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Plus expert tips on promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss
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Dealing with a receding hairline can be disheartening, but know that you’re not alone—nearly half of all men and women experience some hair loss by the time they’re 50. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source This common issue is nothing to be embarrassed about, but it’s completely understandable if you want try a new hairstyle to feel more confident and help cover up any thinning areas. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of classic, trendy, and edgy looks for men and women that work with a receding hairline and make it less noticeable. We also spoke with certified hair loss practitioner and cosmetologist Courtney Foster to learn how to help reduce hair loss and promote growth. Read on to find out more!
Short & Long Hairstyles for a Receding Hairline
- Try a textured crop for a trendy, voluminous look.
- Opt for the classic buzz cut for a low-maintenance style.
- Try a faux hawk for a stylish look with an edge.
- Go for an asymmetrical bob for a dramatic, voluminous style.
- Opt for a brushed forward pixie for a timeless but edgy look.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Men’s Hairstyles for a Receding Hairline
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Textured crop With the trendy textured crop, you leave the front of your hair long and layered while shortening the sides and back with a low or mid fade. Simply use some pomade , gel , or wax to brush your hair forward into tousled or messy waves. [2] X Research source
- Why this style works : The longer hair on top adds volume and helps conceal any thinning areas along your hairline.
- This style is a good option if your hair recession is mild to moderate and you have thicker growth around your front and crown. It also looks especially great with textured, wavy, and curly hair.
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High fade A high fade shortens the back and sides of your hair starting at your temples, leaving the hair at the top and crown of your head long. This combo gives you a youthful, trendy, and dramatic look and allows you to style your hair in all sorts of ways, from a slick-backed style to a faux hawk. [3] X Research source
- For an even more dramatic look, opt for a bald fade. A bald fade trims your hair as close to your head as possible and can conceal your hairline better.
- Why this style works : The high fade at your temples helps blend and conceal your receding hairline. Leaving the top long allows you to cover up any thinning spots as needed.
- This style is a good option if you’re dealing with mild to moderate hair loss and your hair is growing nicely around the front and crown. This style looks great on all hair types.
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Faux hawk With the edgy faux hawk , you crop the sides and back of your hair short while leaving the hair along the top and crown at the same long length. Opt for a low, mid, or high fade, depending on the look you want. Then, use pomade or wax to style your hair upwards into bold spikes. [4] X Research source
- Why this style works : The faux hawk draws attention away from your hairline while the cropped sides and back help conceal it.
- This style is a good option if you’re dealing with mild to moderate hair recession and your hair still grows thickly along the top. It’s suitable for straight, wavy, curly, and textured hair.
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Buzz cut The buzz cut is a classic, low-maintenance style that trims your hair to a uniform stubble all across your head. It’s also a great cut to do yourself —just grab some quality clippers and opt for a #3, #2, or #1 guard. [5] X Research source
- Why this style works : Trimming your hair to a short, uniform length makes your receding hairline less noticeable by blending the rest of your hair with your scalp.
- This style is a good option if your hairline recession is mild, moderate, or more advanced. This classic cut also looks great on all hair types and face shapes.
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Caesar cut The Caesar cut is a trendy cut that’s on the rise. With this cut, you trim the hair at the front and crown of your head into short layers and add a short, blunt fringe. You can keep the sides and back shorter or opt for a more modern tapered fade. Then, comb your hair and fringe forward and keep it in place with pomade or wax . [6] X Research source
- Why this style works : The slightly longer, brushed forward top helps hide any recession at the front of your head while the fringe and layers add dimension and volume.
- This style is a good option if you have mild to moderate hair recession and any hair type.
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Short afro Let your hair grow out into an afro , trimming the top, crown, back, and sides to a uniform length. To style, lightly spray your hair with water to dampen it. Then, add in moisture by working oil (e.g., coconut, olive), shea butter , and/or leave-in conditioner into your scalp and ends. Use a wide tooth comb to detangle your hair and then go back through it with an afro pick . [7] X Research source
- Why this style works : Letting curly, textured hair grow out adds volume and helps conceal thinning around your hairline and temples.
- This style is a good option if you’re dealing with mild to moderate hair recession and have textured hair.
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Taper fade With the taper fade , you cut your hair short at your temples and gradually fade it into your neck down the sides and back of your head. You can opt for a low, mid, high, or bald fade, depending on the look you like. Then, keep the front and crown of your head shorter or longer depending on the styles you want to create. [8] X Research source
- Why this style works : The tapered fade helps blend your receding hairline in with the rest of your hair. The longer top also takes focus away from your hairline.
- This style is a good option if you have mild to moderate hair recession. It also looks great on all hair types: textured, straight, curly, and wavy.
