When it comes to hair loss, there is a lot of terminology used that can be confusing to those not versed in the particulars of the subject. One of these points of confusion is between two seemingly similar, but quite different, terms: mature hairline and receding hairline. As part of Hairstyle Appreciation Day, we would like to alleviate that confusion.
First of all, let’s define what a hairline is. Your hairline is the leading edge of your hair, the place where it visibly stops – most often along the edge of the forehead. There are several types of high hairlines, each having their own distinct possible causes.
What Is a Mature Hairline?
Somewhere between the ages of 17 and 30 most men’s hairlines mature. This is a normal biological process and not a sign of hereditary hair loss. Some of the defining characteristics of a mature hairline include:
- The hairline migrates an average of only one inch from its juvenile location.
- The hairline maintains definition.
- There are no other instances of hair loss or thinning.
A mature hairline example would be when the hairline lies one inch above the crease in the forehead. Its edge would be a roughly even line that lacks extreme curves and arcs.
Do I Have a Receding Hairline?
A receding hairline, on the other hand, is often indicative of an issue with hair loss.
- The pace at which a receding hairline reduces its footprint is much faster than the slow, ongoing change that represents a maturing hairline.
- The hairline at the temples receded farther than you would expect.
Receding hairlines are a fairly common problem. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology performed a study in 2019 that discovered that 80% of European men experience receding hairline issues by their eighth decade.
The causes of receding hairlines can vary. Stress, androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss), and procedures such as chemotherapy can be the root cause – and proper treatment requires proper diagnosis. At RHRLI, we have experience with all types of hair thinning and hair loss, which makes us experts at determining both the cause and the best treatment for your situation.
Can a Mature Hairline Look Receding?
When you know what to look for, it is fairly easy to see the difference in many cases. While both represent the hairline moving back from its juvenile hairline toward the scalp, a receding hairline takes on a well-defined “M” or “V” shape. This configuration of hairline is commonly referred to as a widow’s peak. A mature hairline is more even and steady in its progression, lacking the extreme contour of the widow’s peak.
Long Island’s Premiere Hair Restoration Facility
If you are concerned about hair loss or the state of your hairline, RHRLI has the combination of expertise and proven technology to help. Offering both surgical and minimally invasive techniques for combating receding hairlines and other varieties of hair loss. From the ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant System to a wide variety of minimally invasive procedures, we have the solutions you are looking for. Contact us today for a free consultation… after all, the first step toward a solution is identifying the problem.