Receding Hairline
Posted by JM on September 24, 2001 at 10:49:23: Previous Next
Hello,
I've noticed in the last few years a slight recession of my hairline. I'm 22 years old now, and I started growing my hair out long about two years ago. I noticed my hairline receding starting when I was around 19 or so. My father experienced the same thing when he was my age, so I'm pretty sure it's just hereditary.
Now that I have long hair, my hairline is more prominent when I put my hair back into a ponytail. I've heard that wearing a tight ponytail too often can make the problem worse. How tight is tight? I wear a ponytail when at work and while sleeping. I tie it tight enough to keep my hair in place and nothing more. In other words, I never pull on my hair while I'm put it into a ponytail. I just gather it all up with my hands and make sure it's even, so there is still some "slack" in the hair once its in a ponytail. I don't feel any tension and what not.
What are some ways I can make sure the problem doesn't get any worse? Should I see a dermatologist? After spending all this time growing my hair out and taking care of it, I want to make sure it stays with me for a while. :)
Re: Receding Hairline
Posted by jin on September 25, 2001 at 09:55:50:
In Reply to: Receding Hairline posted by JM on September 24, 2001 at 10:49:23:
: Now that I have long hair, my hairline is more prominent when I put my hair back into a ponytail. I've heard that wearing a tight ponytail too often can make the problem worse. How tight is tight? I wear a ponytail when at work and while sleeping. I tie it tight enough to keep my hair in place and nothing more. In other words, I never pull on my hair while I'm put it into a ponytail. I just gather it all up with my hands and make sure it's even, so there is still some "slack" in the hair once its in a ponytail. I don't feel any tension and what not.
From your description, you are doing the right thing. A "tight" ponytail is when your scalp screams "pain" when you do it. Hence, as long as you feel confortable with yours, it's ok :)
: What are some ways I can make sure the problem doesn't get any worse? Should I see a dermatologist? After spending all this time growing my hair out and taking care of it, I want to make sure it stays with me for a while. :)
Yes, you could approach a dermatologist. He'll give you the proper medical advice and prescribe pills for your condition (if any). Alternatively, you could approach a trichologist, he'll advice you on the proper hair care routine and appropriate nutrition to prevent further hair loss.
Re: Receding Hairline
Posted by SHF on September 27, 2001 at 14:19:28:
In Reply to: Receding Hairline posted by JM on September 24, 2001 at 10:49:23:
You are very young to be experiencing a noticable recession in your hairline. You mentioned that your father was the same way. Male Pattern Baldness (or MPB "Androgenic Alopecia") is almost entirely hereditary. While everyone doesn't necessarily follow his father's 'hair history,' it appears that this is the situation in your case. The propensity for MPB can actually come from the father's or mother's side, contrary to popular opinion.
Wearing a ponytail (or a hat... another myth) has no effect on hairloss, unless the hair is pulled extremely taught over a period of time (almost to the point of pain). In that case, it is known as "traction alopecia." The hair will normally grow back when the traction (pulling) has ceased. Since you wear your ponytail loosely, I doubt that this is the case for you.
You can indeed go to a dermatologist to discuss possible remedies for your hair loss. There are proven remedies on the market, though they don't work for everyone. The only way to know, is to try, if you wish.
Minoxodil(a topical solution applied to the scalp), which is no longer a prescription medication, works by halting further hair loss. It has also been shown to regrow hair in the crown area of the head on some men (and women). Minoxodil does not regrow hair in the frontal hairline area, however.
Propecia is a prescription (for men ONLY) pill that actually does regrow hair in the frontal hairline area of some men.
As with most medications, there are side effects for some people. Side effects can include difficulty in achieving an erection, and less desire for sex. Another draw back is that these medications must be continued indefinitely, for any hair gain will be lost when ceasing treatment.
The best thing for you to do would be to consult a dermatologist. He/she should be able to give you complete answers to all your questions.
Good luck!