What Is an M-Shaped Hairline? Causes and Solutions

What is an M-shaped hairline — and should you be worried about it?

Maybe you’ve noticed it gradually in the mirror or pictures, or perhaps one day you woke up and it hit you — your natural hairline has noticeably changed. Your once-straight hairline now takes on the shape of the letter M.

Could this M-shaped hairline be an early sign of balding? While the thinning of hair on your head is likely due to male pattern baldness, there could be other reasons for this new M hairline.

Read on for answers, and learn more about what an M-shaped hairline could mean. Below, we’ll also cover some hair restoration options if you think you’re experiencing hair loss.

As the name suggests, an M-shaped hairline takes the shape of an M. 

This hairline pattern is characterized by more hair in the front or center of the head and receding hair at the temples, creating an M shape. The M-shape hairline has more exaggerated hair loss at the temples and less of a point in the center than a widow’s peak, a similar-looking hairline. 

There are many different types of hairline patterns out there, and some people are born with M-shaped hairlines.  

But if your M-shape is becoming more pronounced, or if your hairline is changing, you might be experiencing hair loss or hair thinning. Try to treat it sooner rather than later.

As the name suggests, an M-shaped hairline takes the shape of an M. 

This hairline pattern is characterized by more hair in the front or center of the head and receding hair at the temples, creating an M shape. The M-shape hairline has more exaggerated hair loss at the temples and less of a point in the center than a widow’s peak, a similar-looking hairline. 

There are many different types of hairline patterns out there, and some people are born with M-shaped hairlines.  

But if your M-shape is becoming more pronounced, or if your hairline is changing, you might be experiencing hair loss or hair thinning. Try to treat it sooner rather than later.

Some people are born with an M-shaped hairline. But if your frontal hairline is receding or changing, you might be experiencing hair loss.  

As we’ve mentioned, a receding hairline is usually an early sign of male pattern baldness, although some other types of hair loss might be to blame. 

If you think you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s best to make an appointment with a healthcare professional ASAP. The earlier you treat it, the better. 

Genetics and Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia happens because of a genetic sensitivity to male sex hormones called androgens — particularly the androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Higher levels of DHT shorten the growth or anagen phase of the hair growth cycle and cause hair follicle miniaturization (where follicles literally shrink). This results in hair loss that typically begins with an M-shaped hairline.

Age and Hairline Maturation

Age is another common risk factor for male pattern baldness. Thirty to 50 percent of men have a receding hairline by the time they’re 50. So, an M-shaped hairline might start to show up as you get older.

Stress and Telogen Effluvium 

Severe physical or emotional stress can cause a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium. It affects your hair by interrupting the natural hair growth cycle. 

But, telogen effluvium usually causes diffuse hair loss over your entire head rather than creating a receding M-shaped hairline like androgenetic alopecia. 

Common triggers of telogen effluvium include:

• Extreme stress

• Traumatic events

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Illnesses and fevers

• Hormonal changes

This type of hair loss typically occurs a few months after a stressful event and is temporary (so hair usually grows back on its own). 

Traction Alopecia

Believe it or not, some of your hair habits might be causing hair loss. Tight hairstyles — think restrictive ponytails, manbuns, braids, or cornrows — can put pressure on your hair follicles, hindering hair growth. This type of hair loss is called traction alopecia.

In some extreme cases, tight hairstyles can even cause breakage and hair loss to your frontal hairline — aka, an M-shaped hairline.  

A widow’s peak hairline comes together in a downward V-shape at the center of the forehead — almost like a much-less-exaggerated or smaller M-shaped hairline. It can be quite distinctive in some people, especially when their hair is pulled back, while others have just the hint of one.

The similarity between an M-shaped hairline and a widow’s peak could have you wondering which type of hairline you’re dealing with.

Both hairlines are fairly common. A look at over 450 Japanese men and women found that over 42 percent of men had an M-shaped hairline, while almost 33 percent had a widow’s peak.

Though the cause of a widow’s peak isn’t entirely clear, some genetic conditions are associated with this type of hairline. They include:

• Aarskog syndrome. Aarskog syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting mostly men.

