If you have thin hair, you might feel like styling it is near impossible. Spoiler alert: That’s not the case at all. Aside from upgrading your haircare collection (with anti-thinning shampoo and thickening serums), a spankin’ new haircut can be a good way to bring some dimension to your locks. Thankfully, we found the 20 best haircuts for thin hair to bring as inspo the next time you’re at the salon.
The 20 Best Haircuts for Thin Hair
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Meet the experts:
- Erinn Courtney, StyleSeat hairstylist and natural hair expert
- Philip B, founder of Philip B Hair Care
- Laura Polko, L.A.-based celebrity hairstylist
1. Wavy Lob
This shoulder-length cut is ultra-popular for a reason: It’s incredibly flattering. Ask your stylist to snip it slightly shorter in the back for added lift.
2. Pixie Cut
If you’re looking for a cut that doesn’t require much styling, the pixie is right up your alley. “This is a good hair cut for thin hair, because it lays flat on the head and doesn’t require much volume,” explains Erinn Courtney, StyleSeat hairstylist and natural hair expert. “It’s also great to cover thinning or balding areas that may be visible with longer hair.”
3. Carefree Bob
Worn sleek and sophisticated or choppy and tousled, the bob is a versatile option that doesn’t require a ton of volume. (Oh, and texturizing spray is your best friend.)
4. Buzzcut
Here’s your sign to try the big chop like celebs like Michaela Coel, Kristen Stewart and Joey King. “A buzzed cut is great for thin hair because any thinning or balding spots will not be as obvious as they may be in a longer haircut,” says Courtney.
5. Long Pixie
Yes, there’s more than one type of pixie. This iteration offers more volume, especially in the front, so grab some mousse for a slick finish.
6. Curly Cut
It’s time to give your curls some more definition and bounce. “This haircut allows curly hair to appear fuller and not lay flat against the head,” explains Courtney.
7. Sharp Layers
If you want to keep your long locks, consider maintaining sharp, clean layers. Otherwise, lengthy hair can look limp and thinner (and that’s the last thing we want).
8. Blunt Cut
“A blunt cut creates the sharp illusion of more depth and volume,” says Philip B, founder of Philip B Hair Care. “It also defines thin hair and prevents strands from looking straggly and unhealthy at the ends.” Simply put: Keeping the same length all around makes for a sleek, fuller look. Plus, adding a volumizing mist keeps hair soft, shiny and bouncy all day.
9. French Bob
Nothing says chic like a French bob. The stylish cut sits right above the jaw, while bangs add a nice touch to make thin hair appear fuller.
10. Coily Pompadour
This pompadour offers shape and body where you need it the most. If you have medium to long hair, consider adding braids on the side like Danai Gurira to elevate the style.
11. Deep Side Part
Pro tip: An extreme side part is a surefire way to make it look like you have more hair. “Brushing your hair to one side creates the look of volume and will help add balance while drawing attention away from the top of the scalp,” says Philip B. He also recommends adding a styling gel to enhance body and add texture for a tousled look.
12. Full Bangs
Another volumizing trick? Bangs. A little forehead fringe goes a long way in adding oomph.
13. The Rachel
Jennifer Aniston will always be hair inspo and her iconic Rachel cut is making waves—just look at Hailey Bieber for proof. “The layers create the illusion that you have more hair than you do,” says Laura Polko, a celebrity hairstylist in Los Angeles. “The key is [framing the face] in a way that makes the hair bouncier and more voluminous.” And if you need a refresher, Polko recommends a hot air brush (like the T3 AireBrush Duo) to create movement in your strands.
14. Asymmetrical Bob
This uneven cut makes thin hair appear fuller and voluminous. So, forget your usual middle part and opt for a deep side part instead for some much-needed dimension.
15. Curtain Bangs
There’s something about face-framing pieces—like curtain bangs—that are a real winner for thin hair. “With thin hair you can really tell at the hairline, so having bangs can hide it,” Polko tells us. “You can also bulk up bangs easily, so if you don’t have a ton of hair you can easily fluff them up to create a thicker, more voluminous feel.” Plus, curtain bangs can define facial features and flatters most hair types and textures. Must we go on?
16. Mid-length Cut
A shoulder-length cut is always a good option if you’re not into a short ‘do. Keep it sleek and straight or add some waves to say goodbye to flat locks for a while.
17. Beachy Waves
Celebs like Blake Lively have been rocking wavy tresses for years. “Beachy waves create the illusion that you have more hair, and with the new texture you are able to bulk it up,” says Polko. And if your strands seem too flat, a good ‘ol curler and some mousse can define your locks to your liking.
18. Wavy Blunt Cut
Blunt cuts aren’t only limited to straight, sleek styles. Wavy gals can show off their natural texture with little trims to the ends.
19. Mixie
One of the hottest hair trend of 2022 is great for thin hair. The shag and pixie combo features choppy layers, tapered ends and bangs to bring the whole look together.
20. Curly Tapered Cut
Give your curls some shape and definition like Amandla Stenberg. It highlights your pattern and provides a chic short cut behind.