5 simple tricks for styling thin hair

Emma Roberts lob

Transform your limp strands with these top tips

Beauty Crew Beauty Writer / December 17 2018

Unfortunately, lifeless strands that have a tendency to sit flat often come with the territory of having thin, fine hair. And although your hair might not be as luscious or as full as you would like, that doesn’t mean you can’t fake a thicker style with a few handy tips and tricks. But how can you make thin hair look thicker? What are the best haircuts for thin hair? And what are the best hairstyles for thin hair? Read on to discover the rules everyone with thin hair needs to follow.

1

Get the right haircut for thin strands

While styling products will certainly help boost volume in your hair, opting for a haircut that will give the illusion of fullness is key. Because fine hair is prone to split ends, longer styles can end up looking stringy and thin so medium length, shoulder length or short hairstyles are your best options. However, if you want to keep your long hair, ask for a layer cut - choppy layers will instantly add the look of fullness all-over. When opting for layers, ask your hairdresser to keep your ends blunt, as any heavy layering towards your ends can make hair look thinner at the bottom.

Take your cues from celebrities with fine hair, like Margot Robbie, Emma Roberts and Elsa Pataky, who are all big fans of a layered bob or lob. These shorter hairstyles suit a wide range of face shapes and are a cinch to maintain and style.

2

Go easy on the pre-styling products

Styling products like thickening foams, sprays and mousses are great for adding instant and lasting volume, but it’s essential that you use a light hand and apply the product to your ends first, before working your way up. This will ensure the formula doesn’t weigh down your thin, straight hair.
Try: Christophe Robin Instant Volumizing Mist with Rosewater

Christophe Robin Instant Volumizing Mist with Rosewater

3

Let your hair air-dry until it’s 90 per cent dry

The best way to boost volume in fine hair is to wait until your hair is about 90 per cent dry before reaching for your hair dryer and brush. Raking your fingers through your hair regularly will gently rough-up strands and enhance your natural texture.

4

Adjust your blow-drying technique

Once your hair is almost dry and you’ve defined your part, start blow-drying by taking small sections of hair at the crown of your head and wrapping them around a barrel brush. Once in position, pull your hair upwards and focus on drying your roots completely to create lift at the roots.
Try: Parlux Advance Light Ionic & Ceramic Dryer 2200W

 

Parlux Advance Light Ionic & Cermaic Dryer 2200W
TOP TIP: Keep the nozzle of the hair dryer facing downwards to keep your style smooth and to prevent fly-aways. You want to create volume, not a fluffy, frizzy finish.

5

Finish with texturising products

To create extra volume and body, complete your style by spritzing it with a texturising dry shampoo. Not only will it add texture, it’ll soak up any excess oil to help you maintain your look for longer.
Try: R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo

R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo

Now you know how to style thin hair, check out 15 other ways to boost volume in your hair, the top updos for short hair, plus our styling advice for anyone over 50.

Main image credit: Getty

Kate started working for BEAUTYcrew in early 2016, first as a contributor, and was then named Beauty Writer in 2017. She loves picking the brains of the industry's top experts to get to the bottom of beauty's toughest questions. Bronze eyeshadow palettes are her weakness and she's forever on the hunt for the perfect nude nail polish to suit her fair skin. Her words can also be found in Men's Health magazine, and she now works in PR.