If the hair loss is in a central area, such as the temples, it can be very frustrating, not to mention a huge loss of confidence. “As a dermatologist, I’ve seen firsthand the emotional toll that hair loss and thinning can have on patients,” says Whitney Trupinrud, M.D., a dermatologist at FAAD and medical director of Curology. “This is a topic that is often kept silent, but it affects millions of people.” In fact, 30% of women who experience hair loss experience only temporary setbacks, i.e. at the temples. I am experiencing thinning hair. Additionally, there are various reasons why women’s temple hair may become thinner. Read on to learn more about this type of hair loss and how to treat it.
What causes thinning hair on the temples?
The two most common causes of thinning hair at the temples are hormonal fluctuations and traction alopecia, or hair loss at the temples caused by frequently wearing tight ponytails or other hairstyles. Stress, female pattern baldness also known as androgenetic alopecia, or other health concerns such as thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, or illnesses such as the coronavirus may also be to blame.
“For women in their 40s and 50s, hormonal changes, such as the drop in estrogen due to menopause, can cause temple hair loss,” says Gretchen Friese, a trichologist at Bosley, MD. “This type of hair thinning is often the result of hypersensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair loss.”
“Hair loss and thinning hair are common concerns for postmenopausal women,” explains Dr. Trupinrud. “This is because hormonal changes can cause the hair to become smaller in diameter and slow hair growth.” This type of hair loss is also known as telogen effluvium, and it is caused by a disruption in the hair growth cycle. With this, the hair enters the resting (telogen) phase and eventually falls out.
“This occurs as a result of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone attacking the hair follicle,” Friese explains. “When this happens, the hair follicle begins to shrink, becoming thinner and thinner until it closes and hair growth from the follicle stops completely.”
How to tell if you are dealing with hair loss on the temples
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People with thinning hair at the temples may notice sparse patches on one or both sides of the head, just in the area between the ear and the top of the forehead. Hair thinning at the temples often looks like a so-called “widow’s peak” or V-shaped hairline.
How to treat thinning hair on the temples
The first step is to consult a dermatologist or trichologist. They can help you develop a plan to deal with hair loss on your temples. The consultation begins with routine questions such as whether there is a history of hair loss in your family, any health issues you may be experiencing, and any medications you are currently taking. The following treatments can also help with thinning hair at the temples:
1. Apply topical treatment
“Minoxidil is clinically proven to regrow hair,” Friese says. Minoxidil (commonly known as Rogaine), an FDA-approved over-the-counter treatment, restores inactive hair follicles and is a known hair loss treatment. Applying the foam or solution to the scalp has the effect of shortening the resting phase and promoting the anagen phase of the hair.
Topical treatments like Curology Hair FormulaRx contain minoxidil along with other ingredients that have been shown to improve hair growth. “Minoxidil stimulates blood flow to the hair follicle, extending the hair growth phase,” explains Dr. Trupinrud. “This product has higher concentrations of minoxidil at 6% and 8%, whereas traditional minoxidil available over the counter has lower concentrations at 2% and 5%.”
2. Avoid tight hairstyles and accessories
Tight hairstyles or hats that rub against your scalp can cause thinning hair at your temples. “To combat this, we recommend following gentle hair care habits to minimize further damage,” says Dr. Trupinrud. “Wash and style your hair gently, avoid hair treatments or heat styling, and never brush your hair when it’s wet.” Additionally, tight hairstyles such as ponytails, which add more tension to the hair follicle, Also avoid any other styles you may need.
3. Take supplements
“Poor diet can also cause hair loss,” Friese says. “Healthy hair starts from the inside out. Diet plays a very important role in hair health, and a diet rich in healthy fats and antioxidants is key to keeping hair follicles healthy.” Why: Hair is made up of building blocks of protein and amino acids, so a diet rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins is essential to promote hair growth.
It may also be helpful to have a blood test to check for vitamin deficiencies. “To fight hair loss from within, you may need to take supplements containing iron, niacin, zinc, and biotin,” says Friese. I would like to try BosleyMD Women’s Health Hair Growth Capsules. “By taking these supplements, my hair grew back faster after I had COVID-19.”
