In a nutshell
With a widow’s peak, the hairline extends farther forward in a V shape at the center of the forehead. There are many intermediate forms between a pronounced peak and an almost straight hairline. This is a shape variation, not the same as newly developing receding hairlines caused by hair loss.
Why does it happen?
The pattern results from the boundary of the hair-bearing scalp. The common textbook claim that a widow’s peak is determined by a single dominant gene is not sufficiently supported.
Frequency
There is no consistent reliable population estimate for a V-shaped hairline. Studies also differ in how pronounced the peak must be.
Frequency is a qualitative description, not your individual probability.
Is it normal?
If unchanged since childhood, it is normal.
When to seek advice
A newly receding hairline with diffuse or patchy hair loss should be assessed.
Does this happen to you?
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Sources (1)
- University of Delaware: Myths of Human Genetics – Widow’s Peak (opens a new tab)
Reviews the insufficient evidence for a simple dominant inheritance pattern.
Editorial update: . AI-assisted research and editing; not individually reviewed by a physician. How we research
