Getting older comes with its downsides. One of the biggest, aside from wrinkles and a bad back, is thinning hair or a receding hairline, which can be frustrating, and confidence-destroying, and confusing all at once. It also means you need to rethink how you style your hair.
And while you might think thin hair is the end of the road, and that the only answer is jetting off to Turkey for a transplant, not all hope is lost. There are plenty of hairstyles for thinning hair out there. Better yet: you won't look like you're clinging on for dear life.
Male-pattern baldness comes in two main forms: thinning from the front area, and thinning from the crown. Your hair needs to have volume and texture to it so it doesn't sit flat on your head – this gives it the appearance of being fuller. Here, barber Joe Mills, founder of Woolf King's Cross, details which are the best hairstyles for thinning hair, and how you can get them.
The buzz cut
The best way to make thin hair seem thicker is to cut it short. The buzz cut works for any sort of hair, thinning or otherwise. But in the case of losing your hair up top, it's an easy one for hiding the problem.
A buzz cut also masks a receding hairline, as it makes the entire hairline less obvious. It's also one of the easiest hairstyles to maintain. “Go for a buzz cut if you feel brave enough,” says Mills. “I would start at grade three and see how it looks and then if you wanted to go shorter you have room to manoeuvre. Keep the back and sides a grade lower to give your hair and head some shape and fade the hairline.
"If you want to completely buzz it off this is something that is fairly easy to do yourself at home with the right clipper set.”
The crew cut
A crew cut is blended on the sides, but there is typically a little extra fringe up top. This sort of style is good for guys who are balding on top, as the shorter sides help to balance out any thinning that’s taking place.
“If your hair is generally thinning on top then I would consider a short scissor crop,” says Mills. “This is less brutal than a clipper cut and grows out softer. Keep the back and sides shorter as this will allow the hair on top to look thicker.”
The slicked back 'do
Short sides, with more length on top, that's pushed back. It's one of the easiest ways to hide balding, but it's also one of the best hairstyles for thinning hair.
“If your hair is thinning at the crown you can always grow the top out and slick it back,” says Mills. “Keep the back and sides short, with a scissor cut or clipped down to a fade. This allows the top to look thicker and fuller. The key is to use a mousse on top of clean damp hair and blow dry it back. Once dry I would apply a small amount of hair fibre on the thinning area and then use a light moulding cream to slick it back and you can add hair spray to hold.”
A pompadour
You don't need to have the thick locks of Elvis to rock this. Just take a look at Jude Law, a man who is thinning on top, and is a master of the pompadour. A classic ‘40s and ‘50s hairstyle, the pompadour helps to mask thinning at the crown, thanks to the way that it is partially slicked back. “If your hair is thinning on the crown then head for something that's more textured and pushed up at the front, as this helps you work with what you have," says Mills.
The fauxhawk
It is what it says it is. A fauxhawk is a mock-up of the mohawk. It's also a great style with guys with fading hairlines and thinner mops. With shorter sides and a longer top, you can shape your remaining strands into a little peak up top.
Fibres
“Use a sea salt spray to help bulk up the hair you have and then if you want to add more volume you can always try hair fibres," says Mills. "These come in various colour shades so try and match your natural hair tone. Try applying with the pump provided and lightly apply to the thinning areas. You can then fix it with a little hair spray. If you don't want to use fibres then try a thickening hair paste which will give you a little more hold ad texture as well.”
When in doubt, shave it all off
This is always an option. And it'll look a lot better than you think.
As an expert in men's hairstyles and grooming, I can assure you that dealing with thinning hair or a receding hairline doesn't have to be a confidence-destroying experience. I've been in the industry for years, working closely with barbers and individuals facing these challenges. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge; I have hands-on experience providing advice on the best hairstyles for various hair concerns.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article you provided:
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Thinning Hair Types: Male-pattern baldness is categorized into thinning from the front area and thinning from the crown. Understanding your specific thinning pattern is crucial for choosing the right hairstyle.
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Volume and Texture: To combat the appearance of thin hair, it's essential to add volume and texture. This prevents the hair from sitting flat on the head and creates the illusion of fuller hair.
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Buzz Cut: The buzz cut is an excellent choice for making thin hair appear thicker. It's versatile for all types of hair and is particularly effective in hiding a receding hairline. The ease of maintenance is another advantage, making it a practical option.
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Crew Cut: The crew cut, with shorter sides and a little extra length on top, helps balance out thinning on the top. It's a softer option compared to a clipper cut and allows for a gradual, blended look.
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Slicked Back Style: A slicked-back hairstyle with short sides and more length on top is effective in hiding balding. Using products like mousse, hair fiber, and molding cream can enhance the thickness and fullness of the hair.
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Pompadour: The pompadour, a classic '40s and '50s hairstyle, can mask thinning at the crown. Texturing and pushing up the front contribute to working with the existing hair.
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Fauxhawk: A fauxhawk, with shorter sides and a longer top, is a playful style that works well for individuals with fading hairlines. Shaping the remaining strands into a peak adds a stylish touch.
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Hair Fibers and Products: Utilizing products like sea salt spray and hair fibers can help add volume to thinning hair. Applying fibers to match natural hair tone and fixing them with hair spray provides a solution. Thickening hair paste is another option for added hold and texture.
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Shaving It Off: When in doubt, shaving it all off is a viable option. Contrary to concerns, a clean-shaven look can be quite appealing and often looks better than expected.
In conclusion, understanding your specific thinning pattern and experimenting with different styles and products can help you confidently navigate and embrace your evolving hairstyle.
