Hair today, gone tomorrow
> How to deal with a thinning barnet
THERE comes a moment in many men’s lives when they are forced to make a choice. Could they get a few more months out of that rapidly thinning hairstyle, or is it finally time to bite the bullet and shave it all off?
Life is not fair. Some guys get to keep a full head of hair well into middle age, while others start losing it in their 20s.
But if you are one of the unlucky ones, there are some things you can do to prolong the life of your hair and at least put off the inevitable for a little longer.
Here are some tips from experts on how to deal with a thinning barnet:
How do you know when it’s time to shave it off? It’s different for everyone, but there are some “objective and subjective indicators,” says hair and style expert Jens Dagne from the Intercoiffure Mondial hairdressers’ association.
Objectively speaking, he says it’s time to shave when the hair has receded so much that the resulting gap visually changes the proportions of the head.
Subjectively, some men also see the complete greying of already thin hair as a good time to shave.
How can I hide the first bald patches? The hair can be combed forward or even guided with the help of permanent waves, explains Dagne. He has little time for products that are supposed to hide gaps, such as hair loss concealers or paint sprays. They can stain your hands and cause allergic reactions, he says.
How important is sun protection for a balding head? Very important. “This skin was built for the shadows,” says Uwe Schwichtenberg, chairman of the Bremen branch of the Professional Association of German Dermatologists. The longer you are bald, the more damage is likely to be caused by sunburn.
Skin cancer can be a particular risk on the head, he says. He therefore strongly recommends UV protection as soon as the hair thins – and on all sunny days, not just hot ones.
It is best to apply liquid sun protection – for example as a spray – as cream will stick to the remaining hair. An alternative could be to use a moisturiser that contains UV protection.
For Dagne, sun protection with factor 50 or higher is essential.
Should you apply the sun cream every day? Yes, advises Schwichtenberg. The skincare website Haut.de recommends choosing a moisturiser with sun protection to match your skin type. The experts also recommend occasionally rubbing in baby oil, for example directly after shaving. This helps to keep your skin soft.
How should you wash the scalp? As well as using a mild shampoo for the remaining hair, Haut.de recommends using a facial cleansers in the form of a lotion, foam or gel for the scalp. After washing, you should rinse well and apply a moisturiser to prevent irritation.
How should you wash thinning hair? The same as usual, says dermatologist Schwichtenberg. Hair loss due to genetic predisposition cannot be prevented with products.
“Strictly speaking, it’s not hair loss, but less hair growth.” The hairs get thinner and grow shorter until they just stay away completely. – dpa