For so long, conversations about hair loss, balding, and even small bald spots on heads were notably hushed. When you consider the fact that nearly 40 percent of women will deal with hair loss in their lifetime, that silence seems particularly deafening. Fortunately, discussions about hair loss have become far less taboo over time. More than ever before, people are ready to discuss the topic to understand why hair loss happens. They’re also eager to find solutions that treat, delay, and conceal bald spots, thinning, and beyond. Keep reading to find out some of the best and easiest ways to cover bald spots.
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What Causes A Bald Spot?
Bald spots on your head can occur for a handful of reasons. One of the most common causes is aging and genetics, which almost always follows a “pattern.” About one-third of women experience female pattern baldness, in which hair thins all over the head, beginning with their part line. Though this type of hair loss doesn’t typically lead to complete baldness, the thinning can cause bald spots and patchy spots all over your head.
Male pattern baldness takes on a different shape and typically starts as a receding hairline and a bald spot on the top of the head. Over time, hair continues to thin until there’s a U-like shape of baldness.
Thinning hair and bald spots can also occur from telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair loss that occurs when your body goes through major upsets, such as stress, surgery, weight loss, illness, and pregnancy. This thinning usually shows up three months after the event and can be dramatic. Fortunately, it is usually not permanent.
Additional temporary causes of bald spots on your head include accidentally damaging hair or the scalp with heat or chemical processing, chronic picking or scratching, sores and wounds, untreated infections or infestations, and skin conditions. If you are unsure what is causing your bald spots, we always suggest making an appointment with a dermatologist.
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Can A Bald Spot Grow Back?
If you’re dealing with a temporary form of hair loss, your bald spot will likely grow back on its own. However, when bald spots or thinning are due to aging and genetics, that’s not always the case.
There are scientifically proven ingredients, such as minoxidil, that can help early hair loss. When used consistently, minoxidil can help generate new hair growth and even delay further hair loss. It cannot, however, completely reverse a permanent bald spot on your head.
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Can You Fix A Bald Spot?
Looking in the mirror and seeing less hair than you saw the month before can be a devastating blow to your self-esteem. If you’re dealing with hair loss and are looking for a few clever ways to cover or conceal a bald spot, employ one of these genius techniques below.
Full Density Conditioner
A hair thickening conditioner for fragile, thinning hair.
Thickening Hair Care Routine
Whether you’ve got a single bald spot on the back of your head or are thinning all over, the first thing you’re going to want to do (after scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist) is to upgrade your hair care routine to a system formulated to make your hair appear thicker.
We love the Biolage Advanced Full Density range, which includes the Advanced Full Density Shampoo, Conditioner, and Densifying Treatment for Thin Hair. The products are formulated to expand the diameter of strands, so your hair looks and feels thicker. While the products won’t get rid of your bald spots, it’ll be much easier to disguise your scalp with thicker-looking strands.
Hair Touch Up Root Concealer in Warm Brown
A root concealing spray to cover grays.
Cover Up Spray
Root cover up sprays are meant to help lengthen the time between color touch-up appointments, but they can also be great for temporarily masking bald spots. L'Oréal Professionnel Hair Touch Up Root Concealer comes in seven shades to help you seamlessly hide your scalp.
Keratin Fibers
If you ask any stylist about the best way to cover bald spots (and we have), just about all of them will suggest keratin fibers. These small, strand-like fibers cling to your hair and scalp, mimicking the appearance of hair. This creates an appearance of naturally thicker, fuller hair. Applying keratin fibers is as simple as shaking them onto your head, and when you’re ready to get rid of them, all you have to do is wash your hair.
Cover Up Powder
If sprays and keratin fibers aren’t your cup of tea, we’ve got just the thing for you. Much like root cover up spray, root cover up powders are meant to lengthen the time between salon appointments but are great at masking bald spots. Simply brush the pigment onto the spot the same way you brush on your makeup, and voila—bald spots are no more.
Micropigmentation
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution for your bald spot woes, consider micropigmentation. Much like eyebrow microblading or “permanent” makeup, micropigmentation is a procedure in which a professional injects pigment into the scalp—similar to a tattoo—to mimic the appearance of hair follicles.
Clip-In Extensions
Clip-in extensions are one of our favorite ways to add temporary length to our mane, but they’re also a great way to add volume. Depending on where your scalp is most visible, a strategically placed clip-in can mask any bald spots and make your hair look thicker and longer.
Accessories
As clever as all of these solutions are, sometimes you just want to throw on a hat and walk out of the door. Lucky for you, hair accessories are one of the fastest and easiest ways to cover a bald spot. Whether you opt for a gorgeous silk scarf or an on-trend hat, your hair will look absolutely flawless, and your bald spot will be our little secret.
Click here to shop our best volumizing hair products to give your strands the extra umph they need.
