23 Best Male Hairstyles for Receding Hairlines (And 4 to Avoid)

Finding the right hairstyle for a receding hairline can feel frustrating, but the right cut can make a huge difference. Hair loss at the temples or forehead doesn’t mean you’re out of style options — it just means choosing hairstyles that work with your hair pattern instead of against it.

Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is extremely common and often starts with a receding hairline. The key is understanding your hair density, face shape, and how much recession you have. From ultra-short cuts to textured modern styles, there are plenty of flattering choices.

Can You Stop a Receding Hairline?

Before changing your hairstyle, you may want to consider slowing hair loss. Some treatments are clinically supported, while others focus on overall scalp health.

Options often recommended by dermatologists include:

• Minoxidil (5%) – An over-the-counter topical treatment that may help slow hair loss and support regrowth in some men.
• Finasteride (1 mg oral) – A prescription medication that reduces DHT, the hormone linked to male pattern baldness.
• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) – A non-surgical treatment where your own plasma is injected into the scalp to stimulate follicles.
• Healthy lifestyle habits – Balanced nutrition, reduced smoking, stress management, and regular exercise support overall hair health.
• Scalp care – Gentle massage may improve blood circulation to hair follicles.

Always speak to a qualified medical professional before starting treatment.

Tips for Choosing the Right Hairstyle

• Work with your natural hair texture
• Keep volume and texture on top
• Avoid styles that expose the temples too much
• Shorter sides often make thinning areas less noticeable
• Ask a professional barber for a cut tailored to your hairline

Best Hairstyles for Receding Hairlines

1. High Fade

A high fade is one of the most effective haircuts for men with a receding hairline because it reduces contrast between thinning temples and thicker hair on top. The gradual fade into the skin draws attention away from the hairline and toward the overall shape of the cut. This style works best when paired with short, textured hair on top that can be styled forward or slightly upward.

2. Textured Brush Forward

The textured brush forward pushes hair toward the forehead, helping to conceal temple recession naturally. Layers and texture add volume, which makes thinning areas appear fuller. This style is ideal for men who still have good density through the mid-scalp and want a casual, modern look.

3. Tousled Mid-Length Cut

A tousled mid-length hairstyle uses natural movement and volume to soften the appearance of a receding hairline. Waves or curls help create coverage around the forehead while preventing the hair from lying flat. This look works especially well for men with naturally thick or wavy hair.

4. Buzz Cut

A buzz cut minimizes the visual difference between thinning and thicker areas by keeping the entire head at an even short length. It creates a clean, masculine appearance and requires almost no styling. This is a strong option for men with more advanced recession who prefer a low-maintenance style.

5. Brushed-Up Quiff

A soft quiff styled upward and slightly forward shifts attention away from the temples and adds height at the front. Unlike a dramatic pompadour, a subtle quiff keeps the hairline from being overly exposed. It works best when there is still moderate density on top.

6. Men’s Fringe

A fringe is one of the most effective ways to hide a receding hairline because it physically covers the forehead area. Whether worn textured, side-swept, or slightly messy, the fringe reduces the visibility of temple recession. This style requires decent thickness through the front and mid-scalp.

7. Beard with Short Hair

Pairing short hair with a beard balances facial proportions and shifts focus downward, away from the hairline. A well-groomed beard can make thinning hair look intentional and stylish. This combination works for almost all stages of hairline recession.

8. Modern Hair Systems

Modern hair systems are custom-fitted hairpieces designed to blend seamlessly with natural hair. They allow men with significant hair loss to achieve fuller hairstyles that would otherwise be impossible. While effective, they require maintenance and professional care.

9. Mini Pompadour

A mini pompadour adds controlled volume at the front without exaggerating the hairline. The lift distracts from mild recession while still looking stylish and modern. It’s best suited for men with early-stage hairline thinning and good overall density.

10. Regulation Cut

The regulation cut is a classic, side-swept hairstyle with short sides and slightly longer hair on top. The structured shape provides neat coverage without drawing too much attention to the temples. It’s ideal for professional settings and easy daily styling.

