Age and genetics are often the factors at play when you notice your hairline is receding. For men, their hairline begins to recede in their early 20s. And hair loss becomes more noticeable when men are in their 50s.
Generally, pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) affects millions of men and women in the United States.
Luckily, there are many ways to slow down or treat hair loss.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hairline restoration as well as the various treatment options for hair loss.
What is a receding hairline?
A receding hairline is one of the early signs of male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic or androgenetic alopecia.
Typically, male pattern baldness starts with your hairline, which gradually recedes (or moves backward) and forms a shape similar to an M. At the back of your head is a circular area called the vertex, which often thins and expands over time.
In due course, the hair gradually becomes shorter and finer, creating a bald area on the back of your head. Thinning hair also creates a horseshoe or U-shaped pattern of baldness around the sides of your head.
While the condition is more common in men, women experience receding hairlines, too.
FPHL or Female Pattern Hair Loss is a common progressive condition that affects women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Women with FPHL may continue to lose more hair but not all of it compared to men.
PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is another disorder in women that can lead to hair loss. Symptoms of PCOS include female-pattern baldness, thinning hair, or losing a significant amount of hair.
What causes receding hairlines?
By far, genetics and age are the main causes of hairline recession in men. That being said, not all hair loss is a result of genetics and old age. There are also certain factors that aggravate hair loss.
These factors are:
- Over-styling hair especially those that involve heat
- Choosing tight hairstyles such as braiding, dreadlocks, and cornrows
- Smoking cigarettes
- Frontal fibrosing alopecia or lupus, and other inflammatory scalp diseases
- Consuming too much sugar, preservatives, and processed foods
- Potential side effects of certain medications (especially for gout, cancer, heart diseases, depression, and arthritis)
- Hormonal problems
- Autoimmune disease (alopecia areata)
- Eating high saturated fat diets
- Stressful events or chronic stress can lead to temporary hair loss
Can you regrow your hairline?
There are different hair loss treatments available. The right hair treatment for you depends on the symptoms and the cause of your receding hairline.
Of all the topical treatments for male pattern hair loss, Minoxidil remains the only FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) scalp treatment for men with androgenetic alopecia. A minoxidil solution is a liquid or foam that you apply to your scalp to slow down or reverse hair loss.
Another option is oral finasteride (Propecia), which is also an FDA-approved hair regrowth solution for hair loss in men. Unlike Minoxidil, it is a prescription drug taken orally to slow down the production of DHT or dihydrotestosterone.
DHT is the hormone responsible for:
- Sebaceous gland activity
- Body, facial, and pubic hair growth
- Prostate growth and
- Male pattern baldness
You’ll need to be consistent when taking either of the aforementioned medications to see a significant improvement in restoring your hairline. You must take these medications exactly as directed between 6 to 9 months. Otherwise, you’ll gradually lose the new hair you’ve grown.
Here are other hair restoration options that promote hair growth in men with pattern baldness:
- Low-Level Laser Therapy devices that stimulate hair follicles and blood flow
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Hair transplantation
Surgical and Non-Surgical Hairline Restoration Options
We can’t always stop hair loss. But thankfully, there are hair restoration procedures and alternative treatment options that can either prevent or slow down receding hairlines.
But before buying medications and supplements, you need to know which hair loss treatments have shown some promise of preventing hairline recession.
Moreover, you must always seek professional medical advice before you undergo such treatments.
Below are the various hairline restoration options you can discuss with your doctor.
Hairline Restoration Surgery Procedures
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) are well-known hair transplant procedures. Keep in mind that any transplant procedure is invasive, which means it may cause some adverse reactions.
A hair restoration surgery comes with risks, which include scarring and infections. Additionally, you may have to undergo multiple restoration surgery procedures to get the outcome you desire.
The transplanted hair will fall out within a few weeks after the procedure. You’ll notice hair regrowth a few months after the operation.
Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)
FUT is an old form of hair restoration surgery in which a surgeon removes some skin from the harvest zone, which is often the back of the patient’s head. A harvest zone is an area where there is an abundant amount of hair.
FUT is an invasive procedure that is also known as “strip harvesting” since it involves removing hair follicles from the scalp tissue strips. The follicles are then inserted into the bald area of the scalp.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
In contrast, FUE is a hair transplant procedure that marks a significant improvement over FUT.
FUE is a modern and less invasive cosmetic procedure that involves removing hair grafts directly from the donor site. And then, individual hair follicles from hair grafts are transplanted into the bald areas of the scalp one to three follicles at a time.
Non-Surgical Hairline Restoration
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments or low-level light therapy treatments (LLLT) use low-wavelength lasers to stimulate hair growth. A 2015 study found LLLT to be effective for both men and women with androgenetic alopecia.
Researchers of the said clinical research suggest that low-level laser light sends a signal to your cells to begin the active growth phase of hair follicles.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy is a non-invasive procedure that involves taking around one to a few tubes of your blood and separating the platelets using a centrifuge machine. The concentrated, activated platelets are then injected into the bald area of the scalp.
PRP therapy accelerates hair follicle repair, which stimulates new hair growth.
