Hairstyles for hair loss
Reviewed by Dr Sameer Sanghvi
If you have thinning hair, you might feel that now more than ever, you are in need of some help with slowing your hair loss, and some advice on what styles may look best when you have to factor in thinning hair.
So, in this article we're going to have a quick look at what hair loss is, its causes, ways you can prevent hair loss, hairstyles that can contribute to hair loss and hairstyles that might make you feel and look like you have a fuller head of hair.
What is hair loss?
First things first, hair loss isn’t usually something to be worried about, and we all can lose between 50 and 100 hairs each day, without even noticing. Some types of hair loss are temporary and may be caused by illness, stress, cancer treatment or weight loss. However, some types of hair loss are permanent, such as male pattern baldness.
Some key types of hair loss include:
- Male pattern baldness
- Female pattern baldness (find out more about hair loss in women here)
- Alopecia areata
- Telogen effluvium
For more information about types of hair loss, causes and symptoms visit our hair loss clinic and advice pages.
Hairstyles that cause hair loss
While there are lots of hairstyles that can help mask hair loss, there are in fact some hairdos that can cause hair loss or make it worse. Often these hairstyles involve pulling the hair back, this constant pulling can result in a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia.
Tight buns/ponytails
Wearing your hair scraped back in a tight bun or ponytail(s) can put a lot of tension on your hair and potentially cause it to fall out.
Cornrows, tight braids or dreadlocks
These styles put a lot of pressure on your hair, as their pulled, braided and in some cases become very heavy. This pressure can cause your hair to fall out.
Hair extensions/weaves
These additions pull on your natural hair and make your hair heavier than it would be naturally. This weight and tension can then cause your hair to fall out.
As you can see there’s lots of hairstyles to consider and to avoid if you’re experiencing hair loss. If you’re concerned about your hair loss, or if it’s sudden, you should speak to your GP to make sure everything is okay.
For more information about types of hair loss, causes and symptoms visit our hair loss clinic.
Hairstyles for male thinning hair
If you are experiencing hair loss or thinning hair, you might not want to slow it down and in fact may want to maximise the hair that you have with a certain hairstyle.
The buzz cut
The buzz cut is often the name given to a ‘tennis-ball’ style, once-over with the clippers. However, the buzz cut has its own variants (including 0.5-1 all over, or a fade on the sides), and is a great style for you to adopt if you want to experiment with shorter hair.
The crew cut
A crew cut is a style which features short strands on top of the head, graduating in length (with the longest at the front and the shortest at the back). The hair on the sides tends to be shorter than the top and faded. This style might be good for those who experience hair loss at the back of their head.
Grow facial hair
This is commonly combined with a buzz cut to draw attention away from the hair line as well as helping accentuate jawline and other facial features.
Male pattern baldness hairstyles
Discover the best hairstyles for men who are experiencing balding. These hairstyles can help enhance the hair you have.
The mop-top
If your hair has grown a lot, or you’ve been seeing good results from a hair loss treatment, now might be time to try the classic mop-top. Inspired by the swinging 60s and its fashion, the mop-top makes the most of longer hair. If you are balding at the back of your head, this also may be a good way to cover up any bald patches.
The slick back
The slick back is a style in which the longer hairs at the front of the head are pulled back over the head in an arch. Product is used to hold the hair in place. This is another great style for covering any bald patches you might have noticed on the crown or top of your head.
Women’s hairstyles for thinning hairline
If you’re experiencing a thinning hair line certain hairstyles can help to camouflage any hair loss including alopecia.
The classic bob
A classic for a reason, a bob hair cut is ideal for those who like wearing their hair short. For a chic look opt for a straight bob where the ends of your hair are the same length. An asymmetrical cut will draw attention to the end of your hair rather than the roots. Switching to a side parting can give your hair more volume and help cover any thinning around your parting.
Deep side part
A deep side parting helps to add volume to your hair, whether you have mid-length or long hair. Moving your hair to one side gives the illusion of volume and fullness.
Thick fringe/bangs
Adding a fringe to your look can help to volumise your hair. Make sure your fringe is thick and cut with a blunt edge. A thick fringe adds density to your hair, bringing body to the forefront which people are sure to notice.
Hairstyles to prevent hair loss for women
If you’re looking to stop any hair loss you’re experiencing or attempt to prevent any further, there are hairstyles that can help. Although not a cure for hair loss, taking care of your hair can really boost your confidence. Being kind to your hair can keep it in good condition too.
Loose braids/updo
The emphasis here is on the word loose. No tugging or pulling is involved in this easy updo. Choose a relaxed three strand plait or braid to keep hair out the way and looking great. This hairstyle is great when your hair needs a wash, or you don’t feel like doing much with it.
Wear your hair down
Simply comb your hair with a wide tooth comb to gently remove any knots or tangles. Then let your hair hang loose. You could add a hair clip for a cute look. But the thing to remember here is to not constantly tug or pull your hair.
Low bun
A low bun is worn at the back of your head near the neck nape. Nice and loose, they don’t pull or tug on your hair like a higher bun does. You can secure your hair with a claw clip. If you have thinning hair towards the front of your head you could add a hairband.
How can I prevent hair loss?
Hair loss doesn’t necessarily need to be treated. If it’s temporary, it is likely to grow back, and for some people it is just a normal part of getting older.
However, hair loss can cause people distress and they may want to try to slow, or even prevent their hair loss. So here’s some of the options available to you:
Finasteride
For men, Finasteride (sometimes known by its branded version Propecia), is a prescription-only treatment used to slow, and in some cases, halt male pattern baldness. This kind of hair loss occurs when the hair follicles on the head start turning testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
When DHT builds up it causes the hair follicles to get smaller, weaker and then they fall out. This means hair growth slows down and eventually stops. Finasteride blocks the action of DHT, reducing hair loss and in some cases promoting regrowth.
Minoxidil (Regaine)
Minoxidil (which is widely known as the brand Regaine) works by helping blood flow to the hair follicles and increasing follicular size and hair shaft diameter, stimulating and prolonging hair growth. You can order Regaine for Men and Regaine for Women on the LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor website.
You can also request a bundle that contains both Finasteride and Regaine, as these treatments can be used together.
Wigs and hair pieces
Wearing a wig doesn’t treat your hair loss, but it does help to cover it up, which might make you feel more confident.
Camouflage
Camouflage in the context of hair loss means wearing makeup or a concealer on bald patches to cover them up.
Hair transplants
Hair transplants are a type of surgery used to try and tackle hair loss. During the procedure you’ll have hair follicles taken from one part of your head and ‘planted’ in the bald patches. These newly planted follicles should then grow as healthy hair in those previously bald patches.
Conclusion
Changing the way you style your hair can help you feel more confident, especially if you’re experiencing hair loss. Always have a good hair day. Now you know which hairstyles can contribute to hair loss and which can give you fuller looking hair. We’re always here to help support you if you need it with hair loss treatments for men and for women.
References
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/hairstyles
