How to Hide Baldness

Co-authored by Edward S. Kwak, MD

Last Updated: September 26, 2023 References

Even though it’s often just a natural part of getting older, nobody wants thinning hair. It can affect your confidence and make you feel embarrassed. But it doesn’t have to! There are things you can do to help hide any balding areas you’re dealing with.

Here are 10 effective ways you can hide baldness.

1

Switch up your hairstyle.

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The right hairstyle can really help hide the appearance of thinning hair. While it may seem like cutting your hair would make it look thinner, it’s actually the opposite. Longer hair can look stringy if your hair is thinning. A good haircut can help draw attention away from thinning areas. Visit your barber, salon, or hairstylist for a cut that can help hide any baldness you’re dealing with. ^{[1]
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- If you have long hair, consider a cut that falls at your collarbone or shorter. A bob, blunt cut, or even a pixie cut can help make thinning areas less noticeable.
- If you have short hair, the shorter you cut it, the better. Especially on the sides of your head, which can help draw attention away from the thinning hair on top of your head. ^{[2]
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- If you have a hairstyle that’s an even length all over, the thinner areas will be more noticeable.

2

Dry your hair with a blow dryer.

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Blow dryers add volume to your hair and make it look thicker. Avoid air-drying, which can cause strands to fall straight and make thinning hair look even thinner. Steer clear of towel-drying as well, which can tug and pull at your hair, potentially leading to more hair loss. Instead, use hot air to dry your hair, which will lift and separate strands and make it look thicker. ^{[3]
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- You can also use a blow dryer to help style your hair as you dry it.
- Keep the blow dryer constantly moving over your hair and hold it about 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) away so you don’t damage your hair. You can also apply a heat protectant spray to your hair before blow drying it so it doesn't get damaged.

3

Style your hair with a side part.

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This works great for both men and women. A side part can help conceal bald spots. Shape your hair at an angle so it covers any thinning areas. Avoid spiky, straight up hairstyles, which can reveal more of your scalp and make your hair look thinner. ^{[4]
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- For people with longer hair, a side part is a great way to cover up any bald spots.

4

Sprinkle volumizing powder in your hair.

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This hair product can create the appearance of thickness. Volumizing powder is specially designed to add body and texture to your hair, which can make thinning areas look less noticeable. Simply sprinkle the powder over your hair and use your fingers to tousle and style it. ^{[5]
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- You can find volumizing powders at your local beauty supply shop. You can also order them online.
- Avoid using too much styling paste, wax, gel, or pomade, which can damage the health of your hair.

5

Dye the roots of your hair darker.

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Dyeing your roots darker will make the rest of your hair look thicker. Visit a hairstylist and ask them to dye just your roots a shade darker than the rest of your hair. A slightly darker root color can create the illusion that your hair is thicker, much like darkening your eyebrows can make them look thicker. ^{[6]
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- You could also try a colored dry shampoo to darken your roots temporarily.
- Stick with a professional stylist on this one so your roots are properly colored.

6

Apply spray-on hair dye.

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Spray-on hair dye is an easy way to temporarily fill in thinning areas. Get yourself some spray-on hair dye in a color that matches your hair. Spray the hair dye directly over the bald spot to fill it in and make your hair look fuller and thicker. ^{[7]
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- Look for spray-on hair dye at your local beauty supply shop. You can also order it online.
- Spray-on hair dye is temporary and will wash out when you take a shower.

7

Use minoxidil or Propecia.

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These have been proven to be effective products for hair loss. Both minoxidil and Propecia have been clinically trialed and scientifically proven to slow down further hair loss for many people. Minoxidil comes as a liquid or a foam product that you rub into your scalp. Propecia is a drug that you take in tablet form. Both of these products stop working if you stop using them. Talk to your doctor to see if they’re right for you. ^{[8]
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- Avoid “magical cures” such as castor oil or vitamin B products that claim to reverse hair loss but aren’t backed by scientific research.
- Check with your doctor before you try minoxidil or Propecia to make sure they’re safe for you.

8

Get hair transplants.

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Transplants can allow you to regrow your hair. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves extracting hair follicles from an area of your scalp with the hair still grows, such as the back or the sides. The follicles are then transplanted in balding areas. ^{[9]
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Expert Source

Edward S. Kwak, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Expert Interview. 29 July 2020.} Once you heal from the procedure, you can regrow hair in those areas. Make an appointment with a surgeon who can perform the procedure to see if you’re a good candidate. ^{[10]
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- Hair transplants must be done by professional surgeons and can cost between $5,000-$20,000 USD. ^{[11]
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- You often need to take special medications after your procedure to promote hair growth.

9

Wear a wig or hairpiece.

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Wigs and hairpieces have actually gotten better with improvements in wig technology. If you’re looking for a solution that will completely cover up any baldness you’re experiencing, a wig may be what you’re looking for. Visit a local wig shop or look online for ones that come in styles that you like. ^{[12]
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10

Put on a loose-fitting hat.

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Just make sure it isn’t too tight. A very tight hat could decrease blood flow to the hair follicles, which could cause them to fall out. Instead, put on a comfortable hat, such as a fedora or a baseball cap for a quick and easy solution. ^{[13]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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Tips

Talk to your barber or hairstylist about hairstyles that suit your face and can help hide your thinning hair.

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Warnings

Don’t take any prescription hair loss medication without talking to your doctor first.

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Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

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How to Hide Baldness

Steps

Switch up your hairstyle.

Dry your hair with a blow dryer.

Style your hair with a side part.

Sprinkle volumizing powder in your hair.

Dye the roots of your hair darker.

Apply spray-on hair dye.

Use minoxidil or Propecia.

Get hair transplants.

Wear a wig or hairpiece.

Put on a loose-fitting hat.

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