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How Do I Choose the Best Men's Hairstyles for Thinning Hair?

Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen

In order to choose the best men's hairstyles for thinning hair, it is important to take the specific man into consideration. Each man has different needs and expectations where hairstyles are concerned, and the way that his hair is thinning can limit the available choices. Shorter cuts are almost always the best choice to avoid drawing attention to thinner hair, though there are some exceptions. When a man's hair is balding around the crown of his head, a cut that leaves the hair slightly longer on top than on the sides can look good, especially if volumizing hair products are used. Receding hairlines are better paired with other men's hairstyles for thinning hair, such as Caesar cuts and fauxhawks.

Thinning hair is an issue that many men have to deal with at some point, and there are a number of ways that it can be tackled. One of the best methods is to select a hairstyle that will disguise or minimize the effects of the thinning, but there are several different patterns that balding men can experience. That makes it very important to match men's hairstyles for thinning hair to each individual situation.

Hair styles can hide -- or reveal -- a receding hairline.
Hair styles can hide -- or reveal -- a receding hairline.

The general rule of thumb to follow when choosing men's hairstyles for thinning hair is that shorter is better. Long hairstyles tend to draw attention to thinning hair, rather than disguising it, especially if a man is balding around the crown of his head. One option is to simply shave the remaining hair off, since a clean-shaven look can actually make a man appear younger than he would with his naturally thinning hair. Another option is to take the type of thinning into account when choosing a style of cut.

Thinning hair can be caused by genetics, medical conditions and hormonal imbalances.
Thinning hair can be caused by genetics, medical conditions and hormonal imbalances.

For men with receding hairlines, one potential style is commonly known as a Caesar cut. This hairstyle is short, so it can minimize the effect of thinning hair. It is also textured, which can have the same effect. Another option that can help minimize the appearance of a receding hairline is a fauxhawk, which is a style that is longer on top than the sides. This style is not for everyone, but the slight spike along the crown can help draw attention from a receding hairline.

Smoking cigarettes may cause thinning hair.
Smoking cigarettes may cause thinning hair.

When the thinning is along the crown of the head, the best hairstyles will typically be a little longer on top but will have textured layers. One option is a textured crop, which involves a number of short layers that can provide the illusion of volume. A tousled look can also be good for men who have thinning wavy hair. Each of these options typically works best if a volumizing mousse, pomade, or other hair product is used when styling.

Discussion Comments

Laotionne

It's not a hair style, but balding men have been known to wear more hats. You can't wear a hat all the time, however, a hat does hide the hair loss. In my opinion, a clean shaven head is the way to go. I see a good number of men with bald heads and not all of them choose the style because they are losing their hair. Bald looks cool.

mobilian33

My granddaddy was not a vain man, except when it came to his hair. He lived to be almost 90 years old and I never saw a grey hair in his head. He colored his hair for as long as I can remember, and then when he started losing more and more of his hair he bought a toupee.

Both the dye job and the toupee looked unnatural to everyone else, but to my granddaddy they looked exactly right. In the end, what matters to many men is not what other people think, but rather what they see when they look in the mirror. My granddaddy thought his choices made him look more like himself, and that made him feel better about himself.

Feryll

Let me start by saying I am not advocating the comb-over hairstyle that some men are sporting, but in some cases growing your hair long can work to hide the clean spots. Of course, this only works with certain types of hair, but I have seen instances where the longer hair worked. However, I agree that short hair is the best way to go for most balding guys.

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    • Hair styles can hide -- or reveal -- a receding hairline.
      By: vasilisa_k
      Hair styles can hide -- or reveal -- a receding hairline.
    • Thinning hair can be caused by genetics, medical conditions and hormonal imbalances.
      By: diego cervo
      Thinning hair can be caused by genetics, medical conditions and hormonal imbalances.
    • Smoking cigarettes may cause thinning hair.
      By: illustrez-vous
      Smoking cigarettes may cause thinning hair.
    • Individuals suffering from hypothyroidism may experience thinning hair.
      By: stockshoppe
      Individuals suffering from hypothyroidism may experience thinning hair.
    • A receding hairline may begin as a thinning of hair on either side of the forehead.
      By: sparkmom
      A receding hairline may begin as a thinning of hair on either side of the forehead.
    • Men who are experiencing a receding hairline may benefit from drug treatment.
      By: igor
      Men who are experiencing a receding hairline may benefit from drug treatment.
    • Thinning hair can limit a man's choices when it comes to hairstyle.
      By: Warren Goldswain
      Thinning hair can limit a man's choices when it comes to hairstyle.