Let’s face it. No one wants to go bald. Yet it happens to the best of us – men and women both. When you start losing your hair, you may feel embarrassed, self-conscious, or even depressed.  Here are a few tips on how to cope with hair loss:

Get the Best Haircut

The right haircut can make a big difference when you start losing your hair. Shorter cuts typically tend to camouflage thinning hair while long hair can make bald spots look more noticeable. Men who have lost a large amount of hair may opt for a completely shaved head. Look for a hair stylist who has experience in dealing with people with hair loss. Talk to her about different options that would work for you.

Choose the Right Styling Products

Many products can weigh down hair, which can make hair loss more noticeable. Look for non-greasy formulas marked “volumizing” or “thickening”. These will add texture to your hair and keep it lifted – minimizing the look of bald patches. In addition, don’t overdo it with styling products. Using too much product can clump together strands of your hair and draw more attention to your thinning hair. Apply it sparingly for the right effect.

Take Care of Your Hair

Take care of the hair you have left to make you it looks healthy and full. Use gentle hair products and shampoo. Don’t yank or pull at your hair with a brush. Instead, brush or comb your hair gently using a wide-toothed brush or comb. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and drink lots of water. Avoid using hair straighteners or heated rollers, as the heat can dry out your hair and make it break. Also avoid wearing your hair in a tight ponytail, as this can also lead to breakage. Don’t perm your hair (and limit dying it) to keep it damage-free.

Cover It With Makeup

Still feeling self-conscious about thinning hair? Consider covering it with makeup. Topical makeup can make hair loss less noticeable but needs to be reapplied daily. Many topical makeup products can smear and fade in the heat or rain.

Get MicroArt Semi Permanent Scalp Shading

For a more permanent option that wakes up with you, take a look at MicroArt’s semi-permanent scalp shading procedure. Using a 3D shading technique, MicroArt semi-permanent makeup creates the illusion of hair and camouflages bald patches.  You can shade any area of the scalp – from the crown to the neckline. The procedure works on all styles and types of hair. Your technician will customize the colors to precisely match your hair color, so it looks natural and just like your real hair. Plus, it won’t smear or fade like topical makeup. It’s 100% waterproof and lasts up to three years.

Reconsider That Hair Transplant

If you’re considering a hair transplant, you might want to think again. Yes, today’s hair transplants have come a long way in recent years. However, before you decide to get take the leap, you should recognize the risks. Hair transplants cost upwards of $10,000 per surgery. In addition, although it is considered a minor surgery, it still poses dangerous risks – most often associated with being put under for the surgery. Lastly, many times the transplants don’t “take,” requiring additional surgeries. Transplanted hair can also thin out over time. It’s hardly the ideal solution.

If your hairline starts receding, don’t automatically schedule a hair transplant surgery. Instead, get a great cut, use the right products and feel free to camouflage your hair loss with a little scalp shading.