The Best Haircuts For Thinning Hair

As they age, many men notice their hair getting thinner and their hairlines starting to recede, and wonder if baldness isn't far off. Although not as common, women can have thinning hair as well. If you're seeing less hair in the mirror, be proactive and select a hairstyle that works with your thinning hair.

Short or Shaved Men's Hair

According to Dr. Michael Lehrer, M.D., most men's hair recedes in a similar pattern, with the hair beginning to thin toward the crown or top of the head. The sides of the front of the hair then begin to recede, creating "peaks" of hair loss. Depending on your comfort with the receding hair, you can simply shave your head to an 1/8-inch, leaving some hair on the top of your head. If your hair continues to recede completely at the top of your head, consider a total shave of the head, using a razor, for the Patrick Stewart look.

If you only have some receding at the peak and crown, you can wear your hair short and cropped, just as actor Jude Law wears his hair. MensFlair.com suggests that keeping your hair short and close to the scalp will make your hair appear less thin, because light will not shine through your hair as much.

Medium Length Men's Hair

Having a medium-length hairstyle is more appropriate for men with thinning hair that is just beginning to be apparent. In this scenario, there is some hair loss at the crown, but mostly hair is receding at the peaks of your head. Hair can be cut to leave it longer in the front and combed to one side, covering the receding peaks.

According to the Style Lounge at IloveIndia.com, risk-takers can try what it calls a "Faux Hawk" cut, which is a Mohawk that keeps the sides longer. By incorporating some of the hair from the sides of your head, you can pull it up and over the receding areas in the front and back.

Long and Messy Men's Hair

The Style Lounge also suggests that when you begin to notice the peaks occurring, or feel a spot of baldness at the crown of your head, you can opt for growing your hair longer. The longer your hair, the more of it you can use to "mess up" and put over the thinning areas of your hair. This creates an illusion of thicker hair. Again, this style is more appropriate for men who aren't afraid to be bold and have less formal work environments.

Women's Hair

LatestHairStyles.com suggests that women who have thinning hair should, like men, keep their hair short, because longer thin hair tends to look brittle and sparse. Keep your hair at chin length or shorter, and accentuate the style by growing your bangs slightly longer. Adding a curl to the ends will give the appearance of thicker hair.

If you decide to keep your hair longer, it is best to select a style that pulls the hair upward, making it look fuller. LatestHairStyles.com suggests putting your hair in thick braids or a trendy "updo" to make the most of thinning hair.

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