Bald on top, hair on the sides: the complete styling guide
Men usually lose hair on the top of their head before the sides begin to thin. This leaves enough room for you to experiment with balding haircuts on top. Embracing baldness on top, hair on the sides can make you look mature and wise beyond your years.
It may seem like there isn’t much you can do to play with this haircut, but rest assured, we’ve got plenty of options for you below. It just requires some thinking outside the box!
What causes baldness on top but hair on the sides?
You see how some guys go bald on top, but still have hair on the back and sides? it’s called balding. What causes male pattern baldness is not fully understood but it is mostly genetic.
Here are three key factors for baldness on top and hair on the sides.
- Male pattern baldness is hereditary. Parents pass it on to their children. If your family has a history of it, you are likely to get it too.
- Hormones, especially dihydrotestosterone or DHT, affect male pattern baldness. DHT is the male sex hormone that your body produces. This can damage hair follicles, causing hair loss.
- Male pattern baldness usually affects men in their 30s, 40s , and the 50’s. Still, it can start to appear in men during their teenage years.
How can I hide my bald spot on top?
Here are some strategies you can use to disguise or work with baldness on top while keeping the hair on the sides:
Hair Design: Talk to your barber about hairstyles that might help hide your baldness. A longer layered cut can sometimes help mask thinning hair on top, as it adds volume.
Loan and savings: This is a classic technique but should be done gently to avoid an artificial look. Do not force the hair to cover the bald spot completely; Instead, let it fall naturally over the area.
hair products: Use shampoo and conditioners. These can make the remaining hair appear thicker and fuller. Products that add texture can also make your hair look fuller.
Hair fibers: There are products on the market that are like hair fibers. They bond to your existing hair, creating the appearance of fuller hair.
Shave or trim the sides: Keeping the hair on the sides shorter can make the top appear fuller in comparison. You can also consider a full shave or buzz cut For a clean, balanced and stylish look.
Micropigmentation of the scalp: This is a type of hair tattoo that gives the illusion of tufts of hair. This can be a good option if you have very little hair left.
Hat or headgear: Wearing a stylish hat or bandana can be a great way to cover a bald spot, and it adds to your overall look.
The best hairstyles for bald on top, hair on the sides
If you are bald on top and have hair on the sides, here are some of the best ways to improve your hairstyle.
1. Gray hair + goatee

You made up for what you lacked by being bald by adding a goatee. That nice covering of hair around your mouth will show that you are still manly enough Grow hair where it matters.
Let the hair on the sides of your head grow as tall as it can without being flat. Leave some fine blur that covers most of the bald area.
2. Salt and pepper sides

If your hair still has some pigment left, make sure you show it off. Shave the sides The bottom is very short, so that both gray and dark hair can be seen and blend together. Add a beard to show it more.
3. Thin comb

If you still have a few thin strands of hair left on top, comb them over your head to create a subtle coverage. Grow your hair as thick as you can over your ears but don’t let it get too long.
4. White strands

Some men still have a few strands of hair growing from the spot that is mostly bald. not all hair color Looks good when he lets those strands out, but it’s very suitable for men with white hair.
Keep the rest of the hair on your side at an even length that falls just below the top of your ears. Don’t style or do anything extravagant with it so you can create a soft look.
5. Long sides + beard

Make the most of your remaining hair by growing it long. Keep the back ear length, but let the sideburns grow long enough to blend into a soft white beard.
You can leave a small amount of fluff on the top of your head if you are still growing some hair then naturally, but don’t let it get too long.
6. Comb back

Aren’t you completely bald on top? Do you have thick hair on the sides and some hair along your hairline?
Brush the hairline back to help mask the baldness. Make the sides smooth and shiny to help blend everything together. It works especially well with naturally dark hair.
7. Thick sides + mustache

If you still have thick hair left on the sides with a bald top, then flaunt it. Consider getting a few layers to help the sides look even thicker. Add a bushy mustache to give yourself a fun vibe.
8. Mohawk upside down

Sometimes it’s best to use a razor to make the top of your head completely free to get the funky look Mohawk upside down. Spread the sides to the spikes, so you still have some volume on top.
9. Brushed sides

Not all guys are suited to thick, unruly sides of their hair. Keep your hair short And brush towards the back of your head if you want to make it look neater.
Keeping yours Shorter hair on the sides is also a good idea if your hair is thin at the temples.
10. Long silver fluff

If your hair has a naturally airy texture, then let it stand free. A lot of hair when growing out the sides of the head will stick straight out.
Letting your silver locks stand out while the top is bald will make you look like a sweet, approachable old man with fun stories to tell.
Bald haircuts on top are all pretty similar, but you can adjust the length and thickness of the hair you have left on the sides.
Choose your look wisely. Some will make you look like a fun-loving older guy, and others will make you look like a wise old gentleman that people look to for advice.
Common questions
Yes, hair on the sides but balding on top is a common pattern of hair loss most commonly caused by male pattern baldness.
Yes, there are treatments that can help slow or prevent the progression of male pattern baldness. These treatments include minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia).
The pattern of bald on top but hair on the sides usually progresses over time as the hair on the top of the head becomes thinner and eventually disappears.
Yes, there are treatments that specifically target the “bald on top, hair on the sides” hair loss pattern. These treatments include minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia).
A change in diet or lifestyle may affect the pattern of baldness on top but hair on the sides. For example, a healthy diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants may help slow the progression of hair loss. Additionally, quitting smoking and reducing stress may also help slow the progression of hair loss.
Many studies show that it affects a lot of men, but it seems to happen more often in white guys compared to other ethnic groups. African, Asian and Native American guys tend to see it less. But, honestly, it’s a roll of the dice, and it can happen to any guy.
Myth 1: Hair loss only comes from your mother’s side of the family. That’s not quite true. Both your mom’s and dad’s genes can contribute, so you can’t blame just one side!
Myth 2: Another myth is that wearing hats can cause it. No, your favorite baseball cap does not freeze you. The main culprit is usually just your genetic luck of the draw, not your wardrobe choices.