Plus styling tips for thinning hair from expert stylists
Having thin hair can seem like a challenge at any age, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up on style. We’re bringing you the best haircuts for all types of hair thinning—from thinning at the top and crown to receding at the temples and hairline. We also talked to professional hair stylists for tips on styling your hair into the best look for you.
Top-Recommended Haircuts for Men With Thinning Hair
- Buzz cut
- Flat top
- Caesar
- Short and messy
- Brushed forward
- Comb over
- Slick-back
Steps
Section 1 of 7:
Best Haircuts for Thinning Hair
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Buzz cut Buzz cuts are a great option for thinning hair because the barely-there stubble will help conceal spots that are thinning or balding, but you still get the confidence of having hair. Just use a 0–2 guard over your whole head so your hair is the same length all over—you still get the confidence of having hair, but it’s about as low-maintenance as it gets. There’s almost no styling required, and you won’t need to touch it up as often as you would if you shaved your head completely. [1] X Research source
- This style is best for: Anyone with thinning hair or bald spots—especially if you’re looking for something easy to take care of. This style works especially well if you have an oval, oblong, or rectangular face.
- Try a buzz cut with a beard. A neat, cropped style like a buzz cut looks great with a well-groomed beard.
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2Flat top buzzcut A flat top is like a regular buzz cut, but the hair on top is cut flat with a little extra height. It looks great with or without facial hair, and it’s a low-maintenance look that doesn’t require much styling. [2] X Research source
- This style is best for: Like a buzz cut, the flat top is a great option for anyone who’s dealing with thinning hair. It’s an ultra-masculine look that can elongate shorter faces—but the added volume on top can be a bit much if you have a long face.
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3Crew cut If you want a little more length than a buzz cut, a crew cut may be the next best thing. Crew cuts are cut extremely short on the back and sides but left a little longer from the crown forward. This can give you a little volume and texture on top, and since the hair is still pretty short all over, it’s a good way to disguise thin spots. [3] X Research source
- This style is best for: This is a versatile style that’s good if your hair is thinning at the temples, at the front of your hairline, or at your crown. It works especially well to soften angular faces, like square or heart-shaped.
- Try a crew cut with a bald fade for a classic look that’s still a little edgy.
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4Regulation cut Follow the military’s lead with this cut that meets their strict regulations—short on top and shorter on the sides, with no hair touching your ears or collar. “Regulation cut” is a broad term that can include the crew cut and high and tight. If you ask for this from your barber, you’ll typically get a short cut that suits your face and hair texture. [4] X Research source
- This style works best for: Anyone who wants a clean-cut look. It works especially well on oval faces.
- Make it yours: Let your barber or stylist know where you’d like your taper or fade to start, how long you want your hair to be, and how sharp or subtle you want the transition between the top and sides. Or, even better, ask for their advice!
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5Ivy league The Ivy League is a polished cut that’s usually worn parted on the side or pushed slightly back in the front. The top is left just a little longer than the back and sides, which are worn neat. The extra length and volume on the top is a great way to hide thinning hair, and the whole look is neat, professional, and entirely classic. [5] X Research source
- This style is best for: The Ivy League is good for disguising thinning at the top and crown, and it can work if your hair is receding at the temples. But it needs a little length in the front, so it may not work if your hairline is receding. It can work on any face shape, especially oval and rectangular.
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6Business cut A business cut is worn longer on the top and short and neat at the temples and sides. It’s a professional-looking cut that can be styled pushed back or to one side, and it looks great with a neatly-trimmed beard or goatee. [6] X Research source
- This style is best for: Almost anyone can rock a business cut—it’s a simple, straightforward cut that’s suitable for any setting, and it looks good even with most receding hairlines. It works for any face shape, including round, square, oblong, and oval.
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7Caesar The Caesar cut is a classic masculine cut where the hair is worn forward and the fringe is cut in a horizontal line across the forehead. The top is slightly textured, which can add a little volume. And it’s low-maintenance—you can add a little product for added volume and texture if you’d like, but it’s not essential. [7] X Research source
- This style is best for: Because the hair is pushed forward, it’s especially good at disguising hair that’s receding at the temples and hairline. It can also help hide thinning at the top of the head. It looks great on any face shape.