11. Sharp Line-Up (Afro Hair)

For men with Afro-textured hair, a precise line-up can redefine the hairline in a clean, structured way. When done professionally, it can make recession appear more intentional and less noticeable. Regular maintenance is key to keeping the edges sharp.

12. Modern Mohawk

A modern mohawk with faded sides and volume through the center draws attention to the middle of the head instead of the hairline. The contrast between the shaved sides and textured top helps disguise temple thinning. It’s a bold but effective style.

13. High and Tight

The high and tight keeps the sides very short while leaving a small amount of length on top. This military-inspired cut reduces focus on the hairline and creates a sharp, clean silhouette. It’s especially good for men transitioning to shorter hairstyles.

14. Light Slick Back

A lightly slicked-back style can work for men with mild recession if it’s kept soft and natural rather than tightly pulled back. Using matte products instead of shiny gels prevents the scalp from showing too much. It’s best for those with strong density behind the hairline.

15. Bleached Hair

Lightening the hair color can reduce the contrast between hair and scalp, making thinning areas less obvious. While bleaching doesn’t change hair density, it can visually soften recession. However, over-bleaching can damage hair, so professional care is recommended.

16. French Crop / Caesar Cut

The French crop features short sides with a textured fringe pushed forward. This fringe helps mask temple recession while the cropped length keeps the look tidy and modern. It’s one of the most barber-recommended cuts for thinning hairlines.

17. Undercut with Longer Top

An undercut removes bulk from the sides and back while leaving length on top for styling. The contrast shifts focus upward and away from the temples. It works well when styled with texture rather than slicked tightly back.

18. Wolf Cut

The wolf cut uses layers and natural movement to create volume and controlled messiness. Curtain-style fringe pieces can help disguise uneven hairlines. This style suits men who prefer a trendy, relaxed look.

19. Long Crew Cut

A long crew cut leaves slightly more length on top than a traditional crew cut, allowing subtle forward styling. This added length helps soften the appearance of a receding hairline while maintaining a neat, classic shape.

20. Faux Hawk

A faux hawk adds height and texture through the center while keeping the sides shorter. The raised middle section diverts attention from the hairline and creates a youthful, energetic appearance.

21. Side-Parted Undercut

This style uses a deep side part with longer hair swept across the head. It can help reduce the visibility of recession on one side when styled with volume. Matte products keep it looking natural rather than forced.

22. Curtain Fringe (Center Part)

A center-parted curtain fringe frames the forehead and provides soft coverage at the temples. The layered shape adds movement, making thinning less noticeable. This style works best with medium-length hair and natural texture.

23. Natural Short Cut (The “Jude Law” Look)

Keeping hair short and neatly trimmed while embracing the natural hairline can look confident and mature. Instead of trying to hide recession, this style focuses on grooming and overall presentation.

Hairstyles to Avoid with a Receding Hairline

1. Combover

A combover attempts to hide bald areas by sweeping longer hair across them, but it often makes thinning more obvious. Wind, moisture, or movement can easily reveal the scalp underneath.

2. High Dramatic Pompadour

A tall, structured pompadour exposes the entire hairline and emphasizes recession. This style requires thick frontal density, which thinning hairlines usually lack.

3. Tight Hairstyles

Tight buns, ponytails, or braids pull on hair follicles and may lead to traction alopecia, which can worsen hairline recession over time.

4. Heavy Dreadlocks

Long, heavy dreadlocks can strain the roots and accelerate hair loss around the hairline, especially if worn tightly or for long periods.

Final Thoughts

A receding hairline is a normal part of aging for many men, and the right hairstyle can dramatically improve your overall look. The goal isn’t to hide your hairline at all costs — it’s to choose a style that suits your hair type, lifestyle, and confidence level.

If hair loss is progressing quickly or causing distress, consider speaking with a dermatologist or hair restoration specialist to explore medical and cosmetic options.