Hairlines Through History: Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Over 500 Years

The study analyzed 120 female portraits from the National Portrait Gallery and The National Gallery in London, dating from 1170 CE to 2012, to investigate the historical prevalence of Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), a scarring hair loss pattern. The researchers measured the forehead height from the frontal hairline to the mid-pupillary level (A) and from the chin to frontal hairline height (B), calculating an A/B ratio where a higher ratio indicated a higher hairline. Nine portraits (7.5%) were thought likely to have FFA, with the earliest case dated as 1455 CE. The study found a significant linear trend, with the forehead A/B ratio decreasing over time, indicating less evidence of frontal hair loss in later portraits. The study concluded that hairlines in female portraits have moved forward over time, which could provide insights into the natural history of FFA.