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What Is a Front Hairline?

Kelly Ferguson
Kelly Ferguson

The front hairline is the border between the end of the forehead and the beginning of the hair on the scalp. This is the hairline that is most noticeable on a person because it is directly visible when facing someone head on, and it provides an outline for the face. It is also one of the most common areas of concern for people dealing with hair loss, dandruff, and oily hair.

Hair loss of any kind has the potential to disrupt the look of the front hairline, but male pattern baldness due to age, hormones, and other issues is often the most commonly blamed culprit. Normal hair loss in men tends to follow a few different patterns, including the formation of thinning triangles above the temples and regular receding hairlines, in which the front hairline creeps farther and farther back onto the head over time. Women can also experience some problems with thinning or balding at the front hairline as well as on the rest of the head.

A man starting to lose his hair in the front.
A man starting to lose his hair in the front.

Some people experiencing hairline thinning or balding seek out hairline repair options. In some cases, the problem can be managed or somewhat improved by taking doctor-prescribed medications or applying hair growth treatments onto the affected areas of the scalp. It is a good idea for individuals who have noticed an increase in hair loss to see a doctor before using any hair growth products to rule out any possible health conditions or medication reactions that could be causing the hair loss.

Some people have interesting front hairlines, with shapes like a widow's peak.
Some people have interesting front hairlines, with shapes like a widow's peak.

Individuals may prefer to avoid the use of medications and chemicals, or may find that these treatments do not adequately solve the hair loss. Hairline hair-pieces can be worn to disguise a thinning or balding front hairline. Hair transplants and hairline repair surgeries can also be used for a more permanent solution.

In addition to hair loss, dandruff and oily hair are often the most visible at the hairline. These problems can be reduced by washing the hair regularly with a dandruff shampoo. Dermatologists can help find other solutions if these treatments do not work well enough. Additionally, light powders with SPF can be dusted onto the scalp and forehead at the hairline to protect this area from the sun. This not only helps to protect against skin cancer, but can also prevent sunburns and subsequent peeling of the skin, which can sometimes be mistaken for dandruff flakes.

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    • A man starting to lose his hair in the front.
      By: Jasmin Merdan
      A man starting to lose his hair in the front.
    • Some people have interesting front hairlines, with shapes like a widow's peak.
      By: sparkmom
      Some people have interesting front hairlines, with shapes like a widow's peak.
    • Women may also thin at the front hairline.
      By: Barabas Attila
      Women may also thin at the front hairline.
    • Baldness can change the look of the front hairline.
      By: vasilisa_k
      Baldness can change the look of the front hairline.