Receding hairline

Martina Feichter studied biology with an elective subject pharmacy in Innsbruck and also immersed herself in the world of medicinal plants. From there it was not far to other medical topics that still captivate her to this day. She trained as a journalist at the Axel Springer Academy in Hamburg and has been working for since 2007 - first as an editor and since 2012 as a freelance writer.

More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.

Goethe, Jürgen Klopp, Jude Law: receding hairlines showed and still show on many male heads. In women, however, they are rare. Read here why the bones of the temples of those affected become bald and what can be done against receding hairlines!

Early stages of hereditary hair loss

Receding hairlines are a typical sign of hereditary (androgenetic) hair loss in men: The hair follicles are hypersensitive to testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) because they have an excessive number of docking points (receptors) for these male sex hormones on their surface. This shortens the growth phase (anagen phase) of the hair and accelerates the entire hair cycle. As a result, the hair reaches the "end of its life" more quickly and falls out. In addition, the hair follicles gradually cease to function and shrink. They only produce fine, thin hair and ultimately none at all.

Externally, these processes can first be recognized by the fact that the hairline in the affected men in the area of ​​the temples and forehead recedes - so-called receding hairlines and a balding head develop. Later, the hair thins out around the vertebra (tonsure) on the upper back of the head. The baldness of the forehead and the tonsure can eventually unite, so that the entire upper part of the head is bald and only a horseshoe-shaped ring of hair remains.

Are there also receding hairlines in women?

Women with hereditary hair loss usually have a different appearance. This usually leads to a gradual thinning of the hair at the top of the head (parting area), without a complete baldness at any point. The male pattern (with a bald head and a receding hairline) rarely occurs in women.

Rarely increased risk of serious illness

Studies show that receding hairlines and baldness rarely indicate an increased risk of prostate cancer and coronary artery disease (CHD).

Men who have deep receding hairlines and light spots on the back of the head before the age of 45 seem to be more susceptible to prostate cancer later on. Men who are bald at the top of the back of the head appear to have an increased risk of coronary artery disease.

Receding hairline: what to do?

The external use of Minoxidil is said to counteract receding hairlines and baldness. The active ingredient can increase hair growth, presumably through increased blood flow to the scalp. Men can apply a five percent minoxidil solution to the affected areas of the head twice a day. Women with hereditary hair loss can treat the thinning areas with a two percent minoxidil solution twice a day. After stopping the agent, the hair loss usually progresses again.

For the treatment of receding hairlines and baldness in men, tablets with the active ingredient finasteride are also offered. They inhibit an enzyme that converts testosterone into the even more effective dihydrotestosterone. This treatment can stop the hair loss. The same applies here: The effect generally only lasts for the duration of the treatment.

Many sufferers want to hide their bald head or receding hairline with hairpieces. Toupets and wigs made of real or synthetic hair in various designs and hair colors are available. Those interested should seek professional advice in a second hair studio.

One surgical treatment option is hair transplantation: by transplanting your own hair from heavily hairy areas of the head to bald areas, bald spots or receding hairlines can be filled. This method is particularly used in men with hereditary alopecia. It is less suitable for female patients with their mostly diffuse hair thinning.

Some men opt for the radical solution for receding hairlines and the back of the head that is clearing: they have a bald head shaved.

Tags:  drugs fitness pregnancy