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For many men, thinning hair is an inevitable ordeal, often linked to genetic factors. This can manifest as a recession at the hairline and temples, a decrease in overall thickness, or bald patches in certain areas. But just because a man's hair is thinning (and he wishes to mask it) doesn't necessarily mean he has to buzz all his hair down to nothing. "Thinning hair is a challenge, but one that can be dealt with," notes Patrick Butler, a hairstylist and director of technical education at Floyd's Barbershops.

Choosing the right style can make a significant difference in your appearance and overall confidence, highlighting the features you like and camouflaging the areas you don't. For tips and examples of how to style thinning hair, we spoke with Butler and Benjamin Mohapi, the founder of New York's Benjamin Salon.

Keep reading for thinning hair advice plus 29 of the best haircuts for men with thinning or balding hair.

Meet the Experts

• Patrick Butler is the director of technical education and academy at Floyd's Barbershops, a chain of hair salons for both men and women.

• Benjamin Mohapi is a hairstylist and the founder of Benjamin Salon, based in New York.

01 of 29

Swept Over

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Actor Steven Yeun provides a perfect example that, when it's grown out long enough, hair can be styled in a way to mask a receding hairline. To keep growing thin hair out, try to maintain a healthy routine—one free of stress. "Stress actually plays a major role in hair loss. Increased stress pushes a high number of hair follicles into a resting phase," says Butler. "Over time, the affected hairs will fall out through washing and combing."

Byrdie Tip

The natural reaction to run your fingers through your hair and inadvertently tug at it when you are frustrated also causes hair to weaken in the follicle, and, in turn, fall out.

02 of 29

Burst Fade

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Usher has long rocked a signature burst fade, albeit at varying lengths. Characterized by ultra-short sides framing the ears and longer length on top, the burst fade is ideal for anyone wanting to disguise thinning at the temples.

03 of 29

A Short, Low-Effort Style

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For Channing Tatum's style, the hair is cut with a number-two blade all over. The sides and back should then be tapered neatly. To further minimize the thinning top, the sides and back can be taken shorter to allow for more even coverage. If you can see the scalp on top, it's a good idea to cut the sides and back short enough, so an equal amount of scalp is visible.

04 of 29

Textured Tips

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"I encourage men with thinning hair to opt for a shorter length that can stand up and give fullness to the style," says Butler of the grown-out style seen on actor Jude Law.

Byrdie Tip

Men with thinning hair should avoid waxes, "as they tend to clump the hair together, which will accentuate the thinning area," according to Butler. He recommends using styling powder as it will help to promote the look of a thicker, fuller style.

05 of 29

A Short Caesar Cut

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For a class Ceasar cut, as seen on Welsh actor Andrew Whitfield, the hair is trimmed clipper-short on the sides and back and left finger-length on top. The hair is styled using a light pomade or gel and brushed forward with the fingers. This will help conceal a receding hairline and thinning top.

06 of 29

Classic Quif

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This is a great option for a guy with just some light thinning on top, like our friend Ryan Reynolds. The hair is cut short all over (about three finger-widths on top), with the sides and back tapering slightly. To style, apply a very small amount of paste to damp hair and distribute it evenly throughout. Using the fingertips, mess up the hair on top to give it a rough texture. This will help maximize coverage while minimizing the appearance of thinning.

07 of 29

A Buzz With a Beard

Idris Elba.

Mike Marsland / Getty

For thinning hair, a buzz cut with clippers using a number-two blade all over is a good call. A thin beard, similar to what Idris Elba is rocking here, adds a touch of trendiness and draws the eye toward the face. This is a good option for a man with thinning hair who can easily grow full—but still neat—facial hair.

08 of 29

Grown Out Waves With a Beard

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For those looking to grow their thin hair out (like Henry Cavill, seen here), Butler recommends using high-quality products. "Using better ingredients in your hair care routine helps," he notes.

09 of 29

Line Up

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A line up, as seen here on Michael B. Jordan, is typically a buzz cut where the natural hairline is straightened out into one, neat line. Depending on personal preference and facial features, some opt for a straight line, while others incorporate a slightly curved aesthetic to flatter the forehead. Either way, the style is perfect for evening out a thinning hairline to create the appearance of greater density.

10 of 29

Shaved Head

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While a bald head is not a good look on everyone, these days, it can be trendy, and it's considered appropriate for most professions. Consult your barber or stylist before taking the plunge to determine if your head shape is suitable for this look, as seen here on rapper Common. Remember to use sunscreen when prolonged exposure to the sun is expected.

11 of 29

Five O'Clock Shadow With Flat Top

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Mahershala Ali offers a prime example of the wonders of going a few days without a shave. Here, his facial stubble is rivaled only by a slight overgrowth of the flat top on his head. The result is masculine and rugged.