• Donnai-Barrow syndrome. Donnai-Barrow syndrome is a condition caused by mutations in the LRP2 gene, which leads to unusual features of the eyes, nose and ears.

• Frontonasal dysplasia. Frontonasal dysplasia is a very rare condition involving abnormal development of the head and face.

People may compare an M-shaped hairline with a widow’s peak, as they both have one section of hair slightly lower down on the forehead. But they’re not actually the same thing.

The main difference is that a widow’s peak is curved up the sides and meets in a triangular midpoint, whereas an M-shaped hairline is much more triangular, even along the sides. Another way to think about the difference between the two is that an M-shaped hairline has more exaggerated points than a widow’s peak.

Although an M-shaped hairline doesn’t always mean you’re balding, this hairline is commonly associated with hair loss.

A receding hairline (sometimes referred to as a mature hairline) is caused by male pattern baldness — also known as androgenetic alopecia or androgenic alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss that can affect both men and women (in women, androgenetic alopecia is called female pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss). In addition to an M-shaped hairline, other signs include hair loss affecting the top of the scalp.

While fixing an M-shaped hairline might seem trickier to accomplish due to the very specific spots of hair loss, there are some potentially-effective techniques.

If you suspect poor diet, stress, or other issues are affecting your hairline, this can be counteracted with basic lifestyle changes.

Poor diet, for example, can be changed by reducing your intake of processed foods and increasing your vitamin intake — particularly vitamin A, vitamin D, and biotin. If necessary, consider trying a supplement to restore your nutrient levels. 

You can also try M-shaped hairline hairstyles to make the receding hairline less noticeable. Consider:

• Getting a buzzcut to make the thin areas less noticeable

• Slicking your hair back in a sleek pompadour or side-swept style

• Combing all your hair to one side to create a deep part

• Talking to your barber about haircuts or styling tips that’ll give the remaining hair more volume

You can also prevent further hair loss by using effective hair loss treatments and taking steps to support your hair health.

Finasteride

Finasteride is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat male pattern hair loss. 

It works by reducing levels of DHT, the hormone that causes male pattern hair loss. This helps prevent your hairline receding further. 

Oral finasteride is available by prescription only. For best results, use it in the early stages of balding — the earlier you treat male hair loss, the better. 

Minoxidil

This over-the-counter, topical treatment is also approved by the FDA for treating hair loss. 

Minoxidil works by stimulating circulation to your hair follicles and increasing the anagen (growth) phase of your hair growth cycle.

Studies show a significant increase in hair density and growth over 48 weeks, depending on the concentration used.

You can buy minoxidil solution and minoxidil foam online. 

In-Office Treatments

Many dermatologists offer in-office treatments that could boost hair regrowth.

Two examples are laser hair restoration and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Some research suggests these procedures could support hair health and increase hair density. 

Hair Transplant

Hair transplant surgery is another option to fix an M-shaped hairline. The procedure involves hair transplantations from the sides and back of the scalp to areas with hair loss, such as your hairline.

Hair transplants can have both pros and cons, but this surgery can lead to natural-looking results and a fuller hairline when performed correctly. 

We’ve talked more about the types of procedures, costs, and how they work in our hairline restoration guide.

Is an M-shaped hairline normal? In some cases, yes. You can be born with an M-shaped hairline. But your hairline might also change over the years, leading to a receding hairline, which looks M-shaped. 

Keep this in mind:

• An M-shape hairline is usually an early sign of hair loss. The most common cause of a receding hairline is male pattern hair loss, also called androgenic alopecia.

• Other types of hair loss can cause an M-shaped hairline. Traction alopecia (caused by tight hairstyles) and telogen effluvium (caused by psychological or physical stress) can be to blame.

• There are treatments. Hair loss medications like finasteride and minoxidil can slow down hair loss. A flattering haircut can help hide your haircut if you’re feeling self-conscious. 

Want to get your healthiest hair yet? Check out our guide to hair care for men and learn more about non-surgical hair restoration. 

If you’re concerned about your hairline, consulting with a healthcare professional is a good first step, as they can help you explore your treatment options.