As fun as it can be to try all of the latest and greatest haircut trends [2], sometimes the best move is to pick a hairstyle option [3] that's right for your hair type. If you have fine hair, which many people naturally do, there are certain styles that can add volume and fake the look of fullness [4]. But first, it's important to get one thing clear: having naturally fine hair is not the same as having "thinning" hair. If your hair type is categorized as fine, it doesn't mean that there isn't a lot of it, it just means the width of a single strand is on the smaller side.
Just because you weren't born with that effortless, I-just-woke-up-and-look-this-good volume doesn't mean you can't achieve it with the right cut and hair-care routine. From the ever-flattering lob haircut [5] to something a bit edgier like a pixie, you have options. Oftentimes, when thin hair falls flat, it's because 1) you don't have the right haircut, 2) you're not using the right products, or 3) you're not properly caring for your hair (like washing too little or too much).
Ahead, three hairstylists share the best haircuts for thin hair, as well as how to properly care for fine hair types.
How Often Should You Wash Thin Hair?
"With fine and/or thinning hair, there's a fine line between washing too much and not washing enough," celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland [6] told POPSUGAR. NYC-based hairstylist and Cruxe brand founder Drew Schaefering [7] added: "Most of us with thin hair feel the need to shampoo daily to prevent oily hair falling flat to the scalp." Instead, both recommended you utilise dry shampoo in lieu of washing too frequently. "Dry shampoo is your best friend," said celebrity hairstylist and colourist Jennifer Korab [8]. "Dry Shampoo is designed to absorb oils while adding volume and texture." Everyone is different, but in general, it's a safe bet to wash fine hair every other day.
Styling Tips For Thin Hair
In addition to a good dry shampoo to revive second- and even third-day hair, look for volumizing shampoos and conditioners and texturizing products to fake fullness. "Having the right product and the right technique can make all the difference in creating an illusion of thicker, fuller hair," said Schaefering. "Try using dry texture sprays, texture powders, and some alcohol-based volume sprays on days in between to maintain a thicker, fuller look that is less 'fluffy' than squeaky-clean first-day hair."
No matter where you used to stand on the side vs. middle part [9], Gen Z vs Millennial debate, Korab recommended you all put your differences aside and choose the best part for your hair type. "With a deep side part, you are essentially lumping all of the hair together on one side, creating the illusion of volume," she said, which makes it great for thin hair. Pair a side part with a wavy or curly hairstyle and no one will know that your hair is secretly on the finer side.
What Are the Best Haircuts For Thin Hair?
Before we jump into the best haircuts for thin hair, let's go over what haircuts not to get. As a general rule of thumb, thin hair looks best with shorter haircuts because the styles allow your hair to maintain its shape. "Depending on how thin your hair is, [you may want to] avoid going too long and making sure to get haircuts regularly because stringy ends can make the hair look even thinner," said Korab. Cleveland added: "Long, one-length haircuts wouldn't benefit someone with fine or thin hair as all the weight of the cut would stay at the ends, creating a flat, stuck-to-your-head look."
If you do want to keep your hair longer, all of the hairstylists emphasised the importance of adding layers — but not too many. "Volume is achieved with shorter layers being lighter and creating a different shape within a cut," said Schaefering. "When hair is overlayered, it has the tendency to fall flatter unless there is more of a curl pattern or wave in the hair. Seamless layers are a great way to add body and volume without cutting out too much of the hair through layering."