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8French crop The French crop is a cut with short, textured layers on top and neatly-cropped hair on the sides and back. Wear the top slightly tousled—a little matte pomade or texturizing powder will help—to create volume and movement that will disguise thin spots. [8] X Research source
- This style is best for: Because the layers can be cut strategically, the French crop works for most types of thinning hair. It’s also versatile enough to work with any face shape.
- Style tip: With a crop, you can push the hair forward, to one side, or toward the back, giving you some flexibility to cover the areas where your hair is thinnest.
- This style might also be called a textured crop or a layered crop.
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9High and tight with beard The high and tight is worn very short on the back and sides, then subtly blended into a slightly longer length on top. The top can be slightly textured to add a little volume and movement that will help make thinning areas less obvious. And while you don’t have to rock a beard with this style, it’s especially well-suited for one. [9] X Research source
- This style is best for: Almost anyone with thinning hair, including moderately receded hairlines—as long as you have enough hair on top for consistent coverage. High and tight haircuts look good on oval, square, diamond, and oblong faces, but they can make round and heart-shaped faces look wider.
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10Short afro If your hair is naturally coily or curly, wearing it in a short afro style can give you the appearance of fullness and volume. Consider keeping the back and sides cropped a little shorter—if they’re worn long, it may be more obvious that the hair on the side of your head is fuller than the hair on top, drawing attention to the thinning areas.
- This style is best for: Anyone with naturally curly or coily hair that’s starting to thin at the top and crown. It may not work as well if your hairline is receding at the temples or across the front. Short afros can be shaped to flatter any face shape.
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11Brushed-up curls If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to style your curls straight upward. Use a little matte pomade or volumizing mousse for hold and to tame frizz, then enjoy the full volume of your natural curls. [10] X Research source
- This is best for: Anyone with naturally wavy or curly hair, especially if you have a square or oval face.
- Keep the sides a little shorter—try to concentrate the volume on top of your head.
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12Short and spiky Spiking your hair can be a great way to create the illusion that your hair is thick and full, especially if you use texturizing products for hold. To make the look modern and cool, pair it with a low, mid, or high fade—the fade will add structure and style, and it may help draw the eye away from any thinning spots. [11] X Research source
- This is best for: Anyone who has thinning at the temple, top, or crown. It may not work as well if you have a receding hairline. The volume and direction of the spikes can be adjusted to balance any face shape.
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13Short and messy Keep your hair a little longer on top, then have your stylist scissor-cut it to add messy, tousled texture. This will create the illusion that your hair is thicker and fuller on top—and if the sides are neat and short, the whole thing will look put-together. [12] X Research source
- This is best for: This is a great option if your hair is receding at the temples, and it can hide moderate thinning at the top and crown. This cut can be styled so it works with any face shape.
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14Mid-length with texture If you’re just starting to experience some thinning, try growing your hair out to about mid-length—maybe 2–4 in (5.1–10.2 cm). Then, ask your stylist or barber to scissor-cut the top to add texture. This will help create dimension, and your hair can be directed to cover up the thinner areas.
- This is best for: Someone whose hair is just beginning to thin, especially if it’s limited to one area, like the temples or top.
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15Widow’s peak with taper If your hair is receding at the temples, it can create the look of a widow’s peak, or an M-shaped hairline. Lean into this with a cut that leaves your hair longer on top—style it pushed back or to one side—and tapered neatly on the sides. This style doesn’t necessarily disguise thinning hair. Instead, it works with what you have to create a stylish look that’s all you. [13] X Research source
- This is best for: Anyone with an M-shaped hairline, especially if you have an oval or heart-shaped face.
- This is a distinguished but casual style that works great with or without a beard.
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16Brushed forward fringe Keep your hair cut close on the sides and back and leave the top front just a little longer. When you style your hair, brush the top part forward and upward for lift and volume. [14] X Research source
- This is best for: Anyone who’s just starting to experience a thinning hairline or thinness at the top or crown. The hair that’s brushed forward will help emphasize the fullness in that area while detracting from thinner spots. The direction and length of the hair can be customized to suit any face shape.
