What causes receding hairline?

Inherited androgenetic alopecia often gradually narrows the temples and changes the front hairline. Repeated tension from tight braids, extensions, ponytails or headwear can cause traction alopecia, especially where pulling is strongest. Frontal fibrosing alopecia is an inflammatory scarring disorder that may move the front hairline backward and can affect the eyebrows; early evaluation matters because scarred follicles may not regrow. Breakage, shedding after illness and changes in the scalp can look similar, so a close examination is useful.

Take clear photographs in consistent lighting and note how quickly the hairline changed. Loosen styles that pull, avoid harsh heat or chemical processing on irritated areas, and treat scalp scaling or itch with professional guidance. A clinician may examine the scalp with magnification and discuss medicines or procedures based on whether follicles remain active. Finasteride treatment and hair transplant are different options with different suitability and risks.

Book a dermatology review when recession is sudden, patchy, painful, itchy, scaly or accompanied by redness, pustules or eyebrow loss. Seek earlier care if a tight hairstyle causes tenderness or crusting, because continuing traction can worsen follicle injury. Rapid change or smooth shiny skin along the hairline deserves assessment for inflammation or scarring.

Ask which pattern fits your examination, whether the follicles show scarring, and whether blood tests or a scalp biopsy would help. Discuss hairstyle changes, family history, medicines, treatment goals, side effects and how progress would be monitored.