By the age of 35, about two-thirds of all men have experienced some degree of hair loss. Hairloss can produce a number of different patterns. One of the most common occurrences is a receding hairline. This can produce a number of outcomes including in some cases an uneven hair line.
Other individuals may always have had an uneven or asymmetric hairline.
The good news is that despite multiple causes, there are some extremely effective treatments for an uneven hairline in many cases, including hair transplants. No matter what avenue of hair restoration you choose, there are pros and cons.
Each case is unique. The key is identifying the best treatment for you. Keep reading to learn more about uneven hair lines and about hair transplants and how they can be potentially used to address an uneven hairline.
Remember, the best way to find out what options are best for you is to meet with an experienced hair restoration physician.
What Is an Uneven Hairline?
The hairline is the edge of hair towards someone’s face. This includes both the frontal scalp and temporal scalp. An uneven hairline is a hairline that varies in how far down or in the shape between the right and left side.
It is normal to have some degree of asymmetry in the hairline. Uneven hairlines can be mild and hardly noticeable. As with other aesthetic features of the face, it is normal to have some degree of asymmetry. However, if the asymmetry and unevenness is profound, then it may be noticeable and provide asymmetric framing and aesthetic for the entire head and face.
What Causes an Uneven Hairline?
Causes of uneven hairlines range from genetics to hair follicle damage. Some individuals may be born with a large degree of natural asymmetry between the two sides. Many others start out with a normal degree of asymmetry but notice that as their hairline receeds that one side receeds a lot more than the other. This can be an early sign of male pattern baldness for many individuals.
Other types of hair loss that affect the hairline may also produce an uneven hairline. This can include inflammatory conditions such as frontal fibrosing alopecia or alopecia areata. Hair loss from recurring pulling or tension on the hair is called traction alopecia. This type of hair loss is commonly seen in those who wear their hair in tight braids, cornrows, weaves, ponytails, buns, or other styles that pull on the hair. An uneven hairline could be caused by traction alopecia especially if one side is being pulled more than the other due to the hairstyling practices.
Treatment for an Uneven Hairline
There are a myriad of treatments for uneven hairlines. These range from topical solutions to internal medications, injections, hair transplantation surgery, and more.
As mentioned, since there are different causes of an uneven hairline, there is no single treatment for every case. The treatment recommended will also depend on other factors such as the goal. If the individual wants the lower side of their hairline to be raised then treatments such as laser hair removal, electrolysis, or other forms of hair removal may be recommended. If the individual wants to higher side of their hairline to be lowered then treatments to increase hair density may be recommended. What hair restoration treatments are recommended while depend on how much existing hair there is in the area, if there are intact hair follicles in the area, and the type of hair loss.
For instance, if an uneven hairline is caused by traction alopecia, eliminating any ongoing traction or pulling on the hair will be part of the treatment regimen. If there is an inflammatory type of hair loss, then treating the inflammation will likely be recommended. In patterned hair loss if there is existing hair, then non-surgical therapy may be more likely to be recommended. In patterned hair loss or traction alopecia, if there is little to no existing hair in the area, then hair transplant may be required. To fully understand what treatments are recommended in your case, always consult with a dermatologist and/or hair restoration surgeon.
An experienced hair loss specialist will be able to discuss the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives based on your case.
How Does the Hair Transplant Process Work?
Hair transplants work by relocating healthy hair from the back and/or sides of the scalp (where the tends to be stronger in conditions like patterned hair loss) to areas where increased hair density is desired. In the case of an uneven hairline correction this would likely be used to increase hair density on the side with a higher/more recessed hairline. There are two main types of hair transplant surgery.
The Follicular Unit Excision/Extraction (FUE) method is less invasive and removes on follicular unit (graft) at a time. The Follicular Unit Strip Excision (FUSE) method, also often called Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT), removes a single strip from the back and sides of the scalp, which is then divided under the microscope into individual follicular units. With both procedures, small incisions are then made in the area where increased hair density is desired, and the grafts are then placed into the areas one by one.
Both procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia. They generally are well-tolerated procedures compared to many other forms of cosmetic surgery. However, as with any procedure there are potential risks. It is important to discuss risks in general and specifically in your case with a hair restoration surgeon so that you fully understand them. It is also important to understand the recovery process and timeline of growth.
Advantages of hair transplant surgery is that it tends to be a procedure with a high success rate for certain types of hair loss such as patterned hair loss and traction alopecia. In many cases the transplanted hair tends to be long-lasting. However, there are cases where even the transplanted hair can thin over time. It is important to discuss your individual case with a hair restoration surgeon including your age, family history, type of hair loss, degree of hair loss, and other factors to understand your particular case.
It is important that if your hair loss is ongoing that you also discuss non-surgical treatment to help minimize further loss as hair transplant does not prevent thinning or loss of the non-transplanted hair.
Find Hair Restoration Services Near You
Now that you have learned about uneven hairlines and how hair transplants can potentially help with an uneven hairline, you can decide if it is the right approach for you. A reputable hair restoration surgeon can further advise you on if you are a candidate for this procedure as well as on the risks, benefits, and alternatives.
At Root Hair Institute, we offer comprehensive hair loss treatment. Our staff has extensive experience in a variety of hair loss treatment methods, so we can provide you with a multi-pronged approach tailored to your unique needs and goals. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.