Receding hairlines can be a frustrating reality for many men, as it can have a significant impact on their self-esteem and appearance. A receding hairline is what you notice when hair stops growing at the front of the head. To understand the condition this condition, we’ve gathered up everything you need to know.
A receding hairline is a natural and gradual hair loss condition that mostly affects men. The condition usually starts with thinning at the top of the head, eventually leading to a horseshoe-like pattern, where the hairline retreats further back towards the crown.
Half of the men in the world experience hair loss by age 50. While hair loss is typically a sign of aging, this condition can be distressing for men, and it can drastically change a person’s appearance.
But why do men suffer from this condition?
Receding hairlines are mostly caused by a condition known as male pattern baldness-clinically known as androgenic alopecia. This condition is hereditary and can’t be prevented. Genetics play a huge role in determining a man’s susceptibility to male pattern baldness-some families may have a greater likelihood of experiencing the condition than others.
Furthermore, dihydrotestesterone (DHT) hormone, a derivative of testosterone, is also responsible for male pattern boldness. Increased DHT activity may shrink your hair follicles, causing the hair to become thinner and eventually fall out.
Hair loss may also be triggered by medical conditions, medications, hormonal imbalance and even environmental factors like stress. Though not nearly as common with men, hair loss could be accelerated by certain hairstyles that pull back on the hairline.
There are some ways to prevent a receding hairline that is triggered by certain styling methods, but once your hairline starts making the slow retreat from your forehead, you may want to consider treatment options that may help bring your desired hairline back.
While a there’s not much to do about a receding hairline caused by genetics or age, there are some steps men can take to slow down or prevent this kind of hair loss.
Treatments like Minoxidil (Rogaine) have been proved effective for improving receding hairlines. The FDA-approved topical solution increases blood flow to hair follicles, which can help promote hair growth. The medication may also help increase hair follicle size, which can lead to thicker hair growth.
Finasteride, an oral medication that blocks DHT, is also approved for treating hair loss. However, the medication has been associated with potential side effects like sexual dysfunction.
Ensure to check in with your doctor before you can go ahead to use any of these medications.
There exist a number of natural alternatives that can help with this condition, such as aromatherapy using essential oils like lavender and rosemary. While it’s not been proven scientifically effective, people have found oils like Jamaican black castor oil effective as well.
Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, getting a good seven to eight hours worth of sleep, and regular exercise could have a positive impact on preventing hair loss. Stress is associated with hair loss, so trying out stress-reducing activities like those and more could actually prove effective. Avoiding smoking and excessive drinking could also be helpful in the long run.
Hair loss could be accelerated by hairstyles like locs. Constantly holding back them back can result in stress along the hairline, which could accelerate hair loss. Avoid holding up your hair too tight when you have such styles in, let the hair down from time to time to prevent hair loss.
In conclusion, receding hairlines can have a significant impact on men’s self-confidence and esteem. Although it’s a natural process that can’t be avoided, taking steps to manage and prevent hair loss can help mitigate its effects.
Furthermore, remember that hair is only an aspect of your appearance and identity, embrace yourself as a whole, not just your hair. Because you are a GEM.