How Should Balding Men Style Their Hair?
Hair loss: It's a fact of life for millions of people. But for all the men out there: Losing your hair does not mean resorting to a Trump-esque 'do (read: please, never ever do that). Your hair can still look great even when the crops are, ahem, sparser than they used to be. Allow us to show you the ways...
1. Get the right cut.
Obviously, it's important to keep where you're losing your hair in mind. "When losing hair in the front, depending on the severity of the hairline's recession, you can use the hair on top to create a new hairline or partially cover up extreme recessions," says Russell Cordeiro, a stylist at Art + Autonomy Salon in New York City. He adds that this technique should be used in a "sparing manner," as growing hair long to cover a problem area can actually draw attention to gaps or thinness.
Another solution: Going with a shorter cut overall, which works especially well for men losing hair around the back of the scalp. "You can sport a fade, and there's always the option of completely shaving the head," says Cordeiro. After all, no hair is far superior to a combover. If you're still not quite sure what to do, head to a men's stylist whom you trust to be honest about your options.
2. Pick the proper shampoo and conditioner.
What you use in the shower is so important to your hair's health and appearance. "Guys who are balding should avoid silicones, which are usually used to help smooth or control coarse or thick hair," says Cordeiro. For thinning hair, Cordeiro typically recommends either lightweight shampoos and conditioners, or ones that will plump the hair to make it appear thicker.
3. Stick with lightweight styling products.
Cordeiro also recommends avoiding heavy styling creams, gels and pomades that can weigh down hair, making it look thinner and greasy. Instead, "when choosing a styling product, be it a spray, cream or paste, look for these words: matte, flat finish, low shine, clay, thickening, plumping, clay, fibre or sea salt." Prior to blowdrying, apply a thickening spray or styling aide. Once it's all dried, opt for a low shine or matte styling product, like a styling clay, as these finishes can help disguise sparseness.
4. Don't let your hair air dry.
I know we're all lazy folks, but if you want great-looking hair, you may need to put a little extra effort in. "A lot of guys are the wash-and-go type, but this will not lend itself to a good finished look," says Cordeiro. Here's why: When you put a product on wet hair and just leave it, your strands will clump together and can enhance the fact that it's thinning. "Instead, you want to blow dry your hair to get a fuller-looking style," he says.
5. Research potential alternatives.
If your goal goes beyond styling, and you want to attempt to stop hair loss and even regrow it, talk to your dermatologist about treatments such as Rogaine or hair transplants. "One of the newest and most exciting products on the market right now is called Zenegen, which was developed by a medical doctor - I've personally seen extraordinary results," says Cordeiro. It's a shampoo that topically removes DHT, which is a chemical that chokes the hair follicle, causing hair loss. Of course, before starting any new regimen, consult with a derm for the best possible advice.
Want more haircutting advice for guys? Check out our guide to the best men's haircut for each face shape.