Temple hairline recession is seen as hair loss either side of the central portion of the hairline creating an "M" or "V" shaped hairline. It can be described as a widow's peak and it is most commonly caused by androgenic alopecia in both male and female patients. Temple hair loss can be surgically treated by undergoing a hair transplant to the areas either side of the "M" or "V". A temple hair transplant involves relocating hair from the back and sides of the scalp into the temples. The transplanted hair takes 9-12 months to grow and will last 10-20 years.
The Surgeons at The Treatment Rooms London are world renowned experts in performing temple hair transplants using the unshaven technique giving patients a quicker recovery time.
In this article, we are going to be exploring temple hair loss, from what the condition is, to symptoms, causes, and temple hair loss treatment options; including medication and temple hair transplants.
What is temple hairline recession?
It is estimated that male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) – one of the most common types of hair loss – affects more than half of men over 50 in the UK subsequently impacting their mental health. Temple hair loss is a form of male pattern baldness. It occurs in the temples, between the forehead and the ears, behind the eyes. It can contribute to a V-shaped hairline that is common in men and it can be called a widow's peak. It is a common area that is transplanted in patients.
In females, temple recession can be seen either side of a female widow's peak. This can cause specific worry about a hairline appearing too pointed. It is commonly inherited or caused by androgenic alopecia like in men.
At The Treatment Rooms London we recommend patients explore treatment for their temples with:
1. Hair transplant surgery to restore hair in the temples to its natural direction and angulation
2. Hair loss prevention medications such as Finasteride (in men only) and Minoxidil to stop the temple hair loss getting worse and involving the entire hairline
Causes of temple hair loss in men
There is a range of different factors that can contribute to hair loss at the temples in men and women. Male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) is one of the most common types of hair loss affecting men. It is a genetic condition that often involves temple hair loss in its early stages.
Other potential causes of temple baldness in men are:
- Stress
- Traction alopecia (caused by ‘tight’ hairstyles like cornrows and ponytails) pulling and damaging the hair on the temples
- The side effects of some medications like Epilim or Sodium Valproate
Temple hair transplant surgery carried out by our Hair Transplant Surgeons
Causes of temple hair loss in women
Female pattern baldness – characterised by a loss of hair density in the central parting can sometimes also present with temple hair loss. Most commonly, temple recession in women is caused by the inheritance of a high hairline from parents - it does not typically begin at the temples in the same way that male pattern baldness does.
Example of a high hairline in a female patient creating a widow's peak appearance. This patient had her hairline restored to the white hairline drawn in the picture.
Other potential causes of temple hairline recession in women are:
- Postpartum hair loss- this hair loss condition is seen 6 months after giving birth and is due to the change in female hormones after pregnancy
- Stress
- Traction alopecia (caused by ‘tight’ hairstyles like cornrows and ponytails) pulling and damaging the hair on the temples
- The side effects of some medications like Epilim or Sodium Valproate
- Oral contraceptive pill
- Temporal triangular alopecia. This is seen as triangular patches of hair loss either side or sometimes on one side of the hairline.
Tyler’s Temple Hair transplant
Type of Surgery : FUE hair transplant
Hair Loss Level : Norwood 3
Number of Grafts : 1243
"I was recommended The Treatment Rooms and after seeing their results, and listening to their experience I decided to go for it."
The Treatment Rooms London Reviews
Temple hair transplant surgery
The main technique used for a temple hair transplant is the FUE hair transplant technique. The process involves the extraction of hair from the ‘donor area’ and transplanting this hair to the temples to provide thicker hair. The process of temple hair transplant surgery can help:
- Restore good density in the temples that blends with the forelock and mid-scalp
- Recreate a cowlick if you had one previously in your temples
- Recreate natural hair direction and angulation so the new hair transplant looks no different to your hair previously
After a hair transplant you will be able to style and groom your hair as normal. Your temple hair transplant should last 10-20 years or longer.
Temple hair transplant recovery
It generally takes 7-14 days to recover from a temple hair transplant. At the 2 week mark, you will find your transplanted temple hair starts to shed.
At 2 weeks you can see some hair starting to shed in the transplanted hairline.
At The Treatment Rooms London, our Surgeons are experts in being able to plan and perform an unshaven temple hair transplant which allows a shorter recovery period. Our clinic gives you specific, bespoke aftercare following your temple hair transplant to ensure your recovery is smooth and stress free at home.
After you have recovered, the hair that has been transplanted into the temple area will shed before regrowing again over 9-12 months. You can view a full timeline of temple hair regrowth here: Hair Transplant Timeline.
Temple hair transplant cost
The cost for temple hair transplant surgery will be based on the size of your temples. Typically the price for FUE hair transplant surgery in the temples ranges between £5,000- £6,000.
The cost will be dependent on the number of grafts you require for surgery, your hair type and whether you wanted to opt for a minimally shaven or unshaven temples hair transplant. It is quite common for patients to undergo a minimally shaven transplant for the temples region as it quickens their recovery time and return to work.
