How To Hide Thinning Hair And Regain Confidence

Grooming

Part of our

Most men would rather have a tiny penis than go bald. Not this man, but why should we have to trade. Why do we care so much about thinning hair?

I recently wrote in The Book of Man about my thinning hair anxiety and my hap hazard experimentation with hair powders. I have had serious fear about losing my hair for years, but recently discovered that there are a number of ways you can hide thinning hair without going through surgery.

Soon after the feature went out, none other than hair dresser of the year (four times) Jamie Stevens got in touch with an offer. To prove that hair covering products can look shit-hot if you just practice applying them properly.

In the next 7 steps it is our mission to show you that hair masking products can work… for some of you. And by practicing the application, you can reclaim your barnet in time for summer. It’s time to hide your thinning hair.

Wash, Repeat, Condition

Literally wash the shit out of your hair. Two applications of a thickening shampoo followed by a thickening conditioner. CONDITION! Failing to do so means your fragile follicles will snap off, which is terribly upsetting. Never have the lives of so few given so much. If you have a back-massaging hair wash chair then great. Don’t worry if not, a filthy neglected shower will suffice.

Pat it don't rub it

Take a long hard look at that scalp, but don’t strain your eyes, use a mirror if you need to. Now pat your hair dry. If you don't want to see anymore of that pasty scalp, then don’t rub it like you’re polishing a Jacobean sideboard. Jamie’s top tip along with patting is to buy a silk pillowcase. Like you needed an excuse you Duke!

Make the cut if you can

Ok. This bit should really be done before everything but let's treat it as an aside. A short hair-cut can go a long way to hide the whisp on its own. It’s time to get your barber to go all the way. I had never gone this far. But I trusted Jamie. He’s a winner of awards. Don’t be afraid to gently whisper, "Keep going…keep going…keep going," – you want to be able to see skin (you’re private cowboy preparing for duty now). TOP TIP: A good barber/hairdresser will advise you on the best cut for your hair."What are we doing today?" " You tell me pal..."

The magic spray

Once you've washed now it's the magic bit. Jamie starts applying a brown spray to my gently patted hair. “This is for the scalp, it’s to cover the scalp and blend it into the natural hair colour.” He suggests using a flicking motion to ensure that there is no obvious build up. “This takes practice,” he says, using the example that, “If I told you to go and spray paint a car for the first time, you’d probably fuck it up.” He’s right, I would. Within seconds I can see the results. I start flicking an imaginary can under my gown. Then realise how this must look. It wasn’t awkward. TOP TIP: Don’t spray too close to the hairline as a sudden brown line can look obvious.

A quick blow

Next a quick blow dry. “This activates the spray on the scalp and makes it water resistant”, says Jamie. This means if you sweat, get caught in the rain or have a drink thrown over you for being smug, it will stay in place. Only shampoo will get it out. I can see the difference already.

Dab it don't shake it

So the scalp is now dark. Is that me? Or a young Jack Nicholson? We haven’t finished yet. Next up Jamie applies the brown fibre powder. This is to thicken up the hair and attaches to the follicles. This bit I’ve done before, but not with this level of skill. “Just dab it all over your head like a pepper pot.” He’s a culinary wizard. Again avoid the hairline. Use your hands to style and place the hair as you would. Don’t be scared of your now absolutely filthy fingers (a small penance) – people will just think you’ve been building a stone wall… or changing a tyre. Because you have.

Fix it all in place

Finally Jamie suggests a fixing spray to hold everything in place, not wax or gel. This will also thicken things up further, but, “For fuck's sake make sure it is a matt finish.” Wet looking hair is not good unless you’re Keanu Reeves in Point Break or auditioning for a youth theatre production of Bugsy Malone, which you shouldn’t be if you are old enough to recede. So that’s you out of excuses, cos you are none of those things. None.

Marvel at it

Peacock and gush at your new head. Genuinely impressed. I could be on the telly. Or at least have my picture attached to a successful podcast. From washing, to applying, to drying takes a matter of minutes unless you get a haircut every morning… don't do that.

DISCLAIMER: Don’t bother with this if you have a few strands of hair hanging on for dear life, you will look odd. Shave them off (you will look hard and/or wise). Do try this if your thin bits still have fight in them – I’ve just added an extra 5 minutes to my bathroom time allowance – because I’m worth it.

If you want to know a bit more about my hair journey then read about my thinning hair anxiety. Let us know if you have a story to share, drop me a line at mark@thebookofman.com