Receding Hairline in Men: Causes and Treatment Options

Hair loss is a systemic issue that affects men globally, and Malaysia is no exception. In fact, statistics show that about 1 in 1,000 to 2 in 10 Malaysians experience alopecia at some stage in their lives.

Understanding the causes of a receding hairline and the available treatment options can help Malaysian men make informed decisions about managing this condition.

What is a receding hairline?

A receding hairline denotes the gradual loss of hair at the front of the scalp, specifically around the temples and forehead. This type of hair loss is commonly linked to androgenic alopecia— also referred to as male pattern baldness.

For the most part, it’s a hereditary condition caused by hair follicles’ sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone. DHT causes hair follicles to shrink over time, resulting in hair thinning and eventually hair loss.

In males, it typically commences after puberty, manifesting as a gradual retreat of the hairline from the forehead, forming an “M” shape as it progresses.

Early warning signs of a receding hairline in men

By recognising the early warning signals of a receding hairline, one may be able to get treatment before the issue gets worse. Here are the early warning signs to watch for:

• A noticeable thinning around the temples.
• Hairline begins to shift backward, creating an “M” or “V” shape.
• More visible scalp, especially after showering or styling your hair.
• Increased hair shedding or finding more hairs on your pillow or comb.
• A widow’s peak becomes more pronounced.
• Hair texture becomes finer and weaker.
• You need to adjust your hairstyle more frequently to cover thinning areas.

Receding hairline stages

Understand the stages of hair loss to determine where you are and what treatments may work best. The Norwood Scale is the most common classification system employed to measure the extent of male pattern baldness. Here are the stages:

• Stage 1: Hair loss begins at the hairline or the crown of the head but is barely noticeable. At this stage, most men aren’t aware they’re experiencing hair loss.
• Stage 2: The hairline starts to recede visibly, especially around the temples. This is often referred to as the mature or adult hairline. Many men remain at this stage indefinitely without progressing to further hair loss.
• Stage 3: Hair loss in the temple area becomes more prominent. The hairline takes on a more defined M, U, or V shape. Some men might also start to notice thinning at the crown.
• Stage 4: Hair loss at the crown (vertex) becomes noticeable, though the recession at the temples remains at Stage 2. There’s usually a band of hair connecting the two balding areas.
• Stage 5: The hairline recedes significantly, and thinning at the vertex increases. A strip of hair separates the areas of hair loss, but it’s narrower and sparser than in Stage 4.
• Stage 6: Hair loss at both the hairline and vertex progresses, and the strip of hair in the middle narrows, making treatment more difficult. The balding areas at the temples and crown are larger and more pronounced.
• Stage 7: Extensive hair loss occurs, with the two areas of hair loss merging. The middle section of the hair is almost completely gone. Hair usually remains on the sides and lower back of the head, but it’s much thinner.
• Stage 8: This is the final stage, where hair loss is considered nearly or fully complete. Only a horseshoe-shaped band of hair remains around the sides and back of the head. This remaining hair might also be finer and less dense than before.

It’s crucial to remember that not all men will progress through all these stages. Some might experience rapid progression, while others might remain at an early stage indefinitely. Factors like genetics, age, and overall health may influence the rate and extent of hair loss.

What causes a receding hairline in men?

While male pattern baldness is complex and not fully comprehended, several factors have been identified as contributors:

• Age: As we age, our hair growth slows down in tandem— and hair follicles may shrink. Thus, leading to thinner hair and eventual hair loss.
• Hormonal changes: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone, plays a considerable role in male pattern baldness. Some men’s hair follicles are more sensitive to DHT — causing them to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.
• Genetic factors: Hair loss can run in families. If your father or great-grandfather experienced male pattern baldness, you’re more likely to develop it too.
• Certain treatments or medications: Some medical treatments, like chemotherapy, may cause hair loss. Certain medications, including some antidepressants and blood pressure medications, may also contribute to hair loss as a side effect.
• Unhealthy diet: Poor nutrition, especially deficiencies in protein and iron, may affect hair health and growth.
• Smoking: Smoking has been scientifically linked to hair loss, possibly due to its impact on blood circulation and overall health.
• Dandruff: Severe dandruff or other scalp conditions can contribute to hair loss if left untreated.
• Strong chemicals and products: Harsh hair treatments, excessive use of styling products, and frequent use of heat styling tools may damage hair and contribute to hair loss over time.
• Stress: Both physical and emotional stress may lead to a type of hair loss referred to as telogen effluvium, where hair prematurely enters the resting phase and falls out.
• Medical conditions: Specific medical conditions—like thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases—can contribute to hair loss.
• Tight hairstyles: Consistently wearing tight hairstyles that pull on the hairline can lead to traction alopecia, a form of hair loss.

