Your hairline is one of the most crucial features of your overall look. In addition to giving you a natural look, good hairlines subconsciously boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. Every individual has a unique hairline shape, but a receding hairline is something that no one desires.
The loss of hair from your scalp is not always uniform. An M-shaped hairline is often an outcome of the hair loss process that men and women experience.
There are six different types of receding hairlines identified by the Norwood classification. As per studies, an M- hairline is the most common type.
What Is an M-shaped Hairline?
An M-shaped hairline is typically seen in men and is a sign of male pattern baldness. As the name indicates, this particular hair loss pattern takes an “M” shape as the hair on the forehead and the temporal region start receding.
This type of hairline develops after puberty and primarily affects young men. The central forehead region contains more hair, while both sides have a significant recession.
Hair loss on the corners takes the shape of an M. It is also called a receding hairline and differs from a maturing hairline.
A receding hairline (M-shaped hairline) is different from a maturing hairline which is the outcome of the natural aging process.
In a maturing hairline, the hair loss occurs uniformly over the scalp and not more than an inch while giving more of a bell-shaped hairline and a more defined look.
How to Tell If I Have an M-shaped Hairline?
You will typically notice the initiation of hair loss during puberty that can gradually end up in an M-shaped hairline as you age. Men notice that the first step in hair loss is the thinning of the hair on the sides.
If your hair is beginning to recede at your temples and peaking at the center, you likely have a receding hairline.
What Causes M-Shaped Hairline?
An M-shaped receding hairline is almost always the result of underlying pathology. The common causes leading to this type of hair fall design include:
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal disruptions in men and women can trigger hair fall. In males, the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can cause hair loss, which leads to impaired regrowth and an increased hair fall rate.
Genetics
Researchers have identified specific genes responsible for pattern baldness, which can lead to an M hairline. More than 200 independent genetic signals link to male pattern baldness.
Hereditary
You can acquire pattern baldness from your parents. As per a study, this hair loss was termed a “heritable form of hair loss” in middle-aged Caucasian men.
Hereditary hair loss disorders are common in Asian families.
Stress
A clinical survey showed that anxiety and stress increase the intensity of hair loss in young men and women. Emotionally stressed-out teenagers are more likely to end up having an M-shaped hairline.
Hairstyling Practices
People who habitually make tight hairstyles can suffer from hair loss. The condition is called traction alopecia. Using this type of hair styling for a long period of time can cause your hairline to recede.
Repeated and regular use of blow dryers can also increase the chances of hair loss.
How to Fix an M-shaped Hairline
You can reverse the effects of hair loss or slow the progression of an m-shaped hairline in numerous ways.
Medicinal Aid
Prescription medicines can be effective in treating receding hair or preventing baldness. Minoxidil can cure baldness and a receding hairline, as it has excellent potential to sprout new hair on your head.
People experiencing hair loss or M-shaped hairlines can also use Finasteride. This drug corrects the hormonal levels of the body leading to the stoppage of hair fall.
Vitamin Supplementation
Dietary supplements containing handsome amounts of minerals and vitamins can be effective in hair growth and scalp nourishment. Zinc, selenium, and vitamins (A, B, C, D, and E) are necessary for healthy hair.
As per a randomized controlled trial, zinc promotes hair growth in cases of hair thinning which is common in women with an M-shaped hairline. Vitamin A and D supplementation also promote hair growth.
Herbal Remedies
You can also try some herbal preparations to halt the process of hair fall and generate regrowth. Aloe vera is a multi-potent herb widely famous for its skin benefits.
Herbs like ginseng, Chinese hibiscus, and aloe vera are good for hair health.
Scalp Massage
Massaging the scalp with essential oils rejuvenates the hair follicles and prevents further hair damage. It enhances the blood flow to the scalp and thus helps in hair regrowth.
Follow a Good Hair Care Routine
Be careful while selecting hair care products by ensuring they contain no harsh chemicals as they trigger hair fall.
Individuals noticing the M-shaped hair loss must choose a hairstyle that pulls the hair very lightly to avoid traction alopecia. You must also avoid over-brushing and blow-drying.
Reduce Stress Levels
Anxiety has a direct link with increased hair fall. Therefore, it is vital to bring down your stress levels. Adding yoga or meditation to your daily routine can help flush out stress and anxiety.
Ideal Haircuts for M-Shaped Hairline
1. The Buzz Cut
You can pull off a Jason Statham by donning this military-inspired buzz cut. The hair is very short all over your head.
Famous Hollywood stars with M-shaped hairlines have this haircut. Growing a beard to complement it can prove to be an attractive one for the ladies.
2. The Messy Look
The messy hair look is the easiest and one of the most effective ways to cover your hairline. It is a Hollywood-favorite look where you just don’t comb your hair. The messy hair undoubtedly makes a great hairstyle.
3. Shaved Sides
Inspired by the military, this hairstyle imparts a youthful look. Shave the sides of the head to create a clean tapering of the hair.
Only short hair is in the center top. This style shifts the focus from your M-shaped hairline.
4. Short Crop
You can cut your hair short and keep it simple. Hair thinning is typical in receding hairlines, so you can enjoy a shorter haircut. A facial beard paired with short scalp hair is ideal for mature men.
5. Slicked Back
You can get your haircut short and combed to the side. The slicked-back hairstyle looks great on individuals with an ‘M’ hairline.
Hair volume is enhanced (in looks) in this hairstyle, and the soft backcombing is safe.
FAQs
The following are some frequently asked questions related to an M-shaped hairline.
An M-shaped hairline develops as you age. It results from non-uniform hair recession due to hair loss after puberty. Thus, you can’t be born with it; however, you may carry the genes for hair loss that might result in this type of hairline.
Research has found a link between genetics and pattern baldness in men and women. There might be a genetic predisposition toward hair loss and an M-shaped hairline. Specific genes are responsible for hair loss.
The development of an M-shaped hairline is typically an indication of hair loss, and hair thinning is common in individuals having this hairline.
Untreated alopecia (hair loss) initially causes it and may progress to complete baldness.
An m-shaped hairline is a receding hairline that typically affects men during puberty. Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) is a condition linked to M hairlines. Unlike a mature hairline, an M-shaped one can happen from hormonal imbalances, genetics, and stress.
You can prevent further hair loss by trying prescription hair regrowth medications like Minoxidil and Finasteride, taking vitamin supplements, trying herbal products, reducing anxiety levels, and massaging the scalp.
The best-suited hairstyles can make your hairline less prominent and give it a more attractive appearance.
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