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The most common causes of receding hairline are age and genetics. Here, we discuss our 12 top remedies to help reduce further hair loss, including supplements, essential oils, and medication.

Medical News Today carefully vets each of the products in this article to ensure they are safe for people to use.

Other criteria we use to make sure we are only recommending products we think our readers will benefit from include:

  • Availability: We make sure we include prescription and nonprescription options. Most nonprescription options are on Amazon, which offers same- or next-day delivery for Prime members.
  • Type: We include books, e-books, apps, and physical products such as pillows, oils, and shampoos to meet most people’s needs.
  • Effectiveness: While there is limited evidence as to the effectiveness of home remedies, we only include products that have undergone clinical studies for their efficacy.
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There are several home remedies that may help prevent further receding hairline.

However, it is important to note that there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of these remedies. Most research focuses on hair loss in general. A person should always contact a healthcare professional to discuss which option is best for them.

1. Herbal treatments

Several herbal remedies claim to help promote hair growth.

A 2020 review focusing on the effect of saw palmetto on alopecia found that 83.3% of people reported increased hair density, 60% found improvement in overall hair quality, and 27% reported an increase in hair count.

While people can tolerate saw palmetto and experience few side effects, these studies were very small in scope, and there is not enough evidence to confirm whether this herb is effective in the long term.

Ginseng is another herbal remedy that people may find helpful. While large-scale human and animal studies are lacking, there is some evidence that Korean red ginseng can help improve hair thickness and density in people with alopecia.

Aloe forex (Cape aloe) and oregano oil may also effectively treat hair loss, especially in combination with finasteride. A 2022 study found that aloe forex and oregano oil increased the rate at which finasteride penetrated the scalp, which may make the medication more effective.

Finally, Indian gooseberries, or amla, may increase hair growth. A small 2020 study of 42 participants found that using a serum containing amla, coconut water, selenium, sandalwood, and peanut shell increased hair growth rate and hair density and reduced hair fall and hair thinning over 90 days.

Looking for some herbal remedies that passed our vetting process? We recommend:

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2. Essential oils

Essential oils are a traditional remedy people have used for centuries to help treat many different health conditions.

Rosemary and cedarwood oil may have hair growth benefits, according to 2022 animal research. Both oils contain compounds that can help increase hair growth, with rosemary oil having similar results to minoxidil after 6 weeks of treatment.

Peppermint oil increases vascular formation in the hair, which may help increase hair growth during its early stages. However, it is also important to note that other research has concluded there is no clinical evidence that this essential oil can reverse hair loss.

Learn more about hair growth stages.

People with receding hairline due to alopecia areata may find lavender oil helps promote hair growth. A 2019 paper notes that lavender oil can help prevent further hair loss within 1 month, and people may notice new hair growth within 4 weeks.

To use essential oils, mix 2–3 drops with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil. People can then massage the formula onto their scalps for around 3 minutes. It is important to use a carrier oil to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

Learn more about how to use essential oils for hair growth.

We vetted many essential and carrier oils for safety and recommend trying:

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3. Scalp massage

According to a 2023 review, scalp massages may help increase blood flow and stimulate hair growth. Both studies the review looked at found that standardized scalp massages can increase hair thickness, promote hair growth, and prevent further hair loss.

Some general scalp massage instructions include:

  1. Apply light-to-medium pressure to the scalp and move in small circular motions.
  2. Perform this over the entire scalp.
  3. Try to do this for at least 5 minutes at a time every day.

People can also massage their scalp while washing their hair. Some individuals may find scalp massage brushes easier to use than their fingers.

Others may prefer electronic massagers.

Scalp massage brushes and electronic massagers are an easy way to incorporate a massage into a person’s daily routine. Some options that passed our vetting process include:

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4. Managing stress levels

Stress can be a cause of hair loss and receding hairline. Stressors, such as exams, work, moving house, and divorce, can contribute toward hair loss, and managing stress levels may help promote new hair growth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says a person can help manage stress levels by:

One calming physical activity is yoga. A small 2019 study looked at the effectiveness of yoga and meditation in reducing stress for college students. Performing yoga and other mindfulness techniques once per week can help relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Get started with yoga using our vetted recommendations:

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5. Balanced diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help people meet any nutritional gaps that are causing hair loss or receding hairline.

