8 Simple Ways To Treat Hair Loss At The Temples

Getting to the root of your temple hair loss is key to choosing the right remedies.

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A woman with temple hair loss

Image: Shutterstock

It might be frustrating to have thinning hair, especially when it begins around the temples and basic tasks like tying the hair in a bun become problematic. Temple hair loss in women is common, and coping with it might not be easy. Recognizing hair loss or hair shedding and its reasons can help you find a remedy. Continue reading to learn what triggers hair loss at the temples and how to achieve hair restoration effectively.

What Is Temple Hair Loss?

Temple hair loss is the thinning of hair at the temples. Although this kind of hair loss is common in both men and women, it is characteristic of male pattern baldness, where thinning starts at the temples rather than from the top of the head (1). However, if you are losing hair at the temples, it is likely that you are losing hair from the top of your head as well (2). Temple hair loss can also just take place on just one side.

A study revealed the prevalence of male androgenetic alopecia (MAA) in various populations. In Australia, a survey with 1390 men found that the occurrence of full baldness increases with age, from 31% in the 40-55 age group to 53% in the 65-69 age group. Receding frontal hairline was observed in 25% of men aged 40-55 and 31% of men aged 65-69. In the USA, a survey reported a 53% prevalence of moderate or severe MAA among individuals aged 40-49. Similar findings were observed in the Korean population, commonly seen in individuals aged between 30s-70s. Singaporean males had a reported MAA prevalence of 63%, increasing with age from 32% in the 17-26 age group to 100% after 80 years.

Key Takeaways

  • Although heredity is often the prime factor behind temple hair loss, you can also experience it due to PCOS or wearing hairstyles like a tight ponytail or bun.
  • Indulging in a scalp massage with olive oil twice or thrice a week may help promote hair growth and scalp health.
  • Aloe vera reduces stubborn dandruff from the scalp and soothes scalp irritation, which, in return, may help curb hair loss.
  • The high sulfur content of onion can help regenerate hair follicles, thereby supporting hair growth.

What Causes Temple Hair Loss?

More often than not, hair loss at the temples is a genetically inherited condition like male and female pattern baldness. In some cases, it is also caused due to the overuse of hair extensions and sporting tight braids and hairstyles which also lead to hair breakage. Thyroid conditions and hormonal imbalances caused due to issues such as PCOSi  Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal disorder that causes swollen ovaries with the growth of small cysts on the edges. can lead to this kind of hair loss (3), (4).

Dr Reid Maclellan, Adjunct Professor of Plastic Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital, says, “Temple hair loss can also be due to androgenetic alopecia, which is caused by hormones and genetics.” He adds, “These can be prevented by avoiding tight hairstyles, taking supplements, and using topical treatments in the area. If you notice a more prominent widow’s peak, more hair falling out in the shower or as you brush, or receding hairline, this can mean hair loss is occurring. However, it can still be prevented with immediate attention and care.” It is essential to learn how to stop receding hairlines to keep your hair healthy and strong.

Hair loss can adversely impact specific aspects of your everyday life. This graph indicates how hair loss negatively affects self-confidence, mood, and bonds with peers or romantic partners. Harsh circumstances can intensify this feeling, which can have an adverse effect on other facets of your life as well. Knowing the different types of hair loss can help you address the issue effectively. Check out the graph below to learn more.

Impact Of Hair Loss On Everyday Life

Source: Burden of Illness in Alopecia Areata: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey Study

As we can see above, the area that hair loss has the most impact on is one’s self-esteem, leading to feelings of insecurity and lowered confidence. This can further impact social interactions as well, causing anxiety, stress, or withdrawal from social situations.

In the next section, we will take a look at the methods you can use to help regrow the hair on the temples.

Note: These remedies alone will not control hair thinning. A proper diagnosis needs to be done by a doctor to find out the underlying cause of hair loss. Recognizing signs of hair thinning early on can help you take control and prevent further loss.

How To Treat Hair Loss At The Temples Naturally

1. Olive Oil

Olive oil as a way of treating temple hair loss naturally
Image: Shutterstock

Research shows that massaging the scalp with oil can increase hair thickness (5). Since olive oil can penetrate the hair shaft, massaging your hair and scalp with it can help strengthen them from within (6). A study showed that a herbal formulation with an olive oil base induced hair growth (7). Olive oil also contains oleuropein that could induce hair growth in mice studies (8). However, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that olive oil can actually promote hair growth.

