Even though it’s often just a natural part of getting older, nobody wants thinning hair. It can affect your confidence and make you feel embarrassed. But it doesn’t have to! There are things you can do to help hide any balding areas you’re dealing with.

Here are 10 effective ways you can hide baldness.

1

Switch up your hairstyle.

  1. The right hairstyle can really help hide the appearance of thinning hair. While it may seem like cutting your hair would make it look thinner, it’s actually the opposite. Longer hair can look stringy if your hair is thinning. A good haircut can help draw attention away from thinning areas. Visit your barber, salon, or hairstylist for a cut that can help hide any baldness you’re dealing with.[1]
    • If you have long hair, consider a cut that falls at your collarbone or shorter. A bob, blunt cut, or even a pixie cut can help make thinning areas less noticeable.
    • If you have short hair, the shorter you cut it, the better. Especially on the sides of your head, which can help draw attention away from the thinning hair on top of your head.[2]
    • If you have a hairstyle that’s an even length all over, the thinner areas will be more noticeable.
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2

Dry your hair with a blow dryer.

  1. Blow dryers add volume to your hair and make it look thicker. Avoid air-drying, which can cause strands to fall straight and make thinning hair look even thinner. Steer clear of towel-drying as well, which can tug and pull at your hair, potentially leading to more hair loss. Instead, use hot air to dry your hair, which will lift and separate strands and make it look thicker.[3]
    • You can also use a blow dryer to help style your hair as you dry it.
    • Keep the blow dryer constantly moving over your hair and hold it about 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) away so you don’t damage your hair. You can also apply a heat protectant spray to your hair before blow drying it so it doesn't get damaged.
7

Use minoxidil or Propecia.

  1. These have been proven to be effective products for hair loss. Both minoxidil and Propecia have been clinically trialed and scientifically proven to slow down further hair loss for many people. Minoxidil comes as a liquid or a foam product that you rub into your scalp. Propecia is a drug that you take in tablet form. Both of these products stop working if you stop using them. Talk to your doctor to see if they’re right for you.[8]
    • Avoid “magical cures” such as castor oil or vitamin B products that claim to reverse hair loss but aren’t backed by scientific research.
    • Check with your doctor before you try minoxidil or Propecia to make sure they’re safe for you.
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8

Get hair transplants.

  1. Transplants can allow you to regrow your hair. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves extracting hair follicles from an area of your scalp with the hair still grows, such as the back or the sides. The follicles are then transplanted in balding areas.[9] Once you heal from the procedure, you can regrow hair in those areas. Make an appointment with a surgeon who can perform the procedure to see if you’re a good candidate.[10]
    • Hair transplants must be done by professional surgeons and can cost between $5,000-$20,000 USD.[11]
    • You often need to take special medications after your procedure to promote hair growth.

Warnings

  • Don’t take any prescription hair loss medication without talking to your doctor first.
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About This Article

Edward S. Kwak, MD
Co-authored by:
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
This article was co-authored by Edward S. Kwak, MD. Edward S. Kwak, MD is a Dual Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and the Owner of ESKMD Facial Plastic Surgery based in New York City. After earning an MD from the Indiana University School of Medicine, Dr. Kwak completed an Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery) residency at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery under Dr. Russell Kridel at the University of Texas Medical Center in Houston. He is a member of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a Diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery. Furthermore, Dr. Kwak is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Kwak has been awarded a Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor, Newbeauty Top Beauty Doctor, New York Super Doctor, NY Top Doc, and an Expert Injector award. This article has been viewed 299,962 times.
13 votes - 54%
Co-authors: 37
Updated: August 25, 2021
Views: 299,962
Categories: Hair Loss
Article SummaryX

If you want to hide your baldness, keep your hair as volumized as possible, since flat hair will emphasize any bald spots. Consider switching to a volumizing shampoo, which will prevent product-buildup that can weight down your hair. Avoid using hair gel or other heavy products, and instead, blow-dry and round brush your hair to style it up and away from your scalp. Alternatively, go for a shorter hairstyle if you’re a guy because longer hair gets weighed down and lays flat. For larger bald spots, cover your head with a hat or scarf, which has the added benefit of protecting your head from the sun. To learn more, like how to hide thinning hair as a woman, read on.

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