What Is the Best Men’s Haircut for Thinning Hair?
Sep 17, 2023
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Hair loss can be a difficult and traumatic experience for some men — but fear not. An experienced stylist can help you find the best men’s haircut for thinning hair.
Of course, you should always lean toward styles you’re most comfortable with. If you’re not ready to go completely bald, there are plenty of other ways to shape your hair for a fuller look. Let’s dive into what male-patterned hair loss looks like and sift through some rad hairstyles to revamp your style.
An Overview of Male-Patterned Hair Loss
Although people lose 50 to 100 hairs daily, hair loss occurs when new growth no longer replaces what’s fallen out. Gradual thinning is the most common type of hair loss and can happen to anyone at any age — men often notice their hair starting to recede around the hairline.
You might experience male-patterned hair loss for many reasons, such as genetics, hormonal changes, stress, medical conditions and treatments or damaging hairstyles. Regardless, you are not alone.
About 50% of men have hair loss before they turn 50. Another 25% start experiencing thinning before they’re 21. Fortunately, new remedies are underway — researchers have found a way to grow hair follicles in laboratories, while new cancer treatments may prevent hair loss during chemotherapy and radiation.
For now, men can use over-the-counter topical minoxidil or ask their doctor for a prescription for finasteride. About 80–90% of men taking finasteride slow down their hair loss, while others experience regrowth starting after six months.
Other treatments include at-home laser devices, hair transplants and platelet-rich plasma injections — all FDA-approved solutions.
7 Best Men’s Haircuts for Thinning Hair
The best men’s haircut for thinning hair ultimately depends on whether you want short or long locks. Lucky for you, you have options. Let these seven cuts be a new beginning where you start embracing your thinning hair.
1. Buzz Cut
A buzz cut is an obvious choice for thinning hair — not wholly shaved but a neat, short trim. Your barber can walk you through the different buzz cut lengths, but it might be a good idea to give yourself time to think about it before your appointment.
Buzz cut clipper lengths range from one to eight — a “one” clipper length is about an eighth of an inch long, while an “eight” is about one inch. You might start on the high end and work your way down to a shorter buzz until you’re satisfied with your new look.
Tie the style together with an epic beard, but remember your facial hair might fill in less by your mid-20s. If it comes in patchy, opt for a 5 o’clock shadow — it’s a beard anyone can rock at any age.
2. Grown Out and Faded
What do Brad Pitt, Zayn Malik and Justin Timberlake have in common? They’ve all tried the recognizable “fade” cut. You’ll want to grow out your hair a bit first — however, the length you keep on top is entirely up to you.
This popular hairstyle is a closely tapered cut, where a barber will trim the hair tightly against the skin near the nape of the neck, fading it upward. You can decide between a high, medium or low skin fade. The highest fade might reach all the way to your crown, while a low fade shows less skin.
3. Textured Cut
The tousled, messy, just-rolled-out-of-bed haircut is an excellent look for men with thinning hair. You can hide a multitude of hair problems and make the most of what you have.
When done correctly, this haircut gives the impression of fuller strands, while certain products can provide volume. Ed Sheeran, Liam Hemsworth and Bradley Cooper have all donned this style, and you can, too.
4. Swept Over
Your hair might be thinning, but if you prefer it long, a swept-over haircut is a good option — especially when dealing with a receding hairline.
It could take about 18 months for your hair to grow, but there are several ways to speed up the process and strengthen your locks. Biotin, caffeine-enriched products, herbal supplements and conditioners will ensure healthy, faster growth.
5. Slicked Back
Antonio Banderas has tried almost every men’s haircut — but his slicked-back look stands out. It’s a sleek style in which you comb your hair back over thinner areas on your crown — but it’s a haircut you’ll have to maintain to prevent unruly strands.
Start with a fade or closely trim the sides of your head — then slick the top part back. This style best suits somebody with an oval, square or oblong face. You can keep your hair greased by applying a light pomade or gel.
6. Combed Forward
If you’re experiencing thinning on the top of your head, shorten it to the length of your finger and cut the sides using a hair clipper. Then, you can comb the top part forward to hide some of the baldness.
Chris Hemsworth and Andrew Whitfield have each tried variations of this style, and it’s looked great. This is primarily a good haircut for those who have thinning on their crown or a deep receding hairline.
7. Shaved Head
Shaving your head is a drastic move — and not the right look for everyone — but it may liberate you from your anxiety over going bald. It’s the best men’s haircut for thinning hair.
Superstars from the Rock to Adam Levine have sported a smooth scalp. However, consult with your hairstylist before getting rid of it all. They can tell you whether your head is suitable for the look.
Styling Tips for Thinning Hair
You’ve decided on a hairstyle you like for your thinning hair — now you’ll want to learn how to style it. Keep these suggestions in mind when you do your hair in the morning:
- Tousled with pomade or texture powder products
- Swap out your old hair products for salon-grade products
- Keep dry shampoo on hand
- Texturize with sea salt spray
- Use a mineral and vitamin-enriched thickening serum for healthier, fuller locks
- Try a follicle-stimulating shampoo for new hair growth
- Get a haircut every one to two months — but upgrade from a barbershop to a hair salon for a quality trim
Although not exactly a styling tip, you should also maintain a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet can promote hair growth. Additionally, you’ll want to practice stress management. A 2021 study found that increased cortisol negatively affected stem cells in the scalp, prompting hair loss.
Make the Most of What You’ve Got
Few men would say they look forward to when their hair starts thinning. Unfortunately, it’s often inevitable. Embrace what you have left and find the best haircut for a brand-new look. You may even prefer the new you over yesterday’s hairdo.
