My Hair Part is Getting Wider, Is it Hair Loss?

Life moves pretty fast. One day, you’re worried about landing that dream job fresh out of college. Then, before you know it, you’re peering into the mirror, thinking, “Why can I see my scalp through my hair?”

Should you be worried? Is a widening part a sign of hair loss? If your part seems to be increasing by the day, you’re likely experiencing some type of hair loss.

Specifically, a widening hair part is a common sign of female pattern hair loss (FPHL). This is the most common type of hair loss and affects approximately 40 percent of women by age 50.

Fortunately, hair loss can be treated — and the sooner, the better. 

In this article, we’ll explore the root causes of why your part may be getting wider and offer tips on how to fix it (both instantly and in the long run).

Just like flaking on plans can be a red flag for a partner, a wide hair part can be a red flag for your hair’s health.

If you’re wondering, “Why is my hair part so wide?” we have some bad news and good news. 

The bad news: A widening hair part is one of the early signs of female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia or androgenetic alopecia.

First, let’s look at female pattern baldness and how it can affect your middle part. 

With male pattern baldness, the telltale signs of hair loss are usually a receding hairline or thinning over the crown of the head, resulting in a bald spot.

The signs of female pattern hair loss include diffuse thinning of hair on top of the scalp, which often first becomes noticeable as a widening of the part line. 

This can gradually become more severe, resulting in increased thinning and hair loss and a wider (and sadly, even wider) hair part as a clear pattern of hair loss develops.

Over time, as more hair follicles shrink, the widening part line may develop into a “Christmas tree” pattern, with a wide part line at the front that narrows as it moves toward the back of your scalp.

When left untreated, female pattern hair loss typically worsens over time. As the condition progresses, the affected hair follicles gradually shrink, producing thinner and thinner hair until they eventually stop producing hair altogether.

But there’s hope: You can take steps to slow down hair loss. You might even be able to regrow hair that you lost. We’ll cover that later.

There are many different causes of hair loss in women — and although female pattern hair loss is the most common explanation for a widening part, it’s certainly not the only possible cause.

Less common causes of a widening hair part include:

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss. It happens when a sudden “shock” or change to your system causes a significant number of hair follicles to enter the telogen phase — the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. 

So, with telogen effluvium, you will typically notice increased hair shedding two to three months after the triggering event, as a larger number of follicles reach the end of the resting phase and shed simultaneously.

While not typically associated with a widening part, telogen effluvium can cause a noticeable reduction in hair density, which may make your part appear wider.

Telogen effluvium can be triggered by:

• Severe stress. No, it’s not just in your head. Stress and emotional trauma can lead to temporary hair loss. Our article on stress hair loss is an enlightening resource if you want to dig a little deeper.

• Infections and illnesses. Telogen effluvium can also be caused by an illness, particularly if it involves a fever, like COVID-19 or a bad case of the flu.

• Surgery. Remember that surgery can also be a “shock” to your system. You might notice some hair loss a few months after surgery.

• Medications. Certain medications can trigger telogen effluvium. If you’ve experienced sudden hair loss and recently started taking a new medication, you may want to check in with your healthcare provider.

• Childbirth. Hormone shifts may trigger telogen effluvium. This is commonly seen after childbirth, when many women experience postpartum hair loss.

• Dieting and malnutrition. Without proper nutrients, your body will struggle to produce healthy hair. That’s why restrictive dieting, rapid weight loss, and certain nutrient deficiencies can all cause telogen effluvium. Eating a well-balanced diet is key to healthy hair growth. Read up about the best foods for healthy hair.  

Fortunately, telogen effluvium is typically a temporary form of hair loss. You’ll start to regrow your hair a few months after the underlying cause is resolved. 

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs when you put constant tension on your hair, ultimately damaging your hair follicles. This condition is most often associated with super-tight hairstyles — think ballerina buns, slicked-back ponytails, and tight braids. Heavy hair extensions can also contribute to traction alopecia. 

Although traction alopecia could potentially lead to widening of the hair part if the tension is concentrated in that area, it’s not a common cause. More often, traction alopecia affects areas like the hairline or around the edges of the scalp, where the pulling is most intense.

Learn more about ponytail hair loss in our article if you think this may be an issue for you.

Fortunately, there are a few different hair loss treatments that can help slow down hair loss and, in some cases, encourage hair regrowth — including along that part. Here are some top options to be aware of.

Take Action Early with Minoxidil

One of the most popular treatments for hair loss is minoxidil, commonly sold under the brand name Rogaine®. Available as a topical or oral medication, it stimulates hair growth.

Topical minoxidil is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat female pattern hair loss. It slows down hair loss and can even boost hair density — and the earlier you start it, the better chance you have that you’ll preserve more of your hair.

Unlike many other hair loss treatments, minoxidil has the research to back up its effectiveness. In a 2014 trial, researchers found that both the 2% solution and 5% foam versions of topical minoxidil improved hair thinning.

Though its exact mechanism of action is still unknown, it’s believed to work by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. Additionally, it seems to stimulate hair follicles to shift into the growth phase of the hair growth cycle, promoting new hair growth.

