Mature Hairlines: What They Look Like & Signs You Have One

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Plus, the best hairstyles & treatments to hide or restore your hairline
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It happens to every man at some point. You look in the mirror and think, “Has my hairline always been that high?” If you’re wondering whether you’ve just got a mature, adult hairline or should be worried about bigger hair loss, you’re in the right place. We’ll go over exactly what a mature hairline is and how to tell the difference between a receding hairline or baldness, plus offer you some tried-and-true options for covering up or restoring your hairline if it makes you self-conscious (but of course, a lot of men look refined and distinguished with their mature hairline, too!).

Mature Hairlines at a Glance

A man develops his mature hairline between the ages of 17 and 30. This is when the hairline gradually and evenly moves up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) above his juvenile hairline (or above his highest forehead wrinkle). Mature hairlines are caused by normal aging and are not as rapid or noticeable as receding hairlines.

Section 1 of 8:

What is a mature hairline?

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  1. A maturing hairline is completely natural and begins to appear in most men between the ages of 17 and 30 (although exactly when it sets in depends on a number of factors, largely genetics). Before this, young men and teens have a juvenile hairline that sits lower on the forehead. As they get older, the hairline recedes evenly and gradually about 1 or 1.5 inches (2.5 or 3.8 cm) higher to form a mature hairline . [1]
    • A hairline is the outer edge of your hair that separates your forehead from your hair and scalp. How high or low the hairline is depends on your age, genetics, lifestyle habits, and more.
    • Technically, a mature hairline is a receding hairline. However, the recession is more gradual and less noticeable than a fully receding hairline and eventually stops once the hairline has settled into place.
    • Most women also develop mature or slightly receding hairlines as they age, but it’s usually less pronounced and more gradual than in most men.
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Section 2 of 8:

How to Tell if You Have a Mature Hairline

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  1. Raise your eyebrows in a surprised expression and note where the highest wrinkle on your forehead is. If your hairline is on or very near that wrinkle, then your hairline is still juvenile. If it has crept up to about 1 or 1.5 inches (2.5 or 3.8 cm) above the wrinkle, your hairline is mature. Any farther than that and you may have a fully receding hairline. [2]
  2. Juvenile hairlines are often round or curved across the forehead, but as they mature, they usually take on a more defined “V” shape in the center called a “widow’s peak.” If your hairline has gradually shifted into a widow’s peak over a long period of time, your hairline is likely just maturing. However, if the widow’s peak became very pronounced very quickly, it might be a receding hairline. [3]
  3. Most times, a maturing hairline will still closely resemble the shape of your juvenile hairline and will shift slowly and evenly over time. Some receding in the temples is normal, too; unless your hairline is receding deep over the temples to create an “M” shaped hairline, then it’s part of your mature hairline. [4]
  4. The Norwood Scale identifies 7 distinct stages of hair loss and balding, with stage 1 being a juvenile hairline with no signs of hair loss. Usually, a mature hairline falls into stage 2, which shows slight thinning and the beginning of a receding hairline. Any air loss beyond stage 2 might indicate the onset of male pattern baldness. [5]
    • Search “Norwood scale hair loss” online or take a look at this diagram and compare your hairline to the images depicting the various stages.
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Section 3 of 8:

Mature Hairline vs. Receding Hairline

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  1. A mature hairline will retreat slowly and gradually over the ages of about 17 to 30, while a receding hairline will recede more quickly and noticeably at a younger age (some men may show signs of a receding hairline or balding as early as 20 years old). A mature hairline will also eventually settle into place and stop receding, while a true receding hairline will keep progressing. [6]
  2. A mature hairline only recedes about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) above your juvenile hairline, while a receding hairline will keep rising beyond this point. [7] This extra recession is usually most noticeable in the temples, which may recede faster and higher than the center of the hairline. [8]
    • Both a mature and receding hairline can make an “M” shape as the temples thin out. However, a mature hairline will be more subtle while a receding hairline will have deep or distinct receding over the temples.
  3. A mature hairline recedes evenly and symmetrically, sometimes forming into a widow’s peak or a point in the center of the hairline. A receding hairline or early male pattern baldness is less symmetrical; the hairline might become patchy or can recede more quickly on one side of the forehead than the other. [9]
  4. A mature hairline usually has some shorter and smaller hairs growing in front of the hairline. However, a receding hairline will have larger patches of shorter hair in front that make the hairline look less defined and farther back. You may also be able to see your scalp underneath these patches as well. [10]
  5. It’s normal to lose 50–100 hairs a day. [11] In most cases, this doesn’t change when your hairline matures. If your hairline is receding, though, you may notice more rapid shedding and lose larger amounts of your hair on your pillow, in the shower, or when applying hair products. [12]
  6. Stage 2 of the Norwood Scale depicts a mature hairline with possible slight thinning or recession in the temples. If you see yourself in stage 3 of the Norwood Scale (a more drastically receding hairline with thinning and hair loss on the temples and possibly the crown) or beyond, it’s likely you have a receding hairline. [13]
  7. Changes to your body due to aging are the only causes for a mature hairline—it’s a natural part of getting older. [14] However, there are a lot more possible causes for a receding hairline or balding. These could include things like: [15]
    • Chronic stress or a traumatic event
    • Lifestyle habits like smoking cigarettes
    • Damage from certain hairstyles or treatments
    • Hormonal imbalances
    • Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and family genetics
    • Traction alopecia or other conditions affecting hair growth
    • Certain medications or supplements
    • Radiation treatment to the head
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Section 4 of 8:

What age does your hairline mature?

