Style Secrets for Thin Hair

Hair comes in all sorts of colors, shapes, and thicknesses; it is part of what makes it so much fun to work with! Your hair is a fundamental part of how you present yourself to the world. Many people dream of luscious, thick, shiny locks; it’s a beauty standard in North America. While you can do a lot with dyes and products to alter your hair’s natural state, there are some factors that you just can’t change—like having naturally thin or fine hair that lies flat against your head.

While some people may opt for extensions to bulk up their locks, the process is expensive and time-consuming. Luckily, there are many ways to stylishly wear naturally thin hair. It’s all a matter of knowing what works, and what doesn’t. 

The Cut
Much hullabaloo is made about layered haircuts; for thick hair, it’s the best way to get some shape and take out excess bulk. But if your hair is fine, you don’t need to take any of it away! A blunt, straight cut is the best option for naturally thin hair. Really long locks can maybe get one or two short layers, but no more than that. Avoid using feathering razors or texturizing scissors; the process can leave your ends looking stringy and sparse. Meet with a stylist who knows thin hair; a good cut will give you some volume. Trim often to help maintain your hair’s shape and keep the ends looking healthy.

The Length
Fine hair isn’t universal; some people have baby-fine strands, but lots of them. Others have very thin hair in small volumes. Either way, experts agree: when your hair is thin, it’s best to keep it relatively short. Long styles can end up looking very stringy, which is the opposite of what you want to achieve! A shoulder-length cut is probably the longest you’ll want to go; a very (very!) light layering will give you some structure. But fine hair looks really good in shorter styles, which are easier to shape. Try a bob—short and choppy, or classically blunt. Both styles are low maintenance, but light and fun. If you’ve got the right face shape for a pixie cut, it’s hard to go wrong with it!

The Products
For thin hair, the key is volume, volume, and more volume! Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, and try to keep your hair really clean; oil and product buildup will weigh you down. Use these products sparingly, and make sure that all of the conditioner is washed out of your hair; if any of it is left in, it can cause droopiness. Try a luscious volumizing mousse on clean wet hair, and blow-dry your locks upside-down; it’ll increase the fullness. A diffuser attachment on your hair dryer will help give you bouncy curls, which can add fullness and movement. Try gently back-combing your hair at the crown, then pull your locks into a ponytail.