Whether your strands are fine or you just have few of them, you’ve probably noticed that your thin hair tends to go limp within an hour of a blowout (at least, I have with my hair). Volumizing shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays, and serums do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to giving thin hair a boost. But even the best products won’t cut it if you have the wrong haircut or hairstyle for your hair type.
The good news: a head full of thicker, fuller locks is just a snip and a spray away. Take your pick from among a plethora of stylish, sexy styles that give your thin hair a bump in volume. From the shaggy lob to a windswept updo, here’s how to help your thin strands think big.
What’s the best hairstyle for thin hair?
The right hairstyle can give even the thinnest hair a big boost. If you’re ready to part with some length, a shorter cut instantly creates the illusion of thickness. For a quick fix, consider swapping a middle part for a deep side part.
Does thin hair look better short?
Thin hair can look gorgeous at any length—so if short haircuts aren’t your thing, don’t sweat it! That said, if you’re open to sacrificing a bit of length and your goal is hair that looks full with minimal volumizing products, a chic short haircut is your best bet. Length weighs down naturally thin strands at the roots; a shorter cut relieves the weight, resulting in a bouncy style that defies naturally fine strands.
How do you make thin hair look thicker?
The right haircut is hands-down the number one way to instantly make thin hair look thicker. Check out the 12 haircuts and styles below and ask your stylist to tailor your pick to your hair type, texture, and length.
In addition, be sure to stock up on a few key volumizing products for thicker-looking locks:
- Volumizing shampoo and conditioner: Many shampoos and conditioners weigh down thin hair; the right formulations add volume. Try L’Oréal Professionnel Volumetry Shampoo and Conditioner, which cleans and lightly moisturizes hair while leaving it looking fuller.
- Volumizing spray: Follow up with L’Oréal Professionnel’s Volumetry Anti-Gravity Effect Volume Spray, which adds body and fullness to the hair from the root for a voluminous hold.
- Texturizing spray: For a little extra oomph, try Redken’s Triple Dry 15 Dry Texture Finishing Spray.
Do layers make thin hair look thicker?
If you have thin strands but can’t imagine parting with your long locks, long layers are a great alternative to add movement and volume. Short, face-framing layers rid your hair of weight to instantly make roots appear thicker.
Hairstyles for Thin Hair
In need of a little inspiration? These hairstyles look flawless on fine hair.
Flippy Ends
Swap stick-straight locks for retro flippy ends to create the illusion of volume by curling your ends up and away from your face with a flat iron. For a subtler style, curl your ends toward your face.
Ponytail Extensions
Hollywood’s go-to trick for a thick, voluminous ponytail: hair extensions! Grab a ponytail piece that matches your length and color at your local beauty supply store, then secure it to the bottom of your real ponytail. Nobody has to know it’s not your hair but you.
Half Up
One common complaint with thin hair is scalp that tends to peek though. Cover up visible scalp with a half-up style in a ponytail, top knot, or a clip.
Windswept Updo
Here’s a stylist’s secret for volumizing thin hair: keep it messy. Starting at the back of your head, spray 2-inch sections of clean, dry hair with a heat protectant before wrapping it around a 1-inch curling wand. Once you’ve made it around your entire head, run your fingers through your hair to loosen the curls for an intentionally imperfect look. Then pin your hair back into a messy chignon and set with a flexible-hold hairspray.
Donut Top Knot
Top knots aren’t as full as you’d like? Fill yours in with a foam hair donut. Secure your hair in a ponytail with a strong elastic. Pull your locks through the foam hair donut and wrap your hair around it to form a bun. Make sure the donut is completely covered by your hair, then pin it down with several bobby pins so it stays in place.
Faux Bob
Secure the ends of your hair with an elastic, then gently tuck them up toward the base of your neck and pin. Gently rearrange and loosen your folded hair into a shape that resembles a bob. Finish your look with a spritz of shine mist.
Deep Side Part
Here’s a hassle-free styling hack that creates a whole new look in just seconds: Part your hair far on one side of your head. You’ll get a bump in volume—no cutting or teasing necessary.
Haircuts For Thin Hair
Shaggy Lob
A shaggy lob removes dead weight and adds texture, giving your hair movement and style. Ask your stylist to use a razor for a sexy bedhead texture.
Pixie
Chopping off all the extra length that’s dragging your hair down ensues it always looks perky and thick. A pixie cut looks great on everyone and brings your face into focus.
Asymmetrical Lob
An on-trend asymmetrical cut is a guaranteed show-stopper—and since it’s on the shorter side, it gives thin strands a volumizing boost. For a subtle asymmetrical look, have your stylist cut one side of your lob 1 to 2 inches shorter. For a more dramatic style, chop off 4 to 6 inches.
Long Layers
Not ready to lose your length? Layers create movement and the illusion of thickness while keeping the length you love. From classic layers to textured layers, your stylist can find the perfect fit for you.
Blunt Bob
Blunt bobs edgy and trendy, and they bring fine strands to life by relieving them of unnecessary weight.
Mix and match these cuts and styles, and say buh-bye to limp hair!
Interested in more professional tricks and tips for thin hair? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