- For even more volume, ask for a textured fringe, choppy fringe, or messy fringe. Your barber or stylist will scissor-cut the front part of your hair to add texture.
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17Side-swept/Comb-over If you have a receding hairline or your hair is thinning on top, wearing your hair swept to one side (often called a comb-over ) can create volume and hide thinner areas. Have your barber or stylist crop your hair shorter on the sides, then cut your hair with a side part. This works especially well if your hair is wavy or curly, since you’ll have more volume, but it works with straight hair too. [15] X Research source
- This style is best for: Anyone with thinning hair, as long you have enough on top for full coverage. This versatile cut can be adapted to balance any heart-shape.
- Style tip: Avoid gels or other styling products that will make your hair clump together, and don’t comb your hair too tightly across your head—this will only emphasize the thinning areas. Instead, use volumizing products that will create a lot of lift for better coverage.
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18Textured, side-swept fringe If your hair is just starting to recede at the hairline or temples, grow out a fringe (which means it’s longest at the top in the front). Ask your barber or stylist to add a little texture for movement and dimension, then wear your hair swept to the side. This can help hide thinner areas—although it can make significant thinning more obvious.
- Someone who’s just starting to experience hair loss in the front.
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19Soft shaggy cut A shaggy cut is a longer, flowing cut with lots of layers. It’s cool, modern, and a little edgy—and the layers add movement and volume that can help disguise thinning hair. [16] X Research source
- This style is best for: If you’re experiencing thinning on the sides or just starting to see receding at your temples, a shaggy cut can help create a fuller look. This cut is especially suited to soften the strong angles of a square, diamond, or heart-shaped face.
- This style is also known as a wolf cut.
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20Bro flow The bro flow is a wavy style that’s longer on the top, with slightly shorter layers on the side. If your hair has a naturally wavy texture, growing it out can help add volume and draw attention away from thinning areas. Wear your hair pushed back away from your face, but with some volume at the top, and have your barber create texture with scissors. [17] X Research source
- This style is best for: Anyone with wavy hair who has moderate thinning at the crown or temples. It works especially well to soften square, rectangular, or heart-shaped faces, but can be shaped to suit any face shape.
- Style tip: Let your hair air dry or blow dry it with a diffuser to bring out your naturally wavy texture, and use lightweight styling creams to preserve the volume in your hair.
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21Mop top The mop top is a casual, messy style with long layers that are worn pushed slightly forward. The layers create volume and the length helps disguise thinning areas. Use a little sea salt spray or texturizing powder to add more volume and texture, but avoid heavy styling products that will make the style look piecey and thin. [18] X Research source
- This style is best for: Someone with a rectangular or oblong face—the long layers will help soften harsh edges without making the face appear too round.
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22Slicked back Wearing your hair slicked back can help disguise thinning spots, especially if you style it loose—not overly tight against your head. Wear the sides shorter and the front a bit longer for a look that’s modern and perfect for all ages. [19] X Research source
- Curly slick backs are a great option for taming your natural curls while focusing the volume where you need it most.
- This style is best for: Slicked back styles are great if your hair is receding at the temples or at the crown, but it may not be best if your hairline is significantly receding in the front. Oval faces are particularly suited for a slicked-back style.
- How to style it: Use a brush or your fingers to direct your hair up and back while you dry it. Use products like matte styling cream that will add hold while still allowing some movement.
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23Slicked back with undercut A slick back with disconnected undercut is the perfect blend of retro meets edgy. The longer, slicked-back portion on top of your head will help disguise thinning, while the undercut creates a sharp contrast with the shorter sides. [20] X Research source
- This style is best for: Someone who’s thinning toward their crown but still has fullness in the front.
- Style tip: Avoid combing your hair too tightly toward the back of your head. Not only can this emphasize thin areas, but tight slick-back styles may contribute to further hair loss.
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24Slicked back curls If you have naturally curly hair, grow out your curls, then brush them back. The natural volume of your curls will help make thinness look less noticeable—and it can even work with thinning that’s past the point of disguising.
- This style is best for: Someone with curly hair who still has some volume on top.
