Receding Hairlines in Black Men: What to Know

Have you recently looked in the mirror or come across an old photo and noticed a receding hairline? Hair loss can (and does) affect men of all races, but here, we'll focus specifically on receding hairlines in Black men.

We’ll cover causes of a receding hairline and other types of hair loss in Black men, plus what you can do about a receding hairline, from FDA-approved treatments like finasteride and minoxidil to options like hair transplants and saw palmetto.

A receding hairline is a common type of hair loss. In men, it typically begins at the temples and moves backward across the top of the forehead, creating an M-shaped hair pattern. That said, the exact shape a receding hairline takes can look different from person to person, and hair loss isn't necessarily even throughout the scalp.

Often, a receding hairline is one of the first signs of balding. While the hairline can start to recede any time after puberty, it is often seen as men reach their late 30s.

There are several causes of a receding hairline in men, and while they tend to be the same across races, there are some unique factors for Black men with receding hairlines.

First, research suggests that hair density (which is measured by the number of hair follicles per square inch of scalp) tends to be lower in Black men than in white men. This could mean that a receding hairline becomes visible more quickly for Black males, as having fewer hairs mean it’s more noticeable when they start to disappear.

On the other hand, Black hair tends to be more curly and coily, which can make thinning hair less noticeable since each individual hair takes up less space.

Below, we’ll cover common causes of receding hairlines in Black men.

Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness (also known as androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss in men, affecting as many as 50 percent of men by age 50. Balding in Black men is actually less common than it is in white men — one recent study found that Black men were four times more likely to exhibit no or minimal balding — but it can still happen.

Male pattern baldness is caused by a genetic sensitivity to the male hormone known as dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles, calling the follicle to become smaller or miniaturize. Over time, this can cause hair to become thinner and weaker, until it eventually falls out.

In those with a genetic sensitivity, DHT also shortens the anagen or growth phase of the hair growth cycle, meaning hair has less time in a stage of active growth.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by hairstyles like tight ponytails or braids that put pressure on the roots. Over time, this hair loss can become permanent.

Black people, particularly Black women, are more likely to develop traction alopecia. However, that’s simply because Black people are more likely to wear their hair in tight styles for long periods of time.

While male pattern baldness and traction alopecia are the most common causes of a receding hairline in Black men, there are other causes of hair loss, both on the top of the head and throughout the scalp.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is temporary hair loss caused by high levels of stress, illness, or injury. Certain medications or even nutritional deficiencies can cause this type of rapid hair shedding.

Some research shows that there was a rise in telogen effluvium cases across all races during the pandemic as a result of both stress and infection. However, the research found “no substantial increase” in telogen effluvium in Black people despite the fact that they were disproportionately affected by COVID.

Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)

Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is a progressive and permanent type of hair loss that falls under the umbrella of “scarring alopecia.” It’s one type of hair loss that seems to be more prevalent in Black men than in men of other races.

One study found that CCCA is the most common type of scarring alopecia in Black men.

Another study (on just 17 men) who had undergone a scalp biopsy to confirm CCCA found that 88 percent of them were Black males.

Scalp Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that causes small red or white sores on the scalp that look like acne or razor burn. Folliculitis is caused by bacteria, but it can be made worse by friction on the head from things like shaving or wearing tight hats.

Mild cases of folliculitis typically resolve on their own, but sometimes more severe cases can occur. If left untreated, they can lead to a type of hair loss known as scarring alopecia.

(As a side note, razor burn is technically called “pseudofolliculitis barbae” and is more common in Black men and people with curly hair. While not technically folliculitis, the two are often mixed up.)

Skin Conditions That Cause Itching

Most skin conditions do not cause hair loss on their own. However, certain conditions cause intense itching, and if you’ve ever had an itchy scalp, you know it’s nearly impossible not to scratch it. All of that scratching can damage the hair follicles, potentially leading to temporary hair loss.

Scalp conditions that can cause itching include:

• Psoriasis

• Dandruff

• Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis)

• Seborrheic dermatitis

Lifestyle Factors

Before you panic, know that even the worst habits aren’t going to make your hair totally fall out. That said, there are some habits that can influence hair loss or make thinning hair worse.

Lifestyle factors that are associated with hair loss (to some degree) include:

• Smoking

• Chewing tobacco

• Poor diet

• Stress

• Excessive heat styling

• Dying or bleaching hair

Usually, you’ll be able to see a receding hair just by looking at your hair (if you don’t have close-cropped hair, try pulling your hair back to get a clear picture of your hairline).