You Will Need

2 tablespoons of olive oil

Processing Time

45 minutes

Process

  1. Heat the olive oil for a couple of seconds until it is slightly warm.
  2. Massage the oil into your scalp for about 15 minutes, focusing on the temples.
  3. Once your scalp is fully covered, work the rest of the oil through your hair.
  4. Leave the oil on for an additional 30 minutes.
  5. Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and cool/lukewarm water.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.


protip_icon Quick Tip
You can wrap a steamed towel around your head to help the scalp and hair absorb the oil better.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties (9). It can not only soothe scalp irritation but also moisturize your scalp and hair. It can also help reduce dandruff (10). This, in turn, may reduce hair loss. Though aloe vera is traditionally used to address hair loss issues, there is a lack of scientific evidence to establish the link.

You Will Need

1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel

Processing Time

1 hour

Process

  1. Extract about a teaspoon of fresh aloe vera gel. If you do not have fresh aloe vera, you can use store-bought pure aloe vera gel.
  2. Apply the gel to the affected areas and leave it on for about an hour.
  3. You can rinse it off with water or a mild sulfate-free shampoo. Be sure not to shampoo your hair more than 3 times a week.

How Often?

3-4 times.

3. Onions

Onions as a way of treating temple hair loss naturally
Image: Shutterstock

A study showed that onion juice could induce hair growth (11). Another study states that onion has a high sulfur content, which can help in regenerating hair follicles and stimulating hair growth (12).

You Will Need

1 teaspoon of extracted onion juice

Processing Time

15 minutes

Process

  1. Extract the juice from the onion and apply this to your temples and the other affected areas on your scalp.
  2. Leave the onion juice on for 15 minutes.
  3. Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and cool/lukewarm water.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Nimeshaa, a vlogger, applied onion juice to her hair for three alternate days and shared the results in a video. She created the hair mask by slicing, rising, blending, and then collecting the onion juice. About her hair fall, she said, “Ever since I started using this onion hair mask, it has significantly reduced (i).”

4. Green Tea

Studies show that the EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in green tea can stimulate hair growth (13). It also inhibits the activity of the 5α-reductase enzyme, which can cause hair loss (14). Green tea can also help reduce sebum production on greasy scalps (15). It can help improve overall scalp and hair health.

You Will Need

  • 2 bags of green tea
  • 1 cup of water

Processing Time

30 minutes

Process

  1. Brew a cup of tea with two bags of green tea and set it aside to cool.
  2. Apply it to your scalp and hair. Make sure to cover your temple and the affected areas on your scalp.
  3. Leave the tea in for 30 minutes and then rinse it out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

5. Potato Rinse

Potato juice as a way of treating temple hair loss naturally
Image: Shutterstock

There is no scientific evidence of potato juice curbing hair loss. Research shows that potato juice has antioxidant properties (16). This can help reduce oxidative stress, which is a common cause of hair fall (17).

You Will Need

  • 2 potatoes
  • 2 cups of water

Processing Time

5 minutes

Process

  1. Boil two medium-sized potatoes and collect the water in a jug. Set it aside to cool.
  2. Wash and condition your hair as you normally would.
  3. Pour the cooled potato liquid through your hair as a final rinse.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

6. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil

contains fatty acids that penetrate through your scalp and hair, nourishing and conditioning them (18). It also reduces protein loss of hair, which is needed for healthy hair.

You Will Need

2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Processing Time

45 minutes

Process

  1. Heat the coconut oil for a couple of seconds until it is slightly warm.
  2. Massage the oil into your scalp for about 15 minutes, focusing on the temples.
  3. Once your scalp is fully covered, work the rest of the oil through your hair.
  4. Leave the oil on for an additional 30 minutes.
  5. Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and cool/lukewarm water.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

7. Honey, Cinnamon, And Olive Oil

Honey, cinnamon, And olive oil as a way of treating temple hair loss naturally
Image: Shutterstock

Cinnamon contains procyanidinsi  Oligomeric (comprising few repeating units) compounds found in plants and used in medicinal chemistry for its antioxidant properties. , which induced hair growth in mice studies (19). Olive oil can help hydrate the hair and condition it. Honey is an emollient, which makes it a good hair conditioner (20). It can also help treat dandruff and regulate the pH of the scalp.

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Processing Time

40 minutes

Process

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl to get a smooth mixture.
  2. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair.
  3. Once your scalp and hair are covered, leave the hair mask on for 40 minutes.
  4. Wash it off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and cool/lukewarm water.

How Often?

2 times a week.

8. Neem Leaves

Neem leaves as a way of treating temple hair loss naturally
Image: Shutterstock

Studies showed that the antifungal properties of neem extracts could inhibit the growth of dandruff-causing fungi (21). It has immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties (22). These properties can help in keeping the scalp and hair healthy. Anecdotal evidence suggests that neem can aid hair regrowth and reduce hair loss. It can also help rejuvenate dry and frizzy hair. However, there are no scientific studies to prove these effects.