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Crew cut For a timeless and low-maintenance cut, go for the crew cut. Trim the hair at the top of your head into a neat and uniform short length that tapers towards the back. Then, buzz the sides into a low fade. Use pomade or wax to style your hair, like into a brushed-up quiff or slicked back to the side. [9] X Research source
- Why this style works : The fading at the sides helps hide any hair recession at the temples. The longer hair on top also helps draw attention away from thinning areas.
- This style is a good option if you have mild to moderate hairline recession and don’t want to deal with a lot of upkeep. It also looks great on all hair types.
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French crop The French crop is a variation on the textured crop. With this cut, you leave the top and crown long and add a layered or choppy fringe, brushing the hair over your forehead. The sides and back are left short or trimmed into a fade for a trendy, modern look. [10] X Research source
- Why this style works : Brushing the longer hair at the front helps hide any thinning along your hairline. Adding a messy, tousled fringe also helps hide recession and gives your hair more volume.
- This style is a good option if you’re experiencing mild to moderate hairline recession. It’s also great if your hair is textured, wavy, or curly.
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Locs with fade You don’t have to get rid of your locs if your hairline is receding. For a trendy and bold look, trim the sides and back of your hair into a low, mid, or high fade. Then, keep the locs on top of your head short . [11] X Research source
- Why this style works : Adding a fade to the sides and back of your head helps disguise any hair recession. Short locs are also less heavy, which limits any potential hair loss from tension and helps draw attention away from your hairline.
- This style is a good option if your hairline recession is mild to moderate and you have textured hair.
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Straight hairline If your hairline is forming a widow’s peak or “M” shape, trim up your hairline so it forms a straight, even line. Use clippers to cut back the peak of your hairline so it’s in line with your temples. [12] X Research source
- Why this style works : Trimming back your widow’s peak gives the illusion that your hairline is straight and isn’t receding.
- This style is a good option if you’re dealing with mild hairline recession and only need to trim the peak a small amount.
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Long top with low fade The long top with low fade is a shaggier and less dramatic alternative to the high fade. With this style, you cut the front of your hair into mid to long layers. Then, you start the fade low around the nape of your neck. [13] X Research source
- Why this style works : Leaving your hair long and layered on the top adds volume and movement while helping you hide hair loss along your hairline.
- This style is a good option if you have mild to moderate hairline recession and can grow your hair out along the top of your head. This style looks great with straight, wavy, curly, and textured hair.
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Leo cut or mushroom cut The Leo or mushroom cut imitates Leonardo DiCaprio’s signature cut in the 90s. With this youthful and trendy cut, you trim the fringe and front of your hair into a long, uniform length with light layers. Then, you keep the sides and back short and part your hair down the center. [14] X Research source
- Why this style works : Adding a fringe and long layers helps you cover any thinning areas along your hairline.
- This style is a good option if you’re experiencing mild to moderate thinning. This style looks especially great on straight hair, though all hair types work with it.
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Brushed up quiff With the brushed up quiff , you keep the hair at the top of your head long while trimming the sides and back short, whether that’s into a subtle or dramatic fade. Then, use pomade or wax to brush the hair at the front up and over your hairline and into a stylish quiff—depending on the look you like, make it sleek and clean or edgy and spikey. [15] X Research source
- Why this style works : Styling the longer hair at the front into a quiff draws attention away from your hairline and adds volume.
- This style is a good option if you have mild to moderate thinning along your hairline and any hair type.
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Wolf cut The wolf cut is an ultra-trendy style that gives you a tousled, shaggy look. To get a wolf cut , cut your hair to a mid to long length and add lots of choppy layers. Then, part your hair in the center and add face-framing curtain bangs. To style the cut , scrunch your hair with mousse or gel for a wavy, tousled look or straighten it for an edgier look. [16] X Research source
- Why this style works : The choppy layers add volume and dimension while the curtain bangs help conceal thinning around your temples.
- This style is a good option if you’re dealing with mild to moderate hairline recession. This style looks great on straight, curly, and wavy hair.
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Military or regulation cut If you’re looking for a classic and low-maintenance style, opt for the military cut. Trim the top of your hair to a neat and uniform mid-length and buzz the sides and back of your head. Use pomade or wax to style your hair into a clean side part or brush it up into a spikey quiff. [17] X Research source
- Why this style works : Buzzing the sides of your head helps hide recession along your temples and hairline. Leaving your hair long on the top helps draw attention away from your hairline, too.
- This style is a good option if your hairline recession is mild to moderate and you want an easy-to-maintain style.
