In a captivating TikTok video, hairstylist and popular creator Christian Gaytan unveiled stylish pixie and bob haircuts designed to cleverly conceal “super thin hair,” fine hair, and signs of hair loss. These chic styles offer a refreshing update for mature beauties seeking a salon transformation before the upcoming season.
We also checked in with celebrity and professional hairstylists for additional suggestions and insight. Read on for tips from Gina Rivera, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Lauren Udoh, hair stylist and hair creative director of WigReports and Krysta Guerrero, owner and stylist at Base Salon Chicago.
@christian.awesome Off the top of my head? This is what I recommend. #thinhair #finehair #hairtok ♬ original sound – Christian Gaytan
5 Simple Fall Haircuts That Help Conceal Signs Of Hair Loss And Thinning, According To Pro Stylists
“While answering a question from a viewer of one of his videos, Gaytan said: “If your hair is getting thinner and flatter the longer it grows, you might have reached your terminal length. If you were my client, I’d recommend you go short, above the collarbone at least.” He then proceeded to explain the allure of a collarbone-length, side-parted bob.
1. Collarbone-Length, Side-Parted Bob
A textured asymmetrical bob (as seen here on Charlize Theron) can flatter multiple hair textures and types, and it is a "terrific choice" for "anyone facing thinning hair" this fall. Rivera explains that this is because it’s a perfect blend of classic yet still modern and trendy. "This style is so hip that it’s perfect for making our ladies in their prime look super chic," she says. "Removing a bit of length from the hair, [adds] movement and creates a youthful appeal." When it comes to styling, Rivera notes that "texturing the hair" creates an "opportunity to remove some of the damaged ends and weight which bring more life to the hair as well." Adding a deep side part and asymmetrical ends is the key here, she stresses.
2. Bixie
"If you're feeling adventurous, bob short crops and pixies work even better [for making hair look thicker]," Gaytan added in his video. He noted that "packing a finer texture into a shorter haircut will make your hair feel thicker and fuller, guaranteed and the extra length won't weigh it down as much, which means more volume for you."
With that said, Guerrero recommends the "bixie" cut to hide fine, thin hair, seen here on Jane Fonda. A 'bixie' (or bob-meets-pixie) is very in for the upcoming season and can be a very flattering and chic choice, Guerrero explains. There are elements of both styles to play with here in this social media-fave cut, and late summer is a great time to find what works for you. "The bixie is a traditional bob haircut that’s combined with a pixie," she says.
"The nice thing about a bixie is its versatility — not only can you adjust the length and opt to have it a little longer, but there is no one way to do it when it comes to the style. The cut is totally customizable based on your preference." The more you know!
3. The Jen Bob (Or Lob)
In the 90s, Jennifer Aniston's iconic choppy, layered, mid-length 'Rachel' haircut was all the rage. Nowadays, however, she has transitioned to a more polished and side-parted bob, or lob, which Abdullah notes is particularly flattering for women over 40 who wish to avoid drawing attention to thinning or fine hair.
Side parts evoke not only Old Hollywood, timeless glam— they also provide instant volume to shorter or mid-length hair. As Abdullah points out, "in this manner, you can move the hair from one side to the other, as you wish." The added hair going over, she says, as seen here on Salma Hayek's more modern, fresh take, will increase volume in the area as well, especially if your hair is used to being parted down the center.
"If you really prefer a center part, make a short one instead so that the hair in front goes to either side of your face," she suggests. "Then the hair in the center can be brushed back. Any difference that you create when your hair is used to lying flat and completely to the sides will create volume and make a big difference," she says.
4. Pixie With Sideswept Bangs
One specific short 'do that can highlight your eyes, cheekbones, and face shape is a pixie cut with side-swept bangs. "Ever seen a pixie cut where the bangs steal all the attention? This is what you're after: long, side-swept bangs," Abdullah explains. Robin Wright's look above is a great example.
"The rest of your hair should be piece-y and angled. She adds that "the cut should swirl around your head to hide hair loss." Abdullah stresses that a pixie cut with layers still maintains volume that is both gorgeous and easy to manage. That way you can give off an effortlessly chic look!
5. Voluminous Italian Bob
If you're looking for a haircut that can make your best features pop while giving your mane an extra boost of volume and bounce, look no further than the Italian bob cut. This style is inspired by Old Hollywood and is a 'do that stylish stars like Salma Hayek opt for. The Italian bob takes the traditional bob cut to new heights with chunky blunt ends that create an airy, voluminous look that's never heavy or bulky.
It also has just the right amount of length to allow for easy styling options as it's long enough to tie up, but short enough to be worn as is. Udoh says that a medium bob like this is "a sleek and stylish choice for many occasions." She adds that "it's a versatile cut that looks great on almost any face shape and hair type." The length can be "adjusted to complement your features and create an attractive silhouette," she notes.
"This ever-popular bob provides volume at the crown, with textured layers that frame the face nicely while still maintaining an easy-to-manage style," Udoh explains.
The Bottom Line
Rivera suggests that although the five hairstyles mentioned in this list are reliable options, there exist a multitude of timeless, life-changing, and elegant hairstyles that accentuate facial features over 40 and are worth considering.
To uncover the perfect hairstyle, one must comprehend their facial structure, where they are most prone to thinning, and consult with a skilled stylist.
Additionally, Rivera advises that it’s best to always "consult with your stylist on a maintenance schedule but for those trying to regain hair health, make sure to trim every 4-6 weeks."
