A receding hairline is one of the most common signs of male pattern baldness. It can start at any time after puberty, and many men notice some change to their hairline by their late 20s or 30s.
How a Receding Hairline Develops
In men, hair loss usually starts at the temples, where the hairline moves back to form an M shape. Thinning on the crown often follows. Over time, the thinning areas can grow and may eventually join together, although many men keep hair at the sides and back of the head. This pattern is strongly linked to genes and to how sensitive the hair follicles are to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Is It Normal to Lose Hair Every Day?
Everyone loses some hair every day, and shedding around 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. A receding hairline is different, because the follicles at the front of the scalp gradually produce thinner, shorter hairs until they stop growing hair altogether.
Receding Hairlines in Women
Women can also lose hair as they get older, but it more often shows as general thinning on the top of the head rather than a receding hairline.
What Can You Do?
If you are worried about hair loss, speak to your GP or a pharmacist, especially if it is sudden or patchy, as this can have other causes. There are also ways to change the look of a receding hairline, from a new haircut and styling products to cosmetic options. Scalp Micropigmentation from companies such as His Hair Clinic might be something that you want to look at.