9 Types Of Hairlines (And How To Tell Which One You Have) (2024)

Your hairline is one of your standout facial features. The shape of your hairline has a substantial impact on your hair and appearance, including ease of styling and which hairstyles suit you.

There are 9 main types of hairlines — so which one do you have, and do you know how to style it well? From the classic straight hairline to widow’s peaks, understanding your hairline can help you make the most of your natural look, and even protect your hairline from thinning.

Let’s dive in and discover the 9 types of hairlines.

Table of Contents

Men’s hairline types

Men are often concerned about their hairlines since this is where hair loss may first be noticeable. Here are six of the most common hairline types for men.

1. Straight hairline

The straight hairline is the aspiration of most men. Very few men are lucky enough to have a straight hairline that weathers time. Even those men who have a straight hairline when they’re younger may find it develops into a mature or receding hairline as they age.

Some people have a naturally high but straight hairline. If you feel your hairline is too high, forehead reduction surgery may be an option.

2. M-shaped hairline

An M-shaped hairline is characterised by a slight recession at the temples. This isn’t always due to hair loss as some people have an M-shaped hairline from childhood. However, for many people, it’s a sign of early hair loss progression from male pattern baldness.

3. Widow’s peak

Both men and women can have a widow’s peak. This type of hairline is triangular in shape, with the hair forming a point just above and between the eyebrows.

Learn how to spot the difference between a widow’s peak and a receding hairline.

4. Receding hairline

A receding hairline is usually the first sign of male pattern baldness. The hair begins to thin at the temples, leading to two distinctive recessions on either side of the forehead. Receding hairlines can begin from adolescence onwards.

While this is a natural process, sometimes it leads to a messed up hairline which can make people feel insecure. There are some ways to stop a receding hairline from developing.

In women, a receding hairline is more likely to be a symptom of a condition, such as frontal fibrosing alopecia which is a type of scarring alopecia.

A mature hairline may look similar to the early stages of a receding hairline, but the onset usually occurs much later in life. As a result, the mature hairline usually appears distinguished and age-appropriate.

6. Uneven hairline

Women’s hairline types

Women can have several of the same hairline types as men, including widow’s peaks, receding hairlines, and uneven hairlines. Many women have a variation on a straight hairline. Here are the other types of women’s hairlines.

1. High hairline

A high hairline is characterised by a greater distance between the hairline and the eyebrows. Many women have a naturally high hairline. However, if you start to see your hairline moving upwards, this may be a sign of women’s hair loss.

2. Low hairline

Some women have a low hairline, which typically has a much smaller distance between the hairline and brows. Priyanka Chopra, above, has a low-rounded hairline, which follows the curve of her face.

3. Middle hairline

A middle hairline falls somewhere between the two. Some women who experience hair loss find that their middle hairline starts to push backward, making their hairline higher than before.

4. Mature hairline in women

Women’s hairlines don’t tend to age as dramatically as men’s, but you’re still likely to see some changes as you get older. The hair around your forehead and temples may become slightly thinner as you age.

Worried about your hair loss or thinning hair? Getting a diagnosis can help you discover if you have true hair loss or a specific hairline shape. If you are losing hair, you can then get the right hair loss treatment for women.

Which type of hairline do you have?

Compare your hair with the images above to see which best describes your hairline. But don’t forget to take other factors into account, such as:

• Age — younger people are unlikely to see a mature hairline
• Genetics — is your hairline similar to one of your parents’ or siblings’ hairlines?
• Health — Certain health conditions, like alopecia areata, can affect the shape of your hairline
• Stressors — If you’re undergoing a lot of stress right now, your hair may be affected.

Can you change your hairline type?

If you’re unhappy with your hairline, you may be able to alter it. Here are 3 ways to change your hairline type:

1. Pluck it

If your hairline is lower or more uneven than you’d like, you can pluck the hairs around your hairline to shape it to your liking.

Bear in mind that overplucking hairs can lead to permanent hair loss, so be careful with this method.

2. Use Minoxidil

Minoxidil can help with a receding hairline, especially in the early stages of hair loss [1].

Minoxidil is a popular hair loss medication meant to promote hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp which in turn encourages the flow of nutrients to the hair follicles.

You can take oral Minoxidil or apply the topical solution to your hairline twice a day and wait to see the results.

Minoxidil is usually suitable for both men and women who are experiencing hair loss.

3. Get a hair transplant

A hair transplant is the single most effective way to adjust your hairline. Whether you want to restore your receding hairline or straighten an uneven one, a hair transplant can help.

Modern hair transplants look totally natural, and it’s a very safe procedure in the UK. Find out more about hairline transplants in the UK.

1. Effectiveness and safety of low-dose oral minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia