19 Best Hairstyles for Women With Thin Hair to Instantly Add Volume, According to Experts

Celebrity hairstylist Paul Labrecuque recommends that those with thinning strands get a bob cut. “Bobs are perfect because they make one’s bottom look thick and not stringy, keeping density from roots to the ends of the hair,” he says. “With a style like this, you can keep the top area more weighted and heavy, giving it the appearance of being as full as possible.” He adds that he plays with layers, tendrils, and pieces at the bottom for a heavier appearance, and always uses root lifting spray on clients with thin hair.

“Layers don’t work for everyone, especially for thin hair so they may not be within your comfort zone,” explains Julius Michael, celebrity hairstylist. “I love creating bobs and the evenness of an A-line bob will give you a modern look while adding volume and giving thin hair some needed bounce without layers.”

Labrecuque says to avoid choppy layers when you're going in for a haircut. Instead, celebrity hairstylist and CEO of Phenix Salons Gina Rivera says to try a blunt cut because it creates fullness. “If you’re thinning you want to stay away from longer, straighter, hair styles that may make the thinning hair more apparent,” she says. “The best bet is to move to a medium length, with a blunter cut, that will create the look of fuller hair.”

One of the simplest, low-maintenance hairstyles for thin hair is the pixie cut. “he cut is meant to sit close to the head, and if styled correctly, it really showcases the eyes and camouflages the look of thinning hair with long layers,” Baadsgaard says. “The pixie can be utilized to create a lot of texture which allows you to place the hair in zones where you may be experiencing hair loss. The texture and movement is great for creating an impression of fullness,” Rivera adds.

This style is a mid-length cut with thin ends, which “works well for all hair textures and types,” Michael explains. “The chopped shag is a current take on the traditional shag, and the layers in a shag offer much needed body and movement to thin hair.”

A deep side-part not only hides thinning, but this hairstyle helps create volume and fullness around the face, Rivera says. “For instance, if you are experiencing thinning on the top of the scalp, a deep side part can act to hide it,” she says. For added body at the roots, try a root spray.

You don’t need thick, full hair to rock a set of bangs! “If you’re losing a lot of density on your sides, near your temples, a nice fringe can do wonders and hides hair thinning in the temples,” says Yasmeen Osman, a hairstylist and colorist on Newbury Street in Boston. A soft, wispy bang can also hide thinning spots on the scalp, Rivera adds. On a daily basis, it’s best to pull your hair back, tousle your bangs with your fingers, then spritz them with a texturizing spray.

The wavy lob has two big benefits: It’s short enough that it’ll never weigh you down, and the beachy texture provides an appearance of thickness. If you have naturally thin hair or are thinning, having longer strands actually accentuates your thinning, rather than camouflaging it, Rivera says. “Thinning hair people actually have more hair present towards the root/mid-lengths area and, the longer the length, the thinner it appears,” she says. “The messy lob accentuates the shape of the face and looks full from roots to ends.”

To create this look, wash and towel dry your hair. To start, use a texturizing spray throughout your hair to add lasting density, volume, and texture. Depending on your hair’s natural curl, either use your hands to scrunch your hair while it’s wet, or create beachy waves with a curling wand when it’s dry. Gently use your fingers to mess up the curls, and finish with hairspray.

“A messy updo is a great style for thin hair,” says Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist and salon owner. “The messiness of the updo will help the hair to appear fuller and more voluminous.” There are many ways you can interpret this style, which means you can have fun and embrace your creative side while playing around with different updos. The key is to keep it messy, which will create lots of texture in the hair—something that’s important for those with thin hair that is curly or textured, explains Sabrina Ahmed, Garnier’s curly hairstylist.

Ahmed is big on texture for those with fine hair—no matter your curl type. She recommends embracing your natural texture when styling, and defining any curls or waves with a diffuser and hair dryer which will “create the illusion of fuller hair.”

Balayage is a technique that’s become increasingly popular for highlighting the hair for the more natural, “lived-in” look it gives. “Adding balayage highlights to any thin hair haircut adds texture, volume and tone,” Michael explains. “You have total control over how much color and dimension you want.” Plus, balayage highlights grow out subtly and are very low-maintenance, he adds.

“Bring instant volume to thin hair by getting a shoulder-length cut for curly hair,” Michael suggests. “Add texture and play with your natural wave while flattering your face. Or use a curling iron to create more definition in your natural curls or your naturally straight hair.”

Though Russo says thin hair can be tricky to braid, some gripping powder like Big Sexy Hair’s Powder Play can be worked into a pretty style. “The trick is to first blow the hair out with a mousse, then apply the gripping powder to the roots and through the mid lengths of the hair,” she says. “Then, braid the hair with medium to loose tension, pulling apart the loops of the braid after you’ve tried it off to add thickness.”

Creating a voluminous ponytail is an easy way to style fine hair so that it appears thicker. For a teased ponytail, make sure your hair is dry. Then, hold up the top layer of your hair (which falls in line with your eyebrows) and use a fine-tooth comb to tease it. The process of teasing your hair is basically the exact opposite of how you’d usually brush it: Hold the comb beneath your hair and brush it toward your scalp, in order to make volumizing knots. Once the top of your head is teased, pull your hair back into a high ponytail. With your elastic tightly secured, tug thick sections of hair a centimeter out of its grip. The result will be a full ponytail that creates the illusion of thick hair. To finish, spray a hair spray all over your up-do to secure it into place.

“A razor cut can add so much texture to fine limp hair while creating movement that you can’t get with a scissor,” Michael explains. “Razor cuts work best for shags, pixies, and long lobs. A razor cut also works well on extensions.”

A collar-length cut with short, piece-y layers can add volume and camouflage thinness, Russo says. “This style creates the illusion of both height and width that may be missing in thinning hair, and blows out into an elegant shape,” she says. “It has the added benefit of bringing the facial features upward which is flattering at any age!”

Try wispy front layers if you want to keep your hair long. Have your hairstylist cut front layers that start from the bottom of your chin and cascade down. These layers will nicely frame your face, add texture, and can be styled for greater volume. Just keep in mind that the back of your hair should be cut in a straight line, as back layers tend to get scraggly and appear thin. And with longer fine hair, be sure to always use a thickening spray, which gives life to thin hair, making it look and feel much fuller.

“A half-up half-down style is another great way to style thin hair. This will add volume and texture to the hair,” Korab explains. “By pulling some hair away from the face, it creates a lifting effect. This will make thinner hair appear more full and is more flattering to the eye.”

While shorter hairstyles generally work best for thin hair as they maintain volume, you can keep some length by adding layers, Ahmed says. This will add more body, texture, and definition—making hair appear fuller. Michael suggests incorporating a curtain bang, which will yield “width and volume while adding more texture to thin hair,” especially around the face.