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Flat top The flat top is a more dramatic alternative to the military cut. With this cut, you keep hair at the top of your head to a short, uniform length. Then, you add an undercut at your temples and buzz the sides and back of your head. [18] X Research source
- Why this style works : Like the military cut, the buzzed sides help blend out any recession along your hairline.
- This style is a good option if the hairline recession you’re dealing with is mild to moderate. This style looks great on all hair types and textures.
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Long fringe The long fringe cut involves growing out your fringe and brushing it over your forehead. Or, use styling products to brush it up into a sleek bouffant or spiky faux hawk.
- Why this style works : Brushing your fringe over your hairline helps cover up any recession and thinning spots.
- This style is a good option if your hairline recession is mild to moderate and you have straight, wavy, curly, or textured hair.
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Layered mid-length cut To achieve this look, grow out your hair past your ears and add long, sleek layers or lots of short, choppy layers. Style your hair straight or use a texturizing spray to get a wavy, tousled look. Or, brush your hair into a bun . [19] X Research source
- Why this style works : Long, layered hair adds movement, dimension, and volume, helping to conceal your hairline. It also draws attention away from thinning areas.
- This style is a good option if the hairline recession you’re experiencing is mild to moderate and your hair still grows thickly on the top. This style looks great on straight, wavy, and curly hair.
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Undercut With an undercut , you keep the top long while shaving off the sides and back of your hair, starting at the temples. This cut gives you lots of room to play with bold and dramatic styles up top. For instance, slick your hair back for a classy look or braid your hair back for a tough Viking-like vibe. [20] X Research source
- Why this style works : The undercut helps hide recession along your temples while keeping your hair long on top draws away focus from thinning areas.
- This style is a good option if your hairline recession is mild to moderate and you have textured, straight, wavy, or curly hair.
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Surfer cut The surfer cut is the perfect, low-maintenance cut for a tousled and carefree vibe. You trim your hair to a medium length and add lots of shaggy, face-framing layers. [21] X Research source
- Why this style works : The long-length and choppy layers add volume and movement, helping to draw attention away from any hairline recession.
- This style is a good option if you’re dealing with mild to moderate recession and you have straight, wavy, or curly hair.
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Slick back cut With a slicked back cut , you keep the hair at the top of your head long and trim the sides and back shorter. Then, use pomade , gel , or wax to brush your hair back and over the spots where you see recession—this might be back toward your crown or over to one side. [22] X Research source
- Why this style works : Slicking back long hair helps you hide thinning spots while the shorter sides help them blend in.
- This style is a good option if your hairline recession is mild to moderate and you have any hair type.
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Side part While middle parts might be the current trend, styling your hair with a side part helps cover up thinning on one side of your head. Use a comb to create a deep part on one side of your head and brush the rest of your hair over.
- Why this style works : A deep side part helps you cover and hide thinning along your hairline while adding volume and dimension.
- This style is a good option if you’re dealing with mild to moderate hairline recession and have any hair type.
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Long layered cut For a more bold and dramatic look, grow out your hair to at least your shoulders. Then, cut in long layers or short, choppy ones. To style, straighten your hair, curl it, or spray it with a texturizing product for tousled waves.
- Why this style works : Long hair can draw focus away from your hairline. You can also style it to cover up any thinning areas, like forming a side part or slicking it back.
- This style is a good option if you have mild to moderate hairline recession and straight, wavy, or curly hair.
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Mohawk For an edgier look, go for a mohawk by creating an undercut along your temples and shaving off the hair at the back and sides of your head. This cut leaves a narrow strip of hair on the top. Use hairspray and gel to spike your hair up into the classic look. [23] X Research source
- Why this style works : Trimming off your hair along the sides conceals your receding hairline while the spiked hair on top draws attention away from it.
- This style is a good option if you have mild, moderate, or more advanced hairline recession. All hair types and textures can rock this look.
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Pompadour The pompadour is a classic, retro style where you keep the hair along the front of your head and your crown long. Then, you add a low or mid fade along the sides and back. To style the pompadour , apply some pomade to your wet hair. Then, brush your hair back with a round brush while drying it with a hair dryer. [24] X Research source
- Why this style works : Adding a fade around the temples helps make your receding hairline less noticeable. The pompadour itself adds volume around your hairline, helping to conceal any thinning areas, too.
- This style is a good option if you are dealing with mild to moderate hairline recession and have good hair coverage around your front and crown. It looks great on straight, wavy, curly, and textured hair.
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Curtain hair The curtain hairstyle is a mid-length cut where you add layers to the top section of your hair and keep it slightly longer than the sides and back. Then, part your hair in the middle to achieve the laid-back, swoopy curtain look. [25] X Research source
- Why this style works : The curtain fringe helps conceal thinning around your temples. The layered hair also adds volume and dimension and draws more attention to your face.
