Androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness is one of the most common forms of hair loss in men. Usually a genetic inheritance, most men find themselves asking the question of how to stop a receding hairline sooner or later. Caused by the shrinking and inability of the hair follicles to grow new hair over time, baldness starts with the hairline receding in an M-shape, gradually forming a U-shape of hair around the sides of the head. While physically impossible to avoid the inevitable, a variety of options might stop further hair loss or hide it, which we’ll discuss later below.
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What Causes A Receding Hairline?
The most common reasons for a receding hairline are genetic inheritance and ageing. There are other causes of hair loss as well. These are:
- cigarette smoking;
- excessive use of gels, sprays, or heat for styling hair;
- eating processed foods, foods with added preservatives, or fatty and sugary foods;
- colouring hair using harmful chemicals like bleach;
- getting hairstyles that stretch the hair a little too much like braids or cornrows.
These are some of the reasons why you might be losing hair. Now, let’s talk about how you can tackle a receding hairline.
1- Change Your Hairstyle
For those men who don’t mind gradually losing hair, changing their current haircut/hairstyle to something more flattering for their thinning hair might be the best option. Opt for close cropped cuts or creative cuts like the pomp or Mohawk fade if you have more hair to play with.
2- Wigs and Weaves
If the pattern is closer to a U-shape, consider using wigs or hairpieces with a color, style and texture similar to your original hair as they can cover both receding hairlines and complete baldness.
Wigs are also a cheaper and simpler alternative to medication or surgical procedures. Hair weaves i.e. wig pieces can also be sewn into your natural hair if there is enough of it.
3- Try Medication
Available in Pakistan under the trade names: ‘Hair Max Plus’, ‘Minoxin Plus’ and ‘Regrow’, Minoxidil-or Rogaine-is a topical solution in the form of a lotion or foam which slows hair loss and stimulates the hair follicles to grow new hair in some cases. But make sure to consult an internal medcine doctor in Karachi or your own locality before you take this step.
Results take between 3 months to a year to surface, with reverse effects if application is stopped. Side effects may include weight gain, labored respiration, rapid heartbeat and swelling.
4- Hair Transplant
The only procedure proven to have grown new hair, hair transplantation is an expensive procedure that may require multiple sessions for good results.
It works by transferring tiny plugs of hair from areas with prominent hair growth to balding-affected sections. While the transplanted hair is permanent and looks natural, the procedure itself might cause scarring and possible infection.
Note that suturing of hair pieces to the scalp is highly discouraged as it results in severe scars, infections and scalp abscess, along with the use of artificial fibers in place of natural hair due to high infection rates.
5- Stem Cell Injection
This is one of the best ways of overcoming hair loss. Stem cell injection actually restarts the hair growth process. This treatment extracts fat from the body and separates the stem cells from it. The cells are then inserted in the scalp.
This process utilises the natural regeneration power of our bodies to reverse hair loss. The results start manifesting in a month’s time while the procedure takes only one and a half hour.
6- Low Level Laser Treatment
This treatment involves using a laser to jump-start hair follicles which restarts hair development. This requires no surgical invasion and is relatively painless. Multiple doctor visits are required weekly and for a long period of time, though.
Doctors suggest that if the hairline is receding due to some other medical issue, then it is possible that the hair loss will stop once the issue is resolved. This, in combination with the laser treatment, can lead to the resumption of normal hair growth.
7- Try Another Shampoo
There are shampoos that are very harmful to hair growth. They can remove oil from your scalp which can weaken the hair.
If you are suffering from hair loss, try switching to a gentler shampoo. There are shampoos that contain a chemical called ketoconazole that can actually help boost hair growth and make them stronger.
8- Curb Your Stress
Anxiety and stress can contribute to hair loss according to scientists. If you have been through a depressing episode recently and are losing hair, it is probably the stress. Try and get ahead of this by taking small steps towards a different lifestyle.
You can lower anxiety levels through a proper diet, regular exercise, meditating, relaxing and other activities.
Consult your adviser if you too find yourself questioning how to stop a receding hairline. You can Book Appointments with Top Specialists in Karachi, Multan, and Islamabad through Oladoc.com. Or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 if you need any help with finding the RIGHT Doctor for your needs.
