Balding Men Can Have Some Great Styles, Too!

Merely mentioning the words "hair styling" to anyone with a full head of locks can bring dozens of ideas on how to embellish his looks. But, to the man with a bald pate, the phrase sounds rather ridiculous; how in the world can he style what he doesn't have? But, if you're one who has a hair deficit, the truth is that there are ways to upgrade your scalp, despite the lack of active follicles. First, don't ever think of yourself as defeated or cheated by nature. There are countless thousands of successful and often sexy men who have learned how to make "alopecia" (hair loss) work in their physical favor. They've learned that there are certain "styles" to actually avoid:

The "comb-over" is one in which a man takes whatever hair he has on the sides and combs it over the top of his head in a vain attempt to hide his receded hairline. Not only is this hard to manage (especially if a stiff wind comes along) but, honestly, it looks silly to passers-by.

For years, toupees have provided a quick and painless way for the severely hair-challenged to disguise their baldness. However, keeping up with a hairpiece is just another worry; besides hoping a breeze won't blow it off the scalp, there's the trouble of fitting it "just right". In recent times, other techniques, such as hair-plugs (quite costly) and medications like Rogaine and Propecia (not guaranteed to work, and may have side effects), have become popular.

If you're balding, the best way to handle the situation is simply to accept it, and find the best style for the rest of your hair -- a style that will complement your overall looks while drawing attention away from the baldness.

For example, if you have a thin face, consider having your remaining hair cut short and cropped. This not only allows your face to look fuller, but is also the style of choice for quite a few actors, singers, comedians and TV personalities.

If your ears are prominent, you may want the sides just a bit thicker. However, to minimize the bald prominence, having the hairline styled evenly with that thickness (no loose or unmanageable strands) may just be the ticket. On occasion, and with fuller faces, the temples could be trimmed and brushed back a bit for a more "dignified" look.

Unless you go for a short, cropped look, a blocked cut at the nape of the neck accents your look and not your baldness. If it's cut too short in the back, it'll look uneven and a bit naked; a cut that allows a trace of your nape hair to show when someone looks straight at you creates a bit of "fullness" to the style.

To augment your new style, why not grow a moustache, goatee or beard? It not only draws attention away from the baldness to the unique style of the facial adornment, but, to some women, looks extremely sexy. For maximum effect, be sure that it complements your features: If your face is short or "pudgy," a goatee can give it more definition and length; if it's long and thin, consider a full, well-trimmed beard. (However, a long or bushy beard is never recommended because it not only highlights your baldness even more but is also hard to maintain. Further, it absorbs heat that can lead to skin rash under the beard itself. If your face has a darker, almost Mediterranean complexion, a simple moustache could be all you need to highlight your features.

Obviously, the best advice can be given by qualified and proven hair stylists. They've styled many with receding hairlines and can provide you with the style that best suits your own personal features.

Above all, remember that your personality will do more to draw attention away from your baldness than a well-groomed hairstyle by itself. If you have a winning attitude, and are outgoing and confident, you'll find the style you've chosen will be a pleasant enhancement to any business or social gathering. And any worry you have about hair loss will be a thing of the past.