My Hairline is Receding on One Side - Is It FFA?'

Name: 

Laura

Question: I am 35 and have always had a high hairline however over the last year I have noticed hair loss more on one side resulting in a 1-2inch bald area at the front. Is this FFA and if not what could it be?? I am very self conscious about it and dread windy days or swimming when my hairline is exposed.

Answer: Hi Laura, we would advise you to have a free consultation as it is hard to offer you a correct diagnosis as to what is causing your hair loss without seeing your hairline and scalp.

From what you say here, whilst we would not rule it out, it is unlikely to be Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) as this tends to present as an even band of hair loss all the way around the front of the hairline. As you say there is more hairloss on one side than the other, it is more likely to be Traction Alopecia or if the hair is thinning in these areas, then Female Pattern Hair Loss.

Traction Alopecia - a pictured in this first Success Story - is caused by frequently wearing tight hairstyles, including braids, buns and high ponytails, as well as hair extensions. These can place too much strain on the follicles, damaging them and leading to hair loss around the hairline as this bears the brunt of the stress.

Female Pattern Hair Loss - as pictured here in the second Success Story - is the women's equivalent of Male Pattern Baldness and causes thinning hair along the top of the head and hairline.

It can be more noticeable at the temples and the parting may appear wider than usual. It can also affect one side more than the other, which may account for an uneven hairline.

Both of these conditions can be treated and a specialist can offer you personalised hair loss treatment recommendations following a consultation. If you are able to visit one of Belgravia's Central London hair loss clinics you can be assessed in person, otherwise, if you are based elsewhere in the UK or abroad, you can complete our online consultation form instead.