Frontal Hair Loss: Causes And How To Treat It

The most prevalent type of hair loss in men in their 30s is frontal hair loss or a receding hairline. Frontal balding, popularly called the frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) or widow’s peak, is related to the prevalent hair loss condition. This dreadful type of hair loss has a detrimental impact on a person’s look, creating discomfort and lowering their self-confidence. In addition, it is the earliest sign of thinning hair and the first level of male pattern baldness which starts with temple hair loss (1).

Symptoms Of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, Causes, Diagnosis, & Treatments

Hair loss from the scalp surrounding the forehead and the brows and armpits is a common symptom of FFA.

This condition is thought to be caused by hormonal fluctuations or autoimmune diseases or reactions in the body (2). On the other hand, this unfavorable condition can be addressed and slowed using clinical, therapeutic, and medical procedures and treatments. Maintaining a proper lifestyle and eating a balanced diet is necessary to battle hair loss.

Quick Tip

Frontal fibrosing alopecia may also impact other body parts as the condition advances. The commonly affected area are eyebrows, beard area, arms, legs, and pubic area.

But before you begin treating this common issue you need to be able to recognize it. Check out the section below to read about the various symptoms of frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Symptoms Of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Itchy scalp

This is the most common symptom that individuals develop, where they experience constant itchiness on the scalp or even pain.

Rashes

Rashes on the scalp, face, or hairline can indicate FFA. These rashes may appear as small red or light yellow bumps.

Eyebrow Loss

A significant loss of eyebrows is often associated with frontal fibrosing alopecia. You may notice thinner brows or hair loss on the eyebrow edges.

Receding Hairline

A band of a slightly lighter shade of skin on the forehead may indicate a receding hairline.

Understanding the causes of this hair condition is the first step towards fixing the aforementioned symptoms and the overall issue. Learn more in the next section.

Causes

Various factors cause general hair loss. Unhealthy diet and lifestyle, physiological and psychological stress resulting in telogen effluvium, improper hair care etiquette or hair styling practices, hormonal changes, scalp infection, illness, and medications, among others, cause hair loss.

However, hormonal changes in the body and scalp and genetic factors are known to be the prime cause for male or female pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia as well as alopecia areata. The male hormone called dihydrotestosterone or DHT is an androgen that is majorly responsible for frontal balding(1). DHT is responsible for development of manly attributes in males. A very small percentage of DHT is also found in women. Increased level of this hormone in women also causes development of androgynous male secondary sex characteristics, like facial hair, while also prompting sudden hair fall (3).

DHT gets attached to the androgen receptors present in the dermal papillaⁱ  A group of mesenchymal cells (cells developing into connective and lymphatic tissues and blood vessels) found under the hair follicle. of the hair follicles and inhibits the proper hair growth. This androgen prevents efficient absorption of growth nutrients from the blood by the papilla causing nutrient deficiencies. This consequently restricts the optimal nourishment of the hair and stops the growth of the hair shaft. Increased level of DHT hormone in the scalp is genetically programmed to cause miniaturizing or shrinkage of the hair follicles. This hampers the creation of new hair follicles thereby leading to reduced hair growth, thinning and loss of hair due to follicle degradation. Thus regulating the levels of DHT in the body and restricting the androgen reception by the hair follicles is essential in solving the problem of frontal balding.

Diagnosis

1. Scalp Examination: A dermatologist will start with a close examination of your scalp and hairline to identify patterns of hair loss and other signs of FFA.

2. Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your medical history, including any previous hair loss issues and family history of similar conditions.

3. Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of skin may be taken from the scalp and examined under a microscope. This helps confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

4. Blood Tests: Although not always necessary, blood tests may be performed to check for underlying conditions that could be contributing to hair loss.

