M-Shaped Hairlines - Everything you need to know (2024)

It’s no secret that all humans have individual traits, and that includes the hairline. Hairlines come in all shapes and sizes, with one of them being the M-shaped hairline. While this is often said to be one of the worst hairlines, it’s actually very common, and no one should feel ashamed of the way their hairline sits. Still, an M-shaped hairline can also be a sign of hair loss, so it’s important to recognise any changes to your hairline over time, especially if you notice major receding.

What is an M-shaped hairline?

Simply put, an M-shaped hairline is when your hairline looks like the letter M. You have hair in the middle of the forehead, but at either side of that, you have receding temples that form a triangular shape. Often, the M-shaped hairline is one of the beginning signs of hair loss – particularly male or female pattern baldness.

Why is it Called M-Shaped?

It’s called M-shaped because the hairline literally looks like the capitalised letter M – that’s why it’s so easy to recognise. There are a couple of other names for it; some people call it the McDonald’s hairline as it looks so much like the distinct McDonald’s M sign.

M-Shaped Hairlines - Everything you need to know (1)

Are M-Shaped Hairlines Normal?

Yes. All hairlines are normal. However, an M-shaped hairline might not be the hairline you want, as it shows a receding hairline with either a little or a lot of hair loss. Generally, most people who experience an M-shaped hairline want to do something to either hide it or fix it.

Can Women Get an M-Shaped Hairline?

Yes – both men and women can get an M-shaped hairline. It’s very common in women, especially as they age, with less than 50% of women [1] enjoying a full head of hair throughout their lives. So, a that’s shaped like the letter M is not unusual by any means.

Does an M-Shaped Hairline Mean You’re Balding?

Not necessarily. Most men will experience a receding hairline at some point in their lives. While it is a sign of hair loss, it doesn’t mean you will lose all your hair. However, for some men, an M-shaped hairline can be one of the early signs of balding.

It’s worth mentioning that most women don’t go bald in the same way as men do. While it is entirely possible for women to experience complete balding due to alopecia totalis, this is not as common as it is in men. For women, an M-shaped hairline is more likely a sign of hair thinning.

What Causes an M-Shaped Hairline?

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle factors can trigger hair loss. Smoking tobacco, drinking excessively, sleep deprivation, nutritional imbalances, and high levels of stress can all affect your scalp’s health. Some of these can be treated directly, allowing the hair to return to normal.

Genetics

Some people are more predisposed to getting the M shape hair profile than others. If many people in your family have an M-shaped hairline, there’s a higher chance you will have one, too.

Ageing

Natural ageing often brings changes to the hairline, with many experiencing an M-shaped hairline as the years go by. This is usually caused by the higher levels of the hormone DHT, which primarily affects men and is the cause of male pattern hair loss but can affect women too.

How to Tell if You Have an M-shaped Hairline

You can easily tell by looking in the mirror and holding your hair back (especially if you have long hair). If you see a distinct M shape due to a receding hairline, that’s the hairline you have. It helps to look at images of different hairlines, too.

Don’t fret if you have discovered an M-shaped hairline – it doesn’t mean the end of your locks! This is very common, and there are solutions to help fix it.

Fixing an M-shaped Hairline: 5 Possible Ways

Does your hairline make you feel self-conscious? You’re not alone. Many people are battling this triangular hairline, and the good news is that some methods produce consistently good results. Here’s how to fix an M-shaped hairline.

1: Choosing a New Hairstyle

Lots of hairstyles can help cover a receding hairline. Styles like a brushed-up quiff and fringe will help cover the whole area, allowing you to enjoy your locks despite the M-shape.

2: Using Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a topical medication often used for male pattern baldness. Many men have had great experiences using minoxidil over the years, so it’s worth giving it a go. It can even help with female hair loss in some cases.

3: Getting a Finasteride Prescription

Finasteride is a prescription-only medication that comes in pill form. It works for male pattern baldness as it blocks the production of DHT, the hormone often associated with hair loss in men. Keep in mind that this treatment is specifically for men experiencing a receding hairline.

4: Shaving the Head

Sometimes, it’s best to accept things as they are, and that includes hair loss. Is your M-shaped hairline going further and further back each day? If you’re seeing one of the worst hairlines when you look in the mirror, it might be time to accept that your hair isn’t what it once was and shave it off. There are many people who rock a bald or buzz-cut look, so you’re not alone.

5: A Hair Transplant

You don’t have to accept your fallen locks. If you love having hair but have unfortunately experienced a receding hairline in recent years, there is always the option of a hair transplant. It might seem like a big step, but the surgery has come so far in recent years, with the FUE technique able to extract individual hair follicles for the most natural result. It’s definitely worth considering if your M-shaped hairline is really getting you down.

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Famous Celebs with an M-Shaped Hairline

You are not alone. Even the most popular celebrities experience hardships like a receding hairline – seeing is believing!

Harry Styles

It’s clear that Harry Styles has suffered from a receding hairline over the years. It was obviously a shame for him, as Styles was often known for his curly locks. He took back control of his appearance recently when he shaved his head, revealing a more striking appearance.

Jude Law

It helps to know that some of the most attractive men in the world also experience receding hairlines, including Jude Law. Jude’s hairline has receded quite significantly over the years, creating a very obvious M-shaped hairline. He still looks handsome, and it hasn’t affected his career prospects!

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David Beckham

David Beckham experienced a lot of balding during his career. Nowadays, though, he’s seen sporting a fuller head of hair. It’s been theorised that he has had a hair transplant, but he has yet to come out and confirm those theories!

