The widow’s peak has long stood out as one of the most recognizable hairline patterns. It might be subtle or sharply defined, influenced by age, stress, or hormone changes.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your widow’s peak is written into your DNA, an AncestryDNA + Traits test can help you explore the genetic markers that may contribute to this common feature.

What Is a Widow’s Peak?

A widow’s peak is a V-shaped point of hair that dips down in the center of your forehead. While the rest of the hairline may follow a typical arc or straight line, this distinctive center point creates a subtle or dramatic triangle shape. This hair trait can be easy to spot in some people, while for others it's barely noticeable.

A widow’s peak isn’t the same as a receding hairline. Receding hairlines usually occur with age or hair loss and often create M-shaped patterns, especially in men. In contrast, a widow’s peak is present from early in life, though its shape can become more pronounced or change over time. However, hair loss can make a widow’s peak more noticeable.

This hairline feature appears across all known ethnicities and geographic regions. The rate varies depending on the population, with some studies reporting it occurs in 15% of people and others reporting as high as 33%.

The English term “widow’s peak” has roots in 18th-century folklore. It comes from the tradition of widows wearing a pointed hood or veil during mourning in centuries past. That central point of fabric resembled the V-shape of this hairline. Over time, the term evolved from characterizing both an article of clothing and a person’s hairline to primarily describing the appearance of someone’s hairline.

The Genetic Influence on Having a Widow’s Peak

To understand how genetics may play a role in widow’s peaks, AncestryDNA scientists asked more than 990,000 people to answer a simple question: “Which one of the following best describes your natural hairline? Slight widow’s peak, a distinguished widow’s peak, or a straight hairline?”

They then compared responses to participants’ DNA and identified more than 840 DNA markers associated with widow’s peak hairlines. From there, they used a polygenic risk score—a statistical tool—to estimate how likely someone is to have this trait based on the combination of genetic variants.

The results of the study showed that having a widow’s peak is largely influenced by non-genetic factors, although there is a small genetic influence. While genes may lay the groundwork, environment and life experience play a prominent role in how your hairline actually looks.

Like many genetic traits, a widow’s peak is more complex than a simple dominant or recessive gene pattern. This characteristic is shaped by multiple genes interacting with one another. That’s why it’s possible for two parents without a widow’s peak to have a child who develops one—or vice versa.

As more is learned about the genetics behind traits like these, Ancestry may update your results to reflect new insights or discoveries.

What Else Do Scientists Say Can Cause a Widow’s Peak?

Environmental and biological factors have significant influence over your hairline. For example, while you may be born with a straight hairline, it can shift over time due to natural hair loss, aging, or changes in hormone levels.

Hairlines commonly change in texture and shape during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Medical conditions, stress, and certain medications can also cause hair thinning, which may exaggerate or obscure the presence of a widow’s peak.

In men, male pattern baldness can alter the appearance of a widow’s peak, often converting a V-shaped hairline into a more pronounced M-shaped recession. In women, hormonal shifts might affect hair density, which can soften or highlight the shape of the hairline over time.

Common Stereotypes About Widow’s Peaks

In the film industry, characters who have a widow’s peak have often been used to create visual drama. Villains and vampires are frequently drawn or cast with this hairline—think Dracula, The Joker, or even cartoon characters like Megamind. The sharp point adds intensity to the face, creating an immediate sense of boldness or mystique. On television, classic characters like Eddie Munster helped cement the widow’s peak as a symbol of quirky or otherworldly charm.

But the trope doesn’t stop at antagonists. Real-life celebrities with a widow’s peak, including Marilyn Monroe, Keanu Reeves, Kourtney Kardashian, and Leonardo DiCaprio, show that this hairline can also be a mark of beauty, strength, and style. Many people with a widow’s peak embrace it as a signature feature, often highlighting it with certain hairstyles or cuts.

Throughout history, the widow’s peak has been linked to everything from artistic genius to dark omens—but none of these associations are rooted in science. There’s no evidence that having a widow’s peak is tied to intelligence, temperament, or creativity. It’s simply a trait that varies from person to person, like earlobe shape or hair curl pattern.

Curious about your DNA and what it might say about your hair colour, hair type, or other physical traits? Explore AncestryDNA + Traits and learn how your genetics may contribute to who you are.

If you've already taken an AncestryDNA test, you can unlock your personal traits report with an Ancestry subscription and see what your DNA says about your widow’s peak.