This article was reviewed by Mike Bohl, MD.
The Roman Empire — it’s not just something men are constantlythinking about, but also the potential birthplace of a certain polarizing hairstyle. Yep, according to some scholars, Julius Caesar sported a comb-over. A biography written of Caesar by the Roman historian Suetonius in the year 121 AD (over 100 years after Caesar’s death) said, “Baldness was a disfigurement that troubled him greatly since he found that it was often the subject of the gibes of his detractors. Because of it, he used to comb forward his scanty locks from the crown of his head.”
Flash forward several thousand years, and some men are still rocking the comb-over. The hairstyle was actually patented in the 1970s during a period of high popularity (think Christian Bale’s character in American Hustle). But just because something is patented doesn’t make it universally beloved (looking at you, urinal headrest).
You don’t need us to tell you that comb-overs are divisive (though some people can and do pull them off). We surveyed 11 men experiencing hair loss to learn their thoughts on comb-overs and spoke to two hairstylists about how to best style a comb-over if you want to try it out or what to do instead.
What Men Think of Comb-Overs
We were surprised to find a pretty even split between men who either dislike comb-overs or said they wouldn’t try the hairstyle themselves and those who don’t mind the style or embrace it as a way to conceal thinning hair.
Here’s what they had to say.
Some Men Don’t Mind Comb-Overs
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“I think more men would try comb-overs as a style option if there were no stigma or judgment. Without the negative associations, comb-overs could be a practical way to style hair.” —Matt W.*
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“Initially, a comb-over was a great camouflage to my hair loss, but eventually, after losing more hair, a comb-over would not work.” —Kevin G.*
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“[A comb-over] makes my hair look and feel full. If there wasn’t judgment around the hairstyle, I think many men would at least try the look out.” —Jason C.
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“I currently have a comb-over, and it works fine if my hair is dry, clean, and has product in it. Otherwise, it gets really greasy and stringy looking.” —Michael S.
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“I think if enough men tried it and it worked, they would do it. But it doesn’t always work.” —Andrew D.
Some Men Wouldn’t Try a Combover
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“Being Black, you have a different texture of hair that doesn’t go well with that style, so that wouldn’t work with my type of hair texture. I have seen them on other nationalities, and they look nice on them.” —Sergio B.
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“I think everyone is too caught up in social media image, and everyone is too worried about everyone else’s opinions.” —Andrew R.
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“I would never do it.” —Jeff P.*
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“[A comb-over] feels like I’m hiding. I don’t like it. I personally prefer to at least pretend I’m confident, no matter my look. Fake it ‘til you make it!” —Brandon D.
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“A comb-over is not a hairstyle that works for every type of hair. Especially those with curly hair.” —Aaron F.*
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“[A comb-over] aged me beyond comprehension and generally did not make sense for me as I have naturally curly hair. It’s rarely flattering. Depending on the hair loss, I think sometimes men would (and should) cut their losses and go full bald if they’re already past the point of repairing their hair loss.” —Ian G.
Related: Does Wearing a Hat Cause Hair Loss?
Thoughts on Comb-Overs, From Hair Experts
“Regarding comb-overs, there’s definitely a fine line between stylish and, well, not-so-stylish,” says Ben Davis, founder of men’s grooming service The Gents Place. “I think the key here is to be honest with yourself about what works for your hair and your lifestyle. A comb-over, if done properly, can sometimes work for guys trying to manage thinning hair, but it has to be done naturally and isn’t trying to hide too much.
The biggest mistake he sees? A super tight, slicked-over look that’s too obvious, almost like they’re trying too hard. He says a comb-over should still have some movement, not be perfectly plastered to the scalp. “For a more refined look, use a lightweight styling product that adds volume and texture rather than something too heavy. This gives a more modern, effortless feel.”
Maria Jones, a professional makeup & hair stylist at CoverClap, says that a comb-over needs to be precise in how it’s cut and styled. “The key,” she says, “is to create a seamless transition between the sides and the longer top, making sure the combed-over hair doesn’t look like it’s ‘trying too hard.’”
She says it’s best to find a haircut that will go well with your natural pattern of hair growth. When styling a comb-over, Jones (like Davis) also recommends using lighter styling products that won’t weigh the hair down, such as volumizing mousse or a flexible, light-hold hairspray. She says that “heavier products can make the hair appear greasy or stiff and will defeat the purpose of trying to create volume and movement.”
Alternatives to a Comb-Over
But what if a comb-over is a hard no? A comb-over style doesn’t work for everyone, and even if your hair could technically pull off the style, you may not want to.
“A better alternative for many men is embracing the look of shorter, well-groomed hair or even opting for a buzz cut if that suits your style. Going shorter doesn’t necessarily mean you have less hair — it’s about working with what you’ve got and feeling confident. A clean, close-cropped style can actually be way more flattering than trying to hide thinning spots,” Davis says.
Jones says as a more modern, universally flattering style, she’d advise opting instead of haircuts that give volume and texture. “A textured crop or a pompadour are good alternatives, especially when associated with the proper styling products to give a lift and add volume without requiring major combing,” she says. If hair loss is bothering you, she also recommends hair loss treatments or scalp micropigmentation rather than trying to conceal a bald spot with a hairstyle.
If you’re curious to hear more from women about what they think of comb-overs, check out our guide to women’s thoughts on bald men.
*Indicates that names have been changed to protect privacy
This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Featured Image Credit: koumaru / iStock.
