Okay, so you’re going bald. Admitting it is the first step in overcoming it. Now we can move on to coping with loss and finding the best way to look good as you do it. As your hairline retreats on your scalp, you have a choice. Either you can clutch desperately at your youth and pretend you still have a full head of hair, or you can deal with it gracefully. We have you covered in our guide to the best hairstyles for a receding hairline that will keep you looking youthful forever.
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1. Clean Shave
One of the most effective ways to confront a receding hairline head-on is through a clean shave. This look may not suit everyone, and it can only be determined if it suits you after you’ve already committed to it. However, if the shape of your head complements your face and you can confidently rock the bald look, it can become your signature style.
2. Buzz
The buzz cut is a longer alternative to a clean shave. It is a classic military haircut that is suitable for thinning hair and requires minimal maintenance. In addition, the buzz cut can enhance your facial features by drawing attention from the hairline to the brow line, giving your face a more defined appearance.
3. Faux Hawk
It is a style that ebbs and flows in popularity, but the faux hawk is a popular men’s haircut for men with a widow’s peak. By drawing attention to the center of the hairline, the faux hawk uses the length of the cut to its advantage, drawing your attention away from the receding hairline.
4. Comb Over
The comb over hairstyle is widely favored among men, regardless of whether they are experiencing hair loss or not. It utilizes a receding hairline as the natural part line, creating the illusion of added density to the hair. This technique enhances the appearance and is a popular choice for men who like a classic and polished look.
5. Regulation Cut
The regulation cut is a hairstyle inspired by the military but with more length. It features longer sides that are scissor-cut to achieve a classic look. The hair is combed over with a defined part, and the hairline is used as a distinctive hairstyle element. Similar to the comb over hairstyle, the regulation cut will help conceal a receding hairline.
6. Longer Hairstyle
If you have thick hair that is starting to recede, you can consider trying a longer hairstyle. Longer hair has the benefit of concealing the area above your temples, where early signs of a receding hairline may be visible. However, it’s important to note that not every man can or should attempt the longer cut. With the right sense of style, though, a longer hairdo can make you appear younger.
7. Short Messy Hairstyle
Keeping your hair short and well-groomed may also not be appealing if you have a rebellious side. On the other hand, opting for a short, textured hairstyle offers the flexibility of having a controlled length while still appearing intentionally messy. The messiness of the short hair will help conceal the receding hairline.
8. High Fade
A more striking style for a receding hairline is the high fade haircut. By clipping the sides and tapering the length from the bottom up, you can control the way in which your hairline is perceived. A higher fade will draw attention away from a receding hairline and toward your longer hair on top. The cut is best suited to men with a hairline in its early stages of receding.
9. Blowout
The blowout haircut features hair brushed up and secured with styling products to add volume. While it doesn’t conceal your hairline, it does draw attention to the crown, giving it a fuller and thicker appearance. To achieve the blowout, start with freshly washed hair, use a blow dryer to style it upwards then finish with some hair spray.
10. Brushed-Forward Hair
Brushed-forward hair is recommended for men looking to conceal a receding hairline. This hairstyle involves brushing the hair forward, typically creating a deliberately messy and undone aesthetic that adds volume to the front of the head. To enhance the overall appearance, incorporate a faded hairstyle to provide some structure.
11. Butch Cut
The butch cut typically maintains the same length on top, sides, and back, usually around a quarter inch. You can modify it slightly to match your personal preference, such as experimenting with different hair lengths. This haircut is effortlessly masculine and easy to style. Some men may think that keeping hair short contradicts handling a receding hairline, but the intention of this cut is neither to hide nor highlight it.
12. Short Slicked Back
A slicked back hairstyle is a cool and neat haircut for men with a receding hairline. By keeping the slick back hair short, you will draw attention to the top of the hair, and the receding hairline will look like it is part of the styling of the cut.
13. Comb Back
The comb-back hairstyle is accomplished by brushing or combing the hair in a direction away from the hairline. Men of all ages often choose this hairstyle to achieve a refined and polished look. For optimal results, creating volume at the front will enhance the overall appeal of the cut. This voluminous crown provides a complementary effect to receding hairlines, diverting attention away from them.
14. Crew Cut
The crew cut is a timeless short haircut for men. It boasts a simple and effortlessly styled appearance while being relatively low maintenance, making it suitable for men of any age. Additionally, it complements various hair types and textures and is particularly flattering for those with a receding hairline. As it exudes a classic and masculine finish, it’s a hairstyle that does not attract excessive attention or divert focus away from your hairline.
15. Ivy League
The Ivy League haircut is a trendy and stylish short hairstyle choice for men. It is characterized by longer hair on the top and shorter sides and back, typically with a tapered effect. While it does not conceal a receding hairline, the Ivy League hairstyle skillfully highlights it, creating a pleasing sense of proportion.
