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- Dr Suhail Alam
- Reading Time: 8 Mins
Have you noticed your hairline on one side is slightly higher or thinner than the other side? This asymmetrical or wonky hairline can create an uneven appearance. And you may be wondering why this has happened or if this means you are going bald.
So before you hop back to google searching “Does an uneven hairline mean i’m going bald?”
We want to let you know that an uneven hairline is not always an indicator that you are balding, and it can simply be a genetic trait inherited from a member of your family. In this article we will cover what causes it and how you can fix it if you are unhappy with the appearance.
Key Takeaways
- An uneven hairline is often a normal characteristic that can result from genetics, male pattern baldness and traction alopecia caused by specific hairstyles.
- Spotting the cause behind your uneven hairline early can help prevent further hair loss and reverse signs of thinning.
- Various treatments, such as lifestyle adjustments, topical medications, and hair transplant surgeries are available to address uneven hairlines, but professional consultation is recommended.
Table of Contents
What is an uneven hairline?
As the name suggests, an uneven hairline refers to a hairline that is either higher or thicker on one side, creating a visual difference. While this may be worrying, it’s important to remember that they are very common, and you are not alone if you have one.
In Fact If you take a closer look at your body, you will notice many parts of it are uneven and it’s not just our hairlines that face asymmetry. I’m sure you have heard people talk about having a good side? This is usually because they feel like they look better on one side than the other.
While your hairline might seem significantly different to you, in most cases it goes unnoticed by everyone else. Now does having an uneven hairline mean you are going bald? The answer depends greatly on what has caused it.
The Root Causes Behind Uneven Hairlines
Behind every uneven hairline lies a unique story, with different factors contributing to its formation. Three major culprits that cause an uneven hairline are genetics, male pattern baldness and traction alopecia.
Let’s dive deeper into these factors to understand the root causes behind uneven hairlines.
Genetics
genetics play a fundamental role in shaping not only our physical features but also intricate details like our hairlines. Whether it’s a widow’s peak or a wonky hairline, genetic predispositions could be the cause behind it. This means that if elders in your family had such hairlines, they could have passed it down to you, and an uneven hairline is natural in your family.
Male Pattern Baldness
Androgenic alopecia presents itself in many different forms and while most cases will see even hair loss in the hairline and crown. It can sometimes lead to uneven hair loss, with one side of the hairline receding faster than the other.
Indicators which would point to male pattern baldness being the cause behind your hairline are:
- Did your hairline recede over time? If the receding was gradual and happened over time, then it could be male pattern hair loss.
- Are you noticing thinning or hair fall? If your hair is thinning and you are noticing hair fall in the shower and on your pillow this could be a sign you are suffering from male pattern baldness.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs when there is persistent pulling or tension on the hair follicles. This constant tension can damage the hair follicles over time, leading to hair loss. Traction alopecia is commonly associated with certain hairstyles or grooming practices that exert continuous pressure on the hair follicles, such as tight ponytails, braids, weaves, or hair extensions. This can lead to an uneven hairline if more pressure is exerted on one side than the other.
Dealing With An Uneven Hairline
Our hair is always on show, and is oftentimes a huge part of our identity. Noticing bald spots, uneven recession or thinning can knock our confidence and lower our self esteem.
While some of us choose to love the uneven appearance and attribute it to part of our uniqueness, others will decide to opt for treatment. With advancements in hair loss treatments, having a “natural looking hairline” that you can be proud of is now more possible than ever before.
Next we will discuss the treatments available, when is the best time to undergo these treatments and how effective they are.
How To Fix An Uneven Hairline
As we have spoken about in this blog, asymmetrical or bent hairlines can be caused by multiple different factors. Each hairline we treat is unique, and the factors behind it will dictate the treatment path.
Lifestyle Changes To Help With An Uneven Hairline
Lifestyle changes can prove to be very effective for those who have hairlines which have been caused by traction alopecia. Adopting a new hairstyle and looking after your hair properly with the right products could reverse the uneven hair loss.
