Does Receding Hairline from the Side Only?

In general, receding hairline is a common early sign found in men with male pattern baldness (MPB). It is very rare in women with female pattern baldness (FPB). At first, it affects the temple (typically both front hairlines at the same time). Over time, it may worsen which then may cause M-shape or even partial /complete baldness. But does it from the side only?

Understanding common types of hair loss in general

It may be a hereditary condition. If you have a family history of MPB, you are at greater risk than others to develop the same condition. But the same doesn’t go for women with FPB.

FPB usually occurs with thinning hair on all over the head. It’s rare to find receding hairline at early stages of FPB. Moreover, the cause is more difficult to understand. And it seems that the problem is not hereditary.

The following are other common types of hair loss.

Telogen effluvium

It is a common kind of hair loss where there is usually widespread thinning of the hair, rather than specific thinning or bald patches. The affected area may feel thinner, but you are unlikely to lose it all. It is also unlikely to affect the body hair.

The problem is attributed by several causes. Mostly, it is usually caused by the body reacting to the following factors: stress, hormonal changes, childbirth (intense physical stress), cancer (or other long-term illness), an acute short-term illness (like severe infection), side effects of some medications, or even a crash diet.

Anagen effluvium

It is a widespread hair loss that can affect any hair, including hairs of scalp, body, or even face. It is a common side effect from some cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

The symptom starts to occur within a few weeks after you start the treatment. The good news, it is usually temporary. Your hair will grow back a few months after treatment.

Scarring alopecia

It is a kind of alopecia (hair loss) that is usually linked to another condition. It occurs when the hair follicle is completely destroyed by complications of certain condition, and the damage can be permanent.

Conditions which can lead to scarring alopecia include lichen planus (a widespread itchy rash), scleroderma (a disorder that affects the supporting (connective) tissues of the body), frontal fibrosing alopecia (commonly found in post-menopausal women), and folliculitis decalvans (a rare hair loss problem, commonly found in men).

Alopecia areata

It is a hair loss problem associated with autoimmune disorders (such as Down’s syndrome and type-1 diabetes). It is commonly characterized by spots of baldness, typically about the size and shape of a large coin.

Young adults and teenagers are at high risk for this alopecia, though it can affect people of any ages. Fortunately it is usually not permanent, though it may fall again. The prognosis is likely to be dependent on how the body immune system reacts!

The hair usually will grow back within several months. At first, it may grow back white and fine, but it will regain its normal color and thicken over time.

Does receding hairline from the side only?

The answer is dependent on the kind of receding hairline you’re talking about!

If it is a sign of male pattern baldness (MPB), typically it starts from the side (temple). Another early symptom of MPB is thinning on the crown.

Both receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown can occur at the same time. But many times, at fist men with MPB experience receding-front hairline, which then may be followed by thinning on the crown.

… Continued …

Over time, if the receding hairline gets worse, it will recede to cause M-shape. Eventually, this meets to the crown-thinning patch which then may cause horseshoe shape (see the following picture, credit to ADAM).

The outlook of the problem varies. While some may not experience baldness, but mostly it ends with partial or complete baldness.

So does it from the side only? Many cases of receding hairline are associated with male-pattern baldness (MPB). However sometimes receding hairline is not linked to MPB or without known cause, but it is quite rare.

For such case, a receding front hairline is not always the starting point. Hair loss may start to occur from another hairline of the scalp.

Receding front hairline associated with MPB is difficult to reverse. Some treatments are usually only intended to help stop it temporary.

For instance, propecia is a common treatment for this hair loss problem. But you need to take it continuously otherwise the problem is likely to return.

Hair transplant may be more promising. The successful rate and effectiveness of this surgical treatment are pretty good. Even it may also be able to provide permanent result.

And the good news, most men with MPB can take hair transplant. On the other hand, most women with female-pattern baldness (FPB) cannot take it since they usually experience thinning hair on the entire scalp, making it difficult to find a stable donor site. The bad news, it is costly!

If you experience receding hairline, it is not always easy to cope with the problem! Your hair may be a defining part of your confidence and identity. As a result, you may experience low self-confidence and even depression.

If necessary, consider taking a counseling session! See more advice to cope with receding hairline in this comprehensive guide!