If you’ve noticed your hair thinning around your temples, you’re not alone. Temple hair loss is something many women experience, and at Jae Pak MD Medical, we know it can be frustrating.
This kind of hair loss affects the sides of your forehead, often creating a visibly thinner look that can be hard to ignore. But the good news? There are effective ways to address it.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about female temple hair loss, from understanding why it happens to effective ways to slow it down and even reverse it.
What exactly is female temple hair loss? This is the kind of thinning that hits the sides of your forehead, right where the hairline starts to frame your face. Instead of an overall thinning, temple hair loss makes the hairline look like it’s creeping back, giving a more pronounced look of “receding” along the sides.
Here are a few signs to look out for:
Of course, everyone’s hair is a bit different, and these signs can vary. But if you’re noticing these changes, it might point to temple hair loss.
That said, it’s a good idea to check in with a medical provider to get some clarity — they can help rule out other causes of hair loss and talk through what might be going on with your hairline.
Now that we’ve covered what female temple hair loss looks like, you might be wondering what causes it. Temple hair loss can happen for a variety of reasons, from genetics and hormones to lifestyle factors and health conditions.
Let’s break down some of the most common causes of hair loss around the temples.
One of the biggest culprits is genetics. Just like female pattern baldness (similar to male pattern baldness), androgenic alopecia can lead to thinning along the temples.
This type of hair loss is hereditary and often influenced by hormones like androgens, specifically dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When DHT binds to hair follicles in this area, it can cause them to shrink, which slows down hair growth and weakens hair density.
Repeatedly wearing tight hairstyles — like ponytails, buns, or braids — puts constant tension on the hair around the temples. This stress can lead to traction alopecia, a form of hair loss caused by pulling and strain.
Using harsh hair treatments like bleach, heat, and chemicals can also damage the hair follicles over time, especially around the delicate temple area. So, if your go-to styles often involve pulling or heat, it might be time to ease up for the sake of healthier hair.
Fluctuating hormones play a significant role in temple hair loss. Changes during menopause, birth control use, or medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can all impact hair growth patterns.
Some women experience a condition known as telogen effluvium — temporary hair shedding after a major life event or hormonal change. Thyroid issues and other hormonal imbalances also contribute to hair loss around the temples, as they disrupt the hair growth cycle and may lead to bald spots.
Your diet plays a surprisingly big role in hair health. Biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron deficiencies can weaken hair and slow down new hair growth. Vitamin deficiencies and low levels of nutrients like omega-3s make it harder for hair to stay strong and healthy.
For some, temple hair loss can be linked to the immune system. Conditions like alopecia areata are autoimmune in nature, where the body mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles. This immune response can affect specific areas, including the temples, and lead to patchy hair loss. In cases where autoimmune factors are at play, specialized hair loss treatments may be necessary.
If you’re dealing with thinning hair around the temples, don’t worry — you have options. There are effective treatments available that can help restore hair in this area, improve hair health, and even encourage new hair growth.
Let’s dive into the different approaches that can make a real difference.
For some women, medications like finasteride may be prescribed to address hair loss. Although commonly used for male pattern hair loss, finasteride has shown benefits in some cases of female hair loss as well. This option is typically reserved for specific cases, so consult a medical professional to see if it’s suitable for you.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an increasingly popular option for treating temple hair loss. In this procedure, PRP, derived from your own blood, is injected into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and encourage hair regrowth.
However, PRP relies on the concentration of growth factors present in your own blood, which can sometimes limit its effectiveness. You might need a series of treatments to see noticeable results, especially if you’re looking to treat more extensive concerns.
While PRP uses your blood, Dr. Jae Pak’s Protein Rich Support with Wharton’s Jelly (PRS/WJ) takes hair restoration even further. PRS uses stem cells from donated umbilical cords, packed with collagen-building proteins, hyaluronic acid, and growth factors that nourish and strengthen hair from the root.