A receding hairline usually takes on a specific M-shape. If you’re not sure whether or not you have a receding hairline, look at pictures of yourself from a few years ago to confirm any shifts to your hairline you suspect may have occurred.

You can also see a dermatologist to confirm that you have a receding hairline and to figure out what’s causing your hair loss.

Aside from looking at your hair, a healthcare provider may also perform a hair pull test, where they grab a section of hair at the root and gently tug on it to see how much comes loose. In some cases (or if the cause of your hair loss is mysterious), they may also recommend a scalp biopsy or a blood test to look for any nutritional deficiencies.

If you’re a Black male dealing with hair loss, the good news is that you have a number of options for treatment.

Finasteride

Finasteride is an FDA-approved treatment for male pattern baldness. It effectively slows hair loss by blocking DHT, a hormone that contributes to hair loss. Finasteride has been used to treat male pattern hair loss since 1998.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a well-known hair loss treatment (it’s the active ingredient in Rogaine®). It works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles, promoting hair regrowth. A 48-week study found that men using minoxidil experienced up to an 18 percent increase in hair growth.

While oral minoxidil isn't FDA-approved for hair loss, it is sometimes prescribed off-label as an alternative to the topical form. It can be a good option for people who find the upkeep of topical minoxidil difficult.

Minoxidil foam and minoxidil solution are available through our platform without a prescription (meaning it’s over-the-counter). Oral minoxidil (in the form of minoxidil chewables) may also be an option following a consultation with one of our healthcare providers.

Minoxidil and Finasteride Together

Yep, you can use minoxidil and finasteride together — in fact, many healthcare providers recommend it. A 2019 meta-analysis found that combining oral finasteride and topical minoxidil "has better therapeutic efficacy than and similar safety" than using just one of them on its own.

If you decide to use both minoxidil and finasteride, we offer two options:

1. Topical Spray: Our best-selling treatment is a topical finasteride & minoxidil spray that combines both ingredients in an easy-to-use spray.

2. Chewable Supplements: For those who prefer an oral supplement or find topical products intimidating, our minoxidil and finasteride chews combine both ingredients along with other hair health supplements (like biotin and vitamins B5 and B6).

Hair Transplant

Perhaps the only way to truly restore the hair you’ve lost is through a hair transplant. This procedure is costly, but if done well, it can yield permanent results. Plus, if your hairline receding is your only concern, there’s a type of hair transplant procedure known as hairline restoration.

There are some specific considerations regarding hair transplants for Black men, which you can learn more about in our guide to African American hair transplants.

Saw Palmetto

If you’re not up for medications and their possible side effects or a hair transplant, but you’re down to shake up your hair care products, using a shampoo with saw palmetto (like our thickening shampoo with saw palmetto) is a good place to start fighting hair loss.

It’s not as well-researched (nor as effective) as its FDA-approved counterparts, but research suggests that the plant ingredient saw palmetto is a partial DHT blocker.

There are other hair treatments that don’t have quite as much research behind them, but show some promise in treating or preventing further hair loss. These include:

• Low level light therapy (LLLT)

• Microneedling with a derma roller

• Laser caps and treatments

• Scalp massage

Change Your Hairstyle

If you’re experiencing traction alopecia, embracing your natural hair by taking it out of tight hairstyles can prevent further hair loss and help get your hairline back. The right haircuts for men’s hair can also help to mask hair loss.

For more information on treatment options and at-home remedies, check out our guide to how to prevent hair loss.

Receding hairlines are common, regardless of race or gender. If you are dealing with a receding hairline as a Black male, here's what to keep in mind:

• A receding hairline starts at the temples and forms an M-shaped pattern, and it is often an early sign of balding. While male pattern baldness is a common cause, Black men may also experience receding hairlines due to traction alopecia from tight hairstyles.

• Black men may notice receding hairlines more quickly due to generally lower hair density. However, the curly and coily nature of Black hair can make thinning less apparent. Additionally, conditions like CCCA are more prevalent in Black men and can contribute to hair loss.

• Effective treatments for hair loss include finasteride and minoxidil, with combined use offering potentially even better results. Other options include hair transplant surgery, hair products like saw palmetto shampoos, low-level light therapy, microneedling, and lifestyle adjustments.

If you’re considering hair loss treatment options for a receding hairline but aren’t sure where to start, take a peek at our guide to dermatologist-recommended hair growth products.

And when you’re ready to take the next step (or even just learn more about your options), our free online consultation will connect you with a healthcare professional who can recommend medications and help figure out the best treatment plan for your needs.