair density and hairline.

If you suspect a deficiency, you should speak to your doctor rather than trying to diagnose a deficiency based on the appearance of your hair.

How important is hair care?

Ordinary shampoo, conditioner and styling products are not the cause of androgenetic alopecia.

However, your hair care routine can affect the hair strands themselves and the scalp.

If your hair is fine or less dense around the temples, you should therefore focus on:

• gentle washing
• careful brushing
• limiting harsh styling
• appropriate use of heat styling tools
• products suited to your scalp

Hair care can help look after the hair you have, but should not be regarded as a treatment for hereditary hair loss.

Can lifestyle affect your hair?

A healthy lifestyle is important for general health and wellbeing.

Exercise, sleep, a varied diet and managing stress can all be good habits in general.

However, this does not mean that exercise or certain lifestyle changes can necessarily prevent androgenetic alopecia or make a receding hairline grow back.

If you are experiencing hair loss, the cause should be assessed on an individual basis.

What can be done about high temples?

It depends first and foremost on the cause.

If your hairline has always looked like this, it is not necessarily a case of hair loss.

If, on the other hand, it is gradually receding, it may be worth speaking to your GP or a dermatologist.

There are medical treatment options available for certain types of hair loss, and a healthcare professional can advise you on what is appropriate for your specific situation.

Cosmetic hair products and dietary supplements should not be regarded as treatments for androgenetic alopecia.

Choose a shampoo suited to your hair and scalp

A shampoo is primarily used to cleanse the hair and scalp.

There is no evidence to suggest that a particular ordinary shampoo can prevent receding hairlines or halt androgenetic hair loss.

If your scalp feels dry or sensitive, a mild shampoo may be suitable.

Conversely, if you use a lot of styling products, it may be important to ensure your hair is cleansed thoroughly.

You should therefore choose a shampoo based on your hair type, scalp condition and personal preferences.

Care for your scalp

A regular scalp care routine can form part of your hair care regime.

For example, you can keep your scalp clean and massage it gently whilst washing your hair.

A Deep Scalp Brush can be used to massage the scalp and distribute the shampoo.

Scalp massage can be pleasant, but should not be described as a proven method for stopping receding hairlines or regrowing hair.

Eat a varied diet

A varied and balanced diet provides a range of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

You could, for example, include various sources of:

• vegetables
• fruit
• wholemeal
• protein
• fish
• nuts and seeds

It is not necessary to eat specific foods solely to prevent receding hairlines.

What about hair supplements?

A dietary supplement should not be used as a treatment for receding hairline or androgenetic alopecia.

Yuaia Hair Vitamins contain, amongst other things, biotin and zinc.

Biotin helps maintain normal hair.

Zinc helps maintain normal hair.

This does not mean that Hair Vitamins can:

• stop a receding hairline
• prevent androgenetic alopecia
• make hair grow back at the temples
• increase hair density in areas affected by hair loss

Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Always follow the recommended daily dose.

Dermarollers and the scalp

Some people use dermarollers as part of their scalp care routine.

A dermaroller consists of many small needles that mechanically stimulate the skin.

This also means it must be used correctly and hygienically.

A dermaroller should not be marketed as a guaranteed method for regrowing hair at the temples.

If you are considering microneedling in connection with actual hair loss, it may be advisable to speak to a doctor or dermatologist about the best approach.

Do not use a dermaroller on irritated, damaged or diseased skin.

Hairstyles for high temples

If you have high temples, the right hairstyle can make a big difference to how your hairline appears.

A skilled hairdresser can help you find a cut that suits your hairline, hair density and face shape.

Buzz cut

A very short hairstyle can make the difference between your hairline and the rest of your hair less noticeable.

Crew cut

Here, the hair is short at the sides and slightly longer on top. This can create a more balanced look around the hairline.

Short textured hairstyle

Texture and a bit of volume on top can be an option if you want to play around with the appearance of your hairline.

