Receding hairline or just a mature hairline and how can I maintain it? (Photos)

Question

I’m 21 and I am super particular about my hair. I have always wanted to make sure that it is as good as it can be. For some reason, it seems to look like it has been receding. Am I right or just overthinking? I’ve always wanted to maintain a tight hairline, but it seems that it is slowing moving back. What would be the best recommended protocol for maintaining and/or improving my hairline?

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

Because you are a bit young, it may be too soon to tell, especially because no before photos were provided. 
Hair loss has many causes, including stress, medications, autoimmune, genetic, trauma, etc. Medical treatments can work and options would include finasteride (propecia), minoxidil (rogaine), PRP (platelet rich plasma), laser light therapy, and vitamins. It is often uncertain which medical therapy will help which patient and so a combination of therapies is typically recommended to maximize benefit. A hair transplant is a surgical option and is appropriate for certain conditions and individuals.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I recommend that you visit a specialist to evaluate your hair. There are non-surgical options to improve your hairline, including finasteride, minoxidil and NeoGraft Hair Restoration. Always work with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, This needs an in-person evaluation. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In younger individuals, the hairline usually begins at the topmost wrinkle of the forehead. As one ages, the hairline recedes to 1/2 to 3/4 inch above this wrinkle line. Should the hair recede a greater distance or the temples and peaks get involved, this suggests male pattern baldness. A hair expert can do a microscopic examination and look for miniaturization associated with male pattern hair loss. It is difficult to determine from your photo, but it appears from your distribution that you are beginning to start the hair loss process. An in-person consultation is suggested.Jeff Rapaport MD FAADRealself All-star

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

There is always potential for stimulating regrowth. There are a number of modalities available ranging from supplements, topical therapies, medical therapy (Rogaine/Propecia) and PRP.
Patients may try one intervention at a time beginning with the least involved and add or replace as they see results. Each has positives and negatives and not all will be effective.
Hair grafting is the final and most definitive solution, however this should be delayed until you have reached a stable hair pattern.
With regards to your specific question, age does play a role in selecting an entry point to the world of hair restoration. If you are still evolving, you want to focus on things like medical therapies, PRP and light therapy. I would delay any consideration of hair transplantation until you reach a stable point (based upon family history). Committing to early hair transplantation (before a plateau is reached) is in essence a commitment to further grafting in the future.
As always, discuss your concern with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) with experience in hair restoration.
Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RealSelf Top 100
RealSelf Hall of Fame

Jacquelline Leva, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question. The best thing to do would be to speak to hair specialist provider who has many years experience treating hair loss. I would love to see Before pictures from years ago and compare. I would take note if there is hair shedding present that you are finding in your pillow or shower. You may need to speak to your provider to start over the counter Rogaine 5% twice a day. I would focus on lifestyle such as making sure you a balanced healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet, veggies, enough healthy protein, FIBER is huge for overall feeding the microbiome of your stomach which has overall influence on how much inflammation your body produces and can lead to unhealthier scalp. Make sure you get enough sleep 7-8 hours.. not getting enough sleep increases the stress hormones such as cortisol and attack your hair follicle. I would look into nutraceutical as well without BIOTIN. Contrary to popular belief many people take supplements such as biotin which can interfere with other markers in your body such as thyroid, cardiac markers and even produce certain types of acne. Check with your primary care your vitamin D levels, iron, thyroid to make sure that is not affecting your scalp too. Minoxidil +/- Low Light Laser therapy are FDA approved, PRP has many clinical trials showing efficacy for treatment of hair loss but can vary and is not FDA approved for hair loss but has FDA indications for other areas of the body.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I understand your disappointment with your hair, especially at your young age. I don’t recommend getting a hair transplant at your age because you are going to have more hair loss that could require more procedures. I suggest you see a hair loss professional and discuss your non surgical options then maybe in a few more years you can entertain a transplant. Good luck to you.

Fotis Gkaragkounis, · Answer

At 21 it is normal and common for the hair characteristics to change, along with other aspects of your body. As hormones change. The hairline may slightly mature in the look and framing of your face. This is not always the onset of male pattern baldness. The genetic hair loss condition. The first step if you are concerned is look at the priority. Normally this will be to preserve and if possible improve your hair growth. As MPB has no cure and a hair transplant is certainly not a cure to hair loss. The first step is to look at treatment. Have a proper consultation and discuss the variety of treatment available. Three FDA approved hair loss treatments and the common alternative treatments many men use.

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

As people age it is normal for the hairline to recede back. Abnormal hairline is usually caused by genetic Male pattern hairloss. In your case it looks like a normal age related mature hairline.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

This appears to be a mature hairline which, in the center, is approximately 1 finger breadth above the highest crease of the furrowed brow. The mild V-Shape in your case is a clear mature hairline.

Receding hairline or just a mature hairline and how can I maintain it? (Photos)

Answers (10)

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