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Figuring out how to style your hair if it’s thinning or has bald spots can be a true challenge. All too many hair tips focus on ways you can address thinning — hair supplements you may want to try, dermatological procedures that can help regrow hair — and that’s all well and good. But you still have to leave your house every day and likely need and want in-the-moment solutions for making your hair look its best. Since your day won’t wait for a supplement to start working or for the stress of your life that’s causing thinning to dissipate, these hair stylists (who have seen their fair share of thinning and shedding) weighed in to provide five styling hacks to instantly hide hair loss and bald spots for women over 40.
Use a Volumizing Spray
We are fortunate to be living in a day and age where there’s no shortage of hair products that help boost fine and thinning hair — and where these issues are being taken seriously. One product that you’ll find at every price point is volumizing powder and spray, and it can truly make a difference in the appearance of thinning hair.
“First tip I can suggest would be to utilize volumizing powders to add texture and lift to the roots,” says Licensed Cosmetologist Nina Hamilton at the Good Hair Collective. “It gives the appearance of fuller hair. Apply a small amount of powder to dry hair at the roots and gently massage it in for even distribution. My product recommendation is O&M Desert Dry Volumizing Spray or Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish.”
Backcomb Or Tease Hair
Those 1960s girls had the right idea: a little bit of backcombing or teasing at the roots of hair can create more drama and the appearance of thicker hair. It can also effectively conceal bald spots.
“Backcombing or teasing involves gently brushing the hair near the roots to create volume,” Hamilton says. “Take small sections of hair, particularly around bald spots, and backbrush them using a fine-toothed comb. Be sure not to damage the hair and focus on adding volume.” Hamilton says she is a fan of the Mason Pearson Tail Comb for backcombing styles.
Get Layers
If your hair is cut into a blunt style, it can fall flat and look thinner. The solution is to hook up with a stylist you trust (preferably one who has experience cutting and styling thinning hair) and discuss strategic layering options that can give your hair more volume.
“Well-placed layers will give you dimension and disguise thinning areas, while texturizing the ends of the hair adds movement and the appearance of thickness,” Hamilton says.
But there is a such thing as too much of a good thing when it comes to layering. A few strategic layers is a wise move — overdoing it can make the hair look even thinner on the ends. Do your research and pick a stylist who understands this for the best outcome.
And another simple tip that takes just a few seconds of your time: change the position in which you part your hair, says Celebrity Hairstylist Clyde Haygood. Going from a middle part to a side part may be what it takes to cover bald or thinning spots and also add an instant lift to hair.
Apply Hair Fibers
Along with volumizing sprays and powders, hair fiber products have come a long way in recent years — and they can really help make a difference if your hair is thinning.
“Hair fibers are small, colored particles that cling to the hair, making it look thicker,” Hamilton says. “Choose fibers that match your hair color, shake them onto thinning areas or bald spots, and gently pat or brush them to distribute evenly. Finish with a light hairspray to hold them in place. I recommend Toppik Hair Buliding fibers.”
Consider Hair Extensions
Hair extensions have become so ubiquitous that many celebs and models wear them on the regular and no one is the wiser. If you are consistently frustrated with thinning hair and want instant gratification, hair extensions are an amazing option.
“Consider using hair extensions as they will provide both length and volume to thinning hair or bald spots,” Hamilton says. “There are different types available, such as clip-in, tape-in, and hair toppers. We recommend using Halo extensions — it can be customized to fit you.”
You don’t have to just grin and bear it when it comes to thinning hair. Speak with a dermatologist about the root cause of your thinning and then consider one or more of these styling hacks that will make you feel more confident about your hair in the moment.
