Finding a hairstyle that is compatible with your hair type, face shape, and facial features is hard enough, but settling on one that works on fine, thinning hair brings on a whole other level of difficulty. Some cuts and coloring techniques can make thin hair look, well, thinner. But other styles can actually compromise your hair and scalp in ways that can exacerbate thinning. If you’re thinking of changing up your hairstyle, but aren’t sure which way to turn because everything you seem to do makes your hair look and feel more fragile, don’t give up: there are plenty of cuts and styles that look amazing. But knowing which styles to avoid is also key to making sure you love your new look. Experts say this is the worst hairstyle you could use for thinning, fine hair — one that may even cause more shedding — as well as cuts to avoid and a few to keep on your try-this-style-instead list.
Worst: Tight Braids & Ponytails
It’s SO tempting to tie thinning hair back into tight braids, a ponytail, or a bun to keep your scalp hidden and to obscure the fact that your ends look wispy. But, first of all, these hairstyles aren’t necessarily forgiving when it comes to concealing your scalp, especially in the case of braids. And, more concerning: they pull on your scalp and can cause additional breakage, especially if your hair is in an already delicate state.
“Tightly-woven braids put pressure on the hair follicles,” says Beauty Expert Grace Mashaba, founder of The Grace. “The continuous strain weakens the shaft of the hair which leads to breakage and damage. I would recommend cutting your hair into a bob if it's thinning. This will give your hair a more voluminous look.”
Avoid: Stick-Straight Hair Or Slicked-Back Styles
The thinner your hair, the more heatless wave and curl solutions like large rollers are your best ally. That’s because stick-straight hair or slicked-back sleek styles can emphasize thin strands.
“Wearing the hair stick straight or slicked back is one of the worst things you can do to style very fine and thin hair (that you can see through),” Madison Dufour, a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist as well as owner and author of The Exquisite Find Hair Blog, explains. "If their hair is just fine, you can add a push powder to help the hair look fuller. What this does is the powder clings to the hair strand and make each look thicker, thus all of the hairs look thicker and that gives the hair more volume and makes it look like there is more hair than there is.”
Another styling tip that Dufour recommends is curling your hair so that it appears “bigger.”
“If the hair is just fine, believe it or not, I would texturize the hair with a thinning shear,” Dufour adds. “The rule for hair is 'short pushes long' so if there are some shorter pieces (not all but just some shorter hairs) underneath the length they will push the hair up and add volume. Adding texture to thin fine hair is the best way to make the hair look thicker.”
Avoid: Heavy Layers & Blunt Bobs
Mastering the art of layering your hair can be tricky when you have thinning hair. On the one hand, strategic layering can make thinning hair look fuller and healthier. But a few too many layers can have the opposite effect. Also: if you’re a fan of bangs or bobs, avoiding blunt cuts can create a more texturized, fuller look.
“The worst hairstyles for thinning and fine hair are those that require a lot of volume at the root,” says Fashion Expert Joe Manktelow-Pimm. “This includes styles like a blunt bob or heavy layers. These styles can make the hair look even thinner and more frail as they weigh down the hair and do not provide enough lift at the roots.”
To give thinning hair a boost, Manktelow-Pimm recommends a layered cut with soft, textured ends. “This style adds dimension to the hair and creates a fuller appearance. Additionally, incorporating highlights or lowlights can help to create the illusion of depth and fullness.”
Avoid: Buzzed Cut
While a very short buzz cut or cropped hairstyle may seem like a convenient choice, Caleb Backe, a hair expert for Maple Holistics, warns that it can actually accentuate the appearance of thinning hair and make it look worse.
“Thin hair typically lacks volume and density. When you opt for a very short haircut, it exposes the scalp more prominently, making the thinning areas more noticeable,” Backe says. “Without any length or layers to create the illusion of thickness, the hair can appear flat and lifeless. With a buzz cut, the hair is cut extremely short, and the scalp becomes more visible. If you have thinning hair or a receding hairline, the contrast between the exposed scalp and the remaining hair can create a stark contrast that draws attention to the thinning areas.”
Short buzz cuts also offer limited styling possibilities, leaving you with little to no opportunity to experiment with volume or hair manipulation techniques to create the appearance of fuller hair, Backe adds. “This lack of versatility can be especially problematic for individuals with thinning hair, as they might not have the option to style their hair in a way that camouflages the thinning areas,” Backe notes.
To give thinning hair a boost and create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair, Backe instead recommends one of these cuts:
** Layered Cut: By adding layers, you can create the illusion of volume and movement. The layers provide texture and body, making the hair appear thicker. Avoid blunt cuts as they can make thin hair look flat and lifeless.
** Soft, Graduated Bob: This style features shorter layers at the back of the head, gradually lengthening towards the front. This technique adds dimension and body to the hair, making it look fuller. Additionally, the angled cut can give the appearance of a fuller hairline.
** Side-Swept Bangs: Incorporating side-swept bangs can be an effective way to detract attention from thinning hair. The bangs create a focal point and draw the eye away from the areas of thinning. Opt for longer, wispy bangs that can be styled to the side. They provide coverage while maintaining a soft and natural look.
** Textured Pixie Cut: For those who prefer shorter hair, a textured pixie cut can work wonders for thinning hair. This style involves strategically cutting the hair at varying lengths to create texture and volume. The layers and choppy ends help to add body and disguise any thinning areas.
You don’t have to feel limited by thinning hair. Knowing which styles to avoid and which to consider will make it a cinch to find a cut and style you absolutely love.