You Will Need

  • A bunch of neem leaves
  • A few tablespoons of water

Processing Time

15 minutes

Process

  1. Blend a handful of neem leaves to get a smooth paste. You can add some water to the paste to get it to the right consistency.
  2. Apply the neem paste to your temples and the affected areas of your scalp.
  3. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it out with cool/lukewarm water.

How Often?

4-5 days a week.

Let’s take a look at other ways to treat temple hair loss!

Temple Hair Loss Treatment

There are various ways to treat temple hair loss like:

  • Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, zinc, iron, and protein can prevent hair loss, including at the temples (23).
  • Gentle Hair Care: Avoid tight hairstyles and excessive use of heat styling tools, as it can stress the hair follicles and worsen temple hair loss.
  • Topical Treatments: FDA-approved topical treatments containing minoxidil can stimulate hair growth when applied directly to the affected area (24).
  • Prescription Medications: Drugs like finasteride may be recommended to stop hair loss and promote regrowth (25).
  • Clinical Treatments: Low-level laser therapy, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and hair transplant may be suggested by a certified dermatologist or trichologist to stimulate regrowth at the temples.

Infographic: Simple & Effective Remedies To Treat Hair Loss At The Temples

The loss of hair around the temples is a prevalent hair issue that many people, particularly women, experience. Unfortunately, this is one issue that is both aggravating and typical. Simple hairstyles like putting your hair in a ponytail or bun become problematic when dealing with this problem. Nevertheless, managing hair loss at the temples is easier than you might imagine. Check out the infographic below for some incredibly easy at-home solutions to stop temple hair loss.

simple and effective remedies to treat hairloss at the temples (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

protip_icon Did You Know?
The scalp micro pigmentation procedure (or scalp tattoo) helps create an illusion of a shaved head. It may help cover temple hair loss.

Temple hair loss can be frustrating, especially when you are tying your hair. Seen in both men and women, multiple factors such as genetics, medical conditions, and overuse of hair extensions can lead to your hair thinning at the temples. You can try home remedies with natural ingredients such as olive oil, green tea, aloe vera, coconut oil, or neem leaves to combat temple hair loss. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor to identify the cause behind it and avail the correct treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I thicken hair at my temples?

You can use the natural remedies mentioned in the article to make the hair at your temples thicker. You can also seek other hair growth treatments and medication to increase hair growth and make hair thicker, but be sure to consult a trichologisti first to diagnose the reason for hair loss. If the cause is a nutrient deficiency, supplements might do the trick. But if it is a hair loss issue, the doctor might recommend prescribed medication and other treatments like hair transplant and hair implant in which the former involves taking skin containing hair called “hair grafts” from one part of the head and putting it at a bald spot while the latter involves implanting synthetic hair into the scalp.

How do you hide thinning hair in temples?

You can use hair extensions like clip-on or sew-in weaves to make your hair look thicker and hide hair thinning. You can also use hair coloring sprays or concealers that coat your hair and scalp and give the appearance of fuller hair.

What vitamin deficiency causes hair fall?

A diet lacking in nutrients like vitamins, proteins, amino acids, and minerals can lead to hair loss and thinning. Deficiency of vitamins D, B12, and folic acid may be linked to hair loss.

Does finasteride work on temples?

Finasteride is an FDA-approved prescription drug used for treating androgenic alopeciai  A common skin disease that can cause permanent hair loss in both men and women. Also known as male and female pattern baldness. . The drug may help reduce the risk of female pattern hair loss in women and male pattern hair loss in men, which is a common cause for receding hair at the temples.

Illustration: Simple Ways To Treat Hair Loss At The Temples

Temple Hair Loss

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Losing your temporal hair can be really frustrating. If you are looking for ways to restore them, check out this informative video and find out all the answers you need.

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. I applied onion juice on my hair for 3 days!! || shocking results!!,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lBaH86uC6o

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

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Dr. CP Thajudheen
Dr. CP ThajudheenMD
Dr. CP Thajudheen has over 20 years of experience in various lasers, light-based devices, and other advanced equipment. He was one of the beginners who introduced cutaneous lasers in India. He carries out dermato surgeries regularly, including hair grafting and vitiligo surgeries.

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  • Dr. Reid MaclellanMD Dr. Reid Maclellan, MD, is the Founder and CEO of Cortina Health, Inc., and an Instructor of Surgery at both Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital where he practices and teaches translational medical research. He has 12 years of experience and is frequently invited to lecture nationally and internationally.
    Dr. Reid Maclellan, MD, is the Founder and CEO of Cortina Health, Inc., and an Instructor of Surgery at both Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital where he practices and teaches translational medical research. He has 12 years of experience and is frequently invited to lecture nationally and internationally.
Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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