Styling hair that is thinning or has bald spots can prove to be a daunting task. Although there are various tips available on addressing thinning, such as trying hair supplements or undergoing dermatological procedures to regrow hair, these solutions take time to show results.
Therefore, it is crucial to have immediate solutions that can help make your hair look its best as you step out of your house every day. To provide you with such solutions, we consulted hairstylists who have dealt with numerous cases of thinning and shedding, and they have suggested seven stylish haircuts and styles that can help conceal hair loss and bald spots instantly.
Read on for tips for women over 50 from Lauren Udoh, hair stylist and hair creative director of WigReports, Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Gina Rivera, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites and Janine Jarman, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Curl Cult.
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1. Wavy Lob with Curtain Bangs
Incorporating strategic curtain bangs that complement your facial structure and hair texture is a surefire way to immediately enhance the thickness and modernity of any hairstyle. These bangs (seen above on January Jones) have the ability to mask wrinkles on the forehead and effectively camouflage any thinning areas on the front of the scalp where hair loss is common.
"Pair your lob with fringe to cover any wrinkles or receding hairlines and highlight those gorgeous eyes of yours," Jarman says. She adds that "many of us have hair that gets thinner with age," so adding "texture will help give your look lift and life."
2. Pixie with Sideswept Bangs
One specific short 'do that can highlight your eyes, cheekbones, and face shape is a pixie cut with side-swept bangs. "Ever seen a pixie cut where the bangs steal all the attention? This is what you're after: long, side-swept bangs," Abdullah explains. Robin Wright's look above is a great example.
"The rest of your hair should be piece-y and angled. She adds that "the cut should swirl around your head to hide hair loss." Abdullah stresses that a pixie cut with layers still maintains volume that is both gorgeous and easy to manage. That way you can give off an effortlessly chic look.
3. Wispy, Wavy Shag
A shag is an "amazing cut that is well-recognized for being versatile," Rivera says. A quintessential shag, as seen on Halle Berry, offers "nice variations for both longer and shorter hair." Like the bob, "adding a bang can add a fresh surprise to this look," Rivera suggests.
Abdullah adds that eyebrow-grazing, wispy bangs like these are "often used to frame the face and specifically, to give it a youthful appearance." She notes that they also "make your hair appear thicker and are a great way to add volume to thinning hair." The style also "works well for women who want to hide thinning hair in the front."
4. Pixie with a Deep Side Part
Side parts evoke not only Old Hollywood, timeless glam— they also provide instant volume to short hair. As Abdullah points out, "in this manner, you can move the hair from one side to the other, as you wish." The added hair going over, she says, as seen here on Kate Mara's more modern, fresh take, will increase volume in the area as well, especially if your hair is used to being parted down the center.
"If you really prefer a center part, make a short one instead so that the hair in front goes to either side of your face," she suggests. "Then the hair in the center can be brushed back. Any difference that you create when your hair is used to lying flat and completely to the sides will create volume and make a big difference," she says.
5. Italian Bob
If you're looking for a haircut that can make your best features pop while giving your mane an extra boost of volume and bounce, look no further than the Italian bob cut. This style is also inspired by Old Hollywood and is a 'do that stylish stars like Salma Hayek opt for.
The Italian bob takes the traditional bob cut to new heights with chunky blunt ends that create an airy, voluminous look that's never heavy or bulky. It also has just the right amount of length to allow for easy styling options as it's long enough to tie up, but short enough to be worn as is.
Udoh says that a medium bob like this is "a sleek and stylish choice for many occasions." She adds that "it's a versatile cut that looks great on almost any face shape and hair type." The length can be "adjusted to complement your features and create an attractive silhouette," she notes. "This ever-popular bob provides volume at the crown, with textured layers that frame the face nicely while still maintaining an easy-to-manage style," Udoh explains.
6. Bixie
If you can't decide between a bob or pixie, we have good news. You don't have to! A 'bixie' (or bob-meets-pixie) like Jane Fonda's is very in for the season, and can be a very flattering and chic choice, Guerrero explains. There are elements of both styles to play with here in this social media-fave cut, and spring is a great time to find what works for you.
"The bixie is a traditional bob haircut that’s combined with a pixie," she says. "The nice thing about a bixie is its versatility — not only can you adjust the length and opt to have it a little longer, but there is no one way to do it when it comes to the style. The cut is totally customizable based on your preference." This means that adding strategic layers can create instant volume, making hair look less flat, fine and thin.
7 Asymmetrical Bob
A textured asymmetrical bob (or longer bob as seen here on Rose Byrne) is a "terrific choice" for "mature beauties," Rivera explains, since it’s a perfect blend of classic yet still modern and trendy. "This style is so hip that it’s perfect for making our ladies in their prime look super chic," she says.
"Removing a bit of length from the hair, [adds] movement and creates a youthful appeal." When it comes to styling, Rivera notes that "texturing the hair" creates an "opportunity to remove some of the damaged ends and weight which bring more life to the hair as well." This can also make your tresses look much fuller and thicker, and the asymmetry adds interest while making any bald spots more discreet.
The Bottom Line
Rivera suggests that although the seven hairstyles mentioned in this list are reliable options, there exist a multitude of timeless, life-changing, and elegant hairstyles that accentuate facial features (while drawing less attention to thinning hair) and are worth considering.
To uncover the perfect hairstyle, one must comprehend their facial structure and consult with a skilled stylist. Additionally, Rivera advises that it’s best to always "consult with your stylist on a maintenance schedule but for those trying to regain hair health, make sure to trim every 4-6 weeks."
