How to Cut Balding Hair

Growing Bald Gracefully: Where it Starts

What is Hair Loss at the Crown?

Simply put: a receding hairline and thinning hair on the top of the scalp are the most obvious signs of balding. You may notice a “bald spot” when you groom or run your fingers through your hair when styling.

The key is to keep your confidence strong and consider a new hair style. We’ve got you covered below with step-by-step instructions on how to achieve a Side Part, Buzz Cut or a Close Cut. One other hugely trending style to consider is the sleek Pompadour. The hair is brushed backwards, away from the face, disguising the hair loss at the crown. You get height to the face, and if you’re rocking a beard – very stylish.

What is a Receding Hairline?

First and foremost, it is a natural part of life and can happen as early as your 20s or much later in life. The key is, it can happen slowly – and most men regard it as part of life. The first sign of a receding hairline could be hair loss in the shower, or on your pillow, or you may notice your hair thinning at the forehead and temples.

The most noticeable sign lies at the hairline. It may begin to become more of an “M-shape” or “V-shape” over time. Scroll down for three great ways to embrace your receding hairline and change up your hair style with your Wahl clipper.

What is Overall Thinning of Hair?

As you are aware, men get better with age. Unfortunately, hair follicles did not get the memo. More than half of the male population will experience all over hair thinning by the age 50 due to weakened hair follicles. For some guys, thinning starts much earlier. And you may not even be aware of it as it can start at the back of the head.

The good news is, even for those with overall thinning hair, there are some edgy and old-school haircuts you can consider that up your style game – and might even emphasize key features, like a perfect beard or those baby blues.

Use this helpful chart to choose your best style:

3 Haircuts for Balding Men

Whether you’re in the beginning stages of hair loss or latter stages, here are some tried and true haircut options to help you embrace your hair loss in style.

The Side Part

The side part is both classic and modern with the ability to be styled many different ways. Style longer hair to help camouflage and cover areas of hair thinning or balding. Here’s how to achieve the side part:

1. Start by dampening your hair and parting it in whichever direction feels most natural.
2. Use a guide comb, #3 or #4 is recommended, for the shorter hair on the sides and back of the head.
3. Begin near the front of the ear and work your way around the head using an upward motion.
4. Switch to the next longest guide comb to cut the next few inches in an upward rocking motion. Don’t clip above the part!
5. Use the clipper-over-finger technique and cut the hair to the desired, blended length.
6. Cut the bangs last with a longer guide comb and then blend.
7. Use a Wahl trimmer to add sharp lines near the ears and neckline.

Step-by-step instructions for the Side Part.

The Buzz Cut

“I’m not balding, I’m trending.” Recently, celebrities like Nick Jonas and Justin Timberlake chose the iconic buzz cut. Here’s how to create a buzz with your next look:

1. Choose a guide that matches your desired length. The higher the number, the longer the cut. We recommend starting with a #3 or #4.
2. Start from the sides or back of the head and cut in an upward motion.
3. Next, work on the top of the head. Using smooth, straight strokes, move your Wahl clipper from front to back. If you spot any “tiger stripes," go back and blend by using an upward motion.
4. When touching up around the ears, take your time! Some men prefer to go rogue and remove the guide or use the ear trim guide.
5. Clean up the neckline with careful, tight strokes.

Step-by-step instructions for the Buzz Cut.

The Close Cut

The cleanest look of 'em all. An easy style to achieve on your own. Here's how to do the close cut:

1. Start with your Wahl taper lever at the closest possible position.
2. Use an upward rocking motion to cut around the sides and back of the head. Use a mirror as you make careful and controlled strokes, rotating the clipper head when you change sides. You can run the clipper over the same spots a few times if needed.
3. Next, use smooth, straight strokes on the remaining hair on top of the head.
4. Repeat these steps every day or two to maintain the close cut look.

Step-by-step instructions for the Close Cut.