Why Do Hairlines Recede?

Common Causes of Receding Hairlines

Hormonal Changes

Hormone changes is one of the top causes of hair loss in both women and men. In particular, a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, may cause the hair follicles to shrink so tiny that they can no longer produce hair. DHT is associated with male pattern baldness.

Age

While receding hairlines can affect young people, they’re more likely to affect men aged 35 and older. When hair follicles become damaged, they may stop producing hair. Losing hair is a natural part of the aging process, but it can be slowed down in many people if corrective steps are taken.

Family History

If you have a family history of hairline recession, you’re probably more likely to experience it yourself than someone who doesn’t have a history of hair loss. In some families, the same pattern of hair loss occurs generation after generation.

Stress

Stress is a pervasive culprit behind many unwanted conditions. In addition to aiding weight gain and illness, too much stress can also cause hair loss in some people. Fortunately, the hair loss associated with stress often reverses itself once the stress levels are reduced.

Illness

Thyroid disease and other autoimmune diseases are associated with loss of hair. Often, hair loss from these conditions comes on suddenly, and it may stop just as suddenly. If you have an autoimmune disorder, try not to be alarmed if you experience periods of significant hair loss followed by periods of normal hair recession.

Medications

Most medications don’t have any effect on hair growth and retention, but some do. Chemotherapy, in particular, is known to cause most or all of the hair to fall out in people who have cancer. This type of hair loss usually isn’t permanent, and hair begins to grow back in the weeks and months following treatment.

Lifestyle Choices

Scientists think there may be a link between hair loss and lifestyle choices. Those who choose to eat nutrient-deficient diets low in protein are more likely to experience receding hairlines than those who eat healthy, balanced diets. Additionally, choosing to smoke may cause you to lose your hair faster than someone who doesn’t smoke.

Signs of a Receding Hairline

Generally, it’s not too hard to notice if your hairline has receded significantly. However, if you’re not sure whether you’re currently being affected by hairline recession, here are a few signs to watch for:

• Uneven hairline: Take a look at your hairline. If it looks strangely uneven, it could be because it’s starting to recede.
  
  
• Large-looking forehead: Does your forehead look longer than it used to? It might be because you’ve lost some hair along your hairline.
  
  
• Difficulty styling your hair: It isn’t unusual for people with receding hair to have difficulty styling their hair in a way that covers up the recession.
  
  
• Thinning areas along your hairline: If you have small spots or areas along your hairline that seem thinner than the adjacent areas, you may be experiencing hairline recession.
  
  
• Excessive shedding of hair: When your hair falls out or can be pulled out in clumps, you’ll likely notice a thinning hairline soon after.

If you still aren’t sure whether or not you’re experiencing hair recession, you may want to take pictures of your hair over time. Then, you can compare the pictures to see if your hairline is, in fact, receding.

What You Can Do for Your Hair Recession

While losing hair is a normal part of life for many people, that doesn’t mean you can’t do things to slow down the hair loss or even encourage regrowth of your lost hair. Here are a few steps you can take to minimize the effects of hairline recession.

Take Supplements

There are certain ingredients known to assist with hair growth and follicle health. Taking supplements with hair-healthy ingredients may help you avoid or slow down hair loss. Here are some ingredients to look for:

• Iron
• Zinc
• Genistein
• Melatonin
• Vitamin D
• Alfalfa extract
• Canadian Willowherb
• B-sitosterol
• Procyanidin B2
• Daidzein
• Biotin
• Magnesium

These ingredients all boost hair growth in different ways. They can make a huge difference in the appearance of your hairline when taken consistently over a period of time.

Use Hair-Stimulating Shampoos and Conditioners

Applying hair-stimulating shampoos and conditions regularly can deliver noticeable hair growth results for both men and women. Look for products that contain hair-stimulating ingredients such as ketoconazole, which is a DHT blocker.

Apply Topical Hair Growth Treatments

Topical hair growth products that contain minoxidil are popular treatments for hairline recession. For even more effective and safe results, look for a product that contains nanoxidil, such as Spectral.DNC-N, from DS Laboratories.

Eat Foods Known to Promote Hair Health

There are certain vitamins and other nutrients your body requires to grow thick, healthy hair. Some of these include:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Protein
• Vitamin D
• B-vitamins
• Iron
• Vitamin C

Try to get plenty of foods in your regular diet that contain these nutrients. Ideas include eggs, vegetables (especially dark, leafy greens and orange-fleshed vegetables), fruit, milk, seeds, nuts, and seafood. Read more on FOODS THAT HELP WITH HAIR LOSS.

Cut Back on Heated Styling Tools

If you use hair dryers and other heated styling tools frequently, try to cut back on their usage. Excessive heat can weaken and damage the hair follicles, which may lead to hair recession over time. Try letting your hair air-dry some days, and learn how to style it without the use of heat.

Minimize Stress

While it’s impossible to go through life completely stress-free, there may be things you can do to minimize chronic stress levels. Ideas include quitting an overly stressful job, practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga, exercising regularly and learning how to manage your time effectively. You may also need to say “no” more often in order to keep your responsibilities and stress levels within the manageable range.

Regrow Your Thinning Hair Today

If you’re tired of watching your hairline grow thinner every day, it’s time to take steps to stop it. Visit DS Laboratories to receive a complimentary hair assessment and personalized recommendations for hair-stimulating products that are likely to help you.