Thinning hair is a fact of life for so many of us — and that’s nothing to feel shame about. It’s normal for hair to lose some of its previous vitality and body, especially as we enter the stages of menopause. Instead of lamenting the changes in your hair, it can feel better to find hairstyles that complement your strands, no matter how thin or fine they’ve become.
All hope isn’t lost. There are plenty of styles that can conceal a sparse scalp, bulk up the density of your strands, and make you forget that your hair is thinning. It’s always a good idea to book an appointment with your dermatologist to discuss the causes of thinning hair and find solutions that can help in the long term, but these hairstyles that are perfect for women over 40 who are experiencing thinning hair provide both short and long-term satisfaction.
1. Curls
The fastest way to bulk up thin strands is to add texture to your hair. We’re talking waves and curls — whether they’re natural or the result of heated curlers or satin heatless curlers. Curls add volume and the appearance of fullness, as well as more movement, which creates the illusion of more hair.
2. Mid-Length Bob
A mid-length bob with blunt ends lands a bit longer than typical chin-length bobs, which is great if you want a bob, but would love to pull it back sometimes, too. The blunt ends add much-needed bulk to make thin hair appear thicker, and adding long layers on top is perfect for creating movement and a tousled effect.
3. Chic Pixie
This chic pixie works for thinning hair because the sides and back are cropped, but there’s enough length on top to style and cover areas of sparseness on the scalp. Extra length on top also gives this style a softer look that can appear more youthful.
4. Side Part
The simplest hair change you can make — one that will create an automatic illusion of fullness — is to swap your middle part for a side part. A middle part can throw a spotlight on hair loss at the scalp (a widening part is often the first sign of thinning hair). Parting your hair to the side conceals thinning at the crown and gives your hair the look of more body.
5. Loose Top Bun
Sometimes those mornings when you can’t be bothered washing, drying, and styling your hair become the days when you emerge from your home rocking an absolutely gorgeous style that helps conceal thinning hair. One of those styles is a loose top bun that benefits from a little bit of teasing at the crown. Backcomb your hair before tossing it up in a loose bun (not too tight, as this can pull on your roots and cause more shedding).
