Different Types Of Hairlines In Men & Women + How To Alter It

Is your receding hairline bothering you? Stop worrying, because it can be altered with natural and professional hair growing methods.

The ancient secrets of Ayurveda recommend the use of ‘keshya’ herbs that have the ability to regrow hair and prevent various hair issues that affect your hairline. For severe cases of hair loss and balding, one can also resort to surgical methods that can give a quick and permanent solution to achieving a perfect hairline.

Scroll down to know the different types of hairlines, factors that affect it and the best ways to maintain a healthy, desirable hairline.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

"Garden cress seeds are packed with iron and folic acid. Adding these to your daily diet can prevent hair loss."

What Is Meant By Hairline?

Hairline is the edge or outline on your forehead which marks the beginning of your hair growth. It is a physical trait that is inherited from one's parents. However, certain other factors such as age, medical conditions and hairstyles may also influence the shape and height of your hairline. Though hairlines differ from person to person, they have been classified under 9 broad groups for women and 4 broad groups for men.

Types Of Hairlines In Both Men & Women

A. Different Types Of Hairlines In Women

1. Low Hairline

Low hairline in women begins closer to the eyebrows, making the forehead appear narrow. People with low hairlines often have dense hair growth. It is better to avoid hairstyles such as bangs and fringes which further contour the forehead. According to many cultures, a low hairline is considered a beauty trait.

2. Middle/ Medium Hairline

This is one of the most common and desirable hairlines. The gap between the eyebrows and the hairline is average in such a hairline. Women with a middle hairline can carry off almost all types of hairstyles.

3. High Hairline

A high hairline is pushed back revealing a broad forehead. Hair growth for high hairline types begins much higher on the temples. While high hairlines look beautiful, you may consider contouring hairstyles like fringes if you wish to make your forehead look narrower.

4. Straight Hairline

One of the greatest advantages of a straight hairline is that there is lower risk of frontal hair loss. Straight hairlines are pretty easy to manage as the symmetrical hair growth across the forehead ensures neat hairstyles.

5. Uneven Hairline

More common in men than women, uneven hairlines in women do not have a defined shape. Some parts may rise or dip more than the rest of the hairline. Due to the lack of uniformity, uneven hairlines might be difficult to style.

6. Cowlick Hairline

Some women have a small section of hair on their crown that grows in the opposite direction of their natural hair growth. This type of hairline is known as cowlick. Due to this swirl of hair, the hairline may look disheveled. Some women prefer to grow their frontal hair for easier hairstyles.

7. Rounded Hairline

Rounded hairlines give the face a soft, feminine appeal. In this type, the hair grows in a round shape across your forehead like a headband. Most hairstyles are suitable for rounded hairlines.

8. U Shaped Hairline

U shaped or bell shaped hairlines occur when your hair grows evenly in a U shape making the forehead look longer. Due to its symmetrical nature, U shaped hairlines give the face an even oval look.

9. Widow’s Peak Hairline

Women with widow’s peak have a marked V shape hairline. In this type, the hair growth is more at the centre, giving a heart shaped contour to the face.

10. Triangular Hairline

The reverse of a widow’s peak is what a triangular hairline looks like. Sometimes frontal hair loss in women can give the appearance of a triangular hairline.

11. M Shaped Hairline

An M shaped hairline occurs when you have a broader widow’s peak hairline. Some women may naturally have such a hairline. However, it may indicate hair loss on the sides, if your natural hairline is gradually altering to M shape.

12. Receding Hairline

Hormone fluctuations, medical conditions and even wrong hairstyles can cause female baldness and receding hairlines in women. The most common places where women tend to lose hair is the frontal zone on the crown and the centre of the head.

B. Different Types Of Hairlines In Men

1. Low Hairline

Low hairlines for men mean that hair growth begins very close to the eyebrows, giving a compact look to the entire face.

2. Middle Hairline

A middle hairline is desirable even in men as it gives the face a proportionate look. Young men who have not yet experienced hair loss, tend to have a middle hairline.

3. High Hairline

Hair growth begins at the crown for men who have a high hairline. High hairline can be naturally obtained or may indicate the onset of frontal hair loss in men.

4. Widow’s Peak Hairline

When the hairline creates a distinctive downward pointing V in the centre of the forehead, it is known as widow’s peak hairline. In this, the sides are slightly raised than the centre. Widow’s peak hairline in men may not necessarily indicate hair loss or a receding hairline.

