A hairline is the edge on the forehead that marks the beginning of hair growth. It is a physical characteristic that is inherited from one’s parents but can also be influenced by age, medical conditions, and hairstyles. Although hairlines vary from person to person, they can be categorized into nine broad groups for women and four broad groups for men.
Maybe you are interested: How safe is coloring after a hair transplant
Types of Hairlines in Women
Low Hairline
A low hairline in women begins closer to the eyebrows and can make the forehead appear narrow. People with low hairlines often have dense hair growth. It is best to avoid hairstyles such as bangs and fringes, which further contour the forehead. In many cultures, a low hairline is considered a beauty trait.
Middle/Medium Hairline
A middle hairline is one of the most common and desirable hairlines. The gap between the eyebrows and the hairline is average in this type of hairline. Women with a middle hairline can carry off almost all types of hairstyles.
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.
Straight Hairline
Straight hairlines are symmetrical and have lower risks of frontal hair loss. They are pretty easy to manage as the hair growth across the forehead ensures neat hairstyles.
Uneven Hairline
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.
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.
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.
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.
Widow’s Peak Hairline
Women with a widow’s peak have a marked V shape hairline. In this type, the hair growth is more at the center, giving a heart-shaped contour to the face.
Different Types Of Hairlines In Men
The hairline on a man’s forehead is an inherited trait that varies from person to person. However, age, medical conditions, and hairstyles can also affect the shape and height of the hairline. Hairlines in men have been classified into several broad categories.
Low Hairline
Low hairlines in men start closer to the eyebrows, giving the face a compact look. Men with low hairlines tend to have dense hair growth, and the hairline may not recede as they age.
Middle Hairline
A middle hairline is desirable for men, as it creates a proportionate look for the face. Young men who haven’t experienced hair loss typically have a middle hairline.
High Hairline
Men with high hairlines have hair growth that starts at the crown, resulting in a broader forehead. A high hairline can be a natural trait, or it may indicate the onset of frontal hair loss in men.
Widow’s Peak Hairline
Widow’s peak hairlines in men create a distinctive V shape in the center of the forehead, with slightly raised sides. While this type of hairline doesn’t necessarily indicate hair loss, some men with a widow’s peak hairline may experience hair loss as they age.
Rounded Hairline
Men with dense hair growth tend to have rounded hairlines, which appear symmetrical across the forehead with no sharp angles or edges.
Cowlick Hairline
A cowlick hairline occurs when a small section of hair at the crown grows against the natural direction of the hair, making it stand up and creating a messy look.
Uneven Hairline
Uneven or zig zag hairlines in men have jagged edges, dips, and rises, creating an asymmetrical outline across the forehead. This type of hairline often experiences minimal hair loss.
Receding Hairline
Hair loss and a receding hairline in men can occur due to various internal and external factors, and as men age, the hairline moves higher, making the forehead appear larger.
Factors That Determine Your Hairline Type
Genetics
The appearance of your hairline is determined by your genetics. You are likely to inherit your hairline from one of your parents. In some cases, people may have a combination of two hairlines, such as a widow’s peak and a middle hairline. You can also get an idea of how your hairline may change as you age by looking at the hair loss patterns in your family.
Age
As you get older, it is common for your hairline to recede. This is because the hair follicles dry up and the supply of nutrients to the hair roots decreases. This can cause hair loss on the crown, sides, and center of the head, but the back of the head is often less affected.
Hormone Fluctuations
Changes in hormone levels can also affect your hairline. Excess androgens and DHT hormones can cause the hair follicles to dry up, leading to hair thinning and eventually hair loss. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience hair loss due to increased androgen levels.
Medical Conditions
Various medical conditions can also affect your hair growth and lead to unwanted changes in your hairline. Conditions such as lupus, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and certain types of cancer can all contribute to a receding hairline.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications have been linked to hair loss and can affect your hairline. Lithium, amphetamines, cancer medications such as doxorubicin, and beta blockers used to control blood pressure have all been reported to cause hair loss.