Medication Options
The FDA has approved two medications to treat people suffering from Alopecia areata, a type of autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own hair follicles. Minoxidil is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication while Finasteride is a prescription drug.
Minoxidil
Originally developed to treat people with hypertension, Minoxidil is currently used to treat hair loss. Acting as a vasodilator, Minoxidil allows better blood flow to the follicles by widening the blood vessels.
While Minoxidil does not necessarily regrow hair, it may help you to prevent losing more hair.
At the outset of taking Minoxidil, you may notice some shedding here and there. But don’t worry. It is just a sign that the drug is working.
And so, you shouldn’t stop using Minoxidil if you experience such a side effect. It is just temporary and a healthy growth phase will soon follow.
Finasteride
Finasteride is a prescription pill used to treat androgenetic alopecia. It works by preventing a patient’s testosterone from being converted to DHT, a hormone responsible for weakening the follicles.
Lifestyle Changes
Scalp Massage
Massaging the scalp has been found to stimulate the follicles according to some studies. For this reason, it may help with male pattern hair loss.
In one small study in Japan, healthy male participants who were given a 4-minute scalp massage every day had thicker hair at the end of the 6-month research period. Another study concluded that scalp massages may help improve hair density.
Quitting Smoking
We mentioned above that smoking is one of the factors that can aggravate hair loss. And thus, you may want to consider quitting smoking if you want to stop hair loss from progressing.
Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet helps keep your hair in excellent shape. Healthy hair is associated with eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
Reduce Stress
We all know that stress can bring adverse effects on the body, and that includes the hair. Accordingly, a stressful lifestyle may cause your entire hairline to recede.
You can reduce stress with regular exercise, getting enough sleep, practicing yoga, listening to music, etc.
Alternative Remedies
Essential Oils
For centuries, Rosemary oil has been used to improve blood circulation on the scalp. But a recent study on mice suggests that this essential oil may help with hair regrowth.
Similarly, peppermint oil has been shown to help with hair growth according to another mice study.
Biotin
A study on women treated with biotin has been found to slow down hair loss. The participants are women with biotin deficiency who were experiencing hair loss due to alopecia.
Foods rich in biotin are:
- Nuts
- Oats
- Sweet potatoes
- Onions
- Eggs
Folic acid
Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, and folate is the natural form. Folic acid helps your cells produce DNA. It also prevents anemia and reduces inflammation. Some claim that folic acid may help prevent hair loss.
Cosmetic Treatments
If cosmetic surgery or a hair transplant isn’t for you, there are OTC products you can buy and use to hide your thinning hair. Some products on the market are wearables and hair products that hide pattern baldness.
Toupees
Toupees are excellent hair accessories that can cover your thinning hair. You can customize them to have natural hair that matches your existing hair color.
Scalp Sprays
Scalp sprays add color to your scalp and thereby creating the look of a fuller hairline. However, the color is temporary and can be washed off easily.
Hair Growth Creams
A hairline restoration cream is essential in every stage of hair growth. These creams are said to contain essential nutrients that promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Hairline Restoration Tattoo
A hairline restoration tattoo is the best option if you don’t like wearing toupees. It is the best hairline restoration option if you don’t like taking pills and want something long-lasting.
Unlike undergoing cosmetic surgery and using hairline restoration cream that produces slow results, a hair tattoo is completely safe and offers faster results.
What is SMP Hairline Restoration Tattoo?
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP), also known as a hairline restoration tattoo or hair tattoo, involves using microscopic needles to deposit pigments into the scalp. It is a non-invasive hairline restoration procedure that gives you the appearance of a full head of hair, without the risks that come with a hair transplant.
A skilled technician or provider performs scalp micropigmentation to hide the thinning areas of your scalp. SMP hairline restoration tattoo uses pigments that are cosmetic-grade, permanent inks.
Scalp micropigmentation can also hide scars and stretch marks. Additionally, this non-surgical hair loss treatment gives the illusion of having a “buzz cut” or shaved hair on bald people.
Who can benefit from Scalp Micropigmentation?
Micropigmentation means “permanent makeup.” And so, the SMP hairline restoration tattoo is the application of micropigmentation on the scalp to create the look of having thicker hair in people who experience hair loss due to:
- Alopecia areata
- Chemotherapy
- Hormonal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Male pattern baldness
- Scars or birthmarks on the scalp
- Thin hair or scalp show-through
Who shouldn’t get scalp micropigmentation?
While scalp micropigmentation is an excellent way to hide scars, it’s not a good option for people with keloids. Besides, SMP has been found to cause keloids in some people.
What are the benefits of scalp micropigmentation?
The benefits of SMP compared to hair transplantation procedures include:
- No anesthesia
- Less pain
- Lower cost
- No downtime
Does hair restoration tattoo regrow hair?
No. Scalp micropigmentation does not regrow your hair. It also doesn’t alter your natural hair growth. Further, it does not harm your existing hair.
SMP hairline restoration offers a fast, safe, and long-lasting alternative to having fuller, thicker hair.
What happens before scalp micropigmentation?
First, make sure your hair and scalp are clean before your appointment.
