EXPERT GUIDE

Hair Transplant for Widow’s Peak


Dr. Karen Owen

This text was written according to the highest scientific standards and reviewed by medical experts. Find out more about our quality assurance.

Written by Matilda H. Updated on 27 Mar 2024

Men experience hair loss in a variety of ways but one of the most common indications is the appearance of a V-shaped pattern at the crown. This is known as the widow’s peak and is typically seen in males of varying ages. Let’s take a deep dive into the science, causes, and remedies associated with widow’s peaks and how to gracefully manage or correct them.

What is a widow’s peak?

A hairline that tapers into a “V” shape in the middle of the forehead while receding at the temples is called the widow’s peak. Many people, especially men, tend to have a hairline that matches that description. However, some widow’s peaks are more defined and noticeable than others. Hair loss in men is categorised using the Norwood scale (type 3 is the typical widow’s peak):

Typical male pattern hair loss: The norwood scale.

 

The hairline pattern is named after its resemblance with a triangular black hood worn by widows in 18th century England. For some people, the widow’s peak is apparent from a young age while others develop it over time due to particular conditions.

What are the causes for a widow’s peak?

While many believe the widow’s peak to be a product of genetic conditions, there is no concrete scientific evidence to suggest that it is a hereditary feature. But people still consider genetics a viable cause because the shape of your hairline including its position and evenness is partially influenced by your genes (androgenetic alopecia). 

In addition to genetics, widow’s peak can also be a result of the following syndromes and congenital disorders:

  • Donnai-Barrow Syndrome: A syndrome caused by the mutation of the LRP2 gene that can affect the development of various body parts. Indications may include wide-set eyes, depressed nasal bridge, and widow’s peak. 
  • Frontonasal Dysplasia: A congenital disorder characterized by the abnormal development of the head and face. Patients with Frontonasal dysplasia also have wide-set eyes, a flat nose, and a widow’s peak. 
  • Opitz G/BBB Syndrome: A hereditary condition that affects the body’s midline, causing defects in the larynx, wide-spaced eyes, and widow’s peak.
  • Aarskog Syndrome: A rare genetic syndrome that causes abnormalities in the skeleton, genitals, muscles, and overall appearance. This may also cause a widow’s peak hairline.

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Mature Hairline vs. Receding Hairline vs. Widow’s Peak

Maturing Hairline Receding Hairline Widow’s Peak
Hair loss speed: Slowly, over a long time period of time, typically between ages 17 to 30
Hair loss speed: Fast, typically at a very young age
Hair loss speed: Might be apparent since birth due to certain conditions or grow over time with age
Hairline: 1 to 1.5 inches above juvenile hairline, V or M shaped
Hairline: Beyond 1.5 inches of juvenile hairline
Hairline: V shaped
Symptoms: Hairline retreats slowly from the temples, the retreat is moderate and not more than 1 to 1.5 inches above your highest forehead wrinkle
Symptoms: The hairline recedes rapidly beyond 1.5 inches from the temples, forehead, and in some cases, the crown
Symptoms: Hairline is lower at the center of the head and receded at the temples forming a V shape

Hair transplant for widow’s peak

Much like a receding or maturing hairline, a widow’s peak can be remedied with hair transplant procedures. Here are some of the most common hair transplant techniques used for widow’s peak hair transplant:

  • FUE: Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE is the most popular hair transplant technique widely practiced all over the globe. It is typically considered effective for a smaller number of grafts. Hence, it is ideal for a widow’s peak hair transplant that may require lesser grafts than your crown. FUE is known for being minimally invasive, causing almost no scarring, and having a shorter recovery time. 
  • DHI: Direct Hair Implantation or DHI is an advancement of FUE with the aim of improving the survival rate of the hair follicles and reducing bleeding. Much like the FUE, it is a popular choice for widow’s peak hair transplant.
  • FUT: After FUE, the follicular unit transplantation method or FUT is the second most popular hair transplant technique available. It is also known as the strip method as it involves extracting a strip of skin from the donor area. Unlike its counterpart, FUT leaves a visible scar in the donor area and has a longer recovery time.
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How many hair grafts do you need for widow's peak?