5. Rounded Hairline

Rounded hairlines appear perfectly symmetrical across the forehead with no sharp edges or angles. Men with dense hair tend to have rounded hairlines where the hair growth is even across the hairline.

6. Cowlick Hairline

Some men with short hair may have a small section of hair at the crown growing against the natural direction of their hair. This may make the small segment of hair stand up and give a messy outlook to the entire hairline. This is known as the cowlick hairline.

7. Uneven Hairline

Uneven or zig zag hairlines in men have dips, rises and jagged edges creating an uneven, asymmetrical outline across the forehead. Such hairlines often experience very less hair loss.

8. Receding Hairline

Various internal and external factors can lead to hair loss and a receding hairline in men. As one ages, the natural hairline begins to move higher, making the forehead appear larger than usual.

Which Type Of Hairline Is Considered Good/ Bad?

A hairline that begins about 5 -6 cms above the eyebrows is considered good for women. For men a slightly higher hairline of around 6-8 cms above the eyebrows is considered good. Too low, too high, uneven or receding hairlines are often not a popular choice.

Factors That Determine Your Hairline Type

1. Genetics

One's hairline is determined completely by genetic factors. You are most likely to inherit one of your parent's hairlines. Some people even have mixed hairlines which may be a combination of two hairlines such as middle and widow’s peak. How your hairline will appear once you age can also be understood by checking the pattern of hairloss in your parents.

2. Age

A receding hairline as one gets older is quite natural. With age, the hair follicles tend to dry up and nutrition supply to the hair roots also decreases. This causes hair loss mainly on the crown, sides and centre of the head. The back of the head is often less affected.

3. Hormone Fluctuations

One of the primary causes of an altering hairline at an early age is DHT hormones. Excess androgens and DHT hormones cause your hair follicles to dry up leading to hair thinning and eventually hair loss. Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a condition that can spike up androgen levels and cause hair loss in women.

Male pattern baldness usually occurs at the front of the head leading to a receding hairline and at the top of the head. On the other hand, women may notice a thinning at the crown area which gradually widens at the centre and at the top of the head.

4. Medical Conditions

Various medical conditions can affect your natural hair growth and bring about unwanted changes to your hairline. Conditions such as lupus, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies and cancers can all contribute to a receding hairline.

5. Medicine Side Effects

Medicines such as lithium, amphetamines, cancer medicines such as doxorubicin, and beta blockers used for controlling blood pressure, have all been reported to cause hair loss, thus affecting the hairline.

6. Stress

Stress is a major cause for hair loss. Trauma suffered by the body from a major injury or illness can also lead to a hair condition called Telogen Effluvium [2]. In this condition healthy hair quickly progresses from the growth stage (Anagen) to the resting stage (Telogen) where it is finally shed off. Telogen effluvium caused by stress and trauma can cause major changes to your natural hairline.Telogen effluvium is a reversible condition usually resolves completely without any treatment over several months if the cause is treated early.

7. Hairstyles

Many women, especially with long hair, prefer to wear their hair in tight ponytails, braids or buns. The constant pull can cause Traction Alopecia and loss of hair at the crown area leading to a receding hairline.

How To Improve Your Hairline Naturally?

1. Herbal Hair Oils

According to Ayurveda, 'Shiro Abhyanga' or head massage is an amazing way to improve your hairline naturally. Frequent head massages improve blood circulation to the hair follicles, provide essential nutrients to your hair roots and prevent various hair conditions such as dryness, dandruff and hair loss.

Adding 'Keshya herbs' to naturally derived coconut/ almond/ olive oil can promote the growth of new hair. Shiro Abhyanga also helps to balance your doshas (life energies) that govern various body functions including hair growth.

How To Use

• Soak amla, methi, curry leaves, and hibiscus petals in one of the carrier oils mentioned above.
• Simmer the oil with the herbs till they sink to the bottom of the vessel.
• Cool the mixture, strain and use it for your head massage to improve your hairline.

“Nasya is the traditional therapy that effectively reduces Hair fall” , says Doctor Mamtha, Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.

2. Reetha, Shikakai, Methi & Amla Shampoo

Switching over to natural shampoo alternatives is a great way to prevent a receding hairline. Reetha, shikakai and methi have natural saponins that clean your scalp and hair without stripping it of natural oils. This keeps your hair moisturized and prevents dryness induced hair breakage. Amla being an amazing source of the antioxidant Vitamin C, strengthens your hair roots, prevents premature greying and keeps your hair nourished.

