Bald On Top, Hair On Sides? Here's What to Do

A bald head with hair on the sides was my situation a few years back, so I know how most of you feel. Some even get depressed due to hair loss.

With male pattern baldness affecting more than 50% of males, at least you know you're not alone.

What do you do when you have that dreaded horseshoe at the back of your head?

We'll discuss tips for what's next, the best hairstyles, and an unconventional idea that may surprise you.

What's the Name for Bald on Top with Hair on the Sides?

A bald head with hair on the sides has numerous nicknames. The "horseshoe hairline" is the most popular because the hair pattern resembles a horseshoe.

You may also hear terms like the McDonald's logo (technically half of it), the M-pattern, the Power Donut, the Toilet Seat, the Costanza, the Cul de Sac, and a little more officially, Norwood 6 or 7.

Based on the Norwood scale, Norwood 6 is where you can see a horseshoe pattern forming on your head, while Norwood 7 is a complete horseshoe.

Not all baldies will reach Norwood 6 or 7, though, and that's where choosing the right hairstyle comes in, which we'll discuss later.

Common Causes of Bald on Top with Hair on Sides

Telogen Effluvium

One of the most common causes of hair loss is telogen effluvium. This type of hair loss is caused by stress, illness, or hormonal changes where you may lose up to 300 strands per day, a far cry from the normal 50 to 100 strands per day. Fortunately, this is reversible once the stressor is removed.

Androgenic Alopecia

Male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia is another common cause of hair loss that is sadly permanent.

So You Have a Bald Head with Hair on the Sides - What's Next?

Delay Hair Thinning

When I entered the early stages of male pattern baldness, my first reaction was to find every hair growth product I could find and try to fight this "losing" battle with pattern baldness.

Some products worked, and I noticed improvement, but I knew I was only delaying the inevitable. Male pattern baldness can't be beaten, and I didn't want to waste my money on hair loss solutions that could not give me what I was looking for—my full head of hair back.

That's when I decided to buzz my head and never looked back.

If shaving your head is too drastic, read our guide on the most effective hair loss treatments that may help preserve the hair you have left for longer. You'll discover the best medical treatments for hair loss and other high-tech alternatives.

Wear a Hat

Adding hats to your wardrobe is a stylish way to "hide" your being bald on the top of your head with hair on the sides. I used to do this while fighting the pattern hair loss using hair growth products.

You can wear hats during summer or winter. They hide your horseshoe hair and protect your head from extreme heat, UV rays, and cold weather.

Grow a Beard

Have you seen French actor Christophe Canard sporting his power donut?

You get the idea. Growing a beard and keeping your side and back hair may work.

You can check out our article for more beard styles for bald men.

Say Goodbye to Combovers

Combovers are a no no. If you're considering a combover or are currently doing it, it's better to stop and try other solutions.

Combovers look bad, and they don't really hide your balding but only make you look ridiculous.

It reeks of insecurity and not being comfortable with yourself. Why not consider shaving instead?

Best Haircuts for Bald Men with Hair on the Sides

I started buzzing my head about 10 years ago when I was still in Norwood 3. After 5 years, my hair loss went to Norwood 6, and I have been in this stage since then. I constantly buzzed with a zero guard from the start, and last year, I decided to shave it entirely with my new rotary shaver.

Here are some of the best haircuts for balding on top and hair on the sides.

Buzz Cut

My haircut of choice when I finally accepted my hair loss and decided to be confidently bald. Balding makes you look old no matter your stage on the Norwood scale.

A buzz cut looks neat and elegant and is easy to maintain. Our article on the different buzz cut styles helps you choose between buzzed or shaved.

For a buzz cut, you'll need a trimmer, and Freebird has a hair trimmer that is perfect for the job.

Full Shave

My style choice when I reached Norwood 6. Removing all traces of the horseshoe pattern makes it look cleaner and stylish.

Some may not find it too drastic, so starting with a buzz cut may be a good first step before going for the full shave.

George Costanza looks better bald and bearded than balding.

To help you get started, read our guide on how to shave the right way. The FlexSeries is a good rotary head shaver that can fully shave your horseshoe in 90 seconds.

Comb Back

Joe Pesci and Pat Riley are famous celebrities who wear a comb back/slick back hair well.

This is a great option if you are in the early stages of the Norwood scale.

Start a Trend and Keep the Look

Remember the power donut photo we showed a while ago? Why not start a trend and keep the bald head with hair on the sides look?

I can't entirely agree with this because bald or buzzed looks better than balding.

But if you can start a trend with a bald top with hair on the sides, look, why not?

The key is being confident in yourself. Hair is only one aspect, and it does not define who you are.

The Bottom Line

Balding on top with hair on the sides can't be reversed or stopped, but we can rock it with confidence. You can't go wrong with a buzz cut or a full shave because they make you look younger and better than balding.

FAQs

Why do Men Go Bald on Top but Not on the Sides?

One of the most common causes of hair loss is male pattern baldness (MPB), which is caused by sensitivity to a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). If you have MPB, you will be bald on top and have hair on the sides because the hair follicles on top of the scalp are more sensitive to DHT than those on the sides and back.

Can Hair Grow Back on the Top of the Head?

It depends on the cause. If you have telogen effluvium, hair loss is temporary and may grow back eventually. With male pattern baldness, there is no cure; you may delay the progression, but hair loss is permanent. You can check out our article on hair-thinning solutions that may help you grow your hair back on top.