16. Messy Fringe
For men looking to conceal a receding hairline, you may find a messy fringe a great hairstyle choice. Depending on its length and styling, the fringe can help hide the temples and balance out the hairline. The intentionally undone look of the fringe, along with its relaxed look, works well with naturally textured hair. Additionally, it can draw attention to the eyes and jawline, complementing one’s features.
17. Quiff
The quiff is appealing for men with a receding hairline as it draws attention away from the hairline towards the front of the crown, creating a voluminous appearance and the illusion of thicker hair. To achieve the quiff, brush your hair upward and backward, and it can work with various hair textures. However, remember to maintain some length on the top of your head to style the quiff effectively.
18. Same Length All Over
The same-length all-over haircut is one of the simplest and most effortlessly cool looks for any man. As the name suggests, the hair is kept the same length on the top, back, and sides and looks best when short. It can complement all hair textures and most face shapes and is an excellent way to ensure the hair is manageable and quick to style. There is nothing remarkable about this haircut as there are no standout features, but that is the appeal. Your receding hairline will not be the focus of the haircut, and the hair will feel balanced.
19. Short Textured Hair
Short textured hair can work wonders by adding visual interest to even the most basic hairstyles. It also helps divert attention from a receding hairline, highlighting the hair itself flatteringly. The way you choose to style your hair depends on your personal preference. You can consider tapering the sides or going for a fade to achieve a more refined look. This will create a subtle contrast between the top of your head and the back and sides, giving the illusion of fuller and more voluminous hair.
20. Undercut
The undercut haircut involves leaving the top hair long while keeping the back and sides short, often with a taper fade or completely shaved. This technique adds structure to the hair and works particularly well for thick or curly hair as it reduces volume and weight. It also creates a noticeable contrast between the top, back, and sides, giving the illusion of thicker and fuller hair. The undercut becomes the focal point of your haircut, diverting attention from the hairline.
Receding Hairline Top Tips
- Get advice from your barber, who can consider important factors to recommend a suitable look for you.
- Don’t shy away from trying new styles and embracing fresh ideas and suggestions. It’s never too late to step out of your comfort zone.
- Work with the natural texture of your hair instead of fighting against it. Discover a style that complements your hair type, rather than attempting to change it.
- Minimize the use of excessive heat styling, as it can worsen hair loss. Avoid styles that require straightening, curling, or chemical treatments.
- Explore hair regrowth solutions. Consider using topical solutions like Minoxidil, which can provide more styling options and help slow down the progression of a receding hairline.
Receeding Hairline Hairstyle FAQs
What is a receding hairline?
A receding hairline is a form of baldness, often due to androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern balding. It tends to be hereditary, passed down between generations. It sees hair loss around the front of your hair, often starting near the temples, which can worsen over time.
Is my hairline receding?
There are a few key indicators that your hairline is receding. If you start shedding a lot more hair than usual, this is usually the first sign that changes are happening. Shifts in how your hair behaves can also indicate a receding hairline, for example, if a cowlick is suddenly no longer causing you grief. Next, an uneven hairline is also a sign, as it often starts that way before forming a distinct M shape. Lastly, comparing older pictures of yourself will also show if you're starting to lose your hair. Because it's often genetic, you can look at your older male relatives or siblings to see what their hair is doing. If every man at the family reunion has a receding hairline, likely, you will too.
How to fix a receding hairline?
The first step is to identify why your hair is receding. It could be any number of causes, including androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern balding, stress, poor diet and lifestyle, a medical condition, or medication. Once you know, you'll be able to make corrective decisions. Options can include an improved diet, incorporating more protein, Omega 3, and vitamin C, as well as increasing your hydration and exercise. If that's not sufficient, hair growth products such as Nioxin and Rogaine are excellent options. As a last resort, hair transplants are a surgical option that moves hair follicles from one part of your scalp to the receding area.
Can receding hairline grow back?
As long as the follicles are intact, there is hope of reviving your locks. However, if the follicle is damaged, scarred, or has disappeared, unfortunately, you won't have much success. The most effective methods for regrowing hair are using hair growth products such as Nioxin and Rogaine. If that's not working, you can choose to try hair transplants, a surgical option that moves hair follicles from one part of your scalp to the thinning area.
Does Rogaine work for receding hairline?
If the follicles along your hairline are still intact, Rogaine, also known as minoxidil, can work. The key is consistent use. It works by stimulating blood flow to the scalp, ensuring the area is getting sufficient nutrients. Just remember that results can vary, and it may not work for everyone.
Roger Grinstead is a senior apparel designer for X2U with over 25 years of expertise in the fashion industry. He has expertise in menswear and womenswear trends and product development. When Roger is not designing the latest fashion garments, he enjoys writing about men's fashion, hairstyles, and grooming.
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