These are three extremely popular celebrities who dealt with their receding (or M-shaped) hairline in different ways. Some people are happy to embrace it, whereas others prefer to fix it with something like a natural hair transplant.

What Are the Other Hairline Types?

Widow’s Peak

Many people mix up the widow’s peak with the M-hairline, but there are slight differences. Both of these hairlines have a section of hair that’s lower in the middle of the forehead, but that’s where the shape similarities end. A widow’s peak looks like a more curved hairline, creating a lowercase m, while an M-shaped hairline is more triangular and creates the look of a capitalised M.

Low, Middle, and High Hairline

A low, middle, or high hairline refers to how far down your hair is on your forehead. As expected, a high hairline is much farther up the forehead, giving the appearance of a larger head.

Triangular Hairline

A triangular hairline is the opposite of an M-shaped hairline. It forms a triangle shape, with more hair at the temples that goes up towards the centre of the forehead. This type of hairline is much more common in women.

Cowlick

A cowlick hairline involves a section of the hair that grows in a different direction. It’s something people are born with, and you cannot change the direction of the growth.

Uneven Hairline

Uneven hairlines are pretty unique; they look completely different on one side to the other. It’s nothing to worry about and is usually caused by genetics.

Ready to Start Your Hair Restoration Journey?

Is your hairline getting you down? If you want to enjoy a full head of hair once more, there is the solution of a hair transplant. Here at Harley Street Hair Clinic, we offer consultations for a male or female hair transplant with the top surgeons. If you choose us for your hair restoration journey, you can be sure you get the results you’re looking for, allowing you to enjoy a natural-looking hairline with no signs of hair loss. Get in touch today to get started!

Sources:

  1. Female pattern baldness: Treatment and genetics
  2. DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)
M-Shaped Hairlines - Everything you need to know (2024)

FAQs

M-Shaped Hairlines - Everything you need to know? ›

The m shape is found on the hairline (front of the head) and is characterised by a protruding frontal section of hair and temple recession. The m shaped hairline is usually linked to a condition called male pattern baldness (or male pattern hair loss).

Is a M-shaped hairline attractive? ›

Is an M shaped hairline attractive? Yes, many men consider their uneven or receding hairlines to be unattractive, but these features can be considered distinctive, unique, and even attractive! An M-shaped hairline is completely normal and can be considered attractive.

Is M shaped hairline rare? ›

Both hairlines are fairly common. A look at over 450 Japanese men and women found that over 42 percent of men had an M-shaped hairline, while almost 33 percent had a widow's peak. Though the cause of a widow's peak isn't entirely clear, some genetic conditions are associated with this type of hairline.

What does it mean when a man has an M shaped hairline? ›

If you have a receding hairline, your hair may stop growing at one or both temples, giving you an “M” shape. Your hairline may also recede straight back horizontally, exposing more of your entire forehead. Lifestyle habits, like wearing too-tight hairstyles every day for years, can cause a hairline to recede.

What causes the M hairline? ›

Causes. Widow's peak – This isn't usually a sign of alopecia; it's often just how your hair naturally grows, thanks to your genes. In fact, some kids even have it from a young age. M-shaped hairline – An M-shaped hairline is often a sign of pattern baldness, especially in men.

Is m hairline balding? ›

If your entire hairline resembles the letter M, it may be receding. However, if, instead of a prominent M-shape, you find that your hair forms a straighter line or a more subtle V-shape, known as a widow's peak, then you probably have a mature hairline.

How do I fix my M hairline? ›

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.

Does M shape mean balding? ›

The typical pattern of male baldness begins at the hairline in the front of the head. The hairline gradually moves backward (recedes) and forms an "M" shape. A circular area on the back of the head (vertex) often thins and expands in size over time.

What is the most beautiful hairline? ›

A bell-shaped (or oval) hairline is very common in women. It's a symmetrical shape that looks like an oval and is seen as one of the best hairlines.

How to hide m hairline? ›

Fades are your friends – If you have an M-shaped hairline, a high fade or undercut can help make that temple hair loss disappear. Textured hair can work in your favour – if your hair is curly or wavy and your receding hairline is not too advanced, consider growing it out a bit.

Can a M shape hairline grow back? ›

Reversing a Receding Hairline with Hairline Restoration Treatments. If your hairline is receding due to male pattern baldness, ageing or other genetic conditions, your hair won't regrow naturally. However, there are treatments available to reverse the process and restore your hair to its former glory.

What celebrities have an M shaped hairline? ›

So, if you're around this age, your m shaped hairline may be mature hairline and not a sign of male pattern baldness. Celebrities with the m shaped hairline include, but are not limited to: Harry Styles, Chris Hemsworth, Jude Law, and Daniel Craig.

What is the most attractive hairline for a man? ›

Low hairline, middle hairline, straight hairline, bell-shaped hairline are considered to be some of the good types of hairline. These types of hairline do not make your forehead look large or broad.

What is an M-shaped hairline since childhood? ›

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.

How to reverse a m-shaped hairline? ›

Finasteride and minoxidil do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to stopping and reversing a receding hairline. But adding other techniques like scalp massage to your research-backed medications can help keep your hair follicles in tip-top shape.

What is the most attractive hairline? ›

What Is Considered As A Good Hairline? Low hairline, middle hairline, straight hairline, bell-shaped hairline are considered to be some of the good types of hairline. These types of hairline do not make your forehead look large or broad.

What is the perfect hairline size? ›

There is quite a bit of variation in what is considered average, but 7-9 cm is typical. Hairlines that are relatively closer to the eyebrows are considered low. On the other hand, a high hairline sits higher on the forehead, making it appear large.

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