Thinning hair happens — often as a result of hormonal changes and genetics. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and it’s not always something to fix, either. Whether you’ve accepted your thinning hair or are searching for solutions with your dermatologist on how to combat shedding and thinning hair, including starting supplements and other procedures that can help, the fact remains: you need a haircut and hairstyle that works well with the hair you have NOW.
That’s where these six classic styles come in to save the day. These universally flattering haircut and styling ideas do the trick by making your hair look more voluminous and healthy. They take the focus off of thinning hair and onto your style. Give these six styles a spin if you’re in the mood for a change.
Balayage
Balayage hit the salon scene in a major way a few decades ago and the highlighting technique never left. Instead of relying on foils, which provide a more precise highlight, balayage is painted-on highlights that appear natural — as if the sun hit your hair in just the right place. For thinning hair, they create depth that gives the illusion of volume, plus they can help ramp up shine. Ask your colorist for balayage in a shade or two lighter than your hair if you want the most natural look.
2. Feathered Razor Cut
This haircut, shown here on Lisa Rinna, creates texture and movement, which then makes the hair appear thicker. It removes bulk that can force your hair into a triangle shape with a flat top and puffed-out ends, and layering around the crown can give your face an added “lift.”
3. Bangs
Adding bangs to your current hairstyle is one of the quickest ways to make an impact. Bangs create the look of more texture and density at the front of your hair, which makes your hair appear thicker. They also frame the face and call attention to your eyes and cheekbones, taking the focus off of thinning hair. Talk to your stylist about which style of bangs is best for you — blunt, wispy, or even a longer, side-swept curtain bang.
4. Hot Rollers
It doesn’t matter if your hair is medium length, long, or cut into a bob — adding rollers to any hairstyle automatically punches up its volume by a mile. Large rollers won’t necessarily create an intense curl, but they will give you lift at the root and a soft wave that expands the hair, making it look much thicker. Apply a few rollers while you’re getting dressed and doing your makeup or, for faster results, use hot rollers — but apply a heat-protectant spray first.
5. Shoulder-Length Face-Framing Hair
The shoulder-length cut is considered universally flattering because it is neither super long nor short, and it allows for easier styling than lengthy hair. Adding a few layers, including face-framing longer layers, will help give this cut lift and volume and it works with all hair types.
6. Stacked Bob
No list of great haircuts is complete without at least one bob hairstyle. This stacked bob works well on thinning hair because it features shorter layers in the back that gradually get longer until you reach the longest layer in the front. This “stacked” effect makes hair look thicker. You can have this cut customized to suit your face shape, facial features, and hair type.