A 2020 review suggests that the Mediterranean diet may improve hair health and promote hair growth in people with alopecia. This is due to being rich in vegetables, fresh herbs, and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Learn more about the best Mediterranean meal delivery services.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) states that vitamin and mineral deficiencies may also lead to hair loss. This includes deficiencies in biotin, iron, protein, and zinc.

Some foods which reportedly may help to promote healthy hair and hair growth include:

  • Eggs: Egg whites are high in biotin, making it an ideal food for those deficient in this nutrient.
  • Brazil nuts: These nuts are high in selenium. People who have a nut allergy may wish to consider substituting Brazil nuts with seafood and organ meats.
  • Fatty fish: Omega-3 is present in fatty fish such as tuna and salmon. A 2018 animal study found that using mackerel oil helped promote hair growth in rats.

Learn more about food for hair growth.

Support your diet and fill any nutritional gaps with our vetted recommendations:

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6. Hairstyles

Certain hairstyles can put pressure on the hair strands, leading to extra hair fall, hair thinning, and the appearance of receding hairline, especially around the temples.

The AAD says people who wear tight hairstyles for long periods may experience traction alopecia. Hairstyles that may pull the hair include:

  • tight buns, ponytails, and other up-dos
  • hair extensions and weaves
  • tight braids
  • too-tight cornrows
  • dreadlocks

The AAD states that people can follow the tips below to help prevent hairstyles from causing hair loss:

  • making sure the hairstyle is not too tight, especially around the hairline
  • when using protective styles, such as cornrows and braids, only wearing them for 2–3 months and opting for thicker twists
  • wearing weaves and extensions for short periods of time
  • changing hairstyles frequently
  • going to a professional if they want to relax their hair

Some tips on what to look for when styling hair include:

  • looking for tutorials and videos from people with similar hair textures
  • carefully reading customer reviews before picking a new hairstylist to ensure they know how to treat and style different hair types
  • getting help from a friend when styling the back of the head to ensure hair is not pulled too tightly
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7. Changing shampoo

Some shampoos contain harsh ingredients that may lead to hair loss, increasing the appearance of receding hairline.

People may wish to avoid shampoos that contain parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. While there is no evidence that these chemicals can cause harm, some, such as sulfates, can make hair more brittle, leading to thinner-looking hair.

Read about our top shampoo picks for thinning hair.

Those who wish to avoid these ingredients may also consider using “low-poo,” “co-washing,” or “no-poo” routines. While there is no evidence that these routines can reverse hair loss, anecdotally, some people find their hair feels thicker and stronger.

Learn about the difference between co-washing and shampoo.

Medicated shampoo can help encourage hair growth. A 2022 review notes that shampoo containing ketoconazole can increase hair density and the size of hair follicles during the anagen phase of hair growth.

Our vetted suggestions for a change in hair routine include:

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There is much more research on the effectiveness of medical therapies on hair loss and receding hairline.

Most of these remedies are only available with a prescription or through a referral from a healthcare professional. Therefore, people should always contact their insurance provider to discuss coverage before committing to a particular therapy.

8. Finasteride

Finasteride is an oral prescription medication with FDA approval for the use in males with hair loss. It comes in tablet form, which a person can take with or without food or as a topical solution.

This medication works by blocking the development of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Too much DHT can lead to hair loss.

Most people will see noticeable results within 12 months of treatment. However, it is important to note that finasteride can only slow down, not reverse, hair loss.

Learn more about finasteride, including where to buy it.

Hims for finasteride

  • Price: $22 per month
  • Prescription required: yes
  • Delivery time: 2–5 business days

Hims is a telehealth service that offers prescription and nonprescription medication. Healthcare professionals on the platform can prescribe finasteride for hair loss if they believe it is in the customer’s best interest.

To start with Hims, people must complete a healthcare questionnaire. A licensed healthcare professional will review the questionnaire and discuss treatment options before prescribing appropriate medication.

Hims then sends the medication in discreet packaging directly to a person’s home. As this is a subscription service, people will continue to receive monthly deliveries until they cancel.

Read our in-depth Hims review.

Lemonaid for finasteride

  • Price: $90 for a 3-month supply, plus $25 for a consultation
  • Prescription required: yes
  • Delivery time: 2–3 days

Lemonaid is an online telehealth provider that can provide a prescription for oral finasteride if required. A person pays $90 for a 3-month subscription. The initial consultation costs $25.