Second, your provider will establish the areas on your scalp that needs treatment and mark them. For bald people, the provider may create an outline of the hairline based on the facial structure, head shape, and age of the patient.
Third, both you and the provider will pick the pigment color that will match your hair color.
Finally, your provider will make sure you will feel comfortable during the procedure by applying a numbing medicine to your scalp. In contrast to a tattoo needle, the ones used in SMP are thinner and smaller so it’s less painful than getting a tattoo.
What happens during scalp micropigmentation?
Using an SMP needle, your provider will deposit the pigments to the areas of your scalp that needs treatment. Depositing the pigments means the provider draws tiny dots using the needle to replicate the appearance of the follicles on your scalp.
How long will the scalp micropigmentation process take depends on the size of the area that needs treatment. Typically, the procedure may take around 5 hours to complete.
More often than not, a patient may need 3 or more treatments to achieve the desired look. Multiple treatments are spaced several weeks apart.
What happens after scalp micropigmentation?
After the treatment, you can carry on with your daily activities since there’s no surgery or anesthesia involved. However, you may experience some redness on your scalp or it may feel itchy. These are just mild side effects of the treatment and they often subside after a couple of days.
You can wear a scarf or hat to cover your scalp, whichever you like. Just make sure to choose a fabric that doesn’t irritate your scalp.
What are the complications or risks of scalp micropigmentation?
Using an inexperienced or unlicensed practitioner comes with many risks. Often, they fail to take the necessary precautions and put their clients at risk.
Potential risks include:
- Allergic reactions to the pigments used
- Infection from contaminated needles
- Undesirable result of the treatment
You can avoid such risks by:
- Choosing a licensed hair tattoo practitioner
- Checking their gallery of before and after hairline restoration
- Discussing with the practitioner about your allergies
Will I regret scalp micropigmentation?
You won’t regret it if the scalp micropigmentation procedure is done by a skilled provider. What’s more, a hairline restoration tattoo is super low maintenance and long-lasting since the pigments can last for several years.
SMP is a feasible alternative to a traditional hair transplant, hair loss pills, creams, and accessories.
How long does hair restoration last?
An SMP hairline restoration can last for more than 4 years. The inks used in SMP are long-lasting cosmetic-grade pigments. Unlike standard tattoo inks, pigments used in SMP resist fading and color change.
How much does a hairline tattoo cost?
There is no definite answer because a hairline restoration cost is specific to the:
- Location of the hair tattoo provider
- Severity of hair loss and
- Area on the scalp that needs to be covered
That said, the typical cost is within the $2,500 to $4,000 range.
More FAQs About Hair Restoration
1.How much does it cost to restore a hairline?
The cost depends on which type of hair loss treatment you decide to try.
For instance:
- $40 to $50 for a 3-month supply of Rogaine
- $70 for a 1-month supply of Propecia
- $4,000 to $15,000 for a hair transplant
OTC supplements and other medications for treating hair loss typically cost less.
2.Can hairline be restored naturally?
Hair loss can be stopped without clinical treatment. There are natural remedies you can use to reduce hair loss.
When your hair is receding, you need to seek professional medical advice before resorting to various hair loss treatments.
3.Can PRP regrow hairline?
PRP treatment helps stimulate weakened hair follicles that cause the hairline to recede. The plasma of platelets triggers the repair of the cells and tissues in the affected area.
4.Can surgery fix hair loss?
Hair transplant surgery is an effective treatment option for people with hair loss. However, the procedure is expensive and comes with health risks. And so, not all patients will benefit from it.
5.Does donor hair grow back?
Your hair should start growing soon after the transplant, but not immediately. This is due to the hair growing at different stages.
Right after the transplant, most hair will fall. Don’t worry about that. These are effluviums or shock loss and they don’t last long.
The hair transplantation process resets your cells to their telogen (hair thinning or shedding) phase. In a few weeks, new hairs will begin to proliferate.
6.What products grow hairline back?
Using OTC hair products like Rogaine can improve hair growth. Rogaine is a drug containing Minoxidil, which stimulates hair growth.
7.How many grafts does it take to restore a hairline?
A hair graft is a tiny piece of the scalp that contains 1 or 2 hairs. A one centimeter area of the scalp can contain around 100 grafts.
On average, a typical operation transplants around 4,000 hair grafts. For stage 2 patients to regain a full head of hair, the procedure will require around 500 to 1,500 hair grafts. Operation for a stage 4 patient will need around 2,000 to 2,500 grafts.
Receding Hairline? Studio Conceal offers the best hairline restoration in Gilbert, AZ
There are many different options you can choose to treat hair loss. These include FDA-approved prescription and OTC medications, hair transplant procedures, and home remedies.
However, Minoxidil and oral Finasteride are high-maintenance options. Hair transplants are expensive plus there are risks involved.
Moreover, there are not enough studies that support the effectiveness of home remedies for hair loss. With a hairline restoration cream, it can take 3 to 6 months before you can see results.
Scalp micropigmentation is your best option if you want a fast, safe, and long-lasting solution to hair loss. If you’re searching the web for Gilbert hairline restoration, look no further. Book a free consultation with Studio Conceal today.