How To Hide Thinning Hair

Reading time: 7 min.

Hair loss and hair thinning is an extremely common problem. Most often, it’s due to a genetic condition like androgenetic alopecia (also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss).

In addition to genetic hair loss conditions, you can also have anxiety-related hair loss, or hair loss due to hormone fluctuations, white blood cells attacking healthy hair follicles as part of an autoimmune condition, or simply bad haircare.

Hair thinning is often a stressful ordeal. For many people, it actually impacts other areas of their life. According to hair loss statistics, 40% of women with alopecia reported problems in their marriage due to their hair loss [1]. 63% also said losing hair had affected their career [1].

Finding a solution to thinning or lost hair is important. In this article, you’ll learn:

How to hide hair loss and thinning hair
Why you need to know the cause of your hair thinning or hair loss
Where to get a reliable hair loss diagnosis.

Table of Contents

How to hide thinning hair
1. Have layers cut in your hair
2. Create volume with a blow dryer
3. Use hair gel
4. Experiment with a new parting
5. Add waves and texture
6. Ask your hairdresser
Products and hair accessories to hide thinning hair
1. Headscarves
2. Headbands and clips
3. Hair fibres
Why is your hair thinning?
Why should I get a proper diagnosis for hair thinning?
How to avoid thinning hair
Other ways to thicken your hair

The ease of hiding thinning hair depends on the extent of your thinning. If you’re currently at a later stage on the Norwood Scale (for male pattern hair loss) or the Ludwig Scale (for female pattern hair loss), a little hair gel is unlikely to help.

Fortunately, no matter how much hair you’ve lost, there are ways to cover it up. Here are some of the most popular ways to hide thinning hair areas or bald spots on your crown.

1. Have layers cut in your hair

If you have medium to long hair that’s fine or thinning, get your hairdresser to cut in some layers. Layering the hair will give your hair more body and volume, so no one will notice that it’s a little on the thin side. Layering is something any hairdresser can do for you.

Getting your hair cut also reduces split ends and other hair disorders known as trichoclasis. These are often caused by poor haircare, such as overuse of heat styling and chemical hair dyes. Learn more about hair dye and hair loss.

Ideal for: medium-long hair with thinning caused by poor haircare.

2. Create volume with a blow dryer

Another great way to hide thin hair and create volume is to blow dry your hair upside down. This technique works to get volume in your hair by creating lift at the roots, giving your style a fuller finish. Using Velcro rollers or a volume-adding mousse will also give the hair more oomph!

You can also try blow drying your hair with a round brush, making sure to gently pull it away from the scalp at the roots. Try not to blowdry your hair too often or at too high a heat, as this can worsen hair thinning. Learn more about heat styling and hair loss.

Ideal for: medium-long hair with light thinning that isn’t caused by heat styling.

3. Use hair gel

For those who prefer to wear their hair shorter, use hair gel to create the pompadour style. The pompadour look is modern, stylish, and easy to achieve. Best of all, it can conceal those thinning spots around your crown.

Try to avoid using hair gel to create extremely tight hairstyles. Hair gel doesn’t cause hair loss by itself, but it can potentially worsen conditions like traction alopecia.

Many other styles can also help disguise thin hair and bald spots. See these hairstyles for older men with thinning hair for inspiration.

Ideal for: covering up bald spots across your scalp due to pattern hair loss, hiding double crown balding, and alopecia areata.

4. Experiment with a new parting

If you have a little extra time in the morning, try experimenting with a new parting. Changing from a centre to a side parting — or even a zig-zag parting — may help you to cover up any bald patches and make your hair look thicker. It will take some getting used to but it’s a great way to achieve a new look instantly.

Deep side partings are currently very fashionable and look particularly great on those with long hair. Try parting your hair at the side and then sweeping it back into a messy ponytail. It’s one of those hairstyles that will look perfect whether you’re heading to the office or out with friends. But don’t tie your hair back too tightly — tight ponytails can cause hair loss as a result of traction alopecia.

