Temporal recession is the most common first sign of male pattern baldness, affecting the hair at the temples before any other scalp zone. The temples contain a higher concentration of androgen receptors than the rest of the scalp, which is why they respond to DHT first. Understanding the different patterns of temporal recession helps you distinguish normal maturation from progressive hair loss.
Types of Temporal Recession
Mature Hairline (Non-Pathological)
Between ages 18 and 25, most men's hairlines naturally recede 1 to 1.5 cm from the juvenile position. This is a normal developmental change, not hair loss. The hairline moves up slightly and the temporal points round off.
Key markers of a mature hairline:
- Recession is 1 to 1.5 cm above the highest forehead wrinkle
- Both temples recede symmetrically
- Recession stops and stabilizes
- No miniaturized hairs at the temple edge
Norwood 2 Pattern (Early Recession)
Norwood 2 recession goes beyond the mature hairline. The temples continue to recede, creating a subtle but progressive M-shape.
| Measurement | Mature Hairline | Norwood 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Distance above wrinkle | 1 to 1.5 cm | 1.5 to 2.5 cm |
| Temple point shape | Gently rounded | Deeper indentation |
| Miniaturization | None | Present at temple edge |
| Progression | Stable | Slowly advancing |
| Graft needs if treated | 0 | 800 to 1,500 |
Norwood 3 Pattern (Deep Recession)
At Norwood 3, the temples are deeply recessed, forming a pronounced M or U shape. The recession extends more than 2 cm from the original frontal hairline and is clearly visible to others.
Graft requirements: 1,500 to 2,200 grafts to restore the temporal zones.
Asymmetric Recession
Some men experience uneven recession where one temple recedes faster than the other. This is common and does not indicate a different condition. It simply reflects that androgen receptor density is not perfectly symmetrical. Surgeons account for asymmetry when designing a transplant hairline.
Measuring Your Temporal Recession
The Wrinkle Test
- Raise your eyebrows as high as possible
- Identify the highest wrinkle on your forehead
- Measure the distance from that wrinkle to your hairline at the temple
| Distance | Classification |
|---|---|
| 0 to 1 cm | Juvenile hairline |
| 1 to 1.5 cm | Mature hairline (normal) |
| 1.5 to 2.5 cm | Norwood 2 (monitor) |
| 2.5+ cm | Norwood 3 (consider treatment) |
The Miniaturization Check
Look closely at the hair along your temple edge. Use a magnifying mirror or your phone camera zoomed in.
- All thick, uniform hairs: Likely stable
- Mix of thick and fine/wispy hairs: Active miniaturization, recession is progressing
- Mostly fine, wispy hairs: Advanced miniaturization, follicles are shrinking
Treatment Options by Pattern
For Stable Mature Hairline
No medical treatment is needed. If the aesthetic of a higher hairline concerns you, 800 to 1,500 grafts can lower the temples. This is a cosmetic choice, not a medical necessity. Consider that a hairline placed for your 20s may look too low at 50.
For Progressive Norwood 2 to 3 Recession
| Treatment | What It Does | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Finasteride 1mg daily | Halts recession in 80-90% of men | Results at 6 to 12 months |
| Minoxidil 5% to temples | 40-60% moderate regrowth | Results at 3 to 6 months |
| PRP therapy | Stimulates miniaturized follicles | 3 sessions over 6 months |
| Temple transplant (FUE) | Restores receded area permanently | 800 to 2,200 grafts, results at 12 months |
Treatment Priority Order
- Start finasteride first: Stabilize what you have before adding or restoring
- Add minoxidil: Apply specifically to the temporal zones
- Wait 12 months: Assess medication response before considering surgery
- Transplant if needed: Only after medication has stabilized your pattern
Causes Beyond Androgenetic Alopecia
Traction Alopecia
Tight hairstyles (man buns, tight braids, heavy extensions) pull on the temporal hair and can cause recession that mimics Norwood pattern. The key difference: traction alopecia often affects the hairline uniformly rather than creating the M-shape, and it reverses when the traction stops (if caught early).
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA)
FFA is an autoimmune condition that causes band-like recession across the entire frontal hairline, including the temples. It predominantly affects postmenopausal women but can occur in men. Unlike androgenetic alopecia, FFA creates a scarring pattern where hair cannot regrow. Diagnosis requires a dermatologist and often a scalp biopsy.
Temporal Triangular Alopecia
A congenital (present from birth) condition causing a triangular patch of hair loss at one or both temples. It is not progressive and does not worsen over time. It can be addressed with a small transplant of 200 to 500 grafts if desired.
Track Your Temples Over Time
Temporal recession can progress slowly over years or rapidly over months. Regular monitoring catches changes early, when treatment is most effective.
Get your free AI Norwood assessment to measure your current hairline position and track temple recession over time.
FAQ
Is temporal recession always a sign of balding?
No. Most men develop some temporal recession between ages 18 and 25 as part of the normal transition from a juvenile hairline to a mature hairline. This is not balding. It becomes a sign of pattern baldness when recession exceeds 1.5 cm above the highest forehead wrinkle, is progressive over months, or is accompanied by miniaturized hairs at the temple points.
What causes temporal recession?
Temporal recession is primarily caused by DHT (dihydrotestosterone) acting on genetically susceptible hair follicles at the temples. The temporal area has a higher concentration of androgen receptors than other scalp zones, making it the first area to respond to DHT. Secondary causes include traction alopecia from tight hairstyles and frontal fibrosing alopecia.
How do I stop temporal recession from getting worse?
Finasteride (1mg daily) is the most effective treatment, halting further recession in 80 to 90% of men. Minoxidil (5% topical) applied directly to the temple areas provides 40 to 60% moderate regrowth. Starting treatment at the first sign of recession beyond a mature hairline gives the best outcomes. Once follicles are fully miniaturized, only transplantation can restore them.