To obtain this prescription, a person needs to complete an online assessment. A medical team will review this assessment, and some states may require individuals to have a phone or video appointment. Once a medical professional prescribes the medication, a person receives this within 2–3 business days.

Shipping is free, or a person can collect the prescription from a local pharmacy on the same day.

Read our Lemonaid review.

9. Minoxidil

Topical minoxidil is a nonprescription treatment for hair loss. It is a vasodilator and acts upon the hair follicles, increasing hair density and promoting new growth.

The AAD states that most people will see results within 6–12 months. However, minoxidil does not cure hair loss. When a person stops taking it, they will begin to notice more hair falling out.

Learn more about minoxidil and where to buy it.

Roman for minoxidil

  • Price: $16 a month
  • Prescription required: no
  • Delivery time: 2–5 business days

Roman offers prescription and nonprescription treatments, including topical minoxidil. People can sign up for a quarterly subscription, ensuring they will not run out.

People will need to create an account to purchase this product. Then, the company will ship the minoxidil in discreet packaging within 2–5 business days.

Read our in-depth review of Roman.

Rogaine foam

  • Price: around $48 for a 3-month supply
  • Prescription required: no
  • Delivery time: 4–5 days

Rogaine is the brand name for minoxidil. This product is an unscented foam, which some people may find less messy than liquid versions.

Rogaine also sells a Rogaine for women, costing around $44 for a 4-month supply.

Read our review of Rogaine.

10. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

PRP therapy is a newer treatment that is safe and effective for reducing hair loss and increasing hair density.

Healthcare professionals will draw blood, separate it in a machine, and inject the plasma back into the part of the body with hair loss. It is a fast procedure, only taking around 10 minutes, and people will need to return every 3–6 months for more treatment.

A 2020 review found that PRP has fewer major side effects than minoxidil and finasteride. That said, some side effects include:

  • pain, swelling, itchiness, or tenderness at the injection site
  • headaches
  • temporary bleeding at the injection site

Read more about PRP therapy for hair loss.

11. Low level light therapy (LLLT)

LLLT is a hair loss treatment where a person exposes their hair cells to a low dose of red and near-infrared light. This may help hair loss as it may increase blood flow to the area and stimulate the hair cells.

A 2021 review of LLLT for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia found LLLT to be safe, noninvasive, and effective for hair loss in both males and females. The researchers state it is particularly effective when used alongside minoxidil topical solutions or oral finasteride.

Read more about LLLT for hair growth and where to buy.

12. Hair transplant

A hair transplant is a more permanent solution for hair loss. It may be a last resort if other treatments do not work.

People must have a consultation with a dermatologist to determine whether this therapy is the best option for their circumstances. People also need to have enough healthy hair to transplant onto the thinning areas.

People will experience results within 6–9 months after hair transplant surgery. As with all surgery, there is a risk of complications, such as infection, so it is always important to follow the surgeon’s postsurgery instructions.

There are many possible causes for receding hairline and hair loss, including:

Receding hairline can cause emotional distress, especially in younger people. Anyone who experiences sudden hair loss or is concerned about a receding hairline can contact a healthcare professional to discuss possible treatments.

Doctors may refer a person to a dermatologist who can help diagnose the cause of hair loss. To make an accurate diagnosis, dermatologists may:

  • ask questions about the hair loss and any family history
  • examine the scalp and nails
  • test hair health by gently pulling
  • perform a blood test or scalp biopsy

Some home remedies that people can try to stop their hairline from receding include:

  • following a healthy, balanced diet
  • using herbal remedies such as saw palmetto supplements
  • massaging essential oils into the scalp

However, receding hairline due to age or genetics may require medical therapies to effectively reduce further hair loss.

Males are most likely to start experiencing receding hairline at an earlier age. Male pattern baldness can begin as early as adolescence, although this is less common.

Other causes may lead to receding hairline, such as stress, an underlying illness, or medication. Dermatologists can help determine the cause.

Hairlines may recede for various reasons. The most common causes are genetics and age. However, in some cases, it may occur due to medical conditions, stress, medications, or hair pulling.

While receding hairline is most commonly due to genetics and age, other causes can include stress, diet, or medical conditions. Home remedies may be effective for hair loss due to factors other than genetics and age. Some home remedies include addressing any nutritional deficiencies, changing up hairstyles and hair products, and massaging essential oils into the scalp.

Medical therapies, such as minoxidil, finasteride, and hair transplants, are more effective than home remedies and are suitable for most causes of receding hairline.