7 Natural Ways to Regrow Thinning Temples in Men
Quick answer: Thinning temples in men can sometimes be slowed or partially reversed with consistent scalp stimulation, targeted oils, lifestyle changes, and reduced tension on the hairline. Results depend on how much follicle damage has already occurred, but many men see improvement within three to six months of a steady routine.
Why Are My Temples Thinning in the First Place?
Temple thinning in men usually comes from one of three places: genetics, traction, or a combination of both. Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) often starts right at the temples before moving to the crown. But a lot of men, especially Black men, also deal with traction alopecia from years of tight braids, locs, durag wear, or waves brushing. The two can look identical, which is why figuring out your cause matters before you throw products at the problem.
If the thinning started after a style change or a tight protective style, traction is likely a factor. If it crept up slowly and your dad or uncles share the same hairline, genetics may be playing a bigger role. Either way, the earlier you start, the better your chances of keeping what you have and encouraging what's left.
Can Temple Hair Actually Grow Back Naturally?
Yes, sometimes. The honest answer is that it depends on whether your follicles are still alive. A follicle that is dormant (shrunken and resting but not dead) can often respond to improved blood flow, reduced inflammation, and better care. A follicle that has been replaced by scar tissue, usually from long-term severe traction, cannot grow hair again without medical intervention. A board-certified dermatologist can tell you which situation you're in, and the American Academy of Dermatology recommends getting an evaluation early because the window for reversal narrows over time.
7 Natural Ways to Regrow Thinning Temples
1. Stop the Source of Tension Immediately
This one is not optional. If tight styles, durags pulled too hard, or headbands worn daily are stressing your edges, no oil or supplement will outrun the damage. Give your temples at least eight weeks completely free of anything that pulls at that area. No exceptions.
2. Scalp Massage Every Single Day
Scalp massage increases blood flow to the follicle, which delivers the oxygen and nutrients hair needs to grow. A small 2016 study published in ePlasty found that men who performed standardized scalp massages daily for 24 weeks had measurably thicker hair at the end. Use your fingertips, not your nails, and work in slow circular motions directly on the temples for three to five minutes a day. It costs nothing and the evidence is real.
3. Apply a Stimulating Oil to the Temples
Not all oils are created equal. Peppermint oil has shown some real promise. A 2014 study published in Toxicological Research found that a peppermint oil solution outperformed minoxidil in promoting hair growth in mice over four weeks, with researchers pointing to increased dermal thickness and follicle depth. Jojoba and argan oils help keep the scalp moisturized and may reduce the inflammation that slows follicle activity. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft and can reduce protein loss in existing strands.
If you want those ingredients in one ready-to-use product, the Follicle Enhancer from Edge Naturale combines peppermint, argan, jojoba, and coconut in a cream formula designed specifically for the edges. Apply it after your scalp massage so the circulation you just created works in your favor.
4. Clean Your Scalp Weekly
Product buildup and excess sebum can clog follicles and create an environment where inflammation thrives. Men with waves or locs especially tend to go long stretches between washes. A clarifying shampoo once a week keeps the scalp clean without stripping it. Follow with a lightweight moisturizer so the skin doesn't overcorrect with excess oil production.
5. Look at Your Diet Seriously
Hair is made of keratin, a protein. If your diet is low in protein, iron, zinc, or biotin, your body will deprioritize hair growth. This is not about buying a supplement stack. It's about eating actual food: eggs, leafy greens, lean meats, nuts, and legumes. If you suspect a deficiency, ask your doctor to run a full panel before supplementing. Excess biotin, for example, can interfere with lab results if you're also tracking other health markers.
6. Manage Stress and Sleep
Chronic stress raises cortisol, and elevated cortisol has been linked to a condition called telogen effluvium, where more follicles shift into the shedding phase at the same time. Sleep is when your body does its repair work, including at the scalp. Seven to nine hours is not a luxury. It's part of the protocol.
7. Consider Derma Rolling (With Caution)
A derma roller with 0.5 mm to 1 mm needles creates micro-injuries in the scalp that may trigger a wound-healing response, increasing growth factors that stimulate dormant follicles. A 2013 study in the International Journal of Trichology found that combining micro-needling with minoxidil outperformed minoxidil alone. You can use a derma roller without minoxidil if you prefer to stay natural, but keep your tool sterile and don't overdo it. Once a week is enough. More is not better here.
How Do These Approaches Compare?
| Method | Best for | Time to see results | Cost | Risk level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stop tension / change styles | Traction alopecia | Immediate protection, regrowth in 3 to 6 months | Free | None |
| Daily scalp massage | All types | 2 to 6 months | Free | None |
| Stimulating oil (peppermint, jojoba) | Dormant follicles, inflammation | 3 to 6 months | Low | Very low (patch test first) |
| Scalp cleansing routine | Buildup, inflammation | Ongoing maintenance | Low | None |
| Diet and nutrition | Deficiency-related shedding | 3 to 6 months | Varies | None if food-based |
| Stress management and sleep | Telogen effluvium | 3 to 6 months after stressor resolves | Free | None |
| Derma rolling | Dormant follicles | 4 to 6 months | Low to moderate | Low if done correctly |
What If Nothing Natural Is Working?
If you've been consistent for six months and nothing has changed, it's time to see a dermatologist. Not because you failed, but because you may need something stronger, minoxidil, finasteride, PRP injections, or a diagnosis for something like alopecia areata. Natural approaches work best when started early and when the follicles still have life in them. A dermatologist can look at your scalp under a dermoscope and tell you exactly what you're working with.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to regrow temple hair naturally?
Most men who see results report noticing fine baby hairs at the temples within two to four months of a consistent routine. Fuller regrowth, if it happens, usually takes six to twelve months. Patience is the most underrated part of this process.
Can tight waves brushing cause temple thinning in men?
Yes. Aggressive daily brushing combined with tight durags can create enough tension on the frontal hairline and temples to cause traction alopecia over time. Loosening your durag, using a softer brush, and giving the hairline breaks can make a real difference.
Is temple thinning in men always genetic?
No. Genetics is one cause, but traction from styles, nutritional deficiencies, chronic stress, and scalp inflammation are all common triggers that have nothing to do with your genes. Getting the right cause identified is the starting point for any real solution.
Are peppermint oil and jojoba oil safe to use directly on the scalp?
Peppermint essential oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil before applying to skin. Undiluted essential oils can cause irritation or chemical burns. Products like the Follicle Enhancer have already done that work for you, but if you're making your own blend, use no more than two to three drops of peppermint essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil, and do a patch test first.
Will shaving my head help my temples grow back thicker?
No. Shaving does not affect follicle activity. Hair grows from the root under the skin, not from the tip. A fresh cut can make thinning look less noticeable, but it doesn't change what the follicle is doing underground.
When should I see a doctor about my temples instead of trying natural remedies?
Go sooner than you think. If the thinning has been progressing for more than a year, if you've already lost a lot of density at the temples, or if you notice itching, scaling, or inflammation at the hairline, a board-certified dermatologist should be your first stop. Early intervention gives you the most options.
This article is for education and is not medical advice. If you are worried about hair loss, see a board-certified dermatologist. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Edge Naturale products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.