Hairline

The 'hairline' is the anatomical boundary where the forehead meets the scalp and hair growth begins. It is an important landmark in various surgical procedures, especially in cranial and facial surgeries.

Hairline: The contour line on the forehead that marks the transition between the bare skin of the face and the hairy scalp.

• Craniotomies: Skin incisions (e.g., pterional, bifrontal) are often placed just behind the hairline to ensure cosmetic healing and scar concealment.
• Plastic surgery: Used as a reference point for forehead lifts, hair restoration, and aesthetic facial proportions.
• Neurosurgery: A “question mark” or curvilinear incision behind the hairline is used to access the skull while preserving cosmesis.

• Low hairline: Closer to the eyebrows; may limit surgical access.
• High hairline: More frontal exposure but can be cosmetically unfavorable.
• Receding hairline: Common with aging; must be considered when planning incisions.

• Hair is typically parted or shaved along the incision line to maintain sterility and minimize visible trauma.
• Incisions placed behind the hairline reduce postoperative visibility of scars.