If you choose to go for a hair transplant procedure to fix your widow’s peak, your doctor will assess your current hairline to come up with the number of grafts you need. 

Typically, a widow’s peak may require anywhere from 1500 to 2500 grafts.

 

How much does a widow's peak hair transplant cost?

After combining hair transplant costs from all over the globe, we came up with an average cost per graft for multiple regions. Hair transplant costs differ from one country to the other with countries like the UK, US, and Canada being the most expensive and Turkey, India, and Thailand is the most affordable.

The average cost per graft in the UK is 3.22 USD, one of the highest in the world. You can expect to pay around 8,050 USD on average for 2,500 grafts in the UK. The US is even more expensive with a cost per graft rate of 5.44 USD. A widow’s peak hair transplant in the US will cost you approximately 13,610 USD. The higher costs in these regions can be attributed to the high labor costs and better hygiene and regulation standards.

 

 

With an average cost per graft of 2.12 USD, Spain is somewhat of a mid-range option. In Spain, you can get a widow’s peak hair transplant with 2,500 grafts for an average cost of 5,300 USD.

Perhaps the cheapest hair transplant services are available in Turkey for an average cost per graft of 1.07 USD per 2,500 grafts. Overall, you can get a widow’s peak hair transplant in Turkey for just 2,675.61 USD. This is less than half of what clinics in the UK are charging for the same procedures.

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Alternative treatments

If you are not willing to undergo a surgical procedure to fix your widow’s peak, there are many other options at your disposal. 

Here are three of the most common hair loss treatments used by patients:

  • Finasteride: A commonly prescribed medication for hair loss and thinning. Finasteride inhibits the enzyme responsible for the production of DHT, consequently slowing down hair loss. Despite slowing or stopping hair loss, finasteride is not known for promoting hair growth so it might be more effective if your hair loss is not that severe.
  • Minoxidil: A drug that was previously used for hypertension but has benefits for hair loss as well. Minoxidil is sold as a topical treatment called Rogaine which is approved by the FDA for men and women. Just like finasteride, it is a viable option for slowing down hair loss and thinning at the hairline.
  • Hair System: Apart from oral medications and topical solutions, your widow’s peak can also be concealed with a hair system. Formed using synthetic or human hair woven together into some material, a hair system can be easily attached to the balding region with an adhesive

Hairstyles to cover a widow's peak

Expensive remedies are not your only option when it comes to concealing your widow’s peak. One of the best ways to maintain your hairline is to get the right haircut. 

Here are some of the most effective hairstyles to help you flaunt your widow’s peak hairline gracefully:

  • Messy Fringe: Disheveled but charming, the messy hair look gives your hair texture, making it look more voluminous. A messy fringe can also cover your widow’s peak hairline with more volume at the front and give you a more youthful appearance.
  • Comb Over: If you want to go for elegance and professionalism, the comb back and comb over are the perfect hairstyles. You can achieve the look by brushing your hair to the side, creating a side part. You can either go for the classic look or make it more modern by pairing it with a fade on the sides. While the comb-over will not completely conceal your widow’s peak, it will make your hairline look more subtle and well-groomed.
  • Faux Hawk: Just as cool as the mohawk but infinitely more wearable, the faux hawk is excellent for concealing your widow’s peak hairline. It features more length at the top and shorter hair at the sides. More volume at the top provides a nice visual distraction from your hairline and looks seamless if styled right.
  • Buzz Cut: Popularized by military-mandated haircuts, the buzzcut is an excellent low-maintenance hairstyle to flaunt your hairline. It is easy to achieve and even easier to manage. A buzzcut can be exceptionally flattering for some face and head shapes

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hair grafts do you need for a widow’s peak?

How do you fix a balding widow's peak?

Do hair transplants fix hairlines?

Am I balding if I have a widow's peak?

Sources

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