26 Hairstyles That Give Thin Hair a Fuller, More Voluminous Look
These genius style ideas will transform the look of your hair.
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Styling your hair is an opportunity for self-expression and creativity. But if you happen to have fine or thinning strands, finding a hairstyle that strikes the right balance between volume and movement can be a challenge. Luckily, we’re here to let you know that you have options.
First, it’s important to note the difference between fine hair and thinning hair. “Thin hair refers to density, essentially, how many hairs are growing on the scalp within a given area,” says Emily DeNard, certified trichologist and founder of Emunah Beauty. “Fine hair refers to the diameter of each individual hair strand. You can absolutely have both thin and fine hair at the same time, or one or the other.” But, DeNard notes that the care in styling thinning hair is different from simply working with fine hair. If your hair is currently thinning, she suggests first working on improving your hair density by prioritizing “low-tension, low-damage styles and minimal heat or chemical processing.”
Once your density is near a place where you feel comfortable, Sarah Lund, hairstylist and director of education for Kevin Murphy, says you may want to ask your stylist for a volume-enhancing haircut, like an asymmetrical or blunt bob or consider other styling options, like using dry shampoo and thickening sprays to create texture. Ready for your next look? Take hair inspiration from your favorite celebrities below.
Curtain Bangs
Searching for a simple way to define your facial features? Introducing curtain bangs. These longer bangs will flatter most hair types and face shapes, plus they're especially great for those with thin hair, as they add face-framing volume. Singer Rihanna got the memo!
Voluminous Curls
Blow drying fine strands into voluminous curls creates a look that has body and movement, as seen on Salma Hayek. "Blow-drying allows you to 'set' your hair from wet to dry to create volume and longevity in your style," Lund says. "I recommend blow-drying with your hands, moving the hair around in all directions to get lots of movement and volume."
Asymmetrical Bob
A layered, asymmetrical bob—like actress Cameron Diaz's—is the best hairstyle for making thin hair appear more voluminous. The unevenness of the cut gives the hair dimension while also offering volume and movement.
Bronde Highlights
Highlights are a simple way to add the illusion of texture to thin hair and actress Jennifer Lopez's bronde strands are no exception. Don't be afraid to play with different color combos to reflect your personality and compliment your complexion.
Curly Bob
Embrace your natural texture as Zendaya does with this curly bob. "If your hair is naturally curly, allowing those curls to do their thing can create beautiful volume without repeatedly straightening the hair," DeNard says.
Slicked-Back
A slicked-back 'do never fails to turn heads and model Cara Delevingne is all the evidence needed. Just remember to slick your hair back when it's dry, because if you do it when it's wet, your hair could appear separated and thinner.
Ribbony Highlights
Long and layered hair like actress Priyanka Chopra's gets an extra oomph with thin, light-reflecting highlights. On thinner hair, these give the appearance of fullness.
Deep Side Part
Give yourself a deep side part like actress Olivia Munn's—it's the easiest and fastest way to create dramatic oomph. It creates height and fullness, and Lund offers this pro tip: "Switch your part up when hair becomes limp to revive the full feeling!"
Middle-Part Bun
Take a cue from actress Zoe Saldana and pull your hair into a low bun or pony. This style doesn't require any volume to pull off, making it the perfect option for someone with thinner locks. Not to mention, it's an absolutely stunning wedding hairstyle if you have thin hair.
Teased Soft Curls
Actress Sally Field's hairstyle shows us how a curling iron and a little bit of teasing at the root can go a long way.
Wispy Bangs
If your hair is on the finer side, you don't want to detract from your overall volume by cutting blunt bangs. Instead, opt for piecey, wispy bangs like actress Rashida Jones.
Messy Bun
Whether it's for a casual night in or dinner out, messy buns can run the style gamut. Tease your hair, then pull it all on top of your head and secure loosely. Finish by picking out a few stands, similar to actress Victoria Justice.
Sleek Bob
If you'd prefer to keep your hair unlayered, go for a chin-length bob, like actress Lucy Liu. This short style keeps your hair bouncy and looking fresh.
Loose Updo
A loose updo is a go-to hairstyle for thin haired women. Create tons of volume by teasing your hair before pulling it back. Leave a few pieces out in the front, like actress Halle Berry, for the ultimate thickening effect.
Loose Waves
The combination of waves and hair color on Nicole Richie creates depth and volume in her hair. "Adding waves increases that fullness and texture," says Lund.
Feathery Layers
Opt for light layers that frame your face, like actress Jennifer Aniston. Fine hair allows feathery layers to have tons of movement and definition.
Choppy Pixie
Pixie cuts can make your hair appear thicker and create a voluminous profile. Actress Natalie Portman styled hers with choppy layers for maximum dimension.
Piecey Waves
If your hair is long and straight, like TV personality Padma Lakshmi's, you can still give it definition. Add a lightweight texturizing cream to the ends to define your hair.
Super Sculpted
Model Ruby Rose demonstrates a genius way to fake volume on her short hair: Use a heavy-duty sculpting pomade to keep strands from falling flat.
Long Layered Waves
Actress Hilary Duff's length and layers are perfect for those with fine hair, says Lund. "Long soft layers create movement and make creating volume easier as the hair is lighter," she says.
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