Understanding the M Hairline: Causes, Characteristics and Solutions
Your hairline can change a lot over the years and any minor change can cause us to do a double take in the mirror and if that change is perceived as a negative one, your self-esteem can also be impacted. Many people have this type of hairline, including celebrities like Harry Styles, for example.
While some hairline shapes are a natural variation, other factors could be at play here and it may be early signs of hair loss or a receding hairline. Your hairline can vary depending on your genetics and your M-shaped hairline is a natural expression of your genetic predisposition (i.e. a hereditary condition).
It is usually nothing to be concerned about, but we will walk you through some main causes, how to identify the hairline and effective solutions in this article:
What is an M-Shaped Hairline?
An m-shaped hairline happens when your hair recedes from your temples (each side of your head) and it ends up forming an “m” shape. The hair in the middle of your head essentially remains the same, however, you experience a receding hairline on the sides of your head.
This hairline shape differs from others including the v-shaped point or straight hairline as the m-shaped hairline has two distinct peaks at the temples, giving the look of two hairlines. While some people naturally have an M-shaped hairline, for others, it may be a sign of gradual hair loss or changes over time. If your M-shaped hairline is occurring naturally, you’ll usually see a gradual curve emerge.
If you have a widow’s peak, for example, you’ll see a v-shape in your hairline. While a straight hairline has no peaks or hairline recession and is even across your head. This hairline pattern is more commonly seen in men, but it can also be seen in women and it can be an early sign of male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness.
Causes of an M-Shaped Hairline
So, what causes an m-shaped hairline? If you are worried about your m-shaped hairline and want to understand the causes and limit further hair loss, there are a few causes that you should be aware of. We walk you through all the main cases of an m-shaped hairline below:
1. Genetics and Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia)
As we previously mentioned, genetics plays a major role in hair loss and male pattern hair loss is quite common. Androgenetic Alopecia (male/ female pattern baldness) can lead to gradual thinning over time and you may start to see the effects as early as your 20s.
2. Hormonal Factors
Hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is derived from testosterone and is another cause of hair loss and can make you feel self-conscious. Your DHT levels can influence if your hair follicles shrink and this ends up leading to thinning hair and hair loss.
3. Ageing Process and Hair Thinning
Over time, hair thinning does occur naturally. You might not be doing anything wrong, you are just simply ageing! A mature hairline will likely look different to that of your hairline when you were younger. Hair loss can occur for those with all different types of hairline like widow’s peak, for example.
4. Stress and Lifestyle Factors
If you are constantly stressed your stress hormones can impact hair loss, along with your diet and other harmful hair practices. You may see the early stages of hair loss and if you do, it might be the time to make some lifestyle changes to stop the hair thinning and avoid complete balding.
Is an M-Shaped Hairline a Sign of Balding?
An m-shaped hairline can indeed be one of the first signs of balding and male pattern baldness. The good news is that we said “first signs”. This means you’ve got some time to look into potential hair restoration options to resolve the issue if you wish and some may even offer a permanent solution.
If your natural hairline is starting to change, you should also look for other signs like thinning at the crown or increased hair shedding. These are all signs of balding and you should look into your family history to understand if this is hereditary, while also observing changes over time.
Assessing Your Hairline
Understanding your hairline better is a good way to find a hair regrowth solution. It is important to remember that regrowth might not be possible, but there are still plenty of solutions available to those who aren’t able to regrow their hair.
You should look to monitor the changes in your hair over time by taking photos and comparing them. If you notice signs of progression in terms of thinning recession depth and scalp visibility it might be time to seek professional advice.
Treatment Options for Hair Follicles in M-Shaped Hairlines
As we have previously mentioned, there are plenty of treatment options available to restore or even mimic the hair follicles that you’ve lost. We go through some of the most common treatment options here:
Medical Treatments
Medical treatments like minoxidil and finasteride can be effective for hair growth. These regenerative medicine treatments are known to be most effective when started early. Minoxidil is a topical solution treatment that is used by applying it directly to your scalp. This topical treatment works to stimulate hair growth by widening blood vessels, letting more oxygen and nutrients in to reach hair follicles.
