Female Hairlines & Receding Hairlines in Women, Explained

Just like your eyes or smile, your hairline can impact the way you look. If you’ve noticed your hairline is receding, you’re not alone — receding hairlines in women are more common than you might think.

Natural female hairlines come in all shapes and sizes, from round to M-shaped. Unfortunately, many women experience hair loss at their hairlines, which can affect self-esteem.

The good news is that a handful of hair loss treatments are available. Depending on the cause of your receding hairline, various remedies can help prevent further loss and promote hair regrowth.

We’ll look at the common causes of (or explanations for) a receding hairline in women, then cover solutions and strategies. Let’s get started!

People’s hairlines play a role in perceived attractiveness and facial balance. Though it might seem like it’s only dudes who complain about a receding hairline, it can happen to women too — and it’s surprisingly common.

Twelve percent of women first develop clinically detectable female pattern hair loss (FPHL) by age 29. The likelihood then shoots up to 25 percent by age 49 and 41 percent by age 69. By their 79th birthday, over half of women have some element of FPHL.

Hair loss in women can show up in many ways, from a wider part to a receding hairline. We’ll go over some of the most common hairlines in women.

Round Hairline

In a Japanese study from 2021, a round hairline was found to be the most common type in women. It features a smooth, curved shape with no indentations, giving it a rounded or semicircular appearance when viewed from the front.

M-Shaped Hairline

With an M hairline, the hairline at the temples (sides of the forehead) is slightly more recessed than the central front hairline. This creates the subtle appearance of the letter M when viewed from the front.

Rectangular Hairline

Also known as a linear or straight hairline, this type of hairline is characterized by a relatively flat, horizontal line across the forehead, without any significant indentations or curves. It creates a more rectangular frame for the face when viewed from the front.

Triangular Hairline

This hairline shape is characterized by the temples being more forward (convex), while the midpoint is set slightly back. This creates a triangular appearance when viewed from the front.

Other Hairline Features

Other common hairline features and shapes include:

• Low hairline. Exactly what it sounds like — a low hairline sits closer to the eyebrows.

• High hairline. A high hairline leaves a large space between the hair and eyebrows.

• Middle hairline. Considered average or standard, a middle hairline sits somewhere between a low and high hairline.

• Uneven hairline. This type of hairline is characterized by an asymmetry. The irregular shape may run higher or lower at certain points.

Just like faces, no two hairlines are exactly the same. A unique or changing shape to your hairline doesn’t necessarily mean it’s receding — or that it’s permanent.

Read on to learn about the tell-tale signs of a receding hairline in women.

A receding hairline occurs when the hairline moves back from its original position, typically due to hair loss. It’s a common feature of male pattern hair loss, and although it’s less common in female pattern hair loss, it can still happen.

Signs of a receding hairline in women may include:

• A higher hairline than you used to have

• Hair loss at the temples (sides of the forehead)

• Patchy hair loss at the front of the scalp

• A change in the shape of your hairline, making it less rounded, perhaps becoming more M- or U-shaped

Keep scrolling to learn about what causes a receding hairline in women.

Several types of hair loss can affect your hairline.

A receding hairline in women could be caused by conditions like traction alopecia, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and female pattern hair loss. Here’s what to know.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Also known as androgenetic alopecia, female pattern hair loss is primarily caused by a combination of genetics and the effects of androgen hormones on the hair follicles.

Sometimes, FPHL can develop due to hormonal imbalances, such as those seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Unlike male pattern baldness — which typically results in a receding hairline around the scalp or a bald spot at the crown — female pattern baldness usually presents as diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp, often with a noticeably widening part.

Connect with a healthcare provider to figure out if female pattern hair loss is affecting your hairline.

Traction Alopecia

Tight hairstyles — like slicked-back buns, tightly pulled ponytails, braids, or cornrows — can put a lot of tension on the hair and cause excessive strain on the hair follicles if worn too long or too frequently.

This continuous pulling force can lead to breakage and hair loss, a condition known as traction alopecia. While it often affects the frontal hairline, traction alopecia can happen anywhere on the head.

Signs of traction alopecia include progressive thinning and hair loss in areas where hair is frequently under tension.

It’s crucial to address traction alopecia as soon as you notice the early signs. This form of hair loss can be reversed if you switch to looser styles. But if it’s not addressed, it could lead to permanent hair loss.

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring type of hair loss that specifically affects the hairline, causing it to recede over time.

FFA is most commonly seen in postmenopausal women, though it can also happen to men and younger women.

It’s classified as a scarring alopecia because it leads to permanent hair loss.  Inflammation within the scalp damages and eventually destroys hair follicles, making them unable to produce hair.

The exact cause of frontal fibrosing alopecia isn’t well understood, but genetics and environmental factors are thought to play a role.

Early diagnosis is vital, as timely treatment can help slow the progression of hair loss — before more hair follicles are destroyed. Treatments for FFA are generally more aggressive than those for non-scarring types of hair loss, but a healthcare provider might recommend supplementing with other remedies.

Your women’s receding hairline treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause. Some potential treatments and solutions may include:

• Minoxidil

• Finasteride

• Spironolactone

• A new hairstyle or part

• Laser therapy

• Platelet-rich plasma treatment

• Hair restoration surgery

Get more details below.