12 of 29

Tousled Texture

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Pete Davidson has never shied away from sharing his struggles with alopecia—vacillating between a completely shaved head and a slightly grown-out head of hair. Here, he showcases a longer, more tousled look in an eye-catching platinum hue. The dark-rooted, bright blonde serves him well, creating an illusion of density throughout.

13 of 29

Slicked Back

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Antonio Banderas has almost always showcased his luscious locks in a lengthier hairstyle—but one needn't be blessed with a full head of hair to achieve this look. Here, some styling paste can add sheen and be used to mold hair in a way that makes it look thicker.

14 of 29

Braids

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Rapper Tyga showcases a long, braided look in which much of his scalp is visible. The look not only protects his hair but also offers a heavy dose of personality and style.

15 of 29

Grown Out and Brushed-Back

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Matthew McConaughey's hairline is a big part of his signature 'do. Here, he uses a bit of product to brush back the top while keeping the ends and the beard lived-in. The key to ensuring hair stays put but doesn't look too rigid, says Mohapi, is to utilize a hairbrush. "Brushing out hairspray stops it from looking stiff while still holding a style," he says. "You should still be able to move it around, and I think it's cooler when it's a bit looser."

16 of 29

Longer on Top

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While he typically wears his hair shaved, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has worn it long before. Here, his hairline is visible, with his sideburns remaining cropped and his hair slightly longer up top.

17 of 29

Short and Spiky

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Designer Tom Ford looks casual and sophisticated all at once with his short, spiky 'do. The key here is to not overwhelm the hair with product so it retains a natural look.

18 of 29

Smooth and Sophisticated

 Michael Tran / Stringer / Getty

Actor Victor Rasuk keeps his hair slicked back and short. To keep it in place, a medium-hold gel or paste is handy.

19 of 29

Tapered Fade

Getty

Lebron James's short cut is classic through and through–and even with a receding hairline, the look manages to be suave. For this look, the sides are left much shorter than the top. A short beard adds even more personality and ups the cool factor.

20 of 29

Tight Taper

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A classic clipper cut, the tight taper is a bit more generous than the aforementioned tapered fade. A longtime advocate of the cut, David Beckham has illustrated the full range of its versatility, from super long to short enough to let his skull tattoos peak through.

21 of 29

Graduated Fade With Length on Top

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While Zayn Malik has pretty thick hair, this look is ideal even for those who don't. Here, the combover gets an upgrade thanks to a fade at the temples and a slicked-to-the-side look. With a beard, you achieve even more balance.

22 of 29

Pompadour

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Even men who are balding can get away with a funky haircut like this one on Adam Levine. You don't have to worry about hiding a receding hairline, either, as it can be blended into the fade.

23 of 29

Brushed Forward

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"The best way to get (and keep) volume on the top is to dirty it up a bit with a mix of a few products," notes Mohapi. A bit of texturizing spray can go a long way with the look seen here on Rami Malek. When hair is brushed forward, it helps conceal any bald spots, and the right products can make hair look thicker.

24 of 29

Natural Buzz

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John Legend's number-three buzz allows the hair to be just slightly longer than a classic buzz. The look is no-fuss, and keeping it longer on top masks thinner sides.

25 of 29

Closely Shaved

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Jason Statham serves as proof that sometimes, a super-short shave is the best option. Here, the bald look is balanced by a five o'clock shadow.

26 of 29

Classic Bald

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Well-groomed facial hair acts as a foil to Taye Diggs's classic bald look. Here, it's all about frequent touch-ups to ensure hair stays as close to the skin as possible.

27 of 29

Long With Texture

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Those with curls and waves, listen up. Keeping hair long and textured on top masks thinning hair, creating a more voluminous look.

28 of 29

Flat Top

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Those with thinning hair on the sides of the head will appreciate this look, which uses volume on the top of the head to create the illusion of more hair overall. Use a hydrating conditioner to ensure the hair stays moisturized.

29 of 29

High Skin Fade

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Thinning temples and sparse edges are no match for a high skin fade, as shown here on Cuba Gooding Jr. The best thing about the cut is that it's entirely customizable, allowing you to choose how short or long you prefer the fade to be.

FAQ

• How often should men with short hair get a trim?

  For super-short cuts (think buzz cuts or fades), you should visit your barber for a trim at least once a month. For longer hair (quiff, etc.), aim to visit your stylist every one to two months

• What are the go-to hair styling products men should have in their arsenal?

  As far as men's grooming products go, start by investing in a few key products: a salt or texture spray, a paste or pomade, and a strong or medium-hold gel.

• Is there any way to keep hair from thinning?

  There are over-the-counter hair loss treatments worth trying, as well as professional procedures such as PRP, which have shown efficacy in adding volume to hair.