A reader asks - hats, beards and the balding older man

A reader asks (a series in which Grey Fox helps other older men in their search for style).....

Dear Mr Fox, 

Please accept compliments on your excellent blog (including links) which neatly coincides with my intended style. As you have probably already guessed I am a middle aged man who aspires to improve my dress. Currently I spend most of my life in jeans and technical clothing and have realised I need to tidy myself up. I am 59 years old, still fit thanks to a lifetime of cycling and athletics but grey-fine haired round the sides and bald on top as you will see on the photo.

My big problem(s):

1. Given the scarcity of it, I would very much value your opinion on what hairstyle and facial hair (if any) I should adopt. 
2. What style of hat should I consider instead of baseball caps and beanie hats? A strong Yorshire accent has made me wary of wearing flat caps.

The chaps on the Fashionbeans forum have given me some excellent help and advice so far on choosing classic clothing which I am pleased to follow especially as it is consistent with predominantly buying British. A member of that forum put me onto your blog. I very much look forward to your advice. 

Best regards

Andrew

Grey Fox replies.....

Dear Andrew, 

Forgive the delayed reply and thanks for the comments on the blog. 

I take it you have adequate sartorial advice now, so let me address your question about the hair. I’ve written before on the blog for balding men and the advice I gave (having consulted many experts!) was that close-cropped neatly-cut hair is best – very much as you have now. If you want facial hair as well, the same goes, closely cut and neat – however, if you feel a bit more flamboyant the style in the attached image works very well I think – a slightly longer beard. 

Image Alan Paine

As for hats, a beanie or a trilby may be the best options – but I wouldn’t rule out the flat cap simply because you’re from Yorkshire; why not celebrate it? The choice will depend what you’re wearing it with – trilby with suit, jacket and beanie with very informal and sports wear. 

I’m sure you’ve been advised that good fit is absolutely essential – ensure jackets fit across shoulders (go to a tailor for alteration if not), and avoid teen fashions like baggy jeans and t-shirts. You’re lucky in (like me, as a cyclist) having an athletic figure – use it! 

I hope that’s helpful. If I haven’t answered the question, or you have any supplementary, let me know; I’m very happy to help. 

Best wishes 

David

Grey Fox

Grey Fox's previous scribblings on baldness can be found here.

White Hot hair care - for your greying and silver manly locks

Specifically formulated for grey and silver hair for both men and women, White Hot was founded by Jayne Mayled after she allowed her hair to go grey, after many years of using hair dye. Like many women who take the step, she saw it as a positive move and was pleasantly surprised by the positive reaction from friends and family. I thought I'd give their products a try.

Grey Fox, grey locks - and White Hot hair care

I was one of those men for whom products like this mean little, believing that shampoo is shampoo and the cheapest is best. So it was with a little scepticism that I tried Jayne's products. I was sent a box with a variety of tubes and tubs; shampoos, conditioners and a 'shooshing creme' (like a hair gel). The experiment coincided with a decision to allow my hair to grow a little thicker.

Jayne Mayled, founder of White Hot

I have to say that I was converted. The shampoos and conditioners leave my hair feeling very soft and not at all dry, as some products do. The shooshing creme is ideal for my slightly longer and thicker hair, allowing it to be combed into position with the fingers so that it stays there without looking like a greasy hair gel.

The products contain a variety of ingredients, one of which is designed to enhance greys and silvers, which can go a little yellow. Whether it's the products or not, I like the streaky silver, grey, darker effects which my longer locks now display.

For men and women

I'm really pleased with these products, which impress by their simplicity and effectiveness. They are ideal for greying and silver-haired men and I recommend them unreservedly.

White Hot is available to buy at www.whitehothair.co.uk and www.boots.com. Prices start from £12. Join the White Hot community on Facebook (www.facebook.com/WhiteHotHair ) and Twitter @whitehothair.

Grey hair 2 - Complement it with blues

Grey hair? Part 2 of a series here. Add colour with blues; pale, bright, royal, navy, cornflower, midnight, mid-blues; whatever. 

I'm grateful to Bill Gentle, who gave me his permission to use his set of images of Bradley Roberts of Oakland CA. I was struck by the power of these portraits, as well as the grey hair/blue clothes combination. See Backyard Bill for more of Bill's photography.

Look out for Grey Vixens later this week; looking at middle-aged women who go beautifully grey.

Image The Sartorialist

All images below from The Sartorialist.