Have Hair Thinning at Temples? Learn What Causes This Hair Loss in Women Over 40 and How to Treat It

When hair loss is front and center, such as at your temples, it can be so frustrating, not to mention a real blow to your confidence. “As a dermatologist, I've witnessed firsthand the emotional toll that hair loss and thinning can take on patients,” says Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, FAAD, dermatologist and Medical Director at Curology. “It's a topic that often remains hushed, yet it affects millions.” In fact, 30% of women who experience hair thinning have temporal recession—or hair thinning at temples. What’s more, women’s hair thinning at temples can be from a range of causes. Keep reading to find out more about this type of hair loss and how to treat it.

What causes hair thinning at temples?

The two most common causes of hair thinning at temples are hormone fluctuations and traction alopecia—aka hair loss that occurs at the temples from frequently wearing tight ponytails or other hairstyles. Although stress, female pattern hair loss—called androgenetic alopecia—or other health concerns like thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies or illnesses such as Covid and more can also be to blame.

“For women in their 40s and 50s, hormonal changes such as drops in estrogen brought on by menopause can lead to thinning hair at temples,” says Gretchen Friese, BosleyMD Trichologist. “This kind of thinning is often a result of a sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which is the hormone tied to hair loss.”

“Hair loss and thinning are common concerns for women after menopause,” explains Dr. Tolpinrud. “That’s because hormone changes can lead to smaller hair diameter and slower hair growth.” This type of hair loss is also known as telogen effluvium, which involves disruption in the hair growth cycle where hairs enter the resting (telogen) phase and eventually fall out.

“This happens as a result of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone attacking the hair follicle,” Friese explains. “When this happens the follicle starts to minimize and grows thinner and thinner until it closes and the hair completely stops growing out of that follicle.”

How to tell if you’re dealing with thinning at temples

Those of us with this thinning hair at the temples might notice sparse spots in the areas on one or both sides of our heads, just between the ear and top of the forehead. Often thinning hair at the temple looks like what is called ‘a widow’s peak’ or a V-shaped hairline.

How to treat hair thinning at temples

The first step is consulting a dermatologist or trichologist. They will help work up a regimen to deal with hair thinning at temples. Your consultation will begin with routine questions such as whether you have a family history of hair loss, any health issues you may be experiencing or medications you’re currently taking. The following remedies can also help with hair thinning at temples.

1. Apply topical treatments

“Minoxidil is clinically proven to regrow hair,” says Friese. A FDA-approved over-the-counter treatment, minoxidil (commonly known as Rogaine), restores inactive hair follicles and is a known hair loss treatment. Applying the foam or solution to the scalp works by shortening the resting phase of hair and encouraging the growing stage.

A topical treatment, like Curology Hair FormulaRx, includes minoxidil along with other ingredients shown to improve hair growth. “Minoxidil stimulates blood flow to hair follicles and extends the growth phase of hair,” explains Dr. Tolpinrud. “In this product minoxidil is available in higher strengths at 6% and 8% whereas traditional minoxidil strengths available over-the-counter are lower at 2% and 5%.”

2. Skip tight hairstyles and accessories

Tight hairstyles and hats that rub on the scalp in the area can lead to thinning hair at the temple. “To address this I recommend following a gentle hair care routine to help minimize further damage,” says Dr. Tolpinrud. “Gently wash and style the hair and take a break from hair treatments or styling with heat and never brush wet hair.” Additionally, avoid tight hairstyles including ponytails or other styles that require one to apply additional tension on the hair follicles.

3. Take a supplement

“Poor diet can also result in hair loss,” says Friese. “Healthy hair starts from the inside out—diet plays a very important role in our hair health and one full of healthy fats and antioxidants is key in keeping hair follicles healthy.” The reason: Hair is made of building blocks composed of protein and amino acids, so a diet packed with protein, minerals, vitamins and more is essential to stimulate hair growth.

It can also be helpful to get a blood panel done to see if you are deficient in any vitamins. “You may need to take a supplement with iron, niacin, zinc and biotin to battle hair loss from the inside out,” says Friese. One to try: BosleyMD Healthy Hair Growth Capsules for Women.“I grew my hair back faster after having Covid by taking these supplements.”

For more on hair loss, click through these stories:

Hair Loss Doctor Shares How to Prevent Hair Loss in Women Over 50

How to Reverse Hair Thinning at the Crown of the Head for Women Over 50

How Topical Caffeine for Hair Growth Works to Reverse Hair Loss