As you age, it’s normal for your hairline to move slightly higher above your forehead. For men, this typically starts happening between the ages of 17 and 29. Once your hair reaches what some people call your “mature hairline,” your hair thinning may stop or slow down. But thinning may continue gradually in what is known as “pattern balding.”

There’s not much that can stop this hairline recession from happening once it has started. For most people, hair loss is caused by a combination of genetics and aging. But there are some therapies, treatments, and at-home remedies that can help make the hair you still have stay healthy and full.

There’s no guaranteed treatment that will stop a receding hairline. But there are health strategies and treatments you may want to consider to keep your hair as full as you can for as long as possible.

Eating a healthy diet

Eating a diet that’s high in antioxidants can help your hair look healthier and full. Antioxidants are ingredients that fight oxidative stress, which can age your hair. Blueberries, spinach, kidney beans, and walnuts are all rich in natural antioxidant ingredients. The following vitamins and minerals are an essential part of healthy hair growth:

Incorporating lots of leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds may improve the way your hair looks and feels.

Medications

The most common over-the-counter medication for a receding hairline is called minidoxil (Rogaine). Topical minidoxil has been found to work better than a placebo in multiple studies.

Finasteride (Propecia) is a medication that lowers the hormone levels that can cause your hairline to recede. When taken orally, finsteride has been found to promote scalp hair growth and stop hair loss.

Herbal remedies

Topically applied herbal preparations may support healthier, fuller hair if you have a receding hairline. Chinese hibiscus, ginseng, gotu kala, gooseberry, and aloe vera all have roots in traditional holistic medicine as hair loss treatments. You can mix several herbs together in a carrier oil solution to create a conditioning treatment to leave on your scalp.

Hair transplant

A hair transplant is a procedure in which a doctor moves hair from the back or side of your head to the front of your head, at your hairline. These implanted sections of hair will give your hairline a fuller appearance. There’s a risk of painful complications from a hair transplant, and it’s not covered by health insurance. Speak with your doctor to find out if you’re a good candidate for a hair transplant.

Switch to a gentle shampoo

Some shampoos are specifically designed to be gentle on your hair and stimulating on the hair follicles. While some shampoos contain chemicals that strip sebum (oil) from your scalp and leave follicles weaker, others can actually stimulate hair growth. The active ingredient in these shampoos is Ketocanozole. Data suggests that it can promote hair growth in many cases. Try these shampoos available on Amazon.

Low-level light therapy

Low level light therapy uses lasers to stimulate hair growth on your scalp. It’s been found to be effective on both men and women with hair loss. Researchers theorize that the light sends a signal to your cells to begin the “anagen” (growth) phase of hair follicles.

Essential oils

Some essential oils may promote hair growth. Rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and lavender oil have all been found to be promising treatments for a receding hairline. Essential oils should be mixed with a carrier oil, such as almond oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil, before being applied to the scalp. Try some of these essential oils available on Amazon.

Scalp massage

Regularly performed scalp massage may help you grow thicker, healthier hair, research suggests. Increased blood circulation at the site of your hairline could be why scalp massage works to stimulate hair follicles. Try massaging your scalp manually for at least four minutes each day.

Lower DHT levels

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone in your body. When DHT levels rise, hair loss may increase. You can decrease the DHT levels in your body by keeping an eye on your diet and including lots of lysine and zinc-rich foods. Snacking on cashews, almonds, and pecans is a simple way that you can lower DHT.

Lower your stress and anxiety

Stress has been linked to some kinds of hair loss. Bringing down stress and anxiety levels may seem easier said than done. Research has found that you can lower your stress levels through frequent exercise, time outside, relaxation techniques, and meditation.

A receding hairline is most often linked to aging and hereditary factors. Other factors can contribute to a receding hairline and aggravate hair loss. These factors include:

  • over-styling hair (especially with heat)
  • choosing tight hairstyles like cornrows and braiding
  • using chemicals such as bleach and peroxide to color hair
  • eating a diet that’s high in saturated fat, processed foods, preservatives, and sugar
  • smoking cigarettes

Keep in mind that some hair thinning is normal. Mass hair loss is not. If you’re experiencing mass hair loss, bald spots, patchiness, or other unusual hair loss symptoms, you should see your primary care physician or dermatologist. Hair loss can be a sign that there’s another underlying health condition.

There’s no proven way to stop your hairline from receding once it has started. But there are a lot more options than there used to be for making the hair that you do have more resistant to falling out. A combination of home remedies and over-the-counter treatments are a good place to start if you want to slow down your hair loss.

Hair loss treatment strategies will look different for every person, depending on how quickly you’re losing your hair and how much hair loss effects your confidence.