From Sting to Jason Statham to Prince William to your dad or tito, let’s be real, a receding hairline is something that happens to almost everyone at some point in their lives. And, this gradual thinning and loss of hair, particularly on the temples, thus creating an “M, “U,” or “V” shape when seen from the top, can be something a lot of guys feel self-conscious about, even though it is totally common.
“Hair loss is something we all do not want to have but statistics will show that 50% of us will have it by the time we are 50. A receding hairline isn’t just due to aging, it is essentially a genetic and a hormonal problem. Some men experience hair loss as early as their 20s,” says Corazon Almira T. Mella, MD, a dermatologist from top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “These two factors, genetics and hormones, are the key players that contribute to hair thinning and loss. Stress, certain medications, and a diet deficient in vitamins and minerals have likewise been known to affect hair growth.”
There’s no cure for receding hairlines. “But you can delay its progression or increase the thickness of hair strands on your head with solutions that range from simple lifestyle changes to science-backed treatments,” suggests the MakatiMed dermatologist.
Manage your haircare routine. “Use shampoos specifically formulated to strengthen your scalp and make your hair more robust. Shampoos that are sulfate free are advisable,” shares Dr. Mella. “You can also ask your barber to recommend a more flattering hairstyle. Guys with receding hairlines can wear their hair slicked back, get a close-to-the-scalp buzzcut, or take it all off and go bald.”
Tweak your diet. Protein, healthy fats, and vitamins contribute to luscious hair. “Go for lean protein. Omega-3-rich salmon and mackerel are said to promote hair growth, and eggs contain biotin or vitamin B7, which strengthens hair,” says Dr. Mella.
Reduce stress. Do you know that there’s actually a name for stress-induced hair loss? “In telogen effluvium, hair falls in clumps following a stressful situation. It certainly doesn’t help men with receding hairlines,” explains Dr. Mella. Engaging in regular exercise (from walking and running to swimming and yoga), getting at least eight hours of sleep, and spending time with loved ones can calm frayed nerves. It’s also important to understand that in telogen effluvium, the hair shedding is temporary and if it has been going on for some time, proper evaluation and laboratory investigation is required.
Take prescription medication. Although minoxidil, a topical formulation that stimulates hair growth, is available over the counter, variants with a higher percentage of minoxidil require a doctor’s prescription. So does finasteride, an oral medication that reduces the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a naturally occurring hormone responsible for hair loss. “As mentioned, these medications are not a cure, and only work for as long as you continue to use them. Commitment to the medications is as important as the treatment itself.” reminds Dr. Mella.
Explore minimally invasive procedures. When you’ve tried the aforementioned recommendations but failed to get the desired results, it’s time to look into the big guns of hair growth.
“Microneedling stimulates the production of collagen through the puncture of tiny needles on the scalp,” says Dr. Mella. “Low-Level Laser Therapy subjects a patient’s scalp to low-power lasers, which trigger hair follicle activity. In Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, a patient is administered with his own concentrated platelets on his scalp, where growth factors stimulate hair follicles. Exosome Therapy also relies on growth factors, in this case, from the tiny vesicles released by a patient’s cells.”
For surgery, hair restoration surgery in the form of follicular unit extraction, where the surgeon transfers the follicles from the sides and back of a patient’s head to the thinning or hairless parts in the front for a more natural look. Out of all the options, hair restoration surgery offers more tangible and long-lasting results. It is available at Makati Medical Center as an outpatient service.
Given all these solutions, Dr. Mella underlines a personalized approach to address hair loss, “What’s important to remember is that what works for someone may not work for you, and vice versa. Consult with your doctor on the most effective solution—or combination of solutions—for your type of condition, and be patient with the outcome.”