When it comes to male hair loss, many men assume that all receding hairlines are created equal. This simply isn’t true. So, before spending hours in front of the bathroom mirror – or avoiding it completely, you should know how widow’s peak vs a mature hairline compare.

The Good News

You’ll be happy to know that a widow’s peak is a natural hairline that some men (and women) have. It’s the result of a dominant gene that you inherited – and isn’t always a precursor to full-blown male pattern baldness. (But you should be aware it’s entirely possible).

A mature or receding hairline at the temples is a result of aging, but again – not a sign that you’re going completely bald. A mature hairline does not progress to male pattern baldness and luckily, treatment options are available for virtually all types of hair loss.

You don’t have to accept your hairline’s slow retreat.

Double Trouble

Widow’s peak vs mature hairline – or both? It is possible and fairly common for men to have both a widow’s peak and a maturing hairline. In fact, this can cause a more pronounced look. Jack Nicholson provides a perfect example in side-by-side photo comparisons.

Key Indications

If you aren’t sure which type of hairline you have, consider key differences between a widow’s peak vs a mature hairline:

Widow’s Peak

• Even if slight, you’ve always had one

• Occurs even with thick hair

• Runs in the family

• You may develop male pattern baldness

A widow’s peak accompanied by a pronounced thinning of hair at the temples or crown points to future loss of hair. Male pattern baldness normally causes an M-shape at the hairline, or U shape around the crown.

Mature Hairline

• You had a straight hairline in youth

• Your widow’s peak seemed to happen with age

• Thinning of hair at the temples

• Does not progress to full male pattern baldness

Now that you’re aware of the key differences between a widow’s peak vs a mature hairline, you can decide which treatment options are best for you.