Minoxidil

Usually, minoxidil is the first line of defense for hair loss. Commonly sold under the brand name Rogaine®, topical minoxidil is available over the counter without a prescription. It’s also the only FDA-approved treatment for female pattern hair loss.

Though its exact mechanism of action is unknown, minoxidil is believed to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicle. Think of it like a supercharged smoothie for your roots.

Minoxidil comes in a few forms:

• Minoxidil drops. Available at a 2% strength, this dropper-style treatment makes it super easy to target specific parts of the hairline and scalp. 

• Minoxidil foam. This 5% foam spreads quickly on the scalp to treat diffuse thinning.

• Oral minoxidil. If you find consistent topical application challenging, oral minoxidil is available by prescription.

You can learn more about this hair loss treatment option in our guide to minoxidil for women.

Finasteride 

Men have been using oral finasteride (commonly sold under the brand name Propecia®) to treat hair loss for decades.

Finasteride was initially not recommended for women because of the potential side effects — especially those reported by premenopausal women. But it’s now sometimes prescribed off-label to postmenopausal women to treat hair loss.

Finasteride works by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase isoenzymes, reducing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the key hormone involved in male pattern hair loss, and it might contribute to female pattern hair loss in some women.

Besides treating female pattern hair loss, finasteride may also be useful in treating frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone is FDA-approved to treat conditions like heart failure and hypertension. But it’s also commonly prescribed off-label for its antiandrogenic effects (something that blocks androgen hormones) — particularly for hair loss in women.

(Off-label use is when a medication is prescribed by a healthcare professional for something it’s not specifically FDA-approved for.)

Often prescribed for PCOS-related conditions, spironolactone helps block androgen receptors and decrease testosterone levels in the blood, which can lessen its effects on hair follicles and skin. If you’re dealing with hormonal-related hair loss or acne, this treatment might help.

A New Hairstyle or Part

Switching up your part or getting bangs (even if it’s clip-in bangs) can help change the look of your hairline. This can be especially useful for those with traction alopecia while they regrow their hair.

Get more inspo and ideas for updating your hairline in our comprehensive guide to hairstyles for women with hair loss.

Laser Therapy 

You might have heard about laser hair removal. But do you know laser therapy can also be used to treat hair loss?

Also known as red light therapy, cold laser therapy, or low-level light therapy (LLLT), this treatment is thought to work by stimulating blood flow to hair follicles, encouraging new hair growth. 

Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a relatively new treatment for hair loss, but research suggests it’s safe and can be fairly effective.

PRP treatment is a medical procedure where a clinician takes your blood, extracts the platelet-rich plasma from it, and then injects the PRP into your scalp — targeting areas of hair loss and thinning hair.

According to a 2019 review of clinical studies, PRP treatment is thought to stimulate hair growth by prolonging the anagen phase (growth stage) of the hair growth cycle. It also might help improve blood supply to hair follicles.   

PRP treatments are typically done once a month for three months, and then once every three to six months after that to maintain healthy hair growth.

Hair Transplant Surgery

If you feel like your hairline is on the up and up, you might consider hair transplant surgery.

Individual hairs from another part of the scalp can be transplanted into the area with thinning to restore the hairline. Technology has advanced so much in recent years that hair transplant surgery provides much more natural-looking results than in decades past.

Want to dig a little deeper? Learn more about hair transplants for women in our comprehensive guide.

You can also take care of your mane with a good hair care routine and proper nutrition.

Healthy Hair Care Routine

Whether or not you’re receiving medical treatment for hair loss, you’re wise to maintain a good hair care routine. Taking care of your hair and scalp can promote hair health all over your head — not just on your hairline!

Here’s what you can do:

• Use quality hair care products, like our hair loss shampoo and conditioner.

• Keep your scalp clean and practice good scalp care habits.

• Avoid harsh chemicals, such as bleach, relaxers, and permanent hair dyes.

• Limit heat styling, as it can damage your hair.

• Don’t brush your hair too harshly, especially when it’s wet.

Want to learn more about healthy hair care routines? Read our guides on getting thicker hair and reducing hair breakage.

A Healthy Diet 

Since your body needs nutrients for healthy hair growth, eating a well-balanced diet is a critical piece of any hair growth strategy.

For the most part, you can get all the nutrients you need through a good diet. But if you have a nutrient deficiency (rare but possible), a supplement — like our biotin multivitamin gummies — may be helpful.

Learn more about the best foods to eat for healthy hair, and check out our guide on hair vitamins and supplements.

Your hairline can affect the way you look and how you view yourself. You’re not the first woman to Google “female bad hairline,” but the good news is not all hope is lost.

If you feel like your hairline is receding, there are things you can do:

• Move fast. Receding hairlines tend to get more noticeable over time. Since some may be associated with permanent hair loss, you’ll want to find the cause ASAP to prevent further hair loss.

• Get the right treatment. Once you know the root cause, you can get the proper treatment rollin’.

• Be consistent. No matter which hair loss treatments you end up using, bear in mind you’ll need to be consistent to keep your hairline in its best shape and maintain what you regrow.

For more details about why you might be losing hair or experiencing shedding, see our guide to hair loss in women.

Consulting a healthcare professional is the first step to finding the root cause of your hair loss and the appropriate treatment to promote regrowth. If you’re ready to make a move, take our free hair quiz to get started.