Receding Hairlines in Black Men: Causes & Treatments

Key Takeaways:

• Receding hairlines in Black men are treatable with medications like minoxidil and finasteride or with procedures like hair transplants.

• Genetic factors, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits can contribute to hair loss in men.

• Tight hairstyles that pull on hair follicles can lead to a hair loss condition called traction alopecia.
  

You’re combing your hair or lining up your beard when you notice it — a subtle shift in your hairline. When did that happen? A receding hairline can seem like an inevitable part of aging. But it doesn’t have to be.

We’ll cover causes of receding hairlines in Black men, as well as other types of hair loss. You’ll also learn 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 uniform across the scalp.

A receding hairline is often one of the first signs of balding. While the hairline can start to recede any time after puberty, it often kicks in once men reach their late 30s.

There are several causes of a receding hairline in men. 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 (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 a receding hairline becomes visible more quickly for Black males, as having fewer hairs makes it more noticeable when they start to disappear.

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

Here are some common causes of receding hairlines in Black men.

Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss in men, affecting about half of all men by age 50. 

Balding in Black men is actually less common than it is in white men, but it can still happen. A recent study found that Black men are four times more likely to exhibit no or minimal balding than white, South Asian, and Chinese men.

Male pattern baldness is caused by a genetic sensitivity to the male sex hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles, causing the follicle to shrink (called miniaturization). Over time, this can make hair thinner and weaker, until it eventually falls out.

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

→ Learn more: The Hair Growth Cycle: 4 Stages Explained

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by hairstyles like tight ponytails or braids that put pressure on the roots. Prolonged or excessive pulling on the hair follicles can lead to permanent hair loss.

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

→ Read: What Affects Hair Growth for Black Men?

Male pattern baldness and traction alopecia are the most common causes of receding hairlines in Black men. But there are other causes of hair loss, both on the top of the head and throughout the entire 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 COVID-19 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. This form of hair loss seems to be more prevalent in Black men than men of other races.

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

Another small study looked at 17 men who had undergone a scalp biopsy to confirm CCCA. It found that 88 percent of them were Black males.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss, typically in patches on the scalp. If the patch forms near the front of your scalp, it may seem like a receding hairline at first.

A 2025 study found that, while alopecia areata can affect anyone, people of color may be more vulnerable to the condition. Though there’s no cure, certain hair-restoration treatments may be effective.

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 usually resolve on their own, but sometimes, more severe cases can occur. If left untreated, it can lead to scarring alopecia.

Side note: Razor burn is technically called pseudofolliculitis barbae, and it’s 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 don’t cause hair loss on their own. But 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 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

→ Learn more: Seborrheic Dermatitis and Hair Loss

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle behaviors alone aren’t likely to make all your hair fall out. But some habits can influence hair loss or worsen thinning hair.

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

• Poor diet

• Stress

• Excessive heat styling

• Dying or bleaching hair

• Chewing tobacco

• Smoking

→ Learn more: Does Smoking Cause Hair Loss?

Usually, you’ll be able to see a receding hairline 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 an M-shape. If you’re unsure whether you have a receding hairline, look at pictures of yourself from a few years ago to compare and confirm any suspected shifts to your hairline.

You can also see a dermatologist or trichologist to determine if you have a receding hairline and figure out what’s causing your hair loss.

Aside from looking at your hair, a healthcare provider may also perform a hair-pull test. That’s 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), your provider might also recommend a scalp biopsy or a blood test to look for 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 to stimulate 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’s 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, like our minoxidil chews.

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:

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

• Chewable supplements. For those who prefer an oral treatment, 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.

→ Read: African American Hair Transplant

Saw Palmetto

Not up for the possible side effects of medications or a hair transplant? Consider hair care products with saw palmetto, like our thickening shampoo with saw palmetto.

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

Other Hair Remedies to Consider

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

• Microneedling with a derma roller

• Scalp massage

• Low-level light therapy (LLLT)

→ Learn more: Laser Treatment for Hair Loss

Hairline-Friendly Hairstyles

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

Receding hairlines are common among men of all races, ages, and life stages. If you’re 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. It’s often an early sign of balding.

• Though male pattern baldness is a common cause, Black men may also experience receding hairlines due to traction alopecia from tight hairstyles. Conditions like CCCA are more prevalent in Black men and can contribute to hair loss as well.

• Black men may notice receding hairlines more quickly due to generally lower hair density. But the curly and coily texture of Black hair can make thinning less apparent.

• 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.

→ Read next: Dermatologist-Recommended Hair Growth Treatment Options

See answers to common questions about receding hairlines in Black men.

Is a receding hairline an inherited condition?

Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss in men, though there are several other causes. Androgenetic alopecia is an inherited condition in which certain genes make you more sensitive to the hormones affecting hair growth and loss.

Can a receding hairline ever reverse course?

A receding hairline may come back with hair loss treatments. The best chance for a comeback depends on addressing the situation early, when the hair follicles are still alive and capable of growing new hair.

Do I need to see a doctor for hair loss treatment?

A dermatologist can help you determine the cause of your hair loss, but you can also try proven treatments on your own, like topical minoxidil. Consulting hair loss experts at Hims may be a good place to start.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards.