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Many hair loss conditions can lead to hair recession in women, including frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and traction alopecia. So if you’ve noticed hair loss around your temples and hairline, it may be time to switch up your hairstyle to hide your receding hairline.
There are plenty of forehead-flattering hairstyles out there. So it’s time to choose the one that best suits your style and face shape. Here are 10 hairstyles that look great on women with a receding hairline, and 4 to avoid.
How to get the right hairstyle for a female receding hairline
- Get advice from your stylist. A good hairdresser will be able to find a look you love, and give you at-home styling tips to keep your hair looking fab.
Accessorise. Hair accessories can help hide areas you’re self-conscious about, so invest in a few statement pieces.
Don’t fight your natural hair type. Select a style that complements your hair type, whether you have tight curls or fine, straight lengths.
Put down the hair straighteners. Heat styling leads to hair loss and breakage. If your chosen look needs regular styling, opt for heat-free methods whenever you can.
Get a diagnosis. Hair loss in women can indicate an underlying problem, so see your GP or a trichologist. They can run hair loss blood tests and other examinations to diagnose your hair loss.
Best women’s hairstyles for a receding hairline
Find the ideal hairstyle for your receding hairline from these 10 fab looks.
1. Full fringe
A fringe requires a lot of upkeep, but it’s one of the best ways for women to hide a receding hairline. Your fringe can start as far back as you need it to, so this is the best option if you have significant frontal balding.
How to style a full fringe
Wash your hair (or at least your fringe) daily. Blowdry using a cylindrical brush for a soft, natural look. Style the rest of your hair however you like.
2. Bold and curly
Curls add volume and thickness which effectively hide hair loss. Keep your hair relatively short so the weight doesn’t drag your curls down.
This look works well if you have slight recession caused by traction alopecia.
How to style bold, curly hair
Use foam rollers or another heatless curler to get dramatic curls overnight. (A curling iron also works, but heat can damage your hair, so use sparingly).
Style across your forehead or over any thinning patches to reduce the appearance of hair loss.
3. Layers and a light fringe
If your hair is fine, a wispy fringe can hide hairline recession, while layers add volume to the rest of your tresses.
How to style layers and a light fringe
This versatile look can be styled however you like. Use heatless curlers or salt spray to add texture and volume through the lengths.
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4. Loose half-up half-down
The classic half-up half-down is ideal for occasions. And best of all, it can easily be styled even if you have thinning hair at your temples. Avoid tying your hair back too tightly, as this can damage your fragile follicles.
How to wear a half-up half-down hairstyle
Brush your hair back and tie it up loosely. Then adjust the hair across your temples to make sure you have even coverage across any thinning areas.
Top tip: use eyeshadow or mascara to add the illusion of extra density in your thinning areas.
5. Style with a scarf
Accessories like scarves, bandanas and hair bands can hide thinning areas while showing off the lengths of your hair. Colourful and versatile, you can wear them in a variety of ways to help you feel less self-conscious about hair loss.
How to style a hair scarf
There are lots of options for styling a hair scarf:
- Wear across your forehead and tie at the back to hide a receding hairline
- Tie on top for a dramatic updo alternative
- Tie your hair up and wrap a scarf around your ponytail or bun
- Wear a silk wrap for full hair coverage
6. Bridal hairpiece
Elaborate bridal hairpieces are large enough to cover substantial thinning. While they’re typically worn as wedding wear, you can also pair them with non-bridal occasionwear for other celebrations.
How to style bridal hairpieces
For special occasions, consider asking a stylist to create a bespoke look that incorporates your chosen accessory.
If you’re creating a DIY style, hair glue can help keep your hairpiece in place if your hair isn’t strong enough to anchor it. Use glue sparingly, as it can put stress on your follicles.
7. Buzzcut
Buzzcuts aren’t just for men. Lots of women can pull off this short, stylish look. If you’re feeling bold, this is a great hairstyle for reducing the appearance of a receding hairline.
How to style a buzzcut
Don’t go too short if you’re looking for a more feminine buzzcut. Opt for a number 3 or 4 all over to keep a soft layer of fuzz across your scalp.
8. Brushed forward pixie cut
Pixie cuts are a favourite for women with thinning hair of all ages. Keep your hair longer on the sides for a softer look.
How to style your pixie cut
To help hide your hairline, brush your hair forward rather than backwards or to the side. Use hair gel or another styling product to keep your hair in place.
9. Side-swept bob
A side-swept bob looks great if your hair is thinning on one side more than the other. Hair fibres or eyeshadow can also add the appearance of density.
How to style a side-swept bob
Part your hair where your hair is thickest, and sweep it across to cover any thinning on the other side. Hairspray will keep your hair in place.
10. Wig, hairpiece, or hair system
If your hairline is receding too much to disguise with careful styling, a wig or hair system can completely hide your thinning, so you can style it however you like. Unlike wigs, hair systems are glued in place, and can last months if they’re reglued regularly.
How to style a hair system
With a hair system you can wear your hair however you like. You’ll need to have it attached by a professional, and reglued every 6 to 8 weeks.
Female hairstyles to avoid if you have a receding hairline
1. Scraped back ponytails and buns
Scraping your hair back into a tight ponytail or bun will expose any thinning around your scalp. It can also make hair loss worse, as it puts extra strain and stress on your follicles.
2. Weaves and braids
Attaching heavy hairpieces like weaves to your existing hair can put pressure on your hair follicles and cause permanent damage, including hair loss.
3. Dreadlocks
When dreadlocks get long, they tug on the follicles. Over time, this can lead to hair loss not just on the hairline, but across the scalp.
Women’s receding hairline regrowth tips
If you’re not sure what’s causing your receding hairline, head to your GP first. They can rule out any underlying conditions.
In the meantime, try these regrowth tips to stop a receding hairline and stimulate frontal hair growth:
- Use Minoxidil for women on your hairline twice a day
- Try an anti-inflammatory or hair loss steroid cream to tackle frontal fibrosing alopecia
- Apply a leave-in caffeine shampoo or treatment to your hair
- Avoid heat styling your hair as much as possible
- Leave your hair loose (or tie it back loosely) as often as you can.
Female hair transplants are also an option for some women with a receding hairline. Find out more about whether women can have a hair transplant.
The Wimpole Clinic offers FUE Hair, Beard & Eyebrow Transplants & Trichology.
Talk to a specialist ☎ 020 7935 1861.
Talk to a specialist ☎ 020 7935 1861.
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