Tanning Lotion and Hair Loss?

Hi there,

I have an unusual question! I have noticed mild temple recession over the past 6 months. I am not aware of my hair “falling out” in the shower or anything like that, but rather when I look at photos of myself of late, it is noticable that my temples are more receded. I still have hair in the temple point region, but it is not as thick or prominent as it used to be.

However, something occurred to me today. I have for the past 6-8 months been using a “self-tan” moisturizer, of which the active ingredient is DHA… The areas where I have noticed hairloss (frontal hairline & temples) are the exact areas where my hairline comes into contact with the tanning lotion. The instructions for the self tan state that you should avoid the hairline, as it may cause mild discoloration of the hair, which I have noticed in this area.

After googling DHA and DHT, my initial understanding is that it seems that there may be some correlation between the two? My question therefore is could the DHA in self tan be having an impact on my hair and causing slow but gradual hair loss? And if so, if I stop the self-tan, will the hair likely return in these areas? I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks

I do not know the connection to the tanning solutions and hair loss. If you think that it may be the cause, then stop using the self-tanner and see if your loss subsides. Most tanning lotions like that will advise to not let it touch the hairline, but that is because it could dye your hair.