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The Ultimate Thin Hair Guide: How To Style It And Which Products To Use

photo of woman with thin hair

Anyone with thin hair knows, styling your sparse strands can be quite the challenge. Your hair may struggle to hold volume for more than a few hours, slip easily out of updos, and fishtail braids never look quite as full as they do on your thick-haired friends. 

While styling thin strands may seem impossible, there are so many ways to make your delicate strands appear thicker. Read on for tips and tricks you need to style thin hair plus the best thin hair care products to try. 

Shop Our Best Products For Thin Hair

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Good hair day by @escapehairoslo.

Start with the right shampoo.

It’s no secret that making thin hair look its best begins in the shower. If your regular shampoo isn’t doing the job, switch to a volumizing or thickening formula. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Good hair day by @sharonshairstudio.

Step up your blow-drying. 

If you have thin hair, you probably have a love/hate relationship with blow-drying. On the one hand, your strands don’t take nearly as long to dry as thicker strands. On the other hand, your hair can quickly end up flat and limp. When dealing with thin hair, skip the blow dryer attachments and begin by rough drying your hair. You can also flip your hair over while you blow dry to create a more voluminous effect. 

Since thin hair is more prone to heat damage, avoid using the super hot settings on your blow dryer.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Good hair day by @bybettinafrydenlund.

Switch up your part.

If you have thin hair, avoid center parts that will make your strands appear even flatter. Instead, try switching to a deep side part to lift your root and give your hair the appearance of volume. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Pin your curls.

Even with your curling iron and tons of hairspray, there’s a strong chance your ringlets will still fall flat by lunchtime. The solution? Pinning your curls. The technique is simple: Once you’ve completed a curl, use a bobby pin to hold it at the top of your head while the hair is still hot. This step will help the curl to form. 

Once the hair cools down, gently release it from the clip and spray the section with a few spritzes of hairspray. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Good hair day by @thegoodhairwitch.

Play with extensions.

Extensions aren’t just for experimenting with super long hair—they can also help to give thin-haired girls the appearance of fuller strands. Opt for clip-ins if you’re looking for an easy, low-commitment way to add extensions to your styling routine. 

Finding the right products for thin hair can mean a lot of trial and error, but if you need some help, we’ve got you covered! From the best styling product for thin hair to shampoo and conditioner, keep scrolling for eight of our top picks. 

Our Best Hair Products For Thin Hair To Buy Now

kerastase thickening shampoo

Kérastase Bain Densité Shampoo

Not blessed with thick strands? A thickening shampoo like Kérastase Bain Densite Shampoo can help you fake them! This shampoo, formulated with hyaluronic acid, increases hair density, strengthens, and cleanses hair build-up. For best results, follow the shampoo with Kérastase Fondant Densite Conditioner

Kérastase Bain Densité Shampoo, $33.00 MSRP

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Matrix Total Results High Amplify Volumizing Shampoo

When you have thin hair, creating and maintaining volume throughout the day can be a struggle. That’s why you need a volumizing shampoo like Matrix Total Results High Amplify in your routine. This formula helps boost the structure of fine, limp hair for lasting volume. Follow with Total Results High Amplify Volumizing Conditioner

Matrix Total Results High Amplify Volumizing Shampoo, $12.50 MSRP

lp next day hair

L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Next Day Hair Dry Finishing Spray

Thin hair can be difficult to style, but a bit of texture is all you need to give your strands some much-needed grip. Apply a few spritzes of texturizing spray like L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Next Day Hair Dry Finishing Spray to give hair texture and light hold for a tousled, undone finish. 

L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Next Day Hair Dry Finishing Spray, $28.00 MSRP

redken volumizing mousse

Redken Full Frame 07 All-Over Volumizing Mousse

Whether you’re looking to achieve a voluminous blowout or an updo, Redken Full Frame 07 Volumizing Hair Mousse is a must-have for thin strands. This medium-control conditioning hair mousse adds maximum volume to hair lengths and ends while protecting hair from heat and humidity.

Redken Full Frame 07 All-Over Volumizing Mousse, $19.50 MSRP

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Redken Dry Shampoo Powder 02

Refresh second-day hair and give your mane instant texture with Redken Dry Shampoo Powder 02. This non-aerosol dry shampoo powder absorbs oil and provides light, clean volume while oil-absorbing charcoal extends and refreshes styles.

Redken Dry Shampoo Powder 02, $20.00 MSRP

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Mizani Miracle Milk

Hair breakage can make thin strands appear even more so. That’s why we recommend committing to a leave-in conditioner like Mizani Miracle Milk Multi-Benefit Hair Treatment. This leave-in formula promises 25 hair benefits including helping to prevent split ends, controlling flyaways, reducing dryness, and priming hair for styling. 

Mizani 25 Miracle Milk, $20.00 MSRP

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Urban Moisture Hydro-Nourishing Shampoo

Searching for the best moisturizing shampoo for thin hair? The Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Urban Moisture Hydro-Nourishing Shampoo rebalances and nourishes the moisture levels in hair without weighing even the finest strands. 

Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Urban Moisture Hydro-Nourishing Shampoo, $48.00 MSRP

biolage heat protectant spray

Biolage Thermal Active Heat Protectant Spray

Thin hair can be extra fragile, and it’s easily damaged by heat styling. Invest in a heat protectant like Biolage Thermal Active Heat Protectant Spray. This formula protects against heat while adding body and volume for long-lasting control. 

Biolage Thermal Active Heat Protectant Spray, $17.50 MSRP

Looking for more expert hair care tips? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.

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