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  1. This doesn’t mean you’ll see your hairline rising as soon as you turn 17, though. [16] Some men will keep their juvenile hairline into their early 20s, while some may not notice any visible recession until closer to 30. The exact timing of when your hairline starts to mature depends largely on your genetics and family history, but nearly all men will see some recession during their 20s.
    • You can tell if your hairline recession is normal by how gradual it is. If it changes very subtly over time, it’s just maturing. If it recedes rapidly, it may be a receding hairline or the early stages of balding.
    • Usually, a man’s hair is thickest during puberty and for a time afterward, possibly into his 30s.
Section 5 of 8:

Does a maturing hairline mean you’ll start balding?

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  1. For one, a mature hairline is a normal part of aging and the hairline will stop receding once it settles into its “mature” place. Balding, on the other hand, is either genetic (like male pattern baldness) or caused by another underlying condition and will continue progressing as time goes on (there’s no point where it settles into place like a mature hairline).
    • Check your family history if you’re concerned your maturing hairline might be part of bigger hair loss. If your father is bald, you’re twice as likely to have male pattern baldness. If your mother’s father is bald, you’re even more likely to experience balding. [17]
    • If you don’t have a family history of hair loss and you see no other signs of thinning or balding besides your hairline moving up slightly, chances are you’ll retain a full head of hair for quite a while.
    • As you get older, though, you may start to experience more pronounced hair loss or thinning (even if it isn’t full on male pattern baldness). About 25% of men show signs of hair loss by age 21, but this goes up to 50% by age 50 and 70% as aging continues. [18]
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Section 6 of 8:

How to Manage a Maturing Hairline

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  1. If you’re concerned that your maturing hairline is very visible or your current haircut is making it more obvious, try a new style that disguises it a bit. Here are some of the most effective styles for a mature hairline: [19]
    • Buzz cut : A military-style haircut where all of your hair is buzzed down with the lowest clipper grade (you’ll look nearly shaved).
    • Crew cut: Long hair on top with close-cropped or faded sides. Style with a matte wax for fullness.
    • Ivy League cut: Like a crew cut but with long enough hair on top for a part or other styling. It looks polished and refined with a mature hairline.
    • French crop cut : Faded or cropped hair on the sides with longer fringe or even spikes on top. The fringe hides your hairline fairly well and the style requires little to no maintenance.
    • Pompadour : A high-volume cut on top that’s styled or slicked backward to reveal your temples and trimmed sides. It’s a great option if you want to show off your widow’s peak.
    • Shaggy bangs: A messier style with bangs that hand over the hairline to look more laid-back and casual. It’s great for hiding the hairline and making you look more youthful.
    • Fully shaved: Consider shaving your head to fully hide your hairline (and try out a bold new look).
  2. Unless your hair loss is due to an underlying condition (in which case, you’d have to treat the condition itself to see results), some medication can help slow down or reverse the effects of natural hair loss from aging or even treat male pattern baldness . The most common options are: [20]
    • Minoxidil (Rogaine) : This non-prescription drug comes in liquid, foam, or shampoo form and can slow hair loss and stimulate regrowth. Follow the instructions for your specific product; typically, you’ll apply to your scalp twice a day. It may take 6 months or more to see improvement or tell if it’s working for you.
    • Finasteride (Propecia): This prescription drug for men is taken daily as a pill. It may also take several months to see results and may not be as effective for men over 60.
    • Both medications only work as long as you’re taking them. If you stop, then your hair loss will resume.
  3. There are several different procedures you might want to explore if your hairline is really bothering you and medications aren’t working. Keep in mind, though, that surgery may only delay the inevitable if you’re experiencing hereditary hair loss or male pattern baldness. [21] Common procedures include:
    • Follicular unit extraction (FUE): A minimally-invasive, low-scarring procedure where hair follicles from dense regions are inserted into the balding region to promote hair growth. This is the most popular hair restoration technique. [22]
    • Follicular unit transplantation (FUT): A more invasive procedure with a longer recovery time than FUE where a strip of skin from the back of the head is taken and turned into grafts which are implanted in the balding region. This procedure is effective, but less popular than FUE.
    • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: A patient’s blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate out the plasma and platelets from other blood components. The plasma is then injected into the balding region to stimulate hair growth and healing. [23]
    • Laser therapy: More studies are needed, but evidence shows that FDA-approved low-level laser devices can stimulate thicker, richer hair growth when used regularly. [24] Some devices are approved for home use, while others must be administered by a healthcare professional. [25]
  4. A healthy lifestyle won’t necessarily replenish your hairline by itself, but making a few positive changes can support other hair regrowth methods. For starters, be gentler with your hair; don’t tug or pull at your hair when it’s wet and try using a wide-tooth comb to prevent pulling out hair. Steer clear of harsh treatments (like curling irons, hot rollers, or perms) and high-tension styles (like extra tight braids or ponytails). Additionally: [26]
    • Protect your hair from harsh sunlight and UV rays with hats, shade, or a UV-protective hair spray .
    • Try to cut back or quit smoking . Studies show that smoking is linked to baldness in men.
    • Lower your stress levels in general. Get a good night’s sleep each night, exercise regularly, eat a nutritious diet, and make time for self-care and hobbies. High, chronic stress is associated with more rapid hair loss.
  5. If you like the look of your mature hairline (or simply don’t have the energy to invest in a treatment), then feel free to rock your natural look. It’s a normal sign of aging and doesn’t significantly alter the appearance of most men besides making them look more grown up.
    • Of course, if it begins to make you uncomfortable or you feel like your hairline is receding more than normal, you can pursue a new haircut or other treatment whenever you like.
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Section 7 of 8:

Causes of Mature Hairlines

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  1. The biggest factor is likely your levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As you age past puberty, your elevated levels of testosterone break down into elevated levels of DHT. [27] DHT is active in your scalp region and is thought to be responsible for shrinking your hair follicles, shortening your hair growth cycle, and contributing to other hair loss and thinning as you get older. [28]
    • The hairline is the first to experience the effects of DHT. If you have typical levels of DHT or aren't very sensitive to it, your hairline will mature without receding further.
    • However, if you have excess DHT and/or a family history of baldness, your hairline may keep receding past the typical 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) of a mature hairline.
Section 8 of 8:

Do you have to fix a mature hairline?

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  1. It’s something that almost every man has to deal with; in fact, only about 5% of guys maintain their juvenile hairline past their teenage years. [29] So, whether you do anything to reverse or hide it is completely up to you and your preferences.
    • Think about your hairline like any other visible sign of aging (wrinkles, graying, etc.). Some people try to reverse or slow down these things with treatments or cosmetics to feel more youthful and confident, while others are comfortable showing their age.
    • You can do whatever you like with your hairline as long as you feel confident and comfortable with it—it’s your choice!
  2. Many men fear that hair loss or a receding hairline makes them less attractive, but this isn’t the case. While every person has their aesthetic preferences, most people perceive a mature hairline as age-appropriate and distinguished, leading them to find the men who have them more attractive or competent-looking. [30] Basically, all a mature hairline does is make you look grown up.
    • In fact, one study showed that political candidates with a mature hairline and/or a widow’s peak are seen as more competent, trustworthy, and likable. [31]
    • So, don’t worry about a mature hairline dampening your look. In most cases, it can be a big plus!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://medihair.com/en/mature-hairline/
      2. ↑ https://www.hairpalace.co.uk/mature-hairline/
      3. ↑ https://medihair.com/en/mature-hairline/
      4. ↑ https://www.hairpalace.co.uk/mature-hairline/
      5. ↑ https://medihair.com/en/mature-hairline/
      6. ↑ https://medihair.com/en/mature-hairline/
      7. ↑ https://medihair.com/en/mature-hairline/
      8. ↑ https://www.hairpalace.co.uk/mature-hairline/
      9. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27421295/
      1. ↑ https://www.hairpalace.co.uk/mature-hairline/
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/shedding
      3. ↑ https://www.hairpalace.co.uk/mature-hairline/
      4. ↑ https://medihair.com/en/mature-hairline/
      5. ↑ https://medihair.com/en/mature-hairline/
      6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926
      7. ↑ https://medihair.com/en/mature-hairline/
      8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24515-male-pattern-baldness-androgenic-alopecia
      9. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24515-male-pattern-baldness-androgenic-alopecia
      10. ↑ https://medihair.com/en/mature-hairline/
      11. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372932
      12. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372932
      13. ↑ https://medihair.com/en/mature-hairline/
      14. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/plateletrich-plasma-prp-treatment
      15. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372932
      16. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/diagnosis-treat
      17. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926
      18. ↑ https://medihair.com/en/mature-hairline/
      19. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24555-dht-dihydrotestosterone
      20. ↑ https://medihair.com/en/mature-hairline/
      21. ↑ https://getrevela.com/blogs/new/mature-hairline-vs-receding-hairline
      22. ↑ https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/The-Vote/2012/0813/Paul-Ryan-shirtless-We-re-more-interested-in-his-widow-s-peak

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