Temple hair transplant expected timeline
Patients can expect the following process when exploring a temple hair transplant at our clinic:
- Consultation with a Surgeon where a plan for the temple hair loss is created, including both medical and surgical advice
- Surgery Day with the same Surgeon
- 1 week of recovery
- Month 1- shedding of transplanted hair in temple region
- Temple hair regrowth noticeable at 4 months
- Final result at 12-18 months post surgery
Preventative treatments for temple balding
There are several ways to help prevent temple hair loss, and the most suitable course of action will vary according to the cause of the hair loss. Let’s look at some of the ways that you can help to prevent temple hair loss:
- Avoid damaging hairstyles – There are a number of hairstyles and hair treatments that could be a factor, including; tight hairstyles that cause traction alopecia such as cornrows, ponytails, buns and braiding; using hair dye; using hot styling tools like rollers, straighteners and blow dryers; and chemical texturisers
- Treat health conditions that cause hair loss – By taking prescribed medication for underlying health conditions – such as systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroid disorder, syphilis, or a hormonal imbalance – that can cause hair loss, you should see your hair start to thicken.
- Focus on a healthy diet – Pack your daily food intake with vitamins, minerals and omega-3’s, and try to cut out refined sugars and processed foods
- Support your hair growth with supplements – Hair growth supplements can augment your diet by supplying you with nutrients that are conducive to hair growth. They usually come in tablet or capsule form
- Use hair regrowth products – Try hair regrowth products such as formulas that contain minoxidil. These products help to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth
- Relieve your stress – Stress causes hair loss, and so if you have a method of relieving it; all the better in the battle against temple hair loss. Exercise regularly and get enough sleep. There are also many other potential ‘stress busters’; from massage to meditation, aromatherapy and acupuncture
In addition to these methods of helping to prevent temple hair loss, there are several treatments available; such as non-invasive and surgical procedures.
Hair transplant for hair loss in the temples
Non-surgical hair loss treatment for temple hair loss
There is a range of non-surgical techniques available that can help combat patients suffering from temple hair loss without having to undergo a hair transplant. Non-surgical hair loss treatments such as:
- Finasteride
- Minoxidil
- Low-level light therapy (LLLT)
Finasteride treatment
The cause of male pattern baldness is understood to be the conversion of testosterone into DHT, which then affects and thins hair follicles, making your hair fall out. Finasteride prevents this process from happening by halting the conversion of testosterone to DHT which prevents further temple hair recession. However, it’s only advised in the use of preventing further hair loss, it cannot necessarily regrow hair where it has been lost.
Minoxidil treatment
Typically coming in a topical solution, hair regrowth products containing minoxidil can make a visible difference with consistent use. The medication is applied directly onto the scalp to help prevent hair loss and thicken existing hair. Unlike Finasteride, Minoxidil can also treat hair loss in women, not just in men.
These treatments are advised to be explored before opting for a hair transplant as they may prove to be the perfect solution for your temple balding. However, you should always consult your doctor before using these products.
Low-level light therapy (LLLT)
LLLT is a treatment that shines a specific wavelength of light onto your hair to help stimulate its growth. It doesn't regrow hair where you have lost it but it can help preserve the hair you have. For patients who would like to explore restoring hair where they have lost it in their temples, they would need to explore a temple hair transplant.
View and hear our patients talk about their temple hair transplant and the treatments available to them in the video below.
How we can help restore your temple hair loss
We offer a range of hair loss treatments that have been proven to help patients suffering from temple hair loss. Whether you require a hair transplant, or a non-invasive hair loss treatment, our experienced surgeons will be with you every step of the way, from the initial consultation right through to the aftercare and recovery process.
As a CQC registered clinic, we follow stringent health and safety guidelines and only employ fully-qualified surgeons that are regulated by the GMC, which means you’re in good hands. So if you want to treat the hair loss around your temples, book a consultation with The Treatment Rooms London today.
temple hair loss FAQs
Yes, a hair transplant can help restore receding temples by moving healthy hair follicles from the donor area to the area with thinning. A successful temple hair transplant procedure depends on factors such as hair quality, the level of donor area available, and the experience and expertise of the surgeon.
Authored by
Dr Roshan Vara
Dr. Roshan Vara is a renowned hair transplant surgeon in London, recognised for delivering natural-looking results through ethical, patient-centred care. He is a Full Medical Member of BAHRS and an Associate Member of ISHRS, reflecting his commitment to the highest standards in modern hair restoration.
Reviewed by
Dr Dilan Fernando
Dr. Dilan Fernando is regarded as one of the top hair transplant surgeons in London, known for his meticulous technique and commitment to ethical practice. He served on the Executive Committee of BAHRS from 2020 to 2024, helping to shape industry standards for patient safety and quality of care. Dr. Fernando personally performs each surgery, ensuring natural results built on trust and experience.
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