13 Best (& 4 Worst) Men’s Hairstyles For Receding Hairlines

Written by

Adam Bennett

Last modified March 25, 2025

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Receding hairlines show up when you least expect them, and once they’re there, they’re hard to ignore. But the fact is, receding hairline doesn’t mean the end of looking good!

Some of history’s most stylish and influential men have confidently adopted hairstyles for receding hairlines. From Jude Law to Jason Statham, these men have not only accepted their changing hairlines but made them part of their iconic image by styling them in the best way possible.

What most men don’t realise is that a receding hairline often brings opportunity. It forces you to experiment and ultimately find a style that truly suits your face shape and personality better than what you had before.

In our years of advising men on their appearance, we have noticed that when a man finds the right cut for his receding hairline, he often looks more confident and more youthful than when he was fighting against reality to hide that hairline.

This blog will walk you through the 13 cuts that work with thinning and receding hair and styles that hair stylists consistently recommend, as well as the 4 hairstyles that are not meant for receding hairlines.

We’ll also understand the causes of receding hairline so you can take the necessary steps at a perfect time rather than waiting until your options become more limited.

Key Takeaways -

A receding hairline is when the hair around your temples and forehead starts to thin and move backwards.
A receding hairline is often caused due to genetics, hormones, or lifestyle factors.
Choose a hair replacement system as an effective solution for a receding hairline.
Managing a receding hairline requires proper care, treatments, and lifestyle adjustments.
The right hairstyle can add volume, reduce contrast, and create a stylish look while giving you a sense of normalcy and confidence.
Textured crops, crew cuts, and buzz cuts are the best hairstyles for a receding hairline, while the middle part and long flat hair are the least approachable.

Understanding Receding Hairlines

A receding hairline is when the hair around your temples and forehead starts to thin and move backwards. It’s a common sign of hair loss.

While it’s often related to ageing, factors like genetics, hormonal changes, stress, and lifestyle choices.

Detecting it early gives you more options. Treatments like hair systems, medications, or lifestyle changes can slow it down. The main thing to consider here is to act fast because ignoring it won’t make it better.

What causes a receding hairline?

1) Genetics

If you have a hair loss history in your family, you’ll also experience it. Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is hereditary and often starts with a receding hairline in men.

2) Hormonal Changes

Secondly, hormones have a major role to play in hair health. In men, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) shrinks hair follicles, making hair thinner and weaker over time.

3) Ageing

Hair naturally becomes thinner as you age. The hair growth cycle slows down, follicles weaken, and the hairline gradually returns. This is a normal part of the aging process and is one reason behind receding hairline.

4) Stress and Lifestyle

Chronic stress can trigger telogen effluvium, where more hair than usual shifts into the shedding phase. Poor diet, lack of sleep, and unhealthy lifestyle habits (like smoking or excessive alcohol) can also lead to heavy hair loss.

5) Hair Styling and Hair Treatments

If used too often, blow dryers and straighteners can damage hair follicles, leading to thinning and receding hairlines. Strong chemicals in dyes can also weaken hair and irritate the scalp, causing hair loss over time. Using the wrong products can also damage hair follicles and slow down hair growth.

6) Medical Conditions

Certain health issues can lead to hair loss, including:

7) Medications and Treatments

Some medications, such as those for cancer (chemotherapy), high blood pressure, or depression, can cause hair thinning as a side effect.

8) Poor Scalp Health

An unhealthy scalp, whether due to dandruff, inflammation, or poor circulation, can weaken follicles and lead to gradual hairline recession.

How to Manage a Receding Hairline

1) Identify the Cause First

Before starting treatments, it’s essential to understand why your hairline is receding. Consulting a dermatologist or trichologist can help.

2) Use Proven Hair Loss Treatments (But Be Patient – Results Take Time)

First, you must consult a dermatologist to get hair loss treatment that includes;

3) Improve Your Diet

Healthy hair starts from within, where you can add to your diet the nutrients that are proven to be best, such as biotin, vitamin D & iron, omega-3 fatty acids & protein.

4) Switch to Gentle Hair Products

Harsh shampoos and styling products can worsen hair loss. To reduce breakage, use sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoos and a wide-tooth comb.

5) Style Smartly

There are many hairstyles for thinning hairlines that you can try. Also, you can get a thinning hairline haircut such as buzz cuts, crew cuts, textured crops, etc.

6) Consider Hair Systems for Instant Results

The custom-made hair system is made of real or synthetic hair. It is attached to the scalp using adhesive or clips, blending easily with natural hair.