If you’re interested in trying minoxidil, Hers offers the following kinds:

• Minoxidil drops. This 2% solution is applied directly to the areas you’re experiencing thinning (like along your part) using a dropper.

• Minoxidil foam. Like the solution, you apply this 5% foam directly to the scalp areas with hair thinning. It dries quickly and doesn’t leave your scalp feeling greasy.

• Oral minoxidil. If you’d rather not change your styling routine or find topical application challenging, this once-a-day prescription pill is an effective and convenient option. Plus, studies have shown that low-dose oral minoxidil can be an effective treatment for a number of hair disorders.

• Topical finasteride and minoxidil spray. This spray-on combination of hair loss treatments is primarily prescribed for postmenopausal women experiencing female pattern hair loss.

Topical minoxidil is available over the counter, making it a fairly accessible hair loss treatment. But if you’re not sure about whether it’ll work for you, it’s worth speaking with a healthcare professional.

Spironolactone for Female Pattern Hair Loss

If you think you’re experiencing female pattern hair loss, spironolactone is another treatment worth considering.

Spironolactone helps slow hair loss and promote hair regrowth by blocking androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to female pattern hair loss.

Doctors often prescribe spironolactone to treat conditions like hirsutism (unwanted body hair growth) and acne due to its effects on androgens. These conditions, along with female pattern hair loss, are especially common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

If you’ve been dealing with acne and a wider part due to hair thinning, talk to your healthcare provider about spironolactone. They can assess whether it’s the right treatment for you.

It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of spironolactone. Antiandrogen drugs like spironolactone are teratogenic, meaning they can cause fetal abnormalities. If your doctor prescribes spironolactone, it’s essential to use a reliable form of birth control. If you’re planning to conceive soon or you’re already pregnant, you’ll need to discuss alternative treatment options with your provider.

Camouflage Your Hair Part

Back in the day, celebrity hairstylists used eyeshadow to cover up their clients’ visible scalp so their hair would look thicker on the red carpet. Today, there are plenty of accessible products made for exactly that purpose. Hair powders contain pigment and fibers to help conceal scalp, giving the appearance of fuller hair in areas of thinning, such as a widening part.

Although this won’t stop the progression of thinning hair at your part, it could be a useful way to cover up your hair loss while you’re waiting for the minoxidil to kick in. 

Hair Transplant Surgery for Advanced Hair Loss

While surgery might seem like a big step, it can be an effective option when other hair loss treatments just don’t do the trick. Hair transplant surgery involves transplanting healthy follicles of hair from areas of the scalp less prone to thinning to areas experiencing hair loss. Nowadays, hair transplants look very natural.

If you’re interested in this option, our guide to hair transplants for women will give you more details on all you need to know.

Lifestyle Habits for Healthy Hair

Healthy hair is part genetics, part environmental, and part lifestyle factors. Using the right hair care products, giving those strands a little TLC, and ensuring you eat a healthy diet are important for getting a lush head of hair. 

Some things you can do include:

• Eat a balanced diet. Hair health starts with the right nutrients. If you think you may have a nutritional deficiency, try a supplement like our biotin multivitamin gummies.

• Address your hair care routine. Focus on creating a quality hair care routine that suits your hair type. Check out our hair care products for women, like our volume shampoo and hair loss shampoo and conditioner. 

• Take care of your scalp. Keeping your scalp clean can promote scalp health, as can regular scalp massages. Try to address concerns like dandruff and dry scalp skin. Learn more in our guide to scalp care.

• Avoid excessive heat styling. Blow dry your hair on the lowest heat setting and continuously move your hair dryer to avoid damaging your hair. Avoid using hair straighteners, curling irons, and hot combs too often.

• Be gentle on your hair. Detangle hair slowly, avoid yanking a brush aggressively through your strands, and try looser hairstyles that don’t strain on hair follicles.

• Try to quit smoking. If you smoke, here’s another reason to quit. Smoking can damage the DNA in your hair follicles, reducing hair growth and contributing to hair loss.

If you want to learn more, check out our comprehensive guides on how to get stronger hair and reduce hair breakage.

Noticing a gradually widening part can feel alarming — but there are specific steps you can take to help narrow the gap. 

Here’s what you can do:

• Figure out the root cause. Knowing what you're dealing with, whether it's stress-related or female pattern hair loss, will help you figure out the best hair loss treatment. Your healthcare provider should be able to help here.

• Know your treatment options. Different types of hair loss call for different measures. You might try over-the-counter treatments like minoxidil, use nourishing shampoos, or incorporate hair-friendly vitamins like biotin into your routine. For prescription treatments like oral minoxidil or spironolactone, consult with a healthcare provider.

• Practice patience. Hair loss can be complicated to treat, and hair growth can take time. Be consistent with your treatment and wait at least three to six months to determine if your regimen is working.

If you want to learn more about your options to treat hair loss, our guide to female pattern baldness can help you dig deeper.

Ready to take the first step toward addressing that widening hair part? We can help you connect with a medical provider online from the comfort of your home, easy peasy. Start your consultation here.