Remember, hair loss is often multifactorial, meaning it’s rarely caused by just one of these disparate factors.

Receding hairline treatment in men

Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for men experiencing a receding hairline. The degree of hair loss and individual characteristics may affect how successful various treatments are. Here are some of the most common and effective treatments:

Medicinal treatments and corticosteroids

1. Minoxidil: This is an over-the-counter medication that is directly applied to the scalp. It operates by boosting blood flow to the hair follicles—potentially stimulating hair growth and slowing hair loss.
2. Corticosteroids: These are anti-inflammatory drugs that may be injected into the scalp or taken orally. They’re particularly effective for treating certain types of hair loss, such as alopecia areata, but are less commonly used for male pattern baldness.
3. Finasteride: This prescription drug works by preventing testosterone from being converted to DHT, the hormone primarily that triggers male pattern baldness. It’s taken orally and has shown significant effectiveness in appreciably slowing hair loss and promoting regrowth in many men.

It’s important to note that these medications often work best when started early in the hair loss process. They typically need to be used consistently over time to maintain their effects.

Hair transplant

For men with advanced hair loss, hair transplantation offers a more permanent solution. The ‘FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)’ hair transplant technique is one of the most advanced options available today. During this minor procedure, individual hair follicles are harvested from donor areas and subsequently transplanted into the thinning or balding areas.

It’s performed under local anaesthesia and may take several hours—depending on the number of grafts being transplanted. While it’s more time-consuming than older techniques, the results are often worth it.

The FUE methodology results in minimal scarring and a more expedited recovery compared to older transplant techniques. It’s particularly effective for men with noticeable hairline recession or vertex thinning.

Injectable hair loss treatments

Injectable treatments are becoming increasingly popular for addressing hair loss. One such treatment is ‘PLINEST Hair Loss Treatment’, a bioregenerative treatment that uses polynucleotides to stimulate hair growth. These polynucleotides are derived from salmon DNA and work by:

• Improving blood circulation in the scalp.
• Stimulating the production of growth factors.
• Nourishing hair follicles.

The treatment involves a systematic series of injections into the scalp, usually performed over several sessions. It’s minimally invasive and can be a great option for those who want to avoid surgery or daily medication use.

Hair loss treatment costs in Malaysia

The cost of hair loss treatment in Malaysia can vary broadly depending on the treatment type, the extent of one’s hair loss, and the clinic they choose. Here’s a general overview of costs you might expect:

1. Minoxidil: This over-the-counter treatment is relatively affordable. Depending on the brand and concentration, a month’s supply typically costs between RM50 and RM200.
2. Finasteride: As a prescription medication, the cost can vary, but you might expect to pay around RM100 to RM300 per month.
3. Hair transplant: This is typically the most expensive option upfront, but it’s also potentially the most permanent. Depending on graft count and technique, the price ranges from RM15,000 to RM30,000 or more.
4. PLINEST treatment: The cost for a course of PLINEST treatments can range from RM3,000 to RM5,000, depending on the number of sessions required.
5. Corticosteroid injections: These can cost around RM300 to RM500 per session, with multiple sessions often needed.

It’s important to note that while some treatments have a higher upfront cost, they may be more cost-effective in the long run. For example, a hair transplant is expensive initially, but the results can last a lifetime. On the other hand, medications like Minoxidil and Finasteride require ongoing use to maintain results, which can add up over time.

Conclusion

Dealing with a receding hairline can be disconcerting. However, it’s imperative to remember that you’re not alone. Male pattern baldness is a prevalent issue affecting millions of men worldwide.

While hair loss can impact self-esteem and confidence, multiple effective treatments are available today that can help slow hair loss, promote regrowth, or restore your hairline.

From over-the-counter treatments like Minoxidil to prescription medications like Finasteride, and from advanced surgical techniques like FUE hair transplants to innovative injectable treatments like PLINEST, there are options to suit various needs, preferences, and budgets.

The key to effectively addressing hair loss is early intervention. If you observe any signs of a receding hairline, don’t hesitate to consult with a hairloss treatment clinic in Malaysia.