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If you suffer from thinning hair then you know the struggle of finding a good cut to masquerade your sparse locks. Hair fallout can stem from a number of causes, but regardless of the source, how you move forward in styling your hair can make all the difference in its appearance, and a good haircut can even help to boost your strands to create the illusion of being thicker and more voluminous. However, the wrong cut can draw even more attention to your thinning strands, impacting your confidence over time. The next time you head to the hair salon for a new look, stylists say this is the one cut you should avoid at all costs if you have thin hair, and what you should be asking for instead.
The first thing to think about when you’re getting a cut while struggling with fallout is avoiding styles which will only thin out your hair further. While shag styles are effortlessly chic and very in this season, taking a razor to your stands will only make them look limp. “In general it’s best to avoid haircuts with lots of layers or cuts that require thinning shears. It removes weight and volume from the hair, drawing attention to any thinning,” explains celebrity hairstylist and Biolage Global Ambassador, Sunnie Brook. Cutting more layers into already thinning hair takes away valuable strands which will provide volume to your look, so the last thing you need is to remove hair yourself if you suffer from fallout.
Opting for a stylish shag haircut may seem harmless, but it’s important to note that especially if your hair is on the thinner end, it may be difficult for it to grow back after the chop. “This style will rob you of every bit of thickness you have and make your hair texture look dense and less full than what it really is. Asking your stylist for layers can be a dangerous and risky request for those with thinning hair (and can feel like forever to grow back out), so be prepared with the right styling language to discuss with your stylist ahead of time,” warns celebrity hairstylist Meredith Boyd.
Styling products may also be a primary culprit in making your locks appear thinner than they are, exasperating the issue further. Oily strands can expose the scalp more dramatically than clean locks, so making sure to use a deep cleansing shampoo can help to improve the health of your scalp, improving your hair texture over time. “Oftentimes people think their hair is thin because of how it separates on the scalp, but this can be caused by scalp oil or product buildup – including overuse of dry shampoo,” explains Brooks. “I always suggest my clients give their hair a fresh start by using Biolage Clean Reset, then follow that up with a volumizing conditioner like Biolage Volume Bloom, which gives you 70% more volume after one use.” In combination with a single length haircut this should help boost your locks, allowing them to appear thicker and more dense.
Instead of leaning towards layered shag for your spring haircut, Brook suggests choosing a haircut that sticks to one length to condense the locks you have, allowing them to appear thicker and more voluminous. “Haircuts with blunt ends are a great option, as they help to increase body and the illusion of hair density. Another option is a short, graduated haircut like a blunt undercut bob. This can build up weight in the shape of the hair, making it appear fuller,” she says. However, playing around with dye is another great way to trick the eye into thinking your locks are thicker than they are, and a lighter shade or warmer tone hair color can actually allow your hair to appear as though it has more dimension.
While thinning hair may be frustrating to work around, there are styles you can rock which will minimize the appearance of your sparse strands. Staying cognizant of avoiding shaggy, layered cuts is one of the best ways to ensure your hair looks its best, so stick to one length and play with color instead to add dimension. Don’t forget, your stylist can always help you to find the best cut that compliments your locks.
