A receding hairline is a common occurrence, especially in men. It happens when the hair thins out around the temples, which often gives an M-shaped appearance. While nothing can stop the inevitability of ageing, many men and women opt for hair restoration options to try and fix their receding hairlines, and one of the simplest ways is by getting a haircut that hides it.
While there are plenty of great hairstyles that can hide a receding hairline, the opposite is also true – there are some haircuts that should never be worn by those whose hair is thinning at the front. If you’ve noticed your hairline is further back than usual and you want to hide it, we have listed the hairstyles you should absolutely avoid below.
How to Tell if You Have a Receding Hairline
Is your hairline actually receding, or do you naturally have an M-shaped hairline that’s been with you forever? Sometimes, it’s hard to tell, so here are some ways to determine whether a hair loss treatment is a necessary measure to stave off ongoing hair loss:
Look at Old Photos
The simplest way to see whether your hairline is receding is to look at old photos of yourself, preferably ones that showcase your hairline. In this digital age, there’s a big chance you have plenty of pictures to look back on! Then, compare those photos with the mirror; if your hairline looks further back than it did in the photos, you have a receding hairline.
Check for Hair Fallout
Another good way to determine whether you have a receding hairline is by checking for hair fallout. Do more strands come out of your head when you’re styling your hair? Have you noticed your drains are more clogged with hair than usual? If so, this points to signs of hair loss.
Compare with the Norwood Scale
The Norwood Scale [1] is a widely used hair loss classification system that showcases the stages of hair loss, focusing mainly on the hairline and crown. By looking at the Norwood Scale and comparing it to your own hairline, you can determine whether you are experiencing hair loss. For example, if you are on a Norwood Scale 5, you likely have a receding hairline.
The Worst Receding Hairline Haircuts
So, you have examined your strands in the mirror and have determined that, yes, your hairline is definitely further back than it ever was before, and you want to do whatever you can to hide it. If so, here are the worst receding hairline haircuts you should avoid at all costs.
The Combover
In previous years, one of the go-to hairstyles for men trying to hide their hair loss was the combover. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t work so well; in fact, it only highlights the receding hairline even further. That’s because the combover still showcases the baldness underneath, and that glimpse of hair loss is very eye-catching.
A Tight Ponytail
If you have any form of hair loss – including a receding hairline – you will want to avoid a tight ponytail. A tight ponytail takes your strands and pulls them to the back, exposing any hair loss at the front. It’s like holding a light to your thinning areas and writing a sign saying, “Look here!”. There are far better hair-up options out there.
High Pompadour
A high pompadour is a stand-out hairstyle for men that involves combing back the hair in a puffed-up, voluminous fashion, which is further highlighted by the short back and sides. This hairstyle requires a lot of hair density and thickness. Therefore, it’s not a good option for those with a thinning and receding hairline.
Dreadlocks or Braids
Dreadlocks or braids can be excellent no-fuss hairstyles, but they come with a catch – they tend to tug and pull on the hair follicles and cause hair loss, which is called traction alopecia. If you already have a receding hairline, the last thing you want to do is put more stress on your locks and end up being further along The Norwood Scale! This makes it one of the worst receding hairline haircuts.
A Pulled Back Bun
Did you know that ballerina baldness is a real thing? It’s true – ballerinas who consistently wear pulled-back buns (often held in place with lots of hairspray) experience traction alopecia due to the too-tight hairstyle pulling on the strands, much like dreadlocks or braids. This makes it a bad idea for anyone experiencing hair loss at the front. Not only that, but a pulled-back bun will expose any recession.
What Are The Better Receding Hairline Haircuts?
You now know the worst receding hairline haircuts, but what about the good ones? Don’t worry – there are plenty of hairstyle options that will work for even far back recession. If your receding hairline is getting you down, these are the hairstyles to try out instead:
- Faux Hawk
- Buzz Cut
- Long Crew Cut
- Wolf Cut
- Caesar Cut
- High Fade
- Slicked Back
- A Side Part
Finding a Good Barber
It’s not just about the hairstyle you choose; it’s also about finding the right barber or hairdresser to work with your hair. The best hair stylists know what works for each person who sits in their chair, and they work with any amount of hair loss to create a hairstyle that is the most flattering. If you haven’t found your go-to barber or hairdresser yet, it helps to ask around or look at reviews. Once you find the right one, you will never go anywhere else!
Preventing Receding Hairlines
Do you have a receding hairline and want to stop it going back further? Perhaps you have not yet noticed hair loss but are determined to prevent it. The good news is there are some habits you can get into now to help keep your hairline for as long as possible.
Manage Your Stress: Stress plays a significant role in how your locks look. If you are too stressed, expect more hair loss. So, to keep your hairline for as long as possible, implement stress-busting habits into your daily life, such as exercising regularly.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet can help keep your locks in place. Think of lots of vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich foods.
Look After Your Tresses: Looking after your hair can help it look great for longer. Avoid tight hairstyles and develop a nourishing hair care routine. You can even use a hair track app to keep in the know about your hair’s growth and overall health.
Remember, though, that there’s no true way to prevent a receding hairline if you are genetically predisposed to lose your hair. It’s an unfortunate truth, but don’t worry – there are some great ways to treat hair loss other than adapting your hairstyle.
Treating Receding Hairlines
Most men will notice a receding hairline at some point in their lives, so it’s a good idea to know what to do when it occurs. Here are some treatment options.
Hair Loss Medications: Hair loss medications like finasteride and minoxidil can help regrow hair that has been lost due to androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride is only for men, but both men and women can use minoxidil, which is available over the counter.
PRP Therapy: PRP therapy (platelet-rich plasma therapy) is a unique type of treatment that takes the patient’s own blood and then readministers it. It has been proven as an effective hair loss treatment, [2] helping people regrow their hair, including at the hairline. Costs vary, but you can expect to pay over £300 for a single session.
Wigs and Hair Pieces: Another way to hide a receding hairline is to wear a wig or a hairpiece. While they looked obvious in the past, these days, you can find natural-looking wigs that will look just like your own hair. They are very popular, and no one will ever know! However, you would need to put it on and then take it off again every day.
Hair Transplant: A hair transplant is an extremely effective hair restoration option. It’s a minimally invasive surgical procedure that harvests hair follicles from one area of the scalp (where there is healthy hair growth) and then grafts them into the balding area, such as the temples. Many men and women experience excellent results, with hair regrowth lasting for a lifetime.
Worst Haircuts for Receding Hairline: Final Thoughts
Not every hairstyle suits every person. If you have a receding hairline, you want to avoid hairstyles that highlight temple hair loss, and they include slicked-back buns and combovers. You also want to keep away from hairstyles that tug too hard at the hair follicles, as those styles will only worsen the hair loss over time. The good news is there are plenty of excellent hairstyles for receding hairlines, as well as hair restoration treatments that can help you regrow your locks.
Are you interested in starting your hair restoration journey? Let our hair specialists help you. Get in touch or check out our patients gallery to see what we can do for you.
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