Treatments

Maintaining an appropriate lifestyle, healthy diet and remaining stress free by practicing yoga and meditation can help to naturally tackle the general hair loss issue and FFA problem. Boosting the immune system and keeping illnesses at bay is prerequisite for healthy hair. Use of hot hair treatments, styling tools, chemicals and stressful and tight hairstyling should be avoided as these easily cause the frontal hair to fall easily. Dandruff and other scalp infections along with scalp dehydration leads to blockage of hair follicles by excess sebumⁱ  An oily substance produced by the skin to keep it moisturized which, in excess, may cause greasy hair and scalp acne. and scalp build up. This leads to insufficient nourishment of the hair which causes weakening of the hair root and eventually loss of hair (4). Hence one should use anti dandruff shampoos and treatments, like nizoral and head & shoulders, to cleanse the scalp and keep it infection free.

Hormonal levels should be regulated and controlled in the body and frontal hair loss treated by use of medicinal drugs, treatments and surgeries like:

Scalp Surgery

Techniques like scalp flab, hair transplant,FUE treatmentⁱ  A hair restoration surgery that involves extracting hair follicles from the back of the head and implanting them on the bald area. , hair growth and restructuring have been used to deal with the frontal hair loss issue.

According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery’s 2022 Practice Census Survey Results, it was estimated 149,254 surgical hair restoration procedures were conducted in the United States and Canada in 2021. Globally, the number of patients undergoing surgical hair restoration procedures reached 628,604. Approximately 87.3% of these procedures were performed on male patients, with the remaining 12.7% being performed on female patients.

It is an expensive treatment and should only be resorted to on recommendation of a doctor in case of chronic FFA.

Minoxidil

This topical lotion or foam needs to be rubbed on the affected region of the scalp every day. This rub on treatment is best to stop and prevent hair loss and to further delay balding. It also promotes regrowth of hair. Favorable results are visible 4 months after the start of the treatment. This is an expensive treatment and hence should be resorted to only on the advice of a doctor or a medical practitioner (5).

Finasteride

This medicine works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone of DHT. The decrease in the level of DHT thus positively affects the pores to expand back to their normal size and therefore strengthen the hair and prevent hair loss. Consuming 1 tablet of finasteride each day helps to stop hair loss and promote regrowth of hair. The effect of this medicine is observed 4 months after starting the medication process while it can take up to 2 year for full hair growth to occur (6).

Trivia

Corticosteroids may also help reduce inflammation caused by FFA. These are either injected directly into the scalp or used as a cream.

Batrah, a blogger, shared his emotional challenges with frontal and central baldness. He tried remedies like minoxidil and onion juice but to no avail. After facing much internal anguish, he set on the path to accept his reality, stating, “Slowly n slowly I started accepting the fate ..I started accepting my baldness. ‘My baldness gives me strength’ were the words by Zinedine Zidane, the 1998 fifa world cup hero.I gave up on my baldness and finally regaining my lost confidence after accepting it (i).”

Infographic: Tips To Manage And Deal With Frontal Hair Loss

Losing hair affects your emotional well-being and mental health. While the treatment options may help you deal with the issue, it is best to care for your scalp and hair to prevent any further hair loss. The infographic discusses a few measures you may take, apart from treatment, to protect your hair and scalp and prevent further hair loss. Check it out.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you regrow frontal hair?

As long as the hair follicles have not been damaged, you can regrow frontal hair.

Can frontal balding be reversed?

No. Currently, there are no solutions to reverse frontal balding.

Is finasteride better than minoxidil for the frontal hairline?

Both finasteride and minoxidil may help promote hair growth. They give the best results when used together for hairline recession. However, you should not self-medicate as improper use of these medicines may cause irritation and other adverse effects.

Illustration: Frontal Hair Loss: Causes And How To Treat It

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Hair loss at 20 can be a scary experience. This video will help you manage hair loss and thinning safely without surgery. Learn how to keep your hair healthy and strong.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Sonam Jeswani RamrakhianiMBBS, DDV

 

Dr. Sonam Jeswani Ramrakhiani is a renowned dermatologist with over 11 years of experience. She has a sharp eye for facial aesthetics and advocates learning newer technologies and treatment protocols for the benefit of her clients.

Read full bio of Dr. Sonam Jeswani Ramrakhiani

Jyotsana RaoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.

Read full bio of Jyotsana Rao

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das

Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

Read full bio of Krati Darak