Most men will experience hair loss sometime between their late 20s and mid-30s, and it’s often a big blow to their confidence. However, there are plenty of ways to work around this and create a unique style that keeps your hair looking great, so don’t worry!
We will go over some of the hairstyles that men with thin hair should stay away from, and offer some good alternatives, before giving you a few more styling tips and a more long-term solution.
Did you know?
Hair loss is more common than many think: In 2024, 84.7% of all surgical hair restoration patients were men, according to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). And over 57% of male patients underwent their first surgery between ages 26 and 35, making thinning hair a major concern for younger men, too.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Boosts confidence | Costly |
Improves appearance | Invasive |
Long-term solution | Requires maintenance |
Hairstyles to Avoid with Thinning Hair
People have been using creative hair styles and techniques to mask balding or thinning areas since time immemorial, as far back as the Ancient Greeks, but a lot of these should be left buried in the past. Here are the worst hairstyles you can choose if you have thinning hair, and some great-looking alternatives.
Cornrows and Dreads
Tight braids can lead to traction alopecia, causing more hair follicles to weaken, which can make your receding hairline even worse, and dreads will look thin and frail if you don’t have the volume and density for them. A better alternative is a crew cut and a high and tight or short Afro if you want to keep it longer on top.
Comb-Over and Comb-Forward
This old-school classic was once rocked by some of the most powerful people, including Julius Caesar himself. The comb-over and its forward-facing variation are an attempt to conceal thinning hair, but not a very good one. Instead, go with a very masculine buzz cut or clean shave.
Long in the Back
Some men, particularly actors and TV personalities like Bill Bailey, like to create a paradoxical style where they are both Jason Stathambald and have long hair by shaving the top and letting it grow out in the back. However, it’s much better to get a proper taper fade unless you are going for a comedic effect.
Man Bun and Pony Tail
Not only do these hairstyles look awkward with thinning hair, but they also put a lot of tension on the roots of your existing hair and can cause more of it to fall out over time. If you want to leave some length on top, you can opt for a faux hawk, where you leave it short enough to stand up, and a bit of hair gel creates the illusion of depth and volume.
The Monk
Characterized by a big balding spot on top of the head and longer on the sides and back, creating a typical medieval European monk look. It has been out of fashion for several hundred years, so if you want to embrace your receding hairline, go for a stubble look coupled with some facial hair.
Styling Tips to Make Thin Hair Look Thicker
Some things you can do to elevate your hairstyle and add a perception of thickness are to lie down with your head facing towards the floor off the edge of a bed and blow-dry it from the roots up on a low heat setting. If you have longer hair, you can also tease it to add volume, or part it to the other side than usual to give it a bit of a lift.
Essential Hair Care for Men with Thin Hair
You can use natural products like rosemary, fenugreek, and argan oil to strengthen the hair on top of the head and slow down further balding. Volumizing shampoos and moisturizing and strengthening conditioners are also a good way to nurture the follicles and give a thicker look.
Hair Transplants: A Long-Term Solution
If you want a more permanent option, getting a hair transplant in Istanbul should be your number one choice. It will give you a more youthful hairline, improve thickness, and last a lifetime if cared for properly.
FAQs
Can a hair transplant look completely natural?
Yes, an experienced surgeon at a reputable clinic like Asli Tarcan can create a natural look with lots of volume.
How short should I cut thinning hair?
You can go as short as you like, with a buzz cut or even a clean shave, but most people prefer to leave a bit of stubble or just enough so it stands up when you comb it and looks fuller.
Do certain hair products cause thinning?
You should avoid products with strong chemicals like alcohols, sulfates, and dyes.
How long is the recovery after a hair transplant?
Most of the initial swelling and pain go away within 2–5 days, depending on the technique used, and you can be back to your regular routine after two weeks.
Is it better to treat hair loss early or wait?
It’s best to stick with natural remedies, PRP, or medication until your early to mid-30s, as a transplant is most effective once your hair loss pattern has been fully established.