Hair stylists and image coaches tell us how to ace the bald look

Prince William. Pic courtesy/Getty Images; Vin Diesel. Pics courtesy/Wikimedia Commons; Jason Statham

Last week, the Internet woke up to the news of a Prince from the British royal family making it to a list that ranked men by their sex appeal, many expressing their disbelief that he wasn't Harry [pun intended]. On closer inspection of the list, we found out that it is Prince William who was crowned the sexiest bald man alive in 2023 by online marketing agency Reboot beating the likes of Vin Diesel and Jason Statham. Hair stylists and image coaches from the city tell us how you can ace the bald look if you're hoping to make it to the list any time soon.

Trim it right

Men often spot the signs of hair loss or balding before it becomes evident to others. While men with lush manes are offered a wide range of styles to choose from at salons, those with balding often find themselves lost while navigating this stage.

Prathamesh Sawant; Atharva Takke and Neha Gupta

"If it's the early stages of balding, I suggest growing your hair out a little and getting haircuts where we can strategically cover up for the balding areas without making it obvious. A French crop is my personal favourite suggestion, which helps cover hair recession. If you're in the advanced stages of balding, I suggest trimming the sides and back shorter which relatively takes the attention away from the balding area," suggests Prathamesh Sawant, hair stylist and co-owner, Nomad Barber India.

Atharva Takke, co-founder, U Takke Salons, tells us that men can look beyond haircuts and embrace options like hair patches, which look almost
indistinguishable and open new avenues to experiment with classic hairstyles. He adds, "If they are not comfortable with any of these options, shaving it all off is the best option. It's a bold statement, and I always encourage my clients, if they choose to take that road."

Beard for balance

Several studies have shown that individuals with male pattern baldness are genetically predisposed to growing thick and striking facial hair. Takke suggests cashing in on this phenomenon. "Beards are a great way to add balance to the facial structure when you're balding, but choosing the right beard is key." For men with a rounder head and narrower jawline, he suggests sporting a full beard that adds definition to the face. Men who have oblong and broader jawlines can opt for stubbles or shorter beard styles that balance out the empty space without broadening the face too much.

Sawant recommends a light, rugged stubble which he believes can add to their masculinity. "A Van Dyke beard-style, moustache, and goatee combination looks pretty classic, and suitable for formal settings. If you're looking for something basic, you can never go wrong with a full beard, groomed regularly," he adds.

Cut from different cloth

"Bald men have a wonderful canvas for trying out various classic looks by playing with their fashion choices. Dressing with either solid patterns or monochrome can look pretty cool with a clean-shaven head," the stylist remarks. Takke echoes this sentiment, adding, "Any option from baggy to tailormade fits, and solids to wacky prints tend to look great with a bald head. Experimenting with accessories, however, is the real game changer. A simple fedora can be a fun addition to your look if you're heading out for brunch. Wear a basic beanie if you're going for a sporty, cool vibe. Avoid headwear that has fancy embellishments or big flashy logos. They'll attract attention to the head," he suggests.

The stylist reveals that a must-have in your wardrobe is eyewear. "Whatever the occasion, there's always room for eyewear. Choose subtle eyewear for formal settings, but when you have the freedom, choose the funkiest piece you can get your hands on."

Let's talk business

Neha Gupta, a Mumbai-based image consultant, says that men with hair loss often have low self-esteem which can directly hamper their confidence and performance at work. She recommends a checklist to ensure you're always on top of your game. "Reminding yourself that your hair is only a part of your overall image is vital. It's an individual's body language, etiquette and fashion sense that leave a lasting first impression in professional settings," she asserts.

To that end, Gupta shares some styling tips. "If more than a third of your head is bare, it's a good time to shave it all off for a clean, prim and professional look. A clean and shiny head shows you put effort into grooming. Ditch oversized suits and shirts and add tailormade, well-fitting alternatives to your wardrobe. At the end of the day, it's your communication skills and etiquette that will take you places," she concludes.