Pro Tip: If your hairline is mildly receding, a hair patch may temporarily work. However, for noticeable thinning or larger coverage, a custom hair system offers a more natural solution.

13 Best Hairstyles for a Receding Hairline

1) Buzz Cut

The best receding hairline haircut is the buzz cut.

By keeping the hair short and uniform, it reduces the contrast between thinning areas and fuller areas. Low maintenance and good looking. Pair it with a fade on the sides for extra sharpness.

2) Crew Cut

A slightly longer version of the buzz, the crew cut adds texture on top while keeping things tight on the sides and back.

It works best by drawing attention upward and forward, away from the hairline. It is perfect for a polished, professional look.

3) Textured Crop

This modern style is all about adding volume and movement on top.

The textured crop uses choppy layers to create fullness, concealing a receding hairline.

4) Side Part

This hairstyle creates a natural flow that distracts from the hairline by combing the hair to one side.

Keep the sides tapered and the top longer for a sophisticated look.

5) Pompadour

Bold and confident, the pompadour pushes the hair up and back, shifting focus to the volume on top rather than the hairline. Go for a shorter, modern style if you want to make it look stylish.

6) Undercut

The undercut pairs a longer top with shaved or closely cropped sides. The contrast keeps eyes on the styled top, whether slicked back or textured.

7) Fade with a Short Top

A fade blends the sides into the scalp, leaving a short, neat top. High, mid, or low fade can be your choice, but the gradual transition softens the look of a receding hairline while keeping it fresh and clean.

8) Caesar Cut

Inspired by the Roman emperor, the Caesar cut features a short fringe brushed forward. It’s subtle but effective, covering the front of a receding hairline while staying low-effort.

9) Slicked Back

If you still have decent length on top, slick it back with some product. This draws the eye along the hair rather than to the edges.

10) Comb Over

Keep the top longer, comb it to one side, and taper the sides. It’s a smooth way to work with a receding hairline without overcomplicating.

11) French Crop

Similar to the Caesar cut but with slightly longer bangs, this style offers more coverage for a receding hairline.

12) Taper Fade

This clean, gradual fade from the sides up creates a sharp, stylish contrast. The shorter sides make the top hair look thicker.

13) Faux Hawk

The faux hawk, with its shorter sides and spiked-up top, creates the illusion of thicker hair and shifts attention from the hairline.

4 Worst Hairstyles for a Receding Hairline

1) Middle Part

A middle part splits the hair evenly, exposing the receding hairline. This balanced style is unflattering because it clearly shows thinning temples.

2) Long, Flat Hair

Growing your hair long to cover a receding hairline often has the opposite effect. Long, flat hair weighs down the top, making thinning areas more visible. It can also look lifeless.

3) Bowl Cut

The even, blunt fringe creates a harsh horizontal line across the forehead, which draws attention to the receding hairline rather than concealing it.

4) Super Short Fringe (Micro Bangs)

Micro bangs create a sharp contrast between the forehead and the fringe, drawing attention to the hairline. The short, straight line exaggerates thinning temples.

Dos and Dont’s for Styling a Receding Hairline

The DO’s of styling receding hairline :

The Dont’s of styling receding hairline :

Hair Replacement System - An Effective Solution for Receding Hairlines

Hair replacement systems can effectively work with receding hairlines, offering a non-surgical option for those looking to get instant and long-lasting results.

The appeal lies in the immediate results and versatility of someone with a receding hairline.

Unlike hair transplants, which require surgery and months to see full growth, hair replacement systems provide instant coverage and can be designed to match your desired style, colour, and density.

You can also try trendy hairstyles for hair systems and can look your best. Also, they are super comfortable to wear daily making it an increasingly popular choice for those looking to address receding hairline with ease!

FAQ’s

What is a receding hairline?

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Can I grow my hair long with a receding hairline?

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What hairstyle suits a receding hairline?

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Short hair vs long hair: Which is best for receding hairline?

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How can I make my receding hairline look good?

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Which hairstyles should I avoid if I have a receding hairline?

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What is the best solution for receding hairline (other than hairstyles)?

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Conclusion

Dealing with a receding hairline doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. At IHS London, our customised hair systems and hair patches give you a natural look that perfectly conceals your receding hairline.

Author Profile

Adam Bennett

Adam Bennett is a Certified Trichologist at IHS Hair replacement with over 21 years of Unbeatable experience. Throughout his remarkable career, he has successfully completed an impressive 8000 hair replacement systems. Adam is dedicated to transforming lives and boosting self-confidence so that one can live with all the pride and confidence. Adam Bennett has served over 800 satisfied clients and still-counting, while helping them get their natural appearance and emotions back with all the pride and confidence.