17 Hairstyles for Scars That Provide Coverage

1. The Classic Side-Swept Bang

One of the most effective and timeless solutions for scarring along the forehead or temple is the side-swept bang. This style directs hair diagonally across the forehead, providing soft, movable coverage. It’s incredibly versatile, working with straight, wavy, or curly hair. Ask your stylist for long, layered bangs that can be tucked behind the ear for a different look when desired.

2. Textured Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs have made a major comeback, and for good reason. They frame the face beautifully and part naturally down the middle, cascading to either side. For scar coverage, slightly heavier or more textured curtain bangs can add volume and dimension around the hairline. This style is perfect for a effortlessly chic look that doesn’t feel like a “cover-up.”

3. Voluminous Pixie Cut with Side Part

Short hair can be just as effective for coverage. A voluminous pixie cut, styled with a deep side part and a bit of product for lift, allows hair to be swept over areas on the scalp or side of the head. This style is bold, low-maintenance, and uses texture and direction to create strategic coverage with serious style.

4. Layered Bob with Face-Framing Pieces

A layered bob that falls anywhere from the chin to the shoulders is a fantastic canvas. Ask for pronounced, long layers around the front that can be styled forward. These face-framing pieces can be cut to specifically cover scars along the hairline or temples, while the rest of the bob maintains a polished, modern shape.

5. The Trusty Deep Side Part

Never underestimate the power of a simple change in your part. Switching from a center part to a deep side part dramatically shifts the hair’s distribution. This can instantly bring a thick curtain of hair over one side of the scalp and forehead, offering a simple yet effective form of coverage without needing a major cut.

6. Boho Braids & Twists

Braids aren’t just beautiful; they’re tactical. A loose bohemian braid starting at the temple and incorporating hair from the front can be directed over areas you wish to cover. Similarly, twisting small sections near the hairline and pinning them across the scalp creates a romantic, textured look that also holds hair in place.

7. Headband & Accessory Magic

Styling accessories are your best friend. Wide headbands, stylish scarves, or even a row of decorative clips can be placed strategically to hold hair over a specific area while making a fashion statement. This is a zero-commitment way to experiment with coverage daily.

8. Romantic Vintage Waves

Vintage, Hollywood-style waves are created by setting hair in deep “S” shapes. These waves add immense volume and structure, allowing hair to be molded and positioned. When styled with a side part, the wave can be formed to arch over and cover the hairline with glamorous, voluminous hair.

9. Half-Up, Half-Do with Volume

A half-up style isn’t just for casual days. By teasing or backcombing the crown section lightly before pulling the top half back, you create significant volume at the top of the head. This lifted hair can then fall forward slightly, providing coverage for scars on the crown or upper scalp.

10. Tousled Shag Cut

The shag cut is all about controlled chaos and layers. Its multiple, disconnected layers create natural movement and volume everywhere. For coverage, the emphasis on front layers and bangs (whether full or wispy) ensures there’s always hair falling around the face and hairline in a stylish, modern way.

11. Sleek Low Bun with Tendrils

For scars near the nape of the neck or lower scalp, a low bun is elegant and effective. The key is to leave out a few delicate tendrils or shorter pieces around the hairline. These can be gently curled and arranged to cover any areas on the back or sides as the bun draws attention downward.

12. Afro & Natural Hair Volume

The natural volume of Afro-textured hair is a powerful asset. Styles like a bold halo afro, twist-outs, or braid-outs create uniform volume that can make it difficult to pinpoint any one area on the scalp. Consulting with a stylist who specializes in natural hair can help shape your volume to provide the coverage and shape you desire.

13. Faux Hawk with Side Coverage

This edgy style involves shaving or closely cutting the sides while leaving a strip of longer hair down the center. For coverage, you can keep the sides slightly longer on one side and sweep the central hair over, creating an asymmetric look that is both protective and fashion-forward.

14. Long Layers with Face-Framing Highlights

Strategic coloring can work in tandem with cutting. Adding lighter face-framing highlights or a money piece around the front draws the eye to the colored sections, which are cut to fall in specific areas. The combination of light and layers creates a beautiful distraction and effective coverage.

15. Elegant Updo with a Side Sweep

For formal events, an updo with a soft, side-swept front offers full coverage with sophistication. Instead of pulling all hair back tightly, the front section is curled and swept to one side, often pinned just above the ear, creating a cascade of hair that covers one entire side of the hairline and temple.

16. Messy Top Knot with Wispy Bangs

The messy top knot is a lifesaver. By pulling hair into a high, loose knot, you can allow wispy bangs and shorter pieces to fall out naturally. These pieces can be arranged to cover the forehead and temples, while the knot itself adds height and draws the eye upward.

17. Strategic Hair Taping (For Special Occasions)

This is a professional stylist’s trick often used in weddings and photoshoots. Using special double-sided tape or body-safe adhesive, individual strands or wefts can be secured directly to the skin or existing hair to cover an area temporarily. It requires some skill but offers precise and secure coverage for important days.

Styling Tips for Confidence & Care

Beyond the cut, how you style matters. Use a volumizing mousse or root lifter at the crown to create lift, which helps hair drape over areas. A good dry shampoo can add texture and grip, making hair easier to position. When using heat tools, always apply a heat protectant, especially if the scalp or scar area is sensitive.

Most importantly, find a stylist you trust. A compassionate, skilled professional can assess your hair’s texture, growth patterns, and your personal style to customize these ideas for you. They can create a cut that works with your hair’s natural movement to provide coverage that feels effortless.

Your journey with your hair is uniquely yours. These 17 hairstyles are more than just a list; they’re a starting point for a conversation with yourself and your stylist about reclaiming your confidence. Whether you choose bold bangs, elegant braids, or a voluminous pixie, the perfect style is out there waiting to make you feel as beautiful as you are.