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How Do I Fix a Bad Hairline?

By Erik J.J. Goserud
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 162,297
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There are several different ways to fix a bad hairline, though much of the choice depends on how severe the problem is and invested you are in finding a solution. Simple fixes like changing your haircut or hairstyle or trying out a new thickening cream or shampoo may be all you need. More serious cases may need surgical intervention, often in the form of hair implants; buying a wig or a false hair extension may also be a good temporary fix.

Identify the Problem

The first thing you need to do is figure out exactly why your hairline is bad. Your hairline is usually defined as the meeting of the forehead with the beginning of the hair, and on most people this hits comfortably above the eyebrows. A line that is too low can look unusual, and one that is too high is characteristic of balding. Some people also have hairlines that are crooked, which can make the head or face seem lopsided. The cause of each is different, as is the treatment method.

Try a New Hairstyle

Altering your cut or the way you style your hair is usually the simplest and most cost-effective way to solve the problem, but it doesn’t work for everyone. If your hairline is too low, try changing your hairstyle to keep it higher. This could include shaving the hair up to a certain point. Tying your hair back or parting it to one side or another may also even out and push back a hairline.

A crooked hairline is most commonly caused by a bad haircut. This can usually be fixed by getting a new haircut or modifying the bad one that put you in this position. If the crooked hairline is natural or cannot be easily fixed, you may be able to style the hair differently so that the problem is not as obvious. Although you can attempt to fix it yourself, you may be best served getting help from a professional stylist.

High hairlines tend to be the most chronic and troubling. If your hair is just high naturally — which is to say, if you aren’t actually balding — try to grow bangs or use other hairstyles that lower, or at least give the appearance of lowering, the line. The issue with most of these methods is that they are temporary, often requiring regular attention to maintain a particular look.

Shampoos and Topical Creams

Another option is to try to stimulate more hair growth, which can make your hair thicker and more evenly distributed across your head. Thicker, fuller hair doesn’t always impact your hairline, but it might, particularly if the line is actively receding or changing shape. Encouraging new growth can help things go back to how they were before.

A number of thickening creams and shampoos are available for purchase in many places, most without a prescription. Stronger hair growth medications are sometimes available, too, but usually only on the recommendation of a medical professional, and usually only in cases where hair loss or line issues are the result of some sort of condition or illness.

Thickening products are usually sold as creams or gels that you rub into your hair and scalp periodically, as frequently as once a day but usually at least once a week. They can range from the inexpensive to the very pricey, and results typically vary a lot from person to person. In most cases they’re only temporary, too, and good results depend on constant use.

Wigs and Other Masking Measures

In some cases the easiest thing to do with a bad hairline is just to cover it up or disguise it, like with a wig or false hair extensions. These aren’t true fixes in that your hairline is still usually bad; the problem isn’t usually noticeable, though, so it may appear fixed. Wigs and extensions can also be a fun way to try out new styles, cuts, and even colors without much commitment.

Surgical Intervention

Hairlines that prove particularly troublesome may need more permanent solutions. Surgical implants are used in some places to actually alter a person’s pattern of hair growth, and in many instances can actually encourage new growth, too. These procedures attempt to place real or synthetic hair onto someone's head, usually by stitching it into place, though hair follicle transplants can also be done in some cases. Treatments tend to be very expensive and time-consuming, though in most cases they do get more or less dependable results.

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Discussion Comments
By SarahSon — On Oct 20, 2012

I have had a high hairline for a long time and it has always bothered me. I have never been able to get used to it and dream about what it would be like to have a full head of hair.

I have tried just about every cream and shampoo for fuller, thicker hair, but nothing really works. I am about ready to consider surgery but am wondering if anyone has had this done and would recommend it? I don't want to spend a bunch of money and still end up being disappointed.

By bagley79 — On Oct 20, 2012

I have an uncle who has a bad hairline and he combs his hair way over to one side to try and cover it up. I think this makes it stand out even more, but it must make him feel better because he has worn his hair this way for a long time.

My dad is completely bald and it doesn't bother him a bit. He says it saves him some money and it takes him less time to get ready to go anywhere.

By sunshined — On Oct 19, 2012

The only time I have had a bad hairline was when I got a really bad haircut. I should have known better, but my regular stylist was gone and I didn't want to wait until she got back.

I have had good haircuts and not so good haircuts, but this one was really bad. It makes me wonder how the girl ever keeps any customers. As soon as my regular stylist was available I made an appointment to get a different haircut.

I ended up going with a completely different style to cover up the bad work that was done previously. In the end it didn't turn out quite so bad because I ended up loving the cut and it was something I would have never chosen otherwise.

By Mykol — On Oct 18, 2012

I feel especially bad for women who have a high hairline as I think this would be really hard to deal with. I used to work with a gal who was in her early 30's and it looked like she was starting to go bald. I have always had very thick hair and doubt I will ever have to go through this, but if I did, I think I would have to look into some type of surgery or something.

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