A window's peak is a V-shaped hairline in the center of the forehead. The origins of the name are unknown, but the lore suggests the name stems from the hats women used to wear while mourning the loss of their husbands in the 18th century. Regardless of the origin of the name, a window's peak hairline is likely a genetic trait, and nothing to be ashamed of.
While most widow's peak hairlines are likely genetic or a natural result of aging, some progression may stem from other conditions, meaning the height of the peak might be reversed or the rate of hair loss slowed. The primary concern for those wishing to alter their appearance is finding the root cause of hair loss and the most appropriate method to fix or reverse the damage.
Causes of the Widow's Peak
Researchers strongly believe there is a genetic link to the development of a widow's peak, but proving this familial link is difficult without identifying the specific gene or combination of genes responsible for the hairline. However, while genetic predisposition may not yet be provable, researchers have identified several genetic conditions that may lead to hair loss with a widow's peak pattern.
- Donnai-Barrow syndrome
- Aarskog syndrome
- Opitz G/BBB syndrome
- Frontonasal dysplasia
Beyond a familial link or genetic disorders, a widow's peak is often a natural sign of aging. Your hairline may recede anytime after puberty. Correcting a natural mature hairline is difficult because the body alters the hair growth and development. However, if the V-shaped hairline relates to an illness, you might change or reverse the effects, but there is likely no quick fix.
Reducing the Appearance
Many people have a contentious relationship with their window's peak because they concern themselves with common stereotypes. The V-shaped hairline is often associated with villains or devious people in movies and stories. However, fiction does not always reflect reality. A widow's peak does not automatically make you Dracula, but if you are concerned about perception, consider changing your hairstyle to reduce the appearance of your hairline.
You can use several hairstyles to hide the widow's peak. For example, you can part your hair slightly off-center, or you can grow bangs. Primarily, if you wish to conceal your natural hairline, find ways to de-emphasize the area. However, every person deserves to let their natural beauty shine through, so you could slick back your hair, tie it in a ponytail and show off your striking hairline without shame, if you so choose.
Household Remedies
If you are not a fan of your widow's peak, and you really want it gone, there are several short-term, cost-effective options you can use to reduce the appearance. However, before opting for self-correction, try talking with your stylist or barber for suggestions. Many hair professionals may have similar suggestions to home remedies, like waxing, tweezing or depilatories.
Waxing, tweezing and creams help to remove the hair from the peak, making it appear less prominent. However, tweezing and waxing are often painful ways to get a temporary result because the hair should grow back, which makes these techniques well-suited for people unsure of the change. If you are looking for something a little more permanent, then you may want to search for medical office procedures.
Office Treatments
If eliminating your widow's peak through hair removal sounds like a suitable option for you, then consider a more permanent method. A doctor or aesthetician can make suggestions about potential treatments, but the two most often cited are laser hair removal or electrolysis. Each method has pros and cons, so make sure you understand what you are getting into before agreeing to the treatment.
Electrolysis uses heat energy to destroy the individual hairs of your peak, which helps to prevent new hair growth. However, you need to receive several treatments for the best results. Laser hair removal is like electrolysis, but it often lasts much longer; it is also the preferred hair removal option of many professionals.
DS Laboratories Products
Hair removal is not your only option for reducing the appearance of a widow's peak. Have you considered the possibility of replenishing hair loss? True, some V-shaped hairlines are natural and irreversible, but others may benefit from topical treatments, helping to nourish the scalp and make regrowth possible. The scientists and researchers at DS Laboratories pride themselves on creating innovative hair treatments to ensure a healthy and beautiful hairline.
DS Laboratories has several products for encouraging the growth of hair follicles. Revita Shampoo® and conditioner are their primary hair stimulating products, designed for men and women with hair loss and thinning hair. By maintaining scalp vitality, the combination of this shampoo and conditioner can improve hair growth, potentially reducing the prominence of your widow's peak.
Spectral DNC-N® is an advanced therapy that uses 5% Nanoxidil® to promote hair growth and prevent further loss. The treatment works by opening ion channels within cells and suppressing DHT.
Both treatments are proven effective against hair loss, which means each may correct or limit the further development of a widow's peak. However, the primary determiner is the underlying cause of your hairline.
Researchers suspect that a widow's peak is primarily genetic. However, several conditions can lead to hair loss, which can also create a V-shaped hairline. If you want to remove your widow's peak or reverse hair loss, consider your treatment options. DS Laboratories has several products available, or you can contact one of their representatives.