Sometimes a chap needs a little help in the hair department.

And sometimes, as Jude Law found out, rather a lot.

In advertising campaigns for Dunhill and Dior, the actor's receding hairline has been airbrushed into a luxuriant crop.

Lush: Jude's hair looked rather full for the Dior aftershave adverts

Receding: Jude showed classic signs of male pattern baldness before the advert

The widow's peak so starkly evident in more recent photos has been filled in.

The style makes 35-year-old Law look a little more as he did when he first became famous in movies such as The Talented Mr Ripley.

While women in the public eye often have imperfections airbrushed out, Law has had perfection brushed in - either through artful hairstyling or plain artistry.

Airbrush expert Chris Bickmore said: 'I wouldn't say it was hairstyling as they can't style hair that isn't there.

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Modish gent: Jude was chosen to front Dunhill's campaign as the 'epitome of modish British gentleman' - again, with a full crop of hair

'It's definitely been retouched to bring hair into the gaps where he's receding.

'It's not really that difficult a procedure, no more than one and a half hours.'

Law has cursed his good looks in the past, claiming he is noticed more for his appearance than acting ability.

Getting older at least broadens the range of roles available to him, he said recently.

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Smooth: Jude's new look was unveiled as part of an ad campaign for Dunhill

'Landing a role now is not based on my looks  -  more on my acting,' he said. However, while Law may take the ageing process in his stride he shows no sign of wanting to act his age.

Since divorcing wife Sadie Frost, 43, in 2003, with whom he has four children, his female companions have all been in their twenties.

His engagement to Sienna Miller, then 23, ended in 2006 after he cheated on her with his children's nanny, Daisy Wright, then 26.

Most recently he was seen romancing Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly, 28, at the Cannes Film Festival in May this year.

Earlier this month 20-year-old model Lily Cole spent an evening with him.

A spokesman for Jude Law said: 'I can categorically say there has been no digital enhancement. It is nonsense.'