Tips for Thinning Hair
If your clients are blessed with bulky, shaggy hair but are experiencing dramatic thinning, it's reasonable to say that they may be making some grooming mistakes.
These mistakes, if not addressed promptly, can ruin their overall appearance. The battle against hair loss is often challenging for most men, regardless of how much they resist the fate of the dreaded follicle.
Cutting and styling thinning hair requires finesse, as there's less of it, and many men tend to make styling errors. To help your clients avoid these classic mistakes, here are some tips for thinning hair which you can pass on to your clients.
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Excess Use of Hair Products
Using an excessive amount of hair products when you're dealing with thinning hair can weigh it down and make it look lank. This is a look that should be avoided at all costs.
While it's true that hair products bring a refined touch to the final look, gels and pomades can cause separation and draw further attention to the thinning hair.
As a barber, it's essential to help your clients discover formulas that add texture to their hair without making it look separated. Creams, clays, or pastes, in small amounts, are their best bets.
Growing Out Your Hair to Add Volume
While some tricks can cunningly conceal bald spots, growing the hair long enough to cover up the balding areas is a grooming error. Despite the hope of no one ever noticing, the truth is that everyone can tell.
It can instantly make your clients look a little sad, reminiscent of the old comb-over trend from years ago. When the flowing locks reluctantly thin on top, it's common for some clients to try growing their hair on the back and sides.
However, this only accentuates the disparity and makes the thinning more noticeable. Instead, consider advising a cropped hairstyle or a buzz cut that can blend into the thinning areas.
Shampooing Daily
While it may seem counterintuitive, the clearer and healthier your hair is, the thinner it may appear. Regular shampooing cleanses your hair of natural oils and dirt that actually add volume and texture to your look.
Over-shampooing can also dry out the hair, resulting in static and lack of structure in your grooming. Additionally, brushing your hair excessively can make it look much thinner.
It also dries out the scalp, which can contribute to further hair loss. It's important to strike a balance and avoid overdoing both shampooing and brushing.
Misuse of the Hair Dryer
For those who visit the gym at lunchtime or seek volume in their look, it's crucial to proceed with care when using a hairdryer. Keeping the dryer too close to the roots can pull moisture right out of the strands, making the style look wispy.
To add volume and create fullness and thickness to the finished look, you can employ the round brush technique. Start by grabbing the hair at the roots and gently spinning it while running the dryer over the ends.
The Beard Strategy
While growing a beard can be a great way to divert attention from thinning hair, it's essential to consider the client's overall appearance. If they have a straggly scruff on their lip and face while balding, the focus will always be on the thinning hair.
In such cases, it's best to suggest going completely bald or attempting a buzz cut with a fully groomed, thick beard. Sometimes, taking the plunge is necessary.
A stubble beard also complements a balding head, and the length can be determined by the strength and shape of the jawline. For those with a weak or round jaw, a full beard might be better, while those with a defined jawline may opt for a stubble look.
A word of warning for clients who have their heads shaved for the first time: They may initially feel a little strange, not to mention slightly cold. Reassure them that embracing the new look will bring a sense of liberation and confidence.
Parting in the Middle
A centre part is not favourable for thinning hair, especially when men start losing their hair on top. On the other hand, trying to force a side part with a cow-lick will never work, regardless of how thick or thin the hair is.
The natural way the hair falls, which varies for each individual, plays a significant role. It's important to work with the client's natural hair fall and find a parting style that suits them best.
Transplants and Medication
Finasteride, sold under the brand names Proscar and Propecia, can delay hair loss. While these treatments are not permanent and can be expensive, modern hair transplant techniques show promising results. However, it's crucial to ask clients why they feel the need to invest in expensive treatments or transplants.
Accepting imminent baldness and embracing the shaved head look has become widely accepted since the late 1990s. Today, it remains true that having a shaved head can make a man look good. By shaving their hair, you can provide your clients with a sense of liberation instead of them overspending on costly treatments.
Conclusion
Thinning hair can be a challenge for many men, but by avoiding common grooming mistakes, they can enhance their appearance and regain confidence.
Remember, using excessive hair products, growing out the hair, shampooing daily, misusing the hairdryer, choosing the right beard style, parting in the middle, and considering alternative options like transplants and medication are all important factors to keep in mind.
By following these tips for thinning hair, your clients can make the most of their thinning hair and embrace their new look with style.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How can excess use of hair products affect thinning hair?
Using an excessive amount of hair products can weigh down thinning hair and make it look lank. Gel and pomade, in particular, can cause separation and draw further attention to the thinning areas. It's best to opt for products that add texture in small amounts, such as creams, clays, or pastes.
2. Is growing out my hair a good idea to conceal bald spots?
Growing out your hair to cover bald spots is not recommended. It often makes the disparity more apparent and noticeable. Consider opting for a cropped hairstyle or a buzz cut that can blend into the thinning areas instead.
3. How does shampooing daily affect thinning hair?
Shampooing daily can strip the hair of natural oils and dirt that add volume and texture. While it's important to maintain cleanliness, over-shampooing can dry out the hair and lead to static and a lack of structure. Find a balance that works for your hair type and consider using products specifically designed for thinning hair.
4. Can misusing the hairdryer worsen the appearance of thinning hair?
Misusing the hairdryer, such as keeping it too close to the roots, can pull moisture out of the strands and make the hair appear wispy. To add volume and fullness, try the round brush technique by gently spinning the hair at the roots while running the dryer over the ends.
5. Are there alternative options for thinning hair, apart from transplants and medication?
While transplants and medication can show promising results, it's important to consider the reasons behind seeking such treatments. Embracing a shaved head has become widely accepted as a stylish choice for men with thinning hair. Shaving their hair can bring a sense of liberation and confidence without the need for expensive treatments.