- This style is a good option if you have mild to moderate hairline recession and straight, wavy, or curly hair.
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Combover with shave Opt for an edgy version of the combover by completely buzzing the side of your head that has the most recession. Then, keep the hair on the other side of your head long. Use a pomade or wax to brush up your hair and add volume. Then, sweep it over to the side. [26] X Research source
- Why this style works : Buzzing one side of your head helps make your hairline recession less apparent. The voluminous combover also helps draw attention away from your hairline.
- This style is a good option if you’re experiencing mild to moderate hairline recession. It looks great if you have straight, wavy, or curly hair.
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Bleached hair Bleaching any haircut you have is a great way to change up your look and make a bold statement. Foster also recommends playing around with different colors (like red or blue) to express your style and help draw attention away from your hairline.
- Why this style works : Bold, dramatic colors help distract from any recession or thinning you’re experiencing. And if you have a lighter skin tone, bleached hair can make your hairline less noticeable.
- This style is a good option if you have mild, moderate, or more advanced recession. It looks great on all hair types and styles.
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Clean shave The clean shave is a timeless and manly cut that’s also the easiest to maintain. Remove the guard from your clippers to trim your hair to the skin . Then, lather your head with shaving cream and go over it with a clean razor to achieve an ultra-smooth look.
- Styling tip : Foster says the best way to rock a clean shave is to feel confident . For instance, grow a beard and keep it neat and trimmed to draw your focus there. Or, accessorize with earrings, nose rings, or other facial jewelry.
- Why this style works : Opting for a clean shave completely gets rid of any hairline recession, leaving you worry-free about having to hide it.
- This style is a good option if you’re dealing with mild, moderate, or more advanced hairline recession.
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Section 2 of 3:
Women’s Hairstyles for a Receding Hairline
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Long bangs Grow out your bangs to around your eyebrows or slightly past them. Then, cut them depending on the style you like. Go with blunt bangs for a classic, chic look or choppy, layered bangs for a trendy, edgy vibe. [27] X Research source
- Why this style works : Long bangs help hide any recession along your hairline and part. They also add volume and dimension, drawing attention away from any thinning areas.
- This style is a good option if you have mild to moderate hairline recession and straight, curly, wavy, or textured hair.
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Layers with curtain bangs Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, cut in long or choppy layers to add movement and bounce. Then, add curtain bangs to frame your face and give you an attractive tousled look.
- Why this style works : The curtain bangs around your face help conceal any thinning areas and draw attention to your face, while the layers add volume and dimension to your hair.
- This style is a good option if you’re dealing with mild to moderate recession and have any hair type.
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Asymmetrical bob With the edgy asymmetrical bob, you cut your hair at or above your shoulders and trim it so it's slightly shorter in the back. Then, trim one side so it’s subtly or dramatically shorter than the other. To style your bob , part your hair in a deep side part and wear it straight, wavy, or curly. [28] X Research source
- Why this style works : The asymmetrical shape and side part add volume and help hide areas of recession.
- This style is a good option if your hairline recession is mild to moderate and you have any hair type or texture.
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Brushed forward pixie The pixie cut is a timeless style where you trim your hair to just above your ears. Then, keep the hair at the front and crown of your head slightly longer and add lots of wispy layers. To style it, use pomade , gel , or wax to brush your hair forward over your hairline into lightly tousled waves.
- Why this style works : Brushing your hair forward helps hide any recession you’re dealing with, while the shorter style helps make thinning areas less apparent.
- This style is a good option if you’re experiencing mild to moderate hairline recession. It looks great on all face shapes and hair types.
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Waves or curls If you usually style your hair straight, change it up with some voluminous waves or curls! To get wavy hair , scrunch your locks with mousse or texturizing spray , or leave your hair in braids or a bun overnight. To curl your hair , use a curling iron, straightening iron, or rollers. [29] X Research source
- Always apply a heat protectant on your hair before using heat to protect it.
- Why this style works : Waves and curls both add volume and dimension to your hair, helping to make any recession or thinning less visible.
- This style is a good option if you have mild to moderate hairline recession. These styles work best on naturally wavy or curly hair, though any hair type can achieve them.
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Buzzcut For an ultra-bold and edgy look, opt for a buzzcut. This maintenance-free look is a great way to show off your individuality and express your unique style at any age. Consider bleaching your hair or dyeing it a bright color for extra drama.
- Why this style works : Buzzing your hair short helps make any recession along your hairline less noticeable. It also puts more focus on your face, leaving you with lots of room to play with bold makeup looks and jewelry.
- This style is a good option if you have mild, moderate, or more advanced hairline recession.
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