Let's face it: balding can feel like a personal crisis. But remember, you're not alone. Some go bald in their teens and 20s, and when they hit age 50, almost 50% of males experience a receding hairline with hair follicles waving goodbye. Women are not exempt, as 33% will experience hair loss. It's a common journey that many share.

I've been there, and am here to help you navigate this situation and explore your options.

Let's embrace this new chapter together!

First Things First: It's Just Hair!

If you're balding, remember it's not the end of the world. Hair is only a part of you and doesn't define you. Many people experience depression when they start losing their hair. To get back on the right track, surround yourself with people who love and support you, and focus on things you can change rather than what you can't control.

Millions of people are in the same boat, so keep your chin up as we explore your options. Read our article on the psychology of hair loss to learn more and how to cope with your situation.

Know the Cause of Your Hair Loss

Before discussing your options, you need to determine the cause of your hair loss.

Understanding why you have thinning hair can help you make informed decisions moving forward. Here's the truth: If you have male-pattern baldness or pattern hair loss, it's undefeated. Hair falls will continue because there's no cure for this type of hair loss. The good news is that you can slow down the progression of androgenetic alopecia with hair loss treatments. If you're expecting new hair to grow like I did, you'll end up disappointed.

On the flip side, some experience temporary hair loss due to telogen effluvium. In most cases, hair restoration will resume once you deal with the cause, whether it's stress, pregnancy, birth control pills, or certain medications.

Going Bald? Here are Your Options

Make Lifestyle Changes to Support Healthy Hair

Not everyone can embrace thinning hair, and that's ok. Some even rock a power donut or horseshoe on their crown. To maintain the hair you have left, you can make simple lifestyle changes that will give you healthy hair and impact your overall health. These changes include a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques.

Eating right and supplementing with hair vitamins can support healthy hair growth. Hair consists mainly of protein, so getting enough from your diet is essential. You are what you eat, and that goes for hair, too!

Getting enough sleep, managing stress, and quitting smoking for your hair and well-being is a good idea. High stress levels can cause temporary hair loss. Unwind by spending time with family and friends, watching a good movie, practicing mindfulness or meditating, or exercising.

Smoking restricts blood flow to the scalp and blocks nutrients from reaching your hair follicles. Kick the smoking habit and see your hair and overall health improve.

Up Your Style Game

Hairstyle Change

If you're in the early stages of the Norwood Scale, a hairstyle change will help disguise your receding hairline. A nice haircut can make a world of difference. Ask your stylist or barber which style fits you.

You can choose from our recommended hairstyles for those with general thinning from the crown or hairline. Your stylist would know how to hide a pesky bald patch on your scalp. Just remember to avoid the comb-overs.

Instead, opt for cuts like buzz cuts, fades, or shorter styles to blend thinning areas.

Dress Well, Accessorize, and Wear a Beard

A shaved head opens up a world of style possibilities. Imagine having a blank canvas you can work on. Here are hacks you can apply to draw attention away from your balding head.

Pairing a bald scalp and a well-groomed beard can help you create a style uniquely your own. You can choose from various beard styles that look good on bald men.

Adding stylish hats, glasses, and sunglasses can further elevate your style.

For more tips and hacks, read our comprehensive guide on bald fashion, where we discuss everything from choosing the right headwear to grooming tips for a bald head.

Shave It All Off

Some take hair loss seriously; they feel unattractive, get depressed, and worse, even consider ending their life. It's understandable. Losing your hair can ruin your confidence, especially if you're in the late stages of male pattern baldness or are bald on top with hair on the sides, George Costanza style.

Instead, why not embrace your baldness? Comb-overs are out. You'll only embarrass yourself further by highlighting what you're trying to hide.

Think about iconic bald figures like Vin Diesel, The Rock, and Jason Statham. They've turned baldness into a symbol of strength and charisma. Why not join their ranks and rock your bald head with confidence?

This is the other side of balding: baldies who accept their thinning hair and focus on things that will even make them better. You might be surprised that women find bald men attractive.

So, let's celebrate our baldness together! Join our club of bald and sexy dudes who focus on self-improvement rather than dwelling on our hairline and what we've lost.

To get started on your head shaving journey, check out our beginner's guide to balding, how to shave your head, and invest in a reliable head shaver (our top pick is the Freebird FlexSeries Pro which has everything you need.)

When you buy the FlexSeries Pro you'll get:

• A Powerful but quiet adaptive motor (adjusts speed based on hair density)

• An Enhanced four-blade design with independent floating foils

• A travel lock

• A Larger hair capture chamber

• An Easy to clean two-part blade system

• A Three-level LED battery indicator

• IPX7 waterproofing

• A 90-minute battery life

You'll also get the traditional Freebird freebies worth $60, namely:

• Upgraded Precision Clipper

• 3,5,7 mm Safety Guards

• Advanced Nose and Ear Trimmer

• Micro Cleaning Brush

Get one now for only $59.95.

