How To Up Your Dating Game When You’re Balding

In today’s app-centric, social media-driven world, dating is complicated. Throw in an insecurity like hair loss and you may be feeling completely out of your comfort zone. It’s true that people can be quite judgmental, however you may be the one critiquing yourself too harshly.

Having low self-esteem isn’t going to help. After all, you need to be confident to approach someone new and ask them out — either via the apps or in-person.

Just look at the swagger of Dwayne Johnson or the style of Stanley Tucci or even the charisma Bruce Willis possesses. These men show that rocking a balding hairstyle is not only doable, but it can be cool too.

Need some further inspiration before you head out on another date? This roundup of practical tips will have you scheduling your next romantic date in no time.

IMAGE: UNSPLASH

1. Consider Medication

To start, know that your new hair pattern doesn’t need to stay that way. There are accessible, at-home treatments you can start to help stimulate hair growth. One example is topical finasteride, a medicine males can use to treat baldness and stimulate hair growth.

This cream-like medication is applied to sections of the head where thinning is present, stopping the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone is the root cause for male baldness.

Note, a licensed healthcare provider will need to prescribe this treatment. Fortunately, after a quick online consultation, you can have the medication shipped discreetly to your door. You can start to use the prescription immediately, but don’t expect to wake up to a head full of hair!

You need to use these topical applications consistently and regularly over four to six months to see any lasting results. Still, seeing your hair growing back quicker and thicker over time will surely have you back on your dating A-game.

2. Highlight Your Best Features

If you’re actively dating, chances are you’re on a dating app. In 2022, 366 million users were using dating apps compared to 240 million users in 2016. Apps like Hinge, Tinder, Bumble, and OKCupid rely on first impressions.

Members swipe, match, and chat based on a quick glance at a handful of photos and a few witty responses to common questions. Typically, expectations are higher on these apps, which makes it challenging for those who are already feeling insecure.

The key when selecting your dating app photos is to highlight your best features. If you are extra proud of your hardwork in the gym, pick a photo of you working out or flexing those biceps. If you have a great smile and beautiful eyes, don’t hide your face.

Rather, post a photo of you flashing a smile that portrays you owning your look. Don’t hide your thinning hair or balding head, as this will only cause confusion.

And if you have a great photo of you and your four legged BFF, better yet — everyone loves a good dog pic!

3. Focus On Your Style

Once you’ve landed on a time and place to meet your date, make sure you are showing up looking your very best. While rolling out of bed wearing your go-to joggers and a college t-shirt for a coffee date may be easy, it won’t be impressive.

You want to start the date feeling good and put together. Your style doesn’t need to be overly complicated or expensive, and you definitely don’t need a full makeover. Rather, have a few solid, well-made pieces that can mix and match with other clothes in your closet.

Your dating outfit of choice will change based on what you have planned. That said, it can be helpful to have a few first date outfits put together. These clothes should make you feel your very best.

Perhaps it’s a nice fitting pair of jeans and a button down or perhaps a tailored pair of khakis and a polo. No matter your style, feeling your absolute best starts with how you dress. And if the occasion is right, there’s nothing wrong with wearing a baseball cap!

4. Be Confident

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, you need to be confident. Pretty much everyone has encountered pre-date jitters. They can happen when you’re meeting someone for the first time or when you start to realize you really like someone. Building your confidence takes practice.

Think of it as you would exercising. You can’t expect to get a six-pack without putting in the time and effort, and the same goes for building your confidence.

Setting up a pre-date routine can help you feel calm and composed. Maybe you go for a quick run before taking a shower and getting dressed. Or maybe you play your favorite tunes as you walk or drive to your date location.

Visualization is another tool to utilize that can affect your mindset going into the night out. This practice can reduce stress, calm your mind, and prepare you for a great date.

Takeaways

Dating is difficult. There’s no way around it. But in order to find the love of your life or have a fun dating life, you need to feel good in your own skin.

And while you may be mortified by your hair loss, know that you have the power to either change it or embrace it.

Above all, be yourself. A future partner wants to see you for who you are. And if they really are the perfect match, they probably don’t care what is going on with your hair. They will fall for you and who you are as a unique individual.