Most Common Hair Loss Pattern: Receding Temples
Let’s say you are a man in your early 20s with a Norwood 2 classification—in other words, you are battling the most common of all hair loss scenarios, receding temples. Should you get a hair transplant, and is now the right time to have one? (Little known fact: many women also suffer temple recession.)
While every individual is different, we can make some generalizations. If you are a man in your teens or early twenties chances are the receding temples are the beginning of a pattern of more profound hair loss that will happen over time. If that is the case, hair follicles from the back of the scalp that are transplanted to the temples in a hairline surgery may achieve the short-term goal of filling in the temple area, but in fact are probably not in your long-term best interest.
Second Most Common Hair Loss Pattern: Receding Hairline
A receding hairline is one of the most common patterns of hair loss, often characterized by a gradual retreat of the hairline from the forehead. While it is a natural part of aging for many men, for others, it can start as early as their 20s and cause significant distress. Whether or not you should get a hair transplant for a receding hairline largely depends on the severity of the hair loss, your age, and your long-term goals for restoring and maintaining your hair.
If your hairline recession is minor and in its early stages, less invasive treatments like FDA-approved medications or lifestyle changes may help slow down the progression. However, if the receding hairline has become pronounced, creating a visible M-shaped pattern or significantly altering your appearance, a hair transplant could be an effective solution to restore a natural and youthful look.
Candidates for hair transplant procedures like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) are typically those with stable hair loss. This means the recession has slowed or plateaued, making it less likely that additional hair loss will compromise the results. If your hairline is actively receding, it might be wise to consult with a hair restoration specialist to evaluate whether now is the right time to consider a transplant or if other interventions would be more appropriate in the interim.
How Many Grafts Are Needed for Receding Temples?
This largely depends on your degree of hair loss, hair density, and overall desired look. Generally, receding temples don’t require as many grafts as full hairline or crown restoration, making this a relatively straightforward procedure.
For many men experiencing early hair loss, around 800 to 1,200 grafts are typically needed to fill in the temples and re-establish a fuller hairline. However, this estimate can vary, and a personalized consultation is the best way to determine an accurate graft count.
In a hair transplant procedure like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), the hair transplant surgeon will assess your donor area to determine how many grafts can be safely harvested. Since the temples are a relatively small area, the procedure can often be completed in a single session, which helps keep both recovery time and costs manageable. By selectively placing grafts, a skilled surgeon can create a natural and youthful appearance without risking overharvesting, which could impact future transplant needs.
Another factor to consider is the thickness and quality of your donor hair. A hair transplant works by redistributing hair from a denser area, such as the back or sides of the scalp, to areas of thinning or balding. If your donor hair is strong and plentiful, you’re more likely to achieve excellent results in reconstructing a natural, balanced hairline. A consultation with a skilled hair transplant surgeon can help determine if you are a good candidate and what kind of results you can realistically expect.
When Is It Not In Your Best Interest To Get a Hair Transplant For Receded Temples?
If you get a hairline transplant in your early 30's the long-lasting transplanted follicles will most likely be followed by years of further male pattern baldness, which includes further temple recession. Within five years the hair at your temples could be followed by further thinning areas behind temples, resulting in a very unnatural look. 😬
Over time further hair loss can result in balding at the crown, and even total loss of all hair except the back and sides. In the worst-case scenario islands of robust hair at the temples would be surrounded by a sea of bald scalp. Obviously this is not a desired outcome for anyone, and yet chain clinics and some disreputable hair restoration outfits will have no problem parting you from your money to perform a temple procedure where this end result is practically a foregone conclusion.
Another factor to consider is the availability of donor hair. Hair transplants rely on harvesting hair follicles from the back or sides of your head, which are considered the "safe zones" for permanent hair. However, donor hair is a finite resource, and over-harvesting these areas to address temple recession early could leave insufficient hair for future transplants if hair loss progresses. This can lead to uneven or patchy coverage in the long term, limiting your ability to achieve a cohesive, natural look as your hair loss evolves.