Clean shave

Some people choose to shave their hair off completely and make the receding hairline a less prominent feature of their look.

There isn’t just one right solution. It’s very much a question of what you feel comfortable with.

Will I develop receding temples?

It’s impossible to predict with certainty.

If androgenetic alopecia runs in your family, your risk may be higher, but heredity is complex.

You cannot, therefore, simply look at your father’s hairline and conclude how your own hair will develop.

If your hairline changes noticeably, a doctor or dermatologist can help assess the cause.

Can women also develop a receding hairline?

Yes.

Women can also experience changes to their hairline and hair loss.

However, the pattern of androgenetic alopecia often looks different in women than in men.

Women more frequently experience diffuse thinning on the top of the head, whilst a distinct M-shaped hairline is more typical in men.

There are also other causes of hair loss in women.

If you notice a new or noticeable change in your hairline, you should therefore have the cause assessed on an individual basis.

Are high temples always a sign of hair loss?

No.

Some people naturally have a high or M-shaped hairline.

The most important thing, therefore, is whether the hairline has actually changed.

If it has always looked like that, it need not be a sign of active hair loss.

If, on the other hand, your temples are gradually receding, this may be a sign of a change in hair density.

Can receding temples grow back?

It depends on the cause.

If the change is due to androgenetic alopecia, this is a medical condition, and the options should be discussed with a doctor or dermatologist.

Treatments are available for certain types of hair loss, but their effectiveness varies from person to person.

Ordinary shampoo, cosmetic serums, hair vitamins and scalp brushes should not be marketed as products that can make receding hairlines grow back.

Can you be born with a receding hairline?

Yes.

The shape and position of the hairline vary naturally from person to person.

Some people therefore naturally have a higher hairline or more pronounced receding temples.

This is not necessarily a sign of hair loss.

It is only if the hairline changes over time that it may be worth investigating the cause further.

When should you contact your doctor?

You may wish to contact your doctor if you experience:

• a rapidly changing hairline
• significant hair loss
• patches of baldness
• sudden thinning
• changes to the scalp
• other symptoms occurring alongside the hair loss

There are many different causes of hair loss, and it is not always possible to determine the cause based solely on the appearance of the hair.

Read our guide to the causes of hair loss.

Product recommendations for a hair care routine for receding hairlines

If you’re experiencing a receding hairline, you can still use standard hair and scalp products as part of your routine.

However, these products should be kept clearly separate from medical treatment for hair loss.

Grow & Glow Shampoo

Grow & Glow Shampoo is used for general cleansing of the hair and scalp.

It can form part of your hair care routine and should be used in accordance with the product’s instructions.

It should not be regarded as a shampoo for androgenetic alopecia or receding hairline.

Grow & Glow Serum Formula+

Grow & Glow Serum Formula+ is a cosmetic serum developed for application directly to the scalp.

It can be used as part of your scalp care routine in accordance with the product’s instructions for use.

The serum should not be marketed as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia or as a product that is guaranteed to regrow hair at the temples.

Hair Vitamins

Yuaia Hair Vitamins is a dietary supplement containing, amongst other ingredients, biotin and zinc.

Biotin and zinc help to maintain normal hair.

Hair Vitamins should not be regarded as a treatment for receding hairlines or hair loss.

Always follow the recommended daily dose.

Deep Scalp Brush

The Deep Scalp Brush can be used to massage the scalp and distribute shampoo or other scalp products.

It can be a pleasant part of your hair care routine, but should not be presented as a treatment for receding hairlines.

Brief summary

Receding hairlines can be a natural part of your hairline or a sign that your hairline is gradually changing.

In men, androgenetic alopecia is a common cause of a receding hairline.

If your hairline changes noticeably over time, you should have the cause assessed.

Regular hair care can help you look after your existing hair and scalp, but shampoo, serums, dietary supplements and scalp massage should not be regarded as treatments for androgenetic hair loss.

When referring to Hair Vitamins, the relevant authorised claims are:

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.