How To Use

• Soak reetha, shikakai, methi and amla overnight in water.
• Simmer the water until the mixture begins to froth.
• Cool down, strain and use this natural shampoo to cleanse your hair.

3. Onion Extract

According to recent findings, Allium Cepa or onion extract can promote new hair growth in areas that are experiencing hair thinning. Applying fresh onion juice along your hairline can boost blood circulation and prevent your hair follicles from drying up.

4. Banana, Egg, Curd & Almond Oil Pack

This home remedy for gorgeous hair is packed with protein, potassium, essential vitamins and moisturizing ingredients. It nourishes, strengthens and keeps your hair moisturized to prevent dandruff, split ends and hair fall. Apply this pack twice a week for a healthy hairline.

How To Use

• Mash a ripe banana and add an egg, curd and a few drops of almond oil to it.
• Beat the mixture well and apply on your scalp and hair.
• Wash off after 15 to 20 minutes with lukewarm water.

5. Bhringraj, Brahmi, Japa, Amla Hair Pack

Bhringraj [3] and brahmi together is a complete solution to most hair problems. Adding japa and amla to this Ayurvedic hair pack naturally improves your hairline, prevents dandruff and scalp infections, promotes hair growth and strengthens your hair from the roots.

How To Use

• Blend bhringraj, brahmi, japa and amla together.
• Add a few drops of coconut oil to it and apply on your scalp and hair.
• Keep for 30 minutes and wash off.

6. Wholesome Diet

What you eat, directly affects your hair and skin health. This is why Ayurveda recommends the consumption of foods based on your prakriti or body constitution. Knowing your prakriti and eating foods that balance your doshas helps to flush out harmful toxins from the body and maintain a constant supply of essential nutrients to your hair follicles.

You can include the following superfoods in your diet for improving your hairline and preventing hair loss.

• Moringa
• Curry leaves
• Brahmi
• Coconut
• Triphala
• Sesame

"Garden cress seeds are packed with iron and folic acid. Adding these to your daily diet can prevent hair loss", adds Dr. Mamtha.

Ways To Change Your Hairline Type

1. Hairstyles

If you are not too happy with your natural hairline, the easiest way to alter it is by changing your hairstyle. Fringes and bangs work best to hide a high hairline. Whereas growing your hair can take care of a cowlicks hairline. Bobs, layers, wavy hairstyles are great for hiding a receding hairline.

2. Microblading

In the procedure of microblading, scalp tattoos are done that give the appearance of hair. Though not a permanent solution, microblading can last upto a year.

3. Minoxidil

Minoxidil [4] is a vasodilator that enhances blood flow and ensures better nutrition supply to the hair follicles. Regular application prolongs your hair's growth cycle. Minoxidil is highly effective for people suffering from Androgenetic Alopecia and can be used to change your hairline type.

4. Hair Transplant

The most effective way to change your hairline, which fetches guaranteed results, is a hair transplant. In this procedure, hair follicles are extracted from an area which has dense hair growth such as the back of your head and implanted in areas affected by hair loss. One can easily reconstruct a desirable hairline with hair transplant.

Hair Care Tips For All Hairline Types

1. Follow a natural Ayurvedic hair care routine (oil, shampoo, hair pack) that is infused with the goodness of ancient hair benefitting herbs.

2. Avoid tight hairstyles. Limit your usage of chemical hair styling products and heat styling tools.

3. Drink lots of water. This helps to detoxify your body.

4. Avoid direct exposure to the sun. Keep your hair moisturized at all times.

5. Consume a healthy diet and lead a stress free life.

Vedix Tip: Including a spoon of ghee in your daily diet improves digestion, prevents pitta dosha related hair loss and ensures better absorption of nutrients from food.

How Long Does It Take For Your Hairline To Grow?

If you have been trying to grow your hairline through natural or professional methods, it will take a minimum of 3 to 6 months before you notice a difference. There is no overnight hack to grow your hair. Your hair grows ½ inch every month, so patiently continue the treatment till your hairline achieves the desirable appearance.

The Last Word

Your hairline gives you your unique identity. So rather than pining for a conventional idea of a perfect hairline, look for hairstyles that suit your hairline and enhance your features. Follow the hair care tips and diet mentioned in the article to prevent your hairline from receding. However, if you notice any unusual hair fall, immediately consult your Ayurvedic doctor to diagnose the root of the problem and discuss ways to keep your natural hairline intact.

Know Your Dosha Now