Haircuts for Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, can be a sneaky and deceptive condition. It never announces itself, it just slips through and starts stealing your crowning glory bit by bit until one day a guy wakes up to a new hairline and hairless spots on the head where hair used to stand thick and proud. He could always turn to Rogaine and other hair growth products or dive right in for a hair transplant procedure.

Then again, he can always turn to a quicker, significantly cheaper option: the good haircut. So which style suits him best? Here are several excellent haircuts for androgenic alopecia that you can try:

Haircuts for Androgenic Alopecia

Cutting hair in short, shaggy layers will allow the hair to rest naturally on the person’s head. This is a good choice for men who are only starting to go bald. Uneven layers at the top of the head gives the illusion of a fuller head of hair because the different lengths draw the eye away from the bald spot that would otherwise look obvious with same-length strands. An advantage is that this cut can still be styled using gel or mousse. Comb it lightly and tousle it slightly for that careful disheveled style that looks clean without the fuss.

Short

Short cuts work for most men with male pattern baldness, especially if the balding is still in its early stages. Cut the hair so it hugs the head and try a side part. This works for men whose bald spot appears on the upper top portion of the head or have a receding hairline. Britain’s Prince William is a good example of this cut. His hair is thinning at the crown but his hair is neat enough to make him look confident without emphasizing the loss of hair.

Clean Shaven

Men who lose their hair often opt to have the rest shaved off. Think Bruce Willis, Jason Statham and Patrick Stewart. The look is completely clean since all the hair is shaved at the scalp. It works very well for men with a wide area of hair loss at the hairline, crown or back. It’s unapologetic and speaks of pure confidence.

The Crew Cut

Ever the reliable haircut for men with a balding pate, the buzz cut features short, close-to-the-head cut with shaggy layers. It works well for men with thinning hair all over since the uneven cut makes the scalp less visible, especially if the hair is styled correctly.

The buzz cut is easy to maintain and style, requiring only the occasional touchup.

The Donut

Sometimes called the Power Donut, this style is one of the best haircuts for androgenic alopecia, specifically the type where hair only grows around the side of the head, above the ears and over the nape, leaving the crown bald. Hair is trimmed a bit close to the head but is still pretty much visible. Look to manly men such as Sean Connery and late president Gerald Ford for inspiration. Hair will grow, so make sure to trim it occasionally to maintain the proper length. Make the most out of every cut by learning the best techniques and tools to use to maximize hair quality and volume. With the right training, you will be able to identify the right cut and look that not only matches your client’s physical structure but also his lifestyle and personality.