The best haircuts for thinning hair and a receding hairline.
The right cut buys you time while treatment works, and the wrong one puts your temples on display. Pick by your Norwood stage and hair type.
Textured crop
Short, choppy top pushed forward with a fade on the sides.Norwood 2–4 · Straight, WavyFrench crop
Short top with a blunt, straight fringe and tight sides.Norwood 2–4 · Straight, WavyCaesar cut
Even, short length all over the top with a short horizontal fringe.Norwood 2–5 · Straight, Wavy, CurlyCrew cut
Short on the sides, slightly longer on top, swept up or to the side.Norwood 1–3 · Straight, WavyShort textured quiff
Short sides with a little volume pushed up at the front.Norwood 1–2 · Straight, WavyMessy wavy fringe
Medium-short top with natural waves falling forward, faded sides.Norwood 2–3 · Wavy, CurlyCurly top with taper
Defined curls on top, short tapered sides.Norwood 1–3 · Curly, CoilyShort twists or sponge curls
Short coils on top with a taper or fade.Norwood 1–3 · CoilyBuzz cut
One short length all over, usually a #2 to #4 guard.Norwood 3–7 · Straight, Wavy, Curly, CoilyShaved head with a beard
Clean-shaven or very close head, balanced with facial hair.Norwood 5–7 · Straight, Wavy, Curly, Coily
Styling tips that make hair look thicker
- Matte products only. Shine shows scalp, matte hides it.
- Keep the sides shorter than the top. The contrast makes the top look fuller.
- Dry your hair with a blow dryer on low, pushing it the way you want it to sit. It adds volume.
- Get a haircut every 3 to 4 weeks. Thinning hair looks worse when it grows out.
- Overhead lighting is harsh on everyone. Do not judge your hair by a bathroom spotlight.
Styles to avoid when you are thinning
- Slicked back or pompadour
- Pulling hair back puts your temples on display.
- Long hair on top with short sides
- Long strands separate and show the scalp underneath.
- Shiny gels and wet looks
- They clump hair together, which opens gaps and makes it look thinner.
- Comb-overs
- Everyone can tell, and they get harder to hide each month.
- Tight ponytails, braids, or hard line-ups
- Constant pulling can cause traction hair loss at the hairline.
Get cuts matched to you
The Rooted app ranks these cuts for your stage, hair type, and crown, and adds a wash routine for your curl pattern and porosity. Join the waitlist to hear when it launches.