A receding hairline – what is that and how is it recognised?

Around 80% of all fair-skinned men are genetically disposed to premature hair loss and a receding hairline. Accordingly, our genes are the most common, but not the only reason for a receding hairline. Factors such as stress, a sensitive scalp or the wrong hair care can also cause hair loss and the start of a receding hairline.

Stress

Stress is a state which you should always try to avoid wherever possible as it disrupts the hormone balance in your body. This can often provoke or accelerate hair loss. Of course, it is not always possible to switch off from the stress of everyday life and work. Which is why it is all the more important to strike the right balance with relaxation exercises or a regular hobby which reduces your stress levels.

Sensitive scalp

Sensitive skin is, itself, susceptible to skin irritation which additionally stresses the hair follicles and promotes hair loss. The use of unsuitable care products with aggressive ingredients aggravates the situation unnecessarily. To protect the hair, you should pay particular attention to care products which suit both you and your skin.

Incorrect hair care

Incorrect hair care frequently leads to a sensitive scalp but can also have a negative impact on the hair structure leading to hair loss. Hair volume can also suffer from these mistakes which means that any bald spots become more visible. You should avoid these mistakes.

Using the wrong products

A mix of lots of different ingredients which counteract each other is also far from ideal. Stick to products with the same aim and which, ideally, complement each other.

Lack of scalp protection

Good scalp protection is also recommended. This includes, for example, protecting the scalp from the harmful effects of the sun. Sun creams which are specially designed for the scalp are available such as Alpecin Scalp Sun Liquid which is quickly absorbed, is non-greasy and not only protects the skin from harmful UV radiation, but also supplies with hair roots with caffeine.

Despite hereditary factors and a frequent disposition to hair loss around the temples, you can prevent a receding hairline. It is important to this end that you strengthen the stressed hair follicles and improve hair growth. Well-known products against premature hair loss are caffeine, finasteride and minoxidil.The effectiveness of all three active agents has been tested and found to be good.

Caffeine

The use of caffeine is a good way to prevent a receding hairline. For example, a caffeine-based shampoo can be used on a daily basis without triggering skin reactions. In this way, the active agent penetrates the scalp each time the hair is washed. An exposure time of two minutes is enough to allow the caffeine to penetrate into the follicle unit of the hair where it can shield the hair root from the negative impact of testosterone. Oversensitivity to DHT, the cause of hereditary hair loss, is reduced and the hair root is once again energised. As a complement or alternative to regular use of a caffeine-based shampoo, you can also use Alpecin Caffeine Liquid to prevent hereditary hair loss and receding hairlines.

Studies have shown that the application of caffeine on the affected hairline works in a similar manner as the active agents minoxidil and finasteride. Caffeine, however, is tolerated far better: When caffeine preparations are applied topically, no side effects are expected unlike products containing minoxidil and finasteride.

Finasteride

Finasteride is prescription-only and is hormonally effective. As a rule, it comes in tablet form and is taken orally. As with many hormone products, lot of people experience severe side effects which can range from physical disorders such as impotence through to psychological problems including anxiety disorders and depression. Like with almost all medication, the dosage frequently not only determines the effectiveness, but also the likelihood of the occurrence of side effects.

Minoxidil

Unlike finasteride, prescription-only minoxidil is not taken orally but applied to the scalp. This medicinal substance is applied directly to the receding hairline and works to strengthen the hairs and hair follicles here. Some people experience sensitive skin reactions such as redness and dandruff when using minoxidil. Hair care products containing the active agent caffeine mentioned above can represent a skin-friendly yet effective alternative.

The best way to deal with a receding hairline is to take preventative action. If your hairline is already clearly receding, you can also hide the affected areas.

A suitable hair cut

Very simple measures can be used to style your hair so that the receding hairline is covered. This can be achieved with both short and long hair.

Changing the hair colour slightly

A simple approach is to change your hair colour slightly. Highlights and other subtle changes distract from the hairline.

A striking beard

The same is true if you have a beard. A receding hairline is less obvious if you have a beard as people's eyes are drawn here.

The last option: a hair transplant

If you find your receding hairline particularly bothersome or if it is very pronounced, the last option is a hair transplant. There are various methods here. The most common one involves the removal of hair follicles from an area with greater hair growth, e.g., the back of the head where hairs with DHT-resistant roots grow. The follicle units removed are then planted in the bold areas of the scalp. After a few weeks, new hairs grow out of these follicles which can result in a significant visual change after just a few months. Good preventative measures then need to be taken to prevent the cycle of hair loss starting again straight away.

There are a number of hairstyles for men whose hairline is starting to recede which are able to hide this problem and yet still look modern.

If your hair is only receding slightly and you otherwise have good hair growth you can let your hair grow. You have two choices: either a young-looking fringe where the slightly layered fringe falls gently over the temples or you opt for longer hair with a bun or ponytail. Especially when combined with a beard, long hair can look extremely masculine, youthful and modern.

A slightly chaotic messy look, which is very popular among men in their thirties, is another good option. It should look as though you have just got up or have jumped out of the shower and you didn't have a lot of time to style your hair. Yet this messy look is often surprisingly time-consuming.

You should never try to place or brush longer strands of hair over bald areas in order to hide these. This often results in the hair loss around the temples merely being highlighted! A side parting, however, can look great. You can create this with a comb and then fix in place using a premium care product. You should make sure that the fixing product you use is kind to the skin in order to avoid further hair loss due to unnecessary skin irritation.

If you don't know what best suits you, you should talk to your hairdresser. Experts who specialise in male hairstyles often have plenty of good ideas for elegantly hiding receding hairlines.

Regardless of the style you choose: Make sure you use suitable hair care products. This includes a sufficient supply of caffeine to the hair follicles and good skin tolerance. This, ideally, allows you to considerably delay or even stop the progression of hair loss.