The 6 Different Types of Hairlines for Men

Hairlines are a huge part of our look and can greatly affect confidence. The shape of your hairline has a significant impact on your hair and appearance, including what styling products to use and what sort of hairstyles suit you. Here we’ll take a look at the 6 main types of hairlines for men, from a straight hairline to a widow’s peak. We’ll also cover how to tell if your hairline is receding with signs, causes and treatments.

What is Your Hairline Type?

Hairlines come in all different shapes and sizes. Men are often worried about their hairlines because they are a key part of their overall appearance and are also where hair loss is first noticeable. Types are influenced by a variety of factors such as genetics and hair growth patterns. Let’s dive into the 6 different types of hairlines:

1. Straight Hairline

You’re very lucky if you have this hairline as not many men have one that stays intact across the years. This hairline appears straight and symmetrical across the forehead and is seen as ideal because there is little to no receding visible.

2. M-Shaped Hairline

The M-shaped hairline has a slight recession at the temples which creates a distinctive M-shape on the forehead. While a large number of men may have had an M-shaped hairline for most of their lives, it can sometimes be an early sign of hair loss.

3. Widow’s Peak

The widow’s peak is a triangular-shaped hairline with a point in the centre of the forehead. The hairline forms a v-shape and can sometimes be mistaken for a receding hairline, however, it is simply a result of genetics and is relatively common.

4. Mature Hairline

A maturing hairline is a normal part of the aging process. The hairline moves back gradually and evenly at the temples, normally no more than an inch. The process is slow and may not even be noticeable over time. There should also be no more hair thinning or loss from the scalp once the hairline has matured.

5. Uneven Hairline

Uneven hairlines have an asymmetrical appearance with irregular edges but are not typically a sign of hair loss. This type of hairline can make styling difficult and can be caused by genetics, styling behaviours and stress.

6. Receding Hairline

Unlike a maturing hairline, a receding hairline is a sign of male pattern baldness and is progressive. It starts with thinning hair at the temples which moves backward and can lead to further hair loss and balding patches. Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is a genetic hair loss condition that causes sensitivity to the hormone DHT – which shrinks hair follicles.

Is Your Hairline Receding?

You should be able to tell if your hairline is receding or if it’s just how your hair is supposed to be. It’s important to understand the difference because a receding hairline may require treatment to manage hair loss, while an uneven hairline or a widow’s peak doesn’t usually need any intervention.

Signs of a Receding Hairline

Look out for the key signs of a receding hairline. If you’re not sure, you can visit a specialist who can determine whether you might have male pattern baldness or just a normal hairline. The main signs of a receding hairline are:

• An m or v-shaped hairline
• Thinning sudden hair loss or hair loss above your temples
• Frontal baldness that moves backward
• Bald spots on the scalp

What Causes a Receding Hairline?

The most common cause of a receding hairline is male pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia. It is a hereditary condition, with up to 50% of men experiencing it by the age of 50. It involves both genetics and male sex hormones, particularly the hormone DHT which shrinks your hair follicles leading to hair loss and balding. Other possible causes include hormonal changes, natural aging, medical conditions and traction alopecia.

Receding Hairline Treatments

If you’ve determined your hairline is receding, don’t worry – there are plenty of treatments available to slow loss and promote hair regrowth. Here are some of the ways you can treat hair loss from a receding hairline:

Medications

Treating hair loss with medications can help prevent future loss and stimulate hair growth. Two drugs, finasteride and minoxidil, are the best options. They work by blocking DHT and can be taken in pill form or as topical hair loss treatments. 

The Hairy Hair treatment plan combines both of these drugs with other medically proven ingredients to fight hair loss – it’s perfect for men who don’t want to spend time visiting clinics and prefer to manage their hair loss privately in the comfort of their own home, with ongoing access to qualified GPs.

Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT)

This non-invasive procedure involves using low-powered lasers with light at certain wavelengths to stimulate hair follicle growth. This prevents you from losing hair, helps to increase hair density and promotes growth – all contributing to reduced recession.

Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair transplant surgery is a permanent hair loss solution – it involves using transplanted hair follicles from a balding or thinning area to regrow hair on the affected area of the scalp. It’s minimally invasive and can effectively promote hair growth.

Lifestyle Changes

While most men with male pattern hair loss require long-term treatments like medications or hair transplant surgery, you can also try to incorporate lifestyle adjustments, especially if your hairline is receding because of other causes like traction alopecia from tight hairstyles. Eating a balanced diet, exercising, minimizing stress and avoiding excessive heat styling can all contribute to a thicker, healthier hairline.

Final Thoughts

There are several different male hairline types – including straight, mature, uneven and receding. Your hairline is a natural part of your look, but that doesn’t mean it can’t cause confidence issues. It’s important to figure out whether you have a normal hairline or if it’s receding so you can find the appropriate treatments for your hair loss and maintain a thick head of healthy hair.