Five Tips For Grooming Thin Hair

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on April 24, 2023

Easy Ways to Make Your Hair Look Thicker

Aging can take a real toll on the body — the head is no exception. Father time has a tendency to whittle away at your hair, slowing down the normal growth cycle and causing new hairs to be thinner and less resilient. If you’re experiencing noticeable hair loss, it might be time to get in touch with a doctor to explore treatment options. In the meantime, here are a few easy tips and tricks to consider to help make your thin hair look thicker. 

Cleanliness is Next to godliness 

Your scalp produces a bevy of natural oils. And just by going through the motions of everyday life, your hair is exposed to a ton of dirt and other particles that can make hair look greasy and clumped up. For men with thin hair, these clumps can leave some gaps in your hair, making hair loss more apparent. That’s why you should pay extra attention to keeping your hair clean by using the right shampoo and conditioner. Some shampoos contain chemicals like diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) that can actually damage your hair — so try to avoid those. 

Try Mousse Instead of Gel 

Most men reach for gels and waxes when styling their hair, but they might not be the best option when it comes to thin hair. Just like dirty, greasy hair can clump up and leave gaps in coverage on the scalp, heavy-duty waxes and hair gels can do the same. If you’re looking to try something new, reach for a product that helped 80s rockers and movie stars pump up the volume in their hair — mousse. These foams can give some lift to your hair without being overpowering, and they aren’t just for your mother. 

Use Your Fingers, Ditch the Comb

Unless you’re looking to achieve a Don Draper from Mad Men kind of look, using your fingers to apply hair products can give it a messy look that covers gaps in thinning hair. A comb or brush can make hair look flat and keep it close to the scalp, but with your fingers, you’ll have more ability to direct your hair where you need it most. Just make sure to wash your hands before to avoid adding extra dirt to the scalp. 

Use a Blow-Dryer

If you have to borrow some mousse from someone, ask them for their hair dryer as well. Blow-drying can help give your hair some extra volume, especially in combination with a brush. There’s a catch, though: don’t use the hottest setting. Too much heat can damage your hair in the long run, so choose a lower setting and don’t use the hair dryer for too long. 

Pick the Right Hairstyle 

Not all hairstyles work for all men. If your hair is noticeably thinning, you won’t be able to rock the same hairdo you did in your teens. A good side part or undercut can help give your hair a thicker look. Some men even choose to grow their hair out and slick it back to cover up the bald spot on the top of the head. When in doubt, ask your hairdresser. They’ve no doubt seen it all and can potentially give you some recommendations about which way to go with your own luscious locks. Trust them — they’re professionals. 

Take Action

Whether you decide to talk to a specialist about treatment options for hair loss or check out some of the options listed above, the important thing is to not wait too long before managing your thinning hair. You’re far from alone in this fight, and there are plenty of resources out there for men looking to stand up to hair loss. Just make sure to do it sooner rather than later.