Even though receding hairlines are part of the natural aging process, learning to recognize their early signs can help you change some habits that might contribute to hair loss.

So, here we’ll share the signs and stages of a receding hairline. We’ll discuss how certain hair products and styling choices can make receding hairlines worse. We’ll also consider some steps you can take to treat hair loss and how Curology’s Hair Formulaᴿˣ works to help slow down receding hairlines.

Is my hairline receding? How to know

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common condition behind hair loss, including a receding hairline.¹ AGA is commonly called patterned hair loss, as hairlines tend to recede in patterns and stages. Recognizing how these patterns progress is a simple way to tell if your hairline is receding due to androgenetic alopecia. AGA causes hair loss on different areas of the scalp for men than it does for ‌women.²

In men, AGA usually appears as a receding hairline accompanied by bald spots at the vertex, or top of the head.³ “Female pattern baldness” refers to hair thinning all over the scalp, most noticeably on the crown and vertex.⁴ A woman’s hairline is typically spared compared to the receding hairline experienced in male pattern baldness. That said, the onset of AGA in women is often marked by a widening hair part.

What are the stages of a receding hairline?

Like all the hair loss symptoms of AGA, receding hairlines occur in stages.⁵ In 2007, researchers developed the Basic and Specific (BASP) classification system to help us track these stages. The BASP system classifies hair loss based on the shape of the receding hairline and the thickness of the hair on different parts of the head.⁶

Let’s take a look at the various stages of hair loss types, starting with receding hairlines. Then, we’ll share a few ways to slow or even help reverse that receding hairline.

Basic types (BA)

Basic types refer to the various stages of our receding hairline based on its shape.⁷ According to the Basic Type classifications, the different stages of receding hairlines ‌are: 

• Type L: In the first stage, the hairline is still straight across the front and sides of the head, as it hasn’t begun to recede.⁸

• Type M: The hairline recedes more on the sides of the head than in the middle, forming an M-shaped hairline. This stage is divided into four subtypes: M0-M3. The hairline of each subtype goes further back than the subtype stage before it.⁹

• Type C: The middle of the hairline recedes further back than the hairline on the sides, making the shape of the letter C. Again, there are four subtypes: C0-C3.¹⁰

• Type U: The hairline recedes past the top of the head, forming a U or horseshoe shape. Type U is the most severe stage of a receding hairline and is divided into four levels, subtypes, U0-U3.¹¹

Specific types (SP)

Specific types refer to the density or thickness of hair in specific areas of the sides and top of the head.¹² The various stages of hair thinning are: 

• Type F: The hair around the whole head is thinner than it used to be, regardless of what the hairline looks like. That said, Type F typically notes hair thinning on the front part of the head first.¹³

• Type F1: Mild hair thinning around the crown.

• Type F2: Moderate hair thinning around the crown.¹⁴

• Type F3: Severe hair thinning around the crown.

• Type V: In a Type V hair loss pattern, the hair is thinning more notably on the top-center (vertex) of the head than on the front and sides.¹⁵

• Type V1: Mild thinning on the top of the head or vertex.

• Type V2: Moderate thinning on the vertex.¹⁶

• Type V3: Severe thinning on the vertex.

In the BASP hair loss classification system, our final type or current hair loss stage is arrived at by mixing our BA type with our SP type—for example, C1V2.¹⁷ The BASP system is more effective than older systems, as its stages are more extensive, organized, and easy to remember. Dermatologists also dig the BASP system because they can use it fluidly across genders.¹⁸

Can a receding hairline grow back? Prevention and treatment 

There are steps we can take to slow or even reverse hair loss, including a receding hairline. Let’s take a look at a few ways of preventing or slowing hair loss. Then we’ll examine some of the active ingredients you can use to regrow that hairline, many of which are offered in Curology’s Hair Formulaᴿˣ.

Prevention

When you’re trying to foster growth, there are some slight lifestyle shifts you make to be more delicate on your scalp in general, including:¹⁹

• Use gentle shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in conditioners and styling products.

• Limit the use of heat from blow dryers, straighteners, curling irons, and other styling tools, as heat can weaken hair.

• Stop wearing your hair tightly pulled back in a ponytail, bun, or braids, as tight hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia, adding to hair loss.

• Brush and comb gently and with care.

• Use detangling products instead of yanking at your hair to untangle it.

Treatment

The following active ingredients are commonly used to regrow hair and help treat the patterned hair loss that causes receding hairlines.