Finasteride, on the other hand, is an oral medication. It works to lower your DHT level and can slow down your hairline recession. In some cases, it can even promote regrowth. If you are experiencing hair loss and feel uncomfortable with your appearance, medical treatments can be a viable option.
Surgical Solutions
Surgery is a significant step, but it can be effective. If you are a viable candidate for a hair transplantation, you might be able to regrow your own hair. Hair transplant surgery isn’t a viable option for everyone though, limiting its overall effectiveness and the recovery time is a lot longer than other options. Speak to hair transplant specialists or a medical professional to see if this is an option for you.
Non-Surgical Solutions
To regain your natural-looking hairline, there are also non-surgical solutions available. Not everyone may be a suitable candidate for a hair transplant, so other options like scalp micropigmentation (SMP) and lifestyle changes should be considered to treat your m-shaped hairline.
SMP can be a transformative option for refining your hairline by bringing your hair forward through tattooing fine dots that mimic the look of hair. It can provide a more permanent solution by providing the look of hair in any receding area. It is non-invasive and acts as a long-lasting solution. SMP professionals, like the team we have here at INKD SMP, can give you your confidence back.
Another non-surgical solution revolves around changes to your lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, including staying away from processed foods as much as possible can help. Stress management can also play a role here and you should avoid harmful hair products.
Why Choose SMP for M-Shaped Hairlines?
There are several benefits of SMP for m-shaped hairlines and if you are interested in this solution, the INKD SMP team have the expertise to provide your desired look, from a buzz cut to thicker hair. SMP creates an even shape on your forehead that is natural-looking and gives the appearance of a fuller hairline.
It is a cost-effective option and while other solutions require you to be in the early stages of hair loss, SMP is available no matter the stage of your hair loss. No surgery or chemicals are required, even if you are experiencing a significant recession.
For those with longer hair but are seeing an m-shape appearing, SMP can assist as well. SMP isn’t just for m-shaped hairlines either! Even if you experience complete balding, SMP can be a more suitable option compared to others like a hair transplant.
We have seen SMP be an effective solution for several of our clients who experienced an m-shaped hairline. For our client, Adrian, complete baldness was off the table. Instead, he went for the buzz-cut look that provided more of a naturally shaped hairline.
M-Shaped Hairlines and SMP FAQs
When it comes to your m-shaped hairline and SMP, there are a few questions we always get asked. To make things easier for you, we have put all the questions right here in this FAQs section.
Can an M-shaped hairline be prevented?
Your m-shaped hairline can’t be totally prevented, especially if it is mostly caused by male pattern baldness.
Will SMP look natural with my hair colour and skin tone?
You’ll see a natural appearance with SMP as your artist will ensure the pigment matches your hair colour and skin tone. No one will be able to tell the difference!
How long does SMP last for M-shaped hairlines?
SMP can be an effective way to treat an m-shaped hairline as it is a long-term solution. SMP can last for 10+ years with the right care and minor touch-ups might be required during this time.
Is SMP suitable for women with an M-shaped hairline?
Women who are noticing a receding hairline can also take advantage of SMP. SMP is a suitable option for almost anyone who is suffering from hair loss.
Is there a pattern with SMP?
Yes, there is a distinct pattern with SMP, which acts to mimic the natural part of your hair by applying fine dots to your scalp.
Is it Time You Took the Next Step for Your Receding Hairline?
Concerned about your m-shaped hairline? You can book a free, no-obligation consultation with INKD SMP and we will assess your hairline. We offer in-person, video, or photo-based consultations, just head to our “Contact Us” page to get the ball rolling and see the life-changing benefits for yourself.
Book today and get the INKD SMP helping you every step of the way!
