The hair around our temples is typically used to frame our faces and can be tied closely to our self-confidence. Unfortunately, the hair in this region is also one of the most common areas to start showing the effects of pattern baldness or a receding hairline.

Many men and women notice the first signs of hair loss at the temples, with the trademark V-shaped 'widow's peak' beginning to appear. There are various reasons for hair loss in this area, including genetic and non-hereditary conditions. 

If you've recently noticed your hairline receding along your temples, you may wonder how to reverse this hair loss. Thankfully, multiple options are available to rejuvenate your temples, from FUE hair transplants to laser hair therapy. In this guide, we'll introduce the various causes of temple hair loss and how to treat it.

Understanding Temple Hair Loss

Your temples are the two patches of hair at the side of your face, just behind your eyes and in the space between your ears and forehead. Full temples are typically associated with a youthful appearance, and thick hair in this region is highly desirable.

As you age, your temples naturally lose a significant amount of volume. However, hair loss around your temples often indicates progressive balding that requires treatment. Thankfully, the indiscreet nature of this specific patch of hair means that we tend to notice hair loss in its early stages in this area since it's a lot harder to miss than elsewhere on the scalp.

Losing hair around your temples creates a V-shaped hairline (known as a widow's peak) that can be quite harsh or uneven. Although there may be a temptation to hide your temple hair loss, this is often an indication of further balding to come, meaning that it's far more effective to pursue treatment during this early stage.

Causes of Hair Loss at the Temples

While it can be distressing to notice that your hair is thinning at the temples, it's crucial to determine what is causing your hairline to recede in this area to find the most effective treatment method. Although a receding hairline is often associated with pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), there are numerous reasons for hair loss in this area.

Genetics

Sadly, one of the most common causes of hair loss is genetic — meaning that it is passed on from generation to generation within a family. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as 'pattern baldness', affects over 6.5 million men and 8 million women in the UK each year. This condition causes progressive hair loss that often starts at the temples and eventually leads to complete or partial balding across the scalp.

Hormonal Changes

Another leading cause of temple hair loss is changing hormonal balances within the body. One of the key hormones responsible for hair loss in men is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), created as a byproduct of testosterone. While small amounts of this hormone are harmless, high levels can harm hair follicles — causing a reaction leading to shrinkage and hair loss.

In women, the leading hormonal causes of hair loss are pregnancy and menopause. During both life changes, the amount of estrogen in the body fluctuates, causing hair to become thinner due to shrunken hair follicles.

Lifestyle Factors

Aside from medical conditions and hormonal contributions, lifestyle choices and environmental factors can cause hair loss around your temples. In particular, the following factors can exacerbate or directly cause temple hair loss:

• Stress — High stress levels can lead to a buildup of cortisol, commonly dubbed the 'stress hormone'. This can cause telogen effluvium, categorised by excessive shedding of 'resting' hair follicles. This is caused by high cortisol levels, leading to an increase in the number of hair follicles that enter a dormant state.

• Diet — A nutritious diet is needed to maintain optimal hair health. Depriving our bodies of important nutrients can make hair brittle and weak.

• Hair care — How you style your hair can unintentionally lead to hair loss, particularly around your temples. Traction alopecia is caused by the repeated pulling of hair follicles due to tight hairstyles, such as ponytails. Over time, this repeated tension will lead to hair follicles being pulled from the scalp, creating a bald patch.

Diagnosing Temple Hair Loss

If you have noticed hair loss around your temples, it's essential to undergo an expert assessment to determine the cause and whether treatment is recommended. While some hair loss may be caused by incorrect hair care or living in a high-pollution environment, other medical causes can worsen if not treated correctly.

The best way to find out what is causing your hair loss and whether it's treatable is by booking a consultation with a hair restoration specialist. At FUE Clinics, our trichologists will look for any damage to your scalp and assess the extent of your hair loss. We will analyse the condition of your hair and ask for more information regarding your family history, diet, and hair care routine. Often, the Norwood Scale will be used to decide whether your hair loss follows the natural progression we might expect from androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness).

This allows us to determine whether you are a good candidate for a hair transplant and will enable us to discuss your treatment options and likely outcomes. This ensures you have all the information needed to make a decision.

FUE Hair Transplant Surgery

FUE (follicular unit extraction) hair transplants are renowned for their long-lasting, natural-looking results and rapid recovery time. The process involves a minimally invasive surgery that transplants hair follicles to areas that require hair growth.

This is a delicate procedure that requires a significant amount of skill and precision. Using state-of-the-art techniques, healthy hair follicles are carefully extracted from the donor area — often on the back or sides of the head. These follicles are then redistributed to other places on the scalp or body that have experienced hair loss.

Replenish Your Temples With FUE Clinics

Hair loss of any kind can be distressing, especially for areas where hair loss is more noticeable — such as around the temples. However, it's important to remember that numerous treatment options are available to help you regain control of your scalp and regain the confidence you deserve.

At FUE Clinics, we know that your hair is important. We pride ourselves in being the UK's leading hair restoration experts, providing state-of-the-art treatment to thousands of patients annually.

So, if you're ready to start your hair restoration journey and rejuvenate your temples, book your free consultation with one of our experienced specialists today.