Bald spot near the forehead: causes and next steps

The hairline is exposed to tension from tight ponytails, braids, extensions and glued hairpieces. A single smooth patch has a different appearance from gradual recession or a fringe of short, snapped hairs.

Traction-related loss often follows the line under greatest pull and may begin with tenderness, bumps or broken hairs. Alopecia areata can present with a smooth, sharply outlined bald patch. Scaling, itch and fragile hairs can occur with scalp ringworm. A shiny surface or loss of visible follicle openings raises concern for scarring hair loss.

Location alone cannot establish the diagnosis. The speed of change, hairstyle practices, medicines, family pattern and condition of nearby skin all give useful context.

Release hairstyles that feel tight or leave soreness, and avoid repeatedly attaching extensions or adhesive over the affected edge. Detangle gently, reduce high heat and chemical processing, and do not scratch or pick at bumps. Record the outline with clear photographs rather than repeatedly tugging hairs to test them.

Book a clinician if the cause is unclear. Treatment may target inflammation, infection or another identified process; hair-growth products are not interchangeable with those treatments.

Have the area examined when the edge keeps moving backward, the patch expands, or you notice pain, persistent itch, scale, pustules, crusts or smooth shiny skin. Review is particularly useful before the same hairstyle is installed again, because continued tension can further damage vulnerable follicles.

Rapid swelling around the forehead or eyes, spreading warmth and redness, fever, or drainage with worsening pain warrants urgent assessment.

Ask whether follicle openings remain visible, whether the pattern fits traction or another type of hair loss, and whether scale or broken hairs require testing. Bring photographs of earlier hairstyles and explain where clips, bands, glue or extensions sit.