Additionally, individuals with active hair loss or unstable patterns may not be ideal candidates for a transplant at this stage. A hairline or temple transplant performed while hair loss is still advancing can result in a "chasing effect," where the transplanted hair remains in place, but the surrounding natural hair continues to recede. This ongoing loss often creates a patchy or unnatural appearance, requiring additional corrective surgeries down the line. Instead, it’s often best to wait until your hair loss stabilizes or pursue non-surgical treatments in the meantime to slow progression. Consulting with an ethical and experienced hair restoration specialist can help you weigh these considerations and make an informed decision.
Should You Get a Hair Transplant Procedure To Fix Your Hairline?
What’s a young man to do? Fortunately there are many non-surgical options that can help you keep the hair and hairline you have. Medications such as Rogaine or Propecia can have a significant impact in slowing or even halting hair loss.
Now let’s say you are a 50-year-old man with temple recession. One thing is for sure—you are not alone. Most men will experience at least some hair loss by age 50, and temple recession or a receding hairline is the most common place to lose hair.
Dramatic loss of hair over the next decade resulting in a Norwood 7 classification is almost certainly not in your future. Your loss will typically be slow and gradual. You might be a perfect candidate for an FUE (Folllicular Unit Excision) hair transplant to address temple recession. With the follicular unit excision (FUE) transplant technique, it is possible to precisely and artistically fill in the gaps follicle by follicle.
Ultimately, deciding to undergo a hair transplant for a receding hairline is a personal choice influenced by how much your hair loss affects your confidence and self-image. If the impact on your quality of life is significant and other treatments have not met your expectations, a hair transplant may provide a transformative and lasting solution.
Can You Use Donor Hair During a Hair Transplant Surgery for Receding Temples?
Yes, it is possible to use donor hair for hairline surgery, commonly known as hairline restoration or hairline transplant. During this procedure, hair follicles are typically harvested from areas of the scalp where hair is more resistant to thinning, such as the back or sides of the head. These follicles are then transplanted to the front hairline to create a fuller, natural-looking hairline.
The success of the surgery depends on several factors, including the quality of the donor hair, the skill of the surgeon, and the individual's hair type and growth patterns. It's important to consult with a qualified hair restoration specialist to discuss options, expected outcomes, and the best approach for your specific situation.
How Much Does It Cost for a Hair Transplant to Fix Receding Temples?
The cost can vary widely, influenced by factors such as the clinic’s location, the expertise of the surgeon, and the number of grafts required. On average, addressing receding temples may cost between $6,000 and $12,000, as temple restoration usually involves fewer grafts—often around 800 to 1,200.
Since temple recession is a more focused procedure compared to full hairline or crown restoration, it’s often less expensive, though the final price still depends on the clinic's pricing structure and the type of procedure used. For example, Follicular Unit Excision (FUE), which doesn’t leave a linear scar, is typically more costly but highly preferred by many patients for its natural results.
You also need to consider how many sessions will be required. For temple restoration you will likely only need a single session, which helps control costs. However, some individuals may need additional touch-ups or prefer a higher density, which could slightly increase the total cost.
It’s important to weigh not only the upfront expense but also the long-term value, as a high-quality procedure can achieve a natural look that complements any future hair loss patterns. Consulting with an experienced surgeon will give you a clearer understanding of costs specific to your hair loss needs and your aesthetic goals.
Contact Us About Hairline Surgery & Ask About Our Transplant Technique
In either case, the best thing to do is to find a very experienced physician at a reputable clinic. Avoid chains that employ sales people to tout procedures that may not be in your long-term interest.
Contact my clinic for a consultation or ask me a question about your unique situation and how we might treat it.
Dr. James A. Harris is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, inventor of patented follicular unit excision technology, published author in the field of hair restoration and an advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Harris or read rave reviews from his patients.