Hair Loss Treatments

When I started losing my hair, I tried applying hair growth products on my scalp, which I would later realize was a waste of my time and money. Male pattern baldness runs in the family, so any hair restoration would prove futile. Medications like topical minoxidil crossed my mind, but I didn't want the potential side effects.

If delaying the progression of hair loss is your priority, you can choose from natural hair treatments or proven medications that block DHT (the villain that causes balding), like minoxidil and finasteride.

A study of 984 men shows that 47.8% found minoxidil effective while 20.6% said it was moderately effective. For finasteride users, a study shows that 66% of men showed noticeable hair regrowth after two years.

However, it's important to note that these treatments may not work for everyone, and results can vary.

Wear a Wig

My dad and grandfather wore wigs, and for some, this can be a good option to deal with baldness. It's a non-invasive way to manage hair loss and many have chosen to go this route. Wigs can give you a full head of hair without surgery or medication. The downside, they are hot and uncomfortable to wear, and they don't look natural if you wear the wrong piece.

If you decide to go for a wig, learn how to keep it in place. It can be embarrassing if your wig gets detached when it's windy outside.

Wigs cost between $20 to $400 if they're synthetic and can go up to between $100 to $5,000 for human hair wigs.

Consider Scalp Micropigmentation

Did you know that you can sport a fresh buzz cut all the time? Scalp micropigmentation is something you must try out for hair-thinning problems.

It's like a hair tattoo done by adding tiny dots of pigments on your head that give an illusion of hair follicles. It's quick, non-invasive, and a lot cheaper (around $3,000 on average) and safer than a hair transplant.

Just remember, SMP looks like hair but it isn't hair. For upkeep, you need to shave your scalp because any hair growth will spoil the illusion of SMP.

Get a Hair Transplant

A hair transplant is a good option if you don't mind the cost and risks of surgery. The procedure involves moving healthy hair follicles on your scalp to thinning or bald spots. Expect to spend around $8,000 for a hair transplant surgery.

There's a right time to get a hair transplant depending on where you are on the Norwood Scale. If you're in the advanced stages, it's not a good idea anymore because the bald areas can't be covered by what's left.

The Bottom Line

Going bald doesn't have to be a daunting experience - it can be an empowering journey of discovery! Whether you accept your male pattern hair loss or explore various treatments, remember that being confident with what you have is key.

I've been shaving for over a decade, and I can assure you that owning your look is the best way forward. Worrying about male androgenetic alopecia is a thing of the past.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your electric shaver and strut your smooth dome!

FAQs

Can Stress Cause Hair Loss?

Yes, it can. Do you remember the telogen effluvium we talked about earlier? Stress is one of the triggers of temporary hair loss. Don't worry. Manage your stress, and your hair will most likely grow back to what it was before. Finasteride or topical minoxidil can do the trick if you want to grow your hair faster.

What's the Most Effective Solution for Hair Loss?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer because individual circumstances are different. Others find hair transplants a permanent solution, while others prefer non-invasive solutions like minoxidil and finasteride. I didn't want the potential side effects and lifetime usage of medications, so I tried natural hair growth products instead.

Are Hair Transplants Worth It?

For many, hair transplants can be worth every penny. They offer a permanent solution versus other hair restoration solutions. The problem is, that they can be pricey and come with some risks just like any invasive surgery. If you're in the early stages of hair loss and have enough donor hair, you can give it a shot. If you're in the advanced stages of hair loss, think twice. You don't want to end up looking like you're trying to cover a bald spot with a few straggly hairs!

How Long Before I See Results from Hair Loss Treatments?

Patience is key here! How fast you lose your hair doesn't mean you'll recover them that quickly. If you're using finasteride or minoxidil wait three to six months before you start seeing results. Remember, once you begin these medications you need to be consistent and use them for life.

Is Scalp Micropigmentation Permanent?

Scalp micropigmentation is a quick fix to your hair loss problem but they're not permanent. Just like normal tattoos, the pigments will fade after four to six years so you'll need touch-ups to keep your head looking fresh.

What Should I Do If My Hair Loss Treatment Stops Working?

If you've been using a hair loss treatment and notice that it's no longer working, don't panic! You can switch to another treatment or combine therapies for better results. When all else fails you can always accept your baldness and shave it all off!

How to Choose the Right Hairstyle for Balding Gents?

Picking the right hairstyle for hair-thinning gentlemen can be tricky. The right one can be a game changer while the wrong style can make things worse. A good stylist can recommend the best haircut for you. Shorter hairstyles are a good option, they can add volume and hide those bald spots. Just remember, if you're in the late stages of hair loss, don't even think about combovers. You'll only get embarrassed if you try it.