Minoxidil: A topical ingredient commonly used to treat androgenetic alopecia or male and female pattern baldness. Minoxidil is clinically proven to both increase hair growth and decrease hair loss, even though the exact mechanism of minoxidil isn’t fully understood.²⁰

Finasteride: Another ingredient used to treat androgenetic alopecia that shows promise when it comes to decreasing hair loss and increasing hair growth.²¹

Ketoconazole: A medication commonly used to treat and manage fungal infections. Research shows that ketoconazole has a promising ability to help treat androgenetic alopecia.²²

Spironolactone: A medication commonly taken orally to treat high blood pressure. Spironolactone has been shown to stimulate hair growth and is commonly prescribed by dermatologists to treat hair loss both topically and orally. Research shows we can enhance its treatment efficacy by combining it with other topical treatments such as minoxidil.²³

Caffeine: A stimulant we’re most familiar with in the context of coffee or tea. Research shows that topical application of caffeine can help reduce hair loss.²⁴

Melatonin: A sleep aid and potent antioxidant that, when applied topically, also shows promising results for treating androgenetic alopecia.²⁵

Hair loss treatment is typically not a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why Curology’s Hair Formulaᴿˣ is formulated with 3 of the clinically proven active ingredients from the list above. We use higher strengths of minoxidil than what’s available over the counter. Later, we’ll talk more about the services we offer and how a licensed dermatology provider can personalize your formula for your particular root causes of hair thinning.

How long does it take to see results?

Patience is key when it comes to taking care of your skin, both on your face and on the top of your head. With consistent use of the ingredients in Curology’s Hair Formulaᴿˣ, you should start noticing new growth and increased hair volume and strength after 3-6 months. If you don’t see any improvement after one year of use, consult with your dermatology provider.

Curology can help with hair loss

Curology’s Hair Formulaᴿˣ is a personalized prescription formula designed by dermatologists to be more effective at regrowing hair than over-the-counter treatments.* The exact formula that your Curology licensed dermatology provider prescribes will come down to what they determine is appropriate based on your medical history, photos, and specific concerns.

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Start your skin quiz

Your customized Curology Hair Formulaᴿˣ is formulated with 3 clinically proven active ingredients—including higher strengths of minoxidil than what’s available over-the-counter—to treat your root causes of hair thinning.

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Nestor, M.S., et al. Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics. J Cosmet Dermatol. (2021, November 6).

2. Ho, C.H., et al. Androgenetic Alopecia. StatPearls. (2024, January 7).

3. Ho, C.H., et al. Androgenetic Alopecia. StatPearls. Ibid.

4. Ho, C.H., et al. Androgenetic Alopecia. StatPearls. Ibid.

5. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. (January-March 2016).

6. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Ibid.

7. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Ibid.

8. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Ibid.

9. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Ibid.

10. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Ibid.

11. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Ibid.

12. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Ibid.

13. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Ibid.

14. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Ibid.

15. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Ibid.

16. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Ibid.

17. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Ibid.

18. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Ibid.

19. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Hair Loss: Tips for Managing. (n.d.).

20. Suchonwanit, P., et al. Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug Des Devel Ther. (2019, August 9).

21. Lee, S.W., et al. A Systematic Review of Topical Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women. J Drugs Dermatol. (2019, July 3).

22. Fields, J.R., et al. Topical ketoconazole for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review. Dermatol Ther. (2020, January 2).

23. Wang, C., et al. The Efficacy and Safety of Oral and Topical Spironolactone in Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment: A Systematic Review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. (2023, March 9).

24. Famenini, S. and Goh, C. Evidence for Supplemental Treatments in Androgenetic Alopecia. JDD. (July 2014).

25. Fischer, T.W., et al. Topical Melatonin for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. Int J Trichology. (October-December 2012).

26. Ho, C.H., et al. Androgenetic Alopecia. StatPearls. Ibid.

27. Gupta, M. and Mysore, V. Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Ibid.

28. Asfour, L., et al. Male Androgenetic Alopecia. Endotext. (2023, January 25).

29. Herskovitz, I. and Tosti, A. Female Pattern Hair Loss. Int J Endocrinol Metab. (2013, October 1).

Elise Griffin is a certified physician assistant at Curology. She received her Master of Medical Science in physician assistant studies from Nova Southeastern University in Jacksonville, FL.

*Active ingredients have been studied separately. Results may vary. Subscription required. Subject to medical consultation. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information. 

Active ingredients have been studied separately; minoxidil has been shown to improve hair growth within three to twelve months of use. Results may vary.

Minoxidil disclaimer: Ingredients subject to medical consultation. Do not use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.

Finasteride disclaimer: Ingredients subject to medical consultation. Inform your medical provider of your pregnancy status. Do not handle if pregnant, breastfeeding, or any chance you may become pregnant.

Spironolactone disclaimer: Ingredients subject to medical consultation. Do not use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Elise Griffin, PA-C