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25Long waves While shorter hair is usually the go-to for disguising thinning or balding, long hair can sometimes work, too. Grow out your hair (be sure to get regular trims to avoid split ends), and when it’s long enough, part it on the side to create the illusion of fullness. [21] X Research source
- This style is best for: This works best if your thinning is concentrated on the top of your head. It may draw attention to thinning at the temples, crown, or hairline. The volume can be adjusted to flatter any face shape.
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26Pompadour A pompadour is worn high and pushed back, so it’s a great option for making your hair look thicker and fuller at the top. Pair it with a taper or fade on the sides for a look that’s sleek and modern, then style it up and back. [22] X Research source
- This style is best for: Anyone whose hair is thinning at the top or temples. It may not work as well if your hairline has receded significantly. Pompadours can be adjusted for any face shape but work especially well on angular shapes, like square or diamond.
- Style tip: Use matte pomade for a more modern look that will help your hair look thicker.
- If your hair is curly: A curly pompadour can be a great way to take advantage of your hair’s natural volume.
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27Quiff A quiff is a great way to take advantage of the hair you do have to disguise spots where it’s thinning. Styling your hair upward makes your hair look full and thick, especially near the front. Quiffs look especially modern paired with a taper of fade. [23] X Research source
- This style is best for: If your hair is thinning on top but still full near the hairline, a quiff is a great option for making your hair seem thicker. The height and volume of the quiff can easily be shaped to balance any face shape.
- Style tip: Use a round brush to move your hair up and back as you blowdry, and add products like sea salt spray or matte pomade for hold and texture.
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28Faux hawk You don’t have to sacrifice your edgy style just because your hair is thinning. A faux hawk adds volume at the top to hide thinning spots, and the close-cropped sides and back create contrast. [24] X Research source
- This style is best for: A faux hawk is an especially good option if your hair is thinning at the sides or temples, or for minor receding at the hairline. The added height on top is especially great for round, square, and oval faces.
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29Clean-shaved with beard or goatee Sometimes the easiest option for dealing with hair loss is just to lean into it and shave your head. It can feel like a big step at first, but a lot of guys find that they really love it once they make the jump. Growing a beard or goatee can create a new focal point on your face, which may help make the transition easier. [25] X Research source
- This style is best for: Anyone with a generally symmetrical face, or who rocks a killer beard.
EXPERT TIPLicensed CosmetologistCourtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.When you’re bald, the focus is on your beard. Make sure your beard is lined up, shaped, and combed. If your beard isn’t well-kept, then you won’t look well-kept.
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30Ponytail or top knot If you like to wear your hair a little longer, consider pulling it back into a ponytail or bun. This can help hide thinning hair at the top of your head or your crown—but don’t pull your hair too tight, as it could lead to worsening hair loss. [26] X Research source
- This style is best for: Someone with thinning toward the back or crown, but still has fullness in the front.
- If your hairline recedes significantly, a ponytail or man bun may draw attention to the fact that you’re balding. But some guys do choose to rock this look anyway. If that’s your thing, we say go for it.
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31Mid or high fade Fades aren’t exactly a style on their own—they refer to the way the sides and back are cut, and they can be combined with almost any other cut on this list. High fades are longer on top and get shorter starting around your temples, while mid fades start fading a little closer to your ears. From the fade down, the hair can either be left very short or fade down to bare skin. This creates an edgy look that can help draw attention away from thinning spots. [27] X Research source
- High and mid fades can be combined with a variety of hairstyles. Try a high fade with a spiky top, or go with a mid fade with a Caesar cut or messy fringe.
- Low fades are also versatile, but they won’t create as much contrast between the top and sides of your hair, so they won’t help hide thinning hair as much.
- Try a high fade with a beard. Ask your stylist or barber to blend the area around your sideburns so the transition into your beard looks natural.
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32Taper fade A taper fade is longer on the top and shorter on the back and sides, gradually tapering to bare skin (or very short hair) closer to your ears and neckline. You can pair a taper fade with a variety of cuts to create a polished look that can draw attention away from thinning areas. [28] X Research source
- For instance, you might try a taper fade with a messy fringe if your hair is full near the front, or a taper fade with a crew cut if you want to keep the top pretty short.
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References
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