Hair Loss on Temples: Can It Be Prevented or Treated?

Hair loss on temples

Many people experience hair loss at some point in their lives. While hair might begin thinning or falling for some people at a young age, most often, people experience the condition later in adulthood as they reach their 30s, 40s, or 50s.

Hair loss can occur on your temples — the region on the side of your head, behind your eyes and between your ear and forehead. This hair loss can be a result of a number of conditions. The earlier you speak with a medical professional, the better chance you have of minimizing hair loss and even regrowing hair.

Symptoms of hair loss on temples

Though people can lose up to 100 hairs per day through normal shedding, thinning hair is often one of the first signs of eventual hair loss. You may notice an increased amount of hair falling out in the shower or as you brush. A receding hairline is also indicative of hair loss and can extend to the temples.

Hair loss on your temples can result in a widow’s peak, the V-shaped hairline often present in men but that can also be experienced by women.

Causes of hair loss on temples

There are a number of conditions and behaviors that can result in hair loss on your temples.

Androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss. For men, it is known as male-pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is genetic, and hair loss above the temples is often the first sign.

In women, female-pattern baldness can result in hair becoming less dense, sometimes allowing the scalp to become visible, but typically does not include the receding hairline common with men.

Other common causes of hair loss on the temples include:

hormonal changes during pregnancy
stress
tight hairstyles such as ponytails or cornrows (traction alopecia)
side effects of certain medications
smoking
vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin D and B vitamins

How to prevent and treat hair loss

Hair loss associated with genetics such as male- or female-pattern baldness is not preventable, but there are steps you can take to reduce hair loss.

Many prevention techniques and treatments are more focused on slowing the process of hair loss as opposed to preventing it altogether. These include:

Avoid twisting and pulling hair.
Avoid using treatments that can damage hair, such as hot curling irons.
Avoid hairstyles that pull your hair back tightly.
Participate in activities that reduce stress levels.
Eat a sufficient amount of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
If you are being treated with chemotherapy, request a cooling cap.

If you have already experienced hair loss on your temples, there are treatment options available that have potential to help regrow hair.

Your doctor may recommend topical medications such as minoxidil (Rogaine), a popular treatment that can stimulate hair follicles to produce hair growth for some people.

Takeaway

Men and women can both experience hair loss in their temples due to both genetic and behavioral factors. A medical professional can help you identify the causes and conditions related to your symptoms and point you toward appropriate treatment.

While hair loss often cannot be prevented altogether, there are treatment options available that can help slow the process or even regrow hair.

Source: Healthline