Thinning hair and receding hairlines are some of the most common (and most frustrating) problems men encounter as they age. Since hair loss depends mostly on genetics, there’s no need to break the bank on expensive regrowth treatments or pills that claim to reverse hair loss miraculously.
With the right hairstyles for thin hair, men can easily disguise hair loss.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, you’ve probably had a few nightmares about the long scraggly combovers and wiry ponytails associated with thinning hair. If you try too hard to hide your hair loss, you’re destined to make it look worse. But fear not, there are plenty of modern haircuts that can stylishly disguise thin hair. For most men, shorter hairstyles make thin hair and receding hairlines less noticeable than longer ones.
Below, we’ve listed five of the best hairstyles for men with thin hair, ranging from short to medium length. We’ve also highlighted a few of our favorite products designed for thinning hair.
Don’t hide your hair loss; embrace it with these hairstyles for men with thin hair!
1. Buzz Cut
Best For: Receding hairlines and general hair loss
Hiding thinning hair can take a lot of effort. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time or money on your hair, stick to a basic buzzcut. This simple haircut is easy to style and doesn’t require much upkeep, making it the perfect low maintenance hairstyle for men with thin hair. A buzz cut— the generic term for a short, buzzed hairstyle— can be done at a variety of lengths identified by blade number. A quick chat with your barber can help you find the perfect length. Because the hairs are kept super short in a buzz cut, they easily disguise thin spots and give the appearance of more evenly distributed hair. This tried-and-true style looks great on men of any age, hair type, and thickness.
2. Crew Cut
Best For: Receding hairlines
A military-style crew cut is one of the best hairstyles for hiding receding hairlines — particularly for men whose hair loss is concentrated around the temple. In this popular hairstyle, the hair is tapered on the sides and back, but left slightly longer on top. The tight fade on the sides give the appearance of a more even hairline along the sides of your head.
How long you keep the top is purely up to personal preference. While some men keep all of the hair on top the same length, others keep the front slightly longer. In a traditional crew cut, the hair on top is kept around an inch long.
3. Textured Crop
Best For: Receding hairlines & thin hair on top of head
If you prefer your hair to have a more European feel, a textured crop — also known as a Caesar cut — is the perfect choice. In this hairstyle, the hair on top of your head is left around an inch longer than the sides. Traditionally, the sides are not tapered, but nowadays, many men prefer to add a slight fade (known as a Caesar fade). As the name suggests, a textured crop means you can keep longer hair on top a bit messier.
Using a lightweight styling cream can also add texture and volume without adding stiffness. Play around with the direction you comb as well as the height to find what best disguises your thinnest spots.
Our Favorite: Living Proof Amp Instant Texture Volumizer
4. Swept Back Pompadour
Best For: Thinning at the crown
A swept-back hairstyle is a great way to disguise thinning hair on the top of your head and on your crown. In this hairstyle, the longer hair on top is swept back over the thin patches, helping them appear thicker. For a more modern look, add a fade — shortly tapered hair that “fades” into the skin— on the sides.
To make your pompadour appear fuller, style your hair using a lightweight mousse. Unlike heavy creams and hair gels, mousse adds body without weighing down your hair.
Since hair is swept back from the hairline, this style is not recommended for men looking to disguise a receding hairline. Instead, some men like to sweep the pompadour to the side to cover part of the hairline.
Our Favorite: CAVIAR Anti-Aging Clinical Densifying Styling Mousse
5. Mop Top
Best For: Receding hairlines and thinning hair around the front
With most hairstyles for thin hair, men keep their hair quite short. If you’re looking to disguise hair loss without sacrificing your long hair, try a mop-top. In this versatile hairstyle, the hair is medium length or longer and is swept across the forehead. Be sure to sweep downwards, then over, when combing your hair across your forehead to avoid the dreaded combover look.
Since the hair is left longer, this hairstyle is perfect for curly or wavy hair. To help your hair appear thicker, try using a thickening shampoo and conditioner to improve hair density and further prevent hair loss.
Our Favorite: Christophe Robin Thickening Shampoo