14 DAY TRIAL // It is already a known fact that, for some men, reaching a certain age threshold is equivalent to starting to lose their hair and, as a rule, they often approach the problem in two ways. They either try to cover the thinning hair through whatever means they have or they attempt to make their hair look like it once used to. The key to dealing with the problem and looking glam is to first accept that, while their looks might change, they don’t, so they need to adapt to whatever comes their way, Jeff Sacino, head hairstylist for NBC’s “The West Wing,” says for Men’s Health.
The idea that they’re losing their hair might be more than some men can take, but they need to wake up and smell the coffee, Sacino says: complaining or feeling sorry about it is not going to change anything. A good haircut will, though. The first thing any modern man who also happens to be follicly-challenged has to do is to choose between a barber and a stylist. While the former option costs less, it also comes with the downside of standardization. The stylist, on the other hand, will give a man the cut he really needs by picking it according to his face and personality.
When it comes to the styling part itself – assuming the first stage of “operation great hair” has already been completed, Sacino says there is one guaranteed way to make the hair look healthier than ever: with volume. “If you want that ‘important’ aura, with your hair thick in front and strong throughout, use a light gel in your hair and blow it dry while fluffing with a round brush.” the stylist advises. However, not all men are big fans of blow-drying, so, for those who are not, keeping the hair as natural as possible is the recommended way to go. “Cutting your hair shorter and leaving it more natural can be best. [Bradley Whitford’s] character [on ‘The West Wing’] wasn’t going to look in the mirror and blow-dry his hair. So we kept his hair looking as if he got out of the shower and let it dry on its own.” Sacino explains.
Growing facial hair is yet another way to divert attention from the thinning hair on the head and onto the beauty of the features, the stylist explains. However, that too has to be done according to a set of very strict rules, or else it will only draw more attention to the fact that, well, the man is going bald by being too much of a contrast. “You want to wear a beard that shows your face. The less you cover a man’s facial expressions, the better he looks. A structured beard with stiff lines does not look good. Use thinning shears to tailor it so there are no hard lines, so it looks natural.” Sacino recommends, speaking against a full beard or the much-dreaded goatee.
Avoiding the comb-over is, again, a must if men want to avoid looking ridiculous and too obvious in their attempts at hiding a balding problem. Instead, Sacino says, they can go for the natural, carefully trimmed look or, if they have what it takes, for the shaved head. Although a shaved head is the epitome of baldness (with guys from Vin Diesel, Bruce Willis, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Samuel L. Jackson, Colin Farrell and many others sporting it), any regular Joe can try it, Sacino explains. “A shaved head is a tough look. Vin Diesel shaves to look stronger and have a more dominant presence onscreen. Frankly, I don’t think the average guy who wears a suit to work should do it.” the stylist explains. However, all men are free to experiment: if it’s not a good look, at least they can rest assured their hair will grow back in just a short while.