This powerful blend promotes faster growth, healthier scalp conditions, and a more resilient hair growth cycle — delivering advanced, lasting results. PRS/WJ not only supports healing and regeneration like PRP but does so with a broader and more potent spectrum of biological building blocks, offering enhanced benefits for tissue restoration and health improvement.
Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level laser light to stimulate hair follicles and improve hair density. Studies have shown it can be effective for female pattern hair loss by boosting blood flow to the scalp, supporting a healthier environment for growth. For best results, laser therapy may require consistent sessions over time.
Last but not least, if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, hair transplant surgery is an option. These procedures move healthy hair follicles from one area of the scalp to thinning areas, giving you a natural, lasting result.
With Dr. Jae Pak’s expertise, each hairline is designed with precision, making hair transplants an effective choice for anyone wanting a fuller, balanced look.
Whether you’re working to preserve your hairline or you’ve just restored it, prevention is essential to keep temple hair loss at bay.
Here are effective ways to support healthy growth and prevent further thinning around your temples.
To avoid putting strain on your temples, opt for loose styles that minimize tension. Styles like soft, low ponytails, gentle braids, or letting your hair down completely allow your hairline to relax and avoid stress on the follicles.
If you want an updo, consider loose, messy buns or low chignons that keep the temples free from tension. Switching up your styles can give your hairline a much-needed break.
When selecting hair care products, look for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are gentle on the scalp. Ingredients like aloe vera, keratin, and jojoba oil help nourish hair and reduce breakage.
Skip harsh treatments and avoid excessive heat styling, which can weaken hair around the temples. Additionally, regular deep-conditioning treatments can keep the hair around the temples hydrated and resilient.
We previously touched on how diet impacts hair health, but what should your plate actually look like? Focus on foods rich in biotin, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids — think eggs, nuts, leafy greens, and fatty fish like salmon.
These nutrients support new hair growth and strengthen the hair shaft, helping prevent thinning. If you’re struggling to get these nutrients consistently, supplements like biotin or omega-3s can be a helpful addition to fill any dietary gaps.
A healthy scalp lays the groundwork for stronger hair. Regularly massaging the scalp improves blood flow and stimulates hair follicles, which can encourage hair growth around the temples. You can also add hydrating treatments or lightweight oils to moisturize the scalp and prevent dryness.
Stress is often an overlooked factor in hair loss, but it can significantly disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to hair shedding. Make time for activities that help you relax, whether it’s exercise, meditation, or a hobby that takes your mind off daily pressures. Prioritizing your mental well-being can have a real impact on your hair health.
Since hormonal imbalances and health conditions like thyroid issues can contribute to hair thinning, regular check-ups are important. Blood tests can reveal any deficiencies or underlying issues that could be affecting your hair. By staying proactive, you can address any health concerns that may be contributing to temple hair loss.
While it’s always a good idea to check in with a specialist if you notice temple thinning, certain signs make it essential. If the thinning seems to be getting worse or you’re spotting noticeable bald patches, it’s time to consult a dermatology or hair loss specialist.
They can do a thorough evaluation with scalp exams, blood tests, and possibly other assessments to identify what’s causing the hair loss. With their expertise, you’ll get a clearer picture of what’s happening and personalized recommendations to help protect and strengthen your hairline.
And there you have it — the essentials of understanding and addressing female temple hair loss. From recognizing the first signs to knowing the causes and exploring treatment and prevention options, you’re now equipped to make informed decisions about your hair.
At Jae Pak MD Medical, we know how important it is to feel confident with your hairline, and we’re here to help with personalized, effective solutions. Whether you’re considering advanced treatments like PRS or simply looking for guidance on keeping your hair healthy, our team is here for you.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to us today, and let’s work together to achieve the fuller, healthier hair you deserve.
Sources:
Female pattern baldness Information | Mount Sinai
Androgenetic alopecia | MedlinePlus Genetics
Telogen Effluvium: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Regrowth | Cleveland Clinic
Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use | PMC
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