Thinning hair around the temples and hairline is a common concern, especially as we age or experience hormonal changes. While there are plenty of tips online about “hiding” thinning areas, doing it incorrectly can actually make your hair look worse. Celebrity stylist Justin Hickox shares his top tips for addressing thinning hair, helping you create the appearance of fuller, healthier-looking locks.
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Mistake #1: Cutting Bangs Without Assessing Density
Many people assume bangs automatically hide thinning hair, but if your hair lacks the right density, a straight-across bang can draw attention to sparse areas. Instead, Hickox recommends side-swept or curtain bangs. This style gives coverage to the forehead while clumping hair together, creating the illusion of thickness. Small pieces left down in the front can add softness without emphasizing thin spots.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Front-Layer Length
Front layers that are too long or unstructured can split and reveal thinning areas around the hairline. Shorter layers, starting around cheekbone length, help hair clump together naturally, minimizing splits and making hair look denser. However, Hickox warns that shorter layers work best when paired with styling products that provide foundation and control.
Mistake #3: Over-Lightening Hair
Many assume lighter hair will make thinning areas less noticeable, but excessively light hair can reflect more light, making the scalp more visible. Hickox advises adding subtle lowlights to create dimension, particularly around the bangs, so hair appears fuller without drastic color changes. Even dark hair can benefit from lowlights to enhance the illusion of density.
Mistake #4: Assuming Thinning is Always Hereditary
Thinning hair at the hairline isn’t always genetic. Hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies can also play a role. Hickox suggests checking hormone and blood levels to rule out treatable causes before settling on styling solutions. Addressing underlying health issues can improve hair density and overall health.
For a quick, temporary fix, Hickox recommends hair fibers. Applied after styling, fibers fill in sparse areas, blending seamlessly with your natural hair. Unlike some buildup products, these rinse out easily and don’t typically contribute to further hair loss. Applying fibers a few inches away from the scalp helps create a natural, fuller appearance without highlighting thin spots.
The Bottom Line
Thinning hair around the hairline doesn’t have to be obvious. By avoiding common mistakes—like poorly planned bangs, overly long layers, and over-lightened hair—and using subtle techniques like side-swept layers, dimension through lowlights, and hair fibers, you can enhance the appearance of density. Small changes, when combined, create a noticeable difference, giving you a fuller, healthier look while keeping styling manageable.