Ideal for: those with medium-long hair who are on a budget.

5. Add waves and texture

Adding a few waves to your hair with a texturising spray will give your hair a gorgeous beachy look and hide its thinness. If you’re worried about using heat on your hair, try sleeping in loose plaits or gently scrunching the hair whilst damp instead.

Ideal for: medium-long hair with light thinning that isn’t caused by heat styling.

6. Ask your hairdresser

If you’re not so great when it comes to styling your hair, ask your hairdresser if there are any simple tricks they can teach you to help conceal hair thinning. Most hairdressers will be more than happy to help you and will suggest a style you love.

Ideal for: all hair loss types.

Products and hair accessories to hide thinning hair

You don’t need to go to the salon or use heat styling products to hide your thin hair. Sometimes a new accessory or the right product is all you need.

1. Headscarves

Bandanas and headscarves are great for hiding thinning areas on top of your scalp. They’re also highly versatile, so you can wear them however you like to conceal hair thinning.

2. Headbands and clips

Many women use statement accessories like headbands, clips, and bows to hide their female thinning hair. They’ll draw the attention away from any thinning you have and leave you looking and feeling wonderful.

3. Hair fibres

Hair fibres are popular with anyone who wants to achieve a thicker, fuller head of hair. Simply shake these fibres onto your hair and massage them in. Experience a fuller-looking hairstyle until your next wash.

Why is your hair thinning?

There are a variety of reasons why an individual might be experiencing hair loss and thinning. These may include the following:

Androgenetic alopecia (also known as male pattern baldness in individuals assigned male at birth and female pattern hair loss in individuals assigned female at birth)
Hair loss due to medications
Anxiety or stress-related hair loss
Hair loss due to nutrient or vitamin deficiencies
Hair loss due to medical conditions (lupus, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases that attack healthy hair follicles, etc)
Hair damage which leads to hair breakage
Illness or injury (this can lead to hair loss condition known as telogen effluvium which results in overall hair thinning)

Why should I get a proper diagnosis for hair thinning?

While disguising your thinning hair can work for a while, it’s not a permanent solution to the problem. If you have unexplained bald patches, or you notice substantial amounts of hair falling out in the shower, it’s essential to get a diagnosis of your hair loss condition.

When you know why your hair is thinning, you can find a more permanent solution. Many drugs and treatments are proven to promote hair growth.

In most cases, hair loss is much easier to fix the sooner it’s diagnosed. So don’t delay speaking with a UK hair loss clinic that can help you identify the cause of your hair loss.

How to avoid thinning hair

Thinning hair is usually caused by genetics, stress, hormone imbalances, illness or medication. As a result, thinning hair can’t always be avoided — but there are things you can do to prevent it getting worse.

Don’t overbrush your hair — this can cause breakage and damage to your hair strands.
Limit sun exposure — too much sunlight can dry out your hair, leading to frazzled frizzy locks. Learn more about summer hair loss.
Avoid heat styling — hairdryers, straighteners and curling tongs can all cause thin, brittle hair.
Nourish your hair — eat well, exercise daily, and treat your hair well to keep it healthy for as long as possible.

Other ways to thicken your hair

If you want to do more than just hide your thinning hair, there are steps you can take to actively thicken your tresses. Topical solutions like Minoxidil are proven to encourage healthy hair growth. If you are interested in thickening your hair shafts, you might want to consider giving hair-thickening shampoos a try.

A hair loss consultant can also recommend treatments like vitamin infusion therapy, laser hair loss treatment, and other medications to give you thicker hair with volume and bounce.

If you want to restore your thinning or lost hair for good, hair transplants are a fantastic option. Take a look at our hair transplant gallery to get an idea of how you can restore your hair.

If you are interested in getting to the bottom of your hair loss problems or are interested in the types of hair restoration treatments we provide, book a consultation today to learn more about what we can do for you.