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Hairstyles for Thin Hair: 5 Haircuts for Thin Hair

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jun 16, 2022 • 3 min read

Learn about different hairstyles for thin hair to help you find a look that suits your face shape and hair type.

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5 Haircuts for Thin Hair

The best haircuts for naturally thin hair accentuate the face shape while making the hair appear more luscious.

  1. 1. Asymmetrical pixie cut: As a dramatic take on the classic pixie cut, the asymmetrical pixie uses a deep side part to make thin strands sit higher on the head. This short haircut is a low-maintenance style that adds volume and shape to fine hair types. Hairstylists also recommend angling the side part according to your face structure, so your hair highlights your natural features.
  2. 2. Long bob: Also known as a lob, a long bob is a twist on the traditional bob haircut. The style extends the classic blunt bob to the collarbone or just shorter than shoulder-length. Unlike other types of bobs that incorporate different layers, the long bob is a one-length look. Long bobs work well for fine, straight hair since the flat hair strands show off the blunt cut. The blunt ends also add body to thinner hair and complement heart-shaped faces.
  3. 3. Layers: Face-framing layers, such as side bangs and mid-length angles, add extra volume and give the illusion of thick hair. If you wear ponytails, braids, or messy buns, opt for long layers to ensure the ends of your hair tie back. Adding layers to chin-length cuts also make the hair appear thicker, but these types of short hairstyles are more challenging to style in an updo.
  4. 4. Shag: For a low-maintenance look, consider styling fine hair with a shag haircut. With its choppy layers, shags makes thin hair appear thicker. Add a spritz of sea salt spray followed by a mist of hair spray to create tousled beach waves. Wavy hair is a signature feature of the messy shag and adds volume to thin locks.
  5. 5. Wispy bangs: Straight curtain bangs weigh down fine hair and make strands appear thinner. Opt for loose, wispy bangs along a middle part if you want to add bangs to your hair look. Apply a dime-sized amount of pomade to dry hair before separating your bangs and taming flyaways.

How to Style Naturally Thin Hair

Follow these hair care and styling tips to add volume and texture to your naturally fine hair:

  1. 1. Choose a layered look. If you have medium-length or long hair, opt for a hairstyle that adds height, such as a half-up, half-down look. For curly hair, consider using curlers or a curling iron to touch up the top layers of your hair. Defining these top curls adds volume and movement to your hairline.
  2. 2. Gently comb damp hair. Thin hair is more prone to breakage and hair loss than thicker hair types. To detangle your hair without causing split ends, let your hair air-dry most of the way, and instead of using a hairbrush, use a wide-toothed comb to brush your damp hair and detangle your ends.
  3. 3. Only condition the ends of your hair. While conditioner is nourishing and hydrating, too much of it can weigh down fine hair. To avoid saturating your hair with products, apply a nickel-sized amount of conditioner to the ends of your hair. As a general rule, always use conditioner on the bottom half of your hair, as it’s too heavy for the scalp region.
  4. 4. Opt for lightweight hair products. Heavy products weigh down thin hair and cause greasiness. Using the right products helps promote healthy natural hair growth and creates the illusion of thicker hair. Instead of oils and hair moisturizers, opt for lightweight mousses, texturizing sprays, and dry shampoos. These types of volumizing products minimize sebum buildup, reduce frizz, and lift the upper half of your hair for added volume.
  5. 5. Rough-dry your hair. Blow-drying your hair is another way to enhance naturally thin hair. If you have medium-length hair with long layers, consider getting a blowout to define your layers and increase volume. For shorter haircuts with minimal layers, opt for the rough-dry technique, which lets the hair shafts partially air-dry before styling with a blow-dryer. This DIY blowout method uses your fingers instead of a round brush to tousle and scrunch the hair as you move the blow-dryer around your scalp. Pushing the hair shafts up with your fingers is a quick way to enhance your hair texture and create natural volume.

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