You roll out of bed late and have to go to work with bed head. It’s not great, but you know it’s only for a day. Or maybe the humidity is at 80-plus percent, and you’ve resigned to the fact that your hair will be a frizzy mess. These are annoying, but expected, bad hair days everyone deals with on occasion.
However, when you’re dealing with hair loss or thinning, it’s an entirely different ballpark. You want to style your hair in a way that looks good but also doesn’t draw attention to it. You may be in conversations wondering if other people notice the diminishing volume up top. It can start to impact your daily life.
But not all hope is lost. In fact, there are several steps you can take to improve the health and appearance of your hair. Here are a few worthwhile ones to look into.
1. Create a Hair Repair Plan
Before you can dive into specific styles and cuts, you’ll need to get your hair in its best, healthiest form. That means finding products that can help target the biggest concerns you have. From thinning in specific areas to an overly dry scalp, there are products that can help.
For instance, if you’re solely focused on hair loss and thinning, volume-focused products may be best suited for you. That could be an over-the-counter topical product like a hair growth shampoo and conditioner duo. You could try incorporating deep conditioner treatments to repair damage to existing hair follicles and help strengthen new growth. You can also explore hair restoration options to try and get effective results in a shorter period of time.
If you’re looking to improve your scalp health, first take a peek at what’s going on. Maybe you have dryness and dandruff that’s more noticeable with hair loss. Check out dandruff-reducing shampoos or consider incorporating a clarifying product to break down product build-up. You may even be dealing with a more significant skin concern like eczema or psoriasis, which require specialized products. Investing in those and committing to your scalp routine will only help your hair look its best.
Regardless of your hair concerns, it’s important to identify the main problems you’re dealing with and try to find targeted solutions. From there, you’ll create the healthiest hair possible. And that opens up the door for all types of different styles.
2. Remember It’s All in the Cut
Did you ever have a bad haircut as a kid and hated looking in the mirror? Whether it was too short, too choppy, or just not what you asked for, it’s an awful feeling. Unfortunately, those feelings of insecurity aren’t left behind once you enter adulthood. So, you’ll want to research different haircuts to find one you like that also helps combat the effects of thinning locks.
Of course, your preference for hairstyles will vary based on your personal style and length of hair. But there are a few that prove to be great at masking different types of hair loss. If you’re struggling with thinning throughout your head, a buzz cut may be the perfect style. It keeps the hair short and is easy to maintain, so it’s also perfect for those wanting a low-maintenance option. However, if your hair grows quickly where it’s not thinning, it could require frequent trips to the barbershop.
For those dealing with hair loss in patches, a high and tight cut may be the best fit. This style is shorter on the sides and longer through the center of your head. It’s a great, versatile look that can pair well with any outfit for any occasion. Of course, it’s going to require more hair products to keep the longer parts well-kept. But if you’re willing to keep up with it, the style is worthwhile.
3. Consider a Hair Piece
If you’ve hit a wall with hair loss and are searching for a more substantial fix, you can always explore prosthetics. These are wearable hair pieces — sometimes called toupees — that give more options for hairstyles for those with thinning hair. It’s just about finding the right one.
Now, you might be anxious about the possibility of choosing a hairpiece. But it’s nothing to stress over. Since roughly 80 percent of men experience hair loss by the time they’re 80, there are plenty of people navigating this concern alongside you. However, it’s important to understand the process before diving in.
For one, hairpieces can be pretty expensive, so choosing to get one is an investment. (Of course, you’ll likely be wearing it every day, so the cost per use is pretty low.) There is also the concern about comfort. Not all wigs are created equal, so prepare yourself to deal with some comfort-related issues before finding the right fit. The quality plays a large part in how comfortable a wig is. Cheaper wigs are often described as itchy.
The good news? You can test out different options if you want to switch up your style relatively easily. Try out a longer ‘do before giving a shorter style a whirl. The options are nearly endless. That means your hair can change as your style does, without the fear of hair loss impacting your daily life.
A Healthier, Happier You
Dealing with hair loss is an unfortunately common concern for many people. It can be frustrating to deal with and can require a lot of time and effort to resolve. However, committing to taking care of your locks and finding a hairstyle you love can make all the difference. Soon enough, your hair and confidence will be in a better place.
