As we age, our hair changes—just like our skin, our bodies, and our energy levels. Thinning hair can be frustrating, confusing, and even knock your confidence. But it’s completely natural.
Some men embrace the buzzcut, stepping into their own Jason Statham era with style and confidence. Others prefer to experiment with new hairstyles, finding cuts that work with their changing hair and help them look their best. Either way, the key is adapting to your hair, not fighting it.
Male pattern baldness—officially called androgenic alopecia—typically appears in two ways: thinning at the hairline or thinning at the crown. The secret to keeping hair looking fuller is volume and texture, which prevents it from lying flat and appearing sparse.
With the right cut and styling techniques, you can make thinning hair look thicker and more vibrant, no matter how your hair is changing.
Haircuts That Make Thin Hair Look Fuller
The Buzz Cut
One of the simplest ways to make thinning hair look thicker is to go short. A buzz cut works for almost any hair type, and it’s incredibly low-maintenance. By keeping the hair uniform and close to the scalp, it minimizes the appearance of thinning on top. Pairing a slightly shorter back and sides can add shape and balance to the look, while still keeping it easy to manage.
The Crew Cut
A crew cut features short, blended sides with a bit of length left on top. Adding texture to the top helps create the illusion of volume, which is perfect for a thinning crown. Shorter sides also balance out the look, making any thinning less noticeable. This cut grows out gracefully and tends to appear fuller than longer styles that lie flat.
The Slick-Back
A slicked-back hairstyle is short on the sides with longer hair on top that is styled backward. This style works well for thinning hair, particularly at the crown, as it adds lift and fullness. Using light styling products like mousse or a small amount of hair fiber can enhance volume and help cover sparse areas. Keeping the back and sides neat ensures the top stands out, giving the overall appearance of thicker hair.
Hairstyles and Tricks to Add Volume to Thinning Hair
The Pompadour
You don’t need thick, flowing locks to pull off a pompadour. This classic ’40s and ’50s style works great for masking thinning at the crown because of its lifted, slightly slicked-back shape. Adding texture and height at the front creates the illusion of fuller hair and draws attention away from sparse areas.
Hair Fibres and Fillers
For more noticeable thinning or visible scalp, hair fibers can be a game-changer. Made from keratin—the same protein in natural hair—these lightweight fibers cling to your existing strands to fill in bald spots and create the appearance of volume. Pair them with a texturizing spray or thickening paste for extra lift and a natural finish. Most products come in different shades to match your hair, and a light mist of hairspray can lock everything in place.
The Shave
Sometimes the simplest solution is the boldest: shaving it all off. A clean, bald look isn’t just low-maintenance—it can also project confidence. Studies have even shown that bald men are often perceived as stronger and more authoritative. Celebrities like Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, and Vin Diesel have all embraced this look, proving that going smooth can be stylish and commanding when done right.
Tips for Styling Thinning Hair: Products & Techniques
Use a Blow Dryer to Add Volume
Even short hair can benefit from a blow dryer. Instead of letting your hair air-dry, towel-dry it first, then use the dryer to lift and move the hair in all directions. Drying from just one angle can make hair lie flat, so work it back and forth to create natural volume. Finish with a cool shot of air to lock in the lift and help your hair maintain a fuller appearance.
Use Products Sparingly
Thin hair can easily get weighed down by too much product. Pomades, creams, or styling gels can make hair stick together, which can actually make thinning areas more noticeable. Start with a small amount of product, warm it between your hands, and apply evenly. You can always add more if needed, but removing excess product can be tricky.
Scalp and Hair Health Tips for a Fuller Look
Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
Even the best haircut won’t look its fullest without the right hair care. Opt for lightweight, volumizing shampoos and conditioners—ideally sulfate-free—to avoid weighing hair down. Use conditioner sparingly, focusing on the ends rather than the roots, to keep hair looking airy and full.
Boost Your Diet
A healthy diet can make a noticeable difference in hair appearance. Include hair-friendly foods rich in protein and healthy fats, such as leafy greens, fish, eggs, poultry, legumes, and nuts. Proper nutrition helps strengthen hair and maintain its natural shine and thickness.
Consider Supplements
If you want to go the extra mile, certain hair supplements can support growth and overall hair health. Vitamins like biotin, zinc, and omega-3s can complement your diet and help maintain thicker-looking hair.
