Whether you see it in a photo or in your reflection, noticing that you’re losing hair is never a fun experience.Â
Hair loss is a common issue for men. In fact, research shows that more than 50 percent of men will experience moderate to extensive hair loss by the time they reach their forties.
Whether you’re losing hair around your hairline or on your crown, wanting to cover up hair loss is a normal, understandable reaction. Products like hair loss concealers can make this process easy by quickly and conveniently creating the appearance of thicker hair.
Although hair loss concealers are far from aesthetically perfect, they offer real advantages and might be a good option in certain situations.Â
Below, we’ve explained what hair loss concealers are, as well as how they work to make your hair appear thicker and less affected by hair loss. We’ve also listed the other options that are available for dealing with hair loss, from medications to medical procedures and more. Â
Hair loss concealers are products that are designed to make areas of your scalp with significant hair loss look like they’re covered by thick, full hair.
In short, they’re products that create the illusion of a fuller head of hair. For example, if you have hair loss around the crown of your head, applying a hair loss concealer to this area may make it look like your crown is still covered by hair.Â
Although hair loss concealers can give the appearance of a thicker, fuller head of hair, they don’t actually treat hair loss. If you’re losing your hair due to male pattern baldness, using a concealer won’t slow down or reverse your hair loss. Instead, it will just make it less visible.Â
Hair loss concealers are available in a variety of forms, from fiber-based concealers to powders and liquids. Some concealers work by changing the color of your scalp, while others use fibers that cling to your hair to create the appearance of extra thickness.Â
Each type of hair loss concealer works slightly differently — something we’ve discussed in more detail below.Â
Hair loss concealers work in several ways. Some concealers change the color of your scalp in order to make bald areas less obvious. Some work by visually thickening your hair through the use of fibers or powders.Â
Fiber hair loss concealers, or hair fibers, are small fibers made from proteins such as keratin. They come in a variety of different colors to match your natural hair and have an appearance similar to a coarse powder.Â
Hair fibers have a static charge, allowing them to cling to your natural hairs. When sprinkled or sprayed into your hair, the hair fibers attach and create the illusion of thickness in areas of your scalp affected by hair loss.Â
When applied properly, hair fibers are pretty durable. They’ll usually stay firmly attached to your natural hair in most conditions, allowing you to add some extra thickness for occasions in which you’d like to look your best.Â
Powder hair loss concealers work by temporarily changing the color of your scalp. They’re similar to the concealer makeup sold by many cosmetic companies, which is designed to hide spots, dark spots and blemishes on the skin.Â
Like hair fibers, powder hair loss concealers come in a range of colors to match the appearance of your natural hair. They’re applied to your scalp using a brush or sponge to give thinning areas the appearance of thicker, fuller hair.Â
Liquid hair loss concealers work in a variety of ways. Some are similar to mascara and work by adding artificial thickness to your existing hair, usually by coating the hair shaft with ingredients that cling to it and make it appear thicker.Â
Others work by applying an artificial color to your scalp, reducing the level of contrast between your hair and the color of your skin. Some liquid hair loss concealers come in spray form, while others come with an applicator and are applied similarly to makeup.Â
If your hair is starting to thin, or if you already have significant hair loss, using a concealer offers several advantages:
Hair loss concealers also have several disadvantages. These can vary depending on the type and brand of hair concealer you plan to use. Disadvantages include:
Finally, it’s important to remember that hair loss concealers don’t actually stop or slow down hair loss. While your hair may look thicker temporarily, using a concealer won’t stimulate hair growth or block DHT like other hair loss treatments.
Using a hair loss concealer can be a quick, convenient way to boost thickness in areas of your scalp with noticeable thinning. Consider combining a hair loss concealer with one or several of the following hair loss treatments for better results:
Some cosmetic and surgical procedures can also restore hair in areas with thinning or create the appearance of a thicker head of hair. These include:
Hair loss concealers won’t treat hair loss, but they can be helpful for covering up hair loss and adding thickness during times when you’d like your hair to look thick, full and healthy.
Like other hair products, hair loss concealers can vary considerably in appearance, pricing and quality. For best results, you may need to experiment with several concealers to find one that’s a good match for your natural hair color, texture and thickness.Â
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.