Would it make sense to get me “only” back to a higher NW 3 instead of a mature hairline (a forelock with partially receding sides), so as to preserve more hair for a possible follow up hair restoration in the future, or is that not the way it is done? I look at pictures of actor Nicholas Cage, for instance, who was clearly balding 10 years ago into what appears to be my current hairline, but who now has a decent hairline that looks like a NW3. It looks quite natural and very subtle.

There is a long story where patients were polled to find out if they would have a preference with hairlines that are high. Those with a normal mature hairline looked better and the patients themselves prefer that look. The mature hairline has a slight corner recession as its natural look — it gives a convex look to the hairline.

Disclaimer: I have no direct knowledge of Nicolas Cage’s hair.

This is purely speculation based on photographs that I have seen, but I am under the belief that actor Nicolas Cage has had hair transplant or uses some scalp coloring agent to make his hairline very strong. In his case, it seems to me that the hairline is clearly not in the correct position and it is very straight without a good transition zone. I disagree with you that it is “quite natural” and if you look carefully at the picture, you will see what I mean. Hair in the high position should be a finer quality of hair, reflecting the thinning process that goes with genetic balding as the hairline rises. His high hairline does not have finer hairs, which draws the attention when looking at his face — my eyes go directly to his hairline, which for its position is far too strong. There is a negative connotation in the minds of many people when they they can detect a transplant. Saving hair for future transplants just to go to a higher than a normal location does not frame the face well. It draws the eye to the hairline. My goals always include having a hairline that no one pays any attention to. I personally think that a thinner, lower hairline looks more natural that a high, stronger hairline.

Hello Doc,

I was gonna ask you if you all could make my hairline like Jamie Foxx and if so about how much will it cost and can you all do as good a job as his surgeon did, assuming that he did have hair transplantaion surgery done to his hair line? Also how do i get in touch with you all?

It might be worth noting that there is debate on the internet (yes, it’s gossip) about whether Jamie Foxx’s hairline is his actual hair, or just a spray-on look. We’ve even discussed it before.

Yes, I can make such a hairline, but it would depend upon how bald you are. If I am to assume that you have an African hairline, then you should know that hair densities are generally lower in African hair (Caucasians have 2.1 hairs per mm square, Asians have 1.7 hairs per mm square and Africans have 1.3 hairs per mm square). I would be that Jamie Foxx has much better densities than other African males. The issue of producing such a perfect hairline reflect issues of supply and demand. If you have only frontal recession and it is limited, yes I would love to give you Jamie Foxx’s hairline if that is your desire. It will take more than one procedure. Cost estimates must be done in person after I examine you. You can call for an appointment to see me at 800-NEW-HAIR.

Hi Dr. Rassman…..I have a bit of a problem and I’d like your advice. I recieved two hair transplants in the 90’s and wound up with a low hairline. I’m 32 years old and a natural norwood 3/4. I just recently removed my hairline via laser hair removal. I’m now dealing with the underlying skin which is scarred. It’s not terrible but I’m very self conscious. I’ve decided on another hair transplant. I’d like to bring the hairline down to where it was to cover any scars. I’m thinking low density with good coverage. My doc estimates that I have about 4000 donor grafts left. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

It is difficult without pictures or seeing you in person to render an opinion that has real value to you. You can excise the frontal scarred hairline (done frequently) and then have those grafts transplanted with a normal soft transition zone of 1, 2, and 3 hair units. As you are on the east coast, Dr. Robert Bernstein in NY might be worth visiting for a second opinion. If you make it out to California, I’d be happy to see you.