Your hair is like any other part of your body and requires TLC and good hygiene. Some lifestyle tips we would recommend implementing are.
- Change your hairstyle – If you have noticed uneven hair loss, and you wear a tight ponytail or braids. We suggest you change your hairstyle to something with less friction on your hair.
- Use gentle products – Harsh chemicals can often be found in the shampoos we use, opt for sulphate free shampoos and invest in a hair mask which can boost the hydration in our hair and ease the friction.
- Remove other types of hair friction – Your pillowcase could be causing friction and disruption to your hair growth. Opt for a silk pillowcase with a smooth surface, this can help moisture retention and cause less tugging on your hair.
Medication And Non Surgical Treatments For A Uneven Hairline
Medication works best for those who are looking to prevent further hair loss from male pattern baldness, or those experiencing thinning from traction alopecia. While medication can’t directly replace lost hair follicles. It has been used effectively to help thicken hair and prevent further loss.
Let’s take a look at the potential medication and treatments available for hair loss.
- Finasteride/Dutasteride – Dutasteride and finasteride both belong to a class of medications known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, and they work similarly by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone implicated in the miniaturisation of hair follicles in individuals with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).
- Minoxidil – Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp in either liquid or foam form, typically twice daily. While the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed that minoxidil widens blood vessels in the scalp, allowing more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to reach the hair follicles, thereby promoting hair growth. It is important to note that minoxidil is most effective when used consistently over an extended period, and results may vary from person to person.
- Laser light therapy – Laser light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or red light therapy, is a non-invasive treatment for hair loss that involves the use of low-intensity lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate hair follicles on the scalp. This therapy is thought to work by increasing cellular activity and promoting blood circulation in the scalp, which may result in improved hair growth and thickness.
- PRP therapy – Platelet-rich plasma, PRP therapy offers potential benefits for hair restoration by promoting hair growth and improving hair density. The concentrated growth factors present in PRP injections are believed to stimulate the activity of hair follicles, leading to thicker, healthier hair.
Surgery For An Uneven Hairline
For those who are unhappy with their hairline shape, and would like to permanently fix it, hairline surgery can be a viable option. FUE hairline transplants work by extracting individual hair follicles from the donor area (the back of your head, which is resistant to male pattern hair loss) and implanting them into areas suffering from thinning or complete balding.
To see if you’re suitable for this surgery, we recommend reaching out to us for a free online hair assessment.
You can send us photos via the form, and our award winning hair transplant surgeons will review your case and advise the most likely treatment options available to you.
Summary
In conclusion, an uneven hairline is often a natural trait influenced by genetics, age, or styling choices. While it may cause concern, it’s usually nothing to worry about and can be embraced as part of your unique look. However, if you’re unhappy with your hairline, there are various options available, from lifestyle adjustments and topical treatments to advanced procedures like PRP therapy and hairline surgery. Whatever path you choose, remember that your hair journey is yours to navigate, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Embrace your individuality and find the approach that works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix an uneven hairline?
Yes, you can fix an uneven hairline. Options include hair loss medication like finasteride or minoxidil which help protect and promote growth during the hair growth cycle. Other effective treatments and surgeries include hair transplants, laser light therapy and PRP treatments.
Why is my hairline so much higher on one side?
Your hairline may appear higher on one side due to stress-related hair loss, which can be triggered by various significant life events. Additionally, an uneven hairline can also be genetic or caused by excessive styling pulling the hair more on one side. It's not uncommon to have this asymmetry.
Is an uneven hairline genetic?
Yes, an uneven hairline can be genetic and may have been inherited from another member of your family. It can often resemble a receding hairline.
Do people notice uneven hairlines?
Not in all cases, when we are losing hair, it's much more noticeable to us than it is to everyone else. If your hairline is causing you emotional distress there are many effective treatment options available to promote hair growth.
What can cause an uneven hairline to occur?
An uneven hairline can be caused by genetics, androgenic alopecia, and hairstyling habits. It can present itself by hair thinning or uneven recession, causing what's commonly known as a wonky hairline.
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