We all grumble about one thing or another when it comes to our physical traits, and that definitely includes the texture and thickness of our hair. Thick-haired people lament the hours spent just trying to blow-dry, and curly-haired folks are forever trying to figure out a way to tame frizz. And then there are those with fine hair whose primary objective is to determine the best way to boost volume and texture. We're focusing on the latter category today.
"Fine hair can achieve just as many versatile looks as thick, dense hair given a few essential styling aids and insights," noted Amanda Elaine Killen [1], Amika's Pro Educator. "First, fine hair like any other hair, needs to be hydrated properly to maintain health, so don't throw out your conditioners in defeat just yet. Try a lightweight yet nourishing conditioner — like Normcore Signature Conditioner [2] ($9) — which is free of the parabens found in many conditioners that cause buildup and weigh hair down."
She also suggested using a matte texturing spray and/or volumizer to create additional texture and absorb the excess oil that causes too much slip in your style. Once you've got those basics down, the salon chair is your oyster. We've rounded up eight short hairstyles that are especially great for thinner hair since they better allow you to volumize and accentuate what you're already rocking.
One-Length Bob
The cut: One-Length Bob
Celebrity inspiration: Margot Robbie
Description: "One-length bob haircuts work great with fine hair," said Jerome Lordet, style director at Pierre Michel Salon [3]. "It gives the illusion of thicker hair and can be styled either wavy, straight, or curly with a smooth clean and polished look. The look is also easily maintained, versatile, and chic."
Style it: "Products are everything, and always keep in mind to wash fine hair often as it gives the illusion of fuller hair," said Lordet. "Get a great shampoo and conditioner that works with your hair — my favorites are Esalon's Volume Shampoo [4] ($15) and Conditioner [5] ($15) or Milbon's Volumizing Shampoo and Volumizing Treatment — and then add in texture and volume to your roots." To do this, Lordet said to spray a bit of volumizer into damp roots, then follow up with a texturizer spray, such as Morocconoil's Dry Texture Spray [6] ($26).
'80s Pixie
The cut: '80s Pixie
Celebrity inspiration: Katy Perry [7]
Description: "One of my favorite styles this season is the pixie cut, and it is the perfect style for women with thin hair. Katy wears it perfectly," said Claude Baruk [8], hairstylist and managing director at Vegas's BARUK Salons. "You want to go very short on the sides and the back, and your volume will be at the top of your hair. You can play with color and highlights for dimension."
Style it: When styling, Baruk said to keep it natural and carefree versus overworked. "You can use just the hair dryer and your fingers to style it. Then, use a little bit of wax to finish it, which will help maintain the style through the day," he said.
Classic Layered Bob
The cut: Classic Layered Bob
Celebrity inspiration: Jane Fonda
Description: "Jane is wearing a classic layered bob," said Johnny Lavoy [9], a celebrity stylist for Pro Beauty Tools. "Bobs are great because there is a version that works on everyone – it's a timeless classic shape that also works on different hair textures. Layers in a bob are great for fine hair types because it releases weight and allows a fuller look when styling." Baruk agreed, saying, "Jane Fonda's style is the ultimate example of how to hide fine hair. She has amazing volume."
Style it: Lavoy said this shape can be styled many ways. "To get a look like Jane's, blow-dry with an ionic dryer — Pro Beauty Tools Stylist Recommended Ionic Hair Dryer [10] ($40) — to eliminate frizz. Set the style with a medium-size Velcro roller, let sit for a few minutes, and then brush and spray for hold."
Long, Textured Bob
The cut: Long, Textured Bob
Celebrity inspiration: Victoria Beckham [11]
Description: "Long layers at this length create movement and naturally add texture," said celebrity hairstylist César Ramirêz [12], who's worked with Demi Lovato [13], Rita Ora, and Kim Kardashian [14]. "The texture in this cut [also] adds a sexy youthfulness and volume, which makes hair seem fuller."
Style it: To achieve this look, Ramirêz said to use a flat iron to build texture in the hair, and then finish with a texture spray that's applied from roots to end for separation and a lived-in finish.
You could also go more beachy, suggested Amanda Elaine Killen, Amika's Pro Educator. "Try beach waves by creating alternating wave patterns in the hair when curling, which allows the hair to stack on top of hair underneath it and get a leg up rather than blending in or falling flat," she said. Make sure you direct hair at the hairline away from the face for a laid-back, contemporary effect, and resist the urge to touch the waves until they are no longer warm. "Allowing the waves to cool undisturbed ensures maximum staying power," she said. "Transition these waves to a bohemian pony or no-fuss chignon style and marvel at how luxe your fine hair can be."
Classic Lob
The cut: Classic Lob
Celebrity inspiration: Jennifer Lawrence [15]
Description: "This is what we call a lob, or a longer version of a bob," said Lavoy. "This look is great for someone who wants to experiment with shorter hair but wants to keep the versatility longer hair provides. The look is very on trend and can be worn wavy or straight. There is some texture in it to soften the weight at the bottom and to help give it movement, and the texture helps give life to finer hair types."
Style it: Lavoy said, "To get the look perfectly imperfect, use PRO Beauty Tools' new 3-in-1 Copper Ceramic Curling Wand [16] ($50). Wrap the hair around your desired size barrel leaving the ends out for a more lived-in look. Tousle with fingers and spray for hold." He also said that the lob length still allows you to pull hair up into a ponytail, braids, or even a messy bun.
Long, Layered Pixie
The cut: Long, Layered Pixie
Celebrity inspiration: Ginnifer Goodwin [17]
Description: Lavoy described this as a longer pixie shape. It has built-in layers and is dramatically parted on one side.
Style it: "Ginnifer went soft and more feminine by allowing [her hair] to frame her face," said Lavoy. For her look, I suggest blow-drying with a round brush for smoothness." We're really digging InStyler's new Airless Blowout Revolving Styler [18] ($125), which makes the at-home blowout way easier. Apply a root volumizer to damp hair, such as Moroccanoil Root Boost [19] ($29), and add a texturizing spray when you're done.
Androgynous Pixie
The cut: Androgynous Pixie
Celebrity inspiration: Kristen Stewart [20]
Description: Lavoy said that this haircut is actually very similar to Ginnifer's in the sense that it's a long and layered pixie. The two look so different from each other because of the way they've styled their hair, and Kristen's is a little shorter.
Style it: "In Kristen's case, she's gone a little more masculine by adding a gel or pomade and finger-combing it for a sexy, androgynous look," he said. Try DryBar's Whiskey Fix Styling Paste [21] ($27), which contains natural beeswax to provide both flexibility and texture.
Long, Layered Mid-Length
The cut: Long, Layered Mid-Length
Celebrity inspiration: Kate Mara
Description: If you don't want to go too short, consider this mid-length option worn by Kate Mara. The longer layers create movement and naturally add texture, noted Ramirêz, which in turn makes hair look thicker and fuller. He added, "Her soft waves bend perfectly around her strong square jawline creating overall softness. A side part is sexy and can make a long face shape look shorter, or a round face look slim."
Style it: "To achieve this look, I would use Amika's large barrel curling wand [22] ($120) and finish with R+Co's Trophy Shine + Texture [23] Spray ($30) for a soft hold and natural shine," said Ramirêz.