43 Best Hairstyles For Thin Hair To Look Thicker
A great hairstyle is all you need to make your hair look luscious and voluminous.
Khamis MaioufHairstylist
Expertise: Barbering
Experience: 20 years
Khamis Maiouf is a professional barber who graduated from Hinckley College in England with a degree in barbering. He has also won several barbering contests and successfully operated a barbershop for the last two decades. As a skilled hair ... more
Anjali Sayee BTech
Expertise: Hairstyles, Hair Care, Skin Care, & Makeup
Experience: 7 years
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle
Experience: 2.5 years
Shatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has work... more
Expertise: Makeup & Beauty
Anu is a beauty and lifestyle writer and a graduate of Amity University, Noida, where she refined her writing skills and cultivated her deep passion for the field. She pursued the Beauty Technician Tr... more
Image: Shutterstock
Size matters, but when it comes to hair, volume matters more! And if you have thin hair, the struggle to make your hair look thicker is real. But did you know that there are several haircuts for thin hair to look thicker?
We all want voluminous, bouncy, and lush hair regardless of our hair type. As we move, our hair flows with our movements. But with everyday pollution, dirt, UV ray exposure, and damage from styling tools, coloring treatments, and chemical processes, keeping your hair thick becomes a problem. Your hair eventually begins to thin out. None of us want our hair to look like rat’s tails when tied in a ponytail. No, we want it to look thick and gorgeous, like a horse’s mane! But styling your hair with the right hair cuts can transform your thin locks and make them look healthy and thick. Scroll down and check out which styles you should try to make your hair look beautiful again.
Before You Get Started- Selena Gomez has thick, gorgeous hair, which can hold curls and waves better. You will mostly see her in messy updos, waves, and textured buns.
- She frequently uses colored hair extensions, the easiest way to rock blonde bobs to cascading waves without damaging and cutting the hair.
- She is also known for her signature style – the go-to polished, sleek, straight hair with a deep side parting or a sleek low ponytail with a middle parting.
In This Article
Tips To Make Your Thin Hair Look Thick
- Opt for messy hairstyles as they tend to make your hair look thicker.
- Consider curling your locks. Curl your hair in small sections, but not in tight ringlets as they make your hair look thinner. Pancake your braids and updos.
- When opting for updos, don’t be afraid to use bun makers to enhance your hair’s thickness.
- Change your parting. We all have a natural parting, which, over time, makes our hair look flat. Changing your parting can add volume to your locks.
- Add highlights! Highlights not only help in framing your face, but they also make your hair look thicker by adding more dimension to it.
- Consider hair extensions or hair pieces. Hair extensions or weaves can make your hair look super thick. Colored extensions are also a less damaging alternative to coloring your locks.
- Eat healthy! Your diet plays a big role in the health of your locks. Eating greens can make your hair shinier and thicker.
Give your hair regular love and care. Apply oil at least once a week, and go for a hair spa at least once a month. Use a hair mask to provide protein to your hair. You’ll see a change in your locks in no time.
Besides taking great care of your locks, there are also some gorgeous hairstyles for thin hair that you can try out to make them look thicker. Check them out below!
43 Stunning Hairstyles That Make Thin Hair Look Thick
1. Beach Waves
Selena knows how to nail every look and we are obsessed! Her gorgeous locks look voluminous and super healthy in this hairstyle. The good news is that achieving this look is a piece of cake.
How To Get The Look
There are several ways you can achieve this look. One of the most convenient methods is using a curling iron to curl small sections of your hair. However, if you want to avoid the heat, you can make tight French braids on both sides after making a center part and leaving it overnight.
Jen, a blogger, shares her personal experience of curling her own tresses to achieve a flawless beachy waves look. She lays down pointers for using a curling iron to create the hairdo. As a reminder, she adds, “ The key for me is don’t touch/tussle the curls while they’re warm. That is just asking for curls to immediately fall out (i).”
2. Wavy Choppy Bob
Taylor Swift has us swooning not only over her songs and her looks, but her oh-so-trendy hairstyles! This wavy choppy bob gives her the right amount of elegance and sass.
How To Get The Look
The choppy bob is a fairly low-maintenance hairstyle. However, you need to visit a professional hairstylist to get this haircut. As far as the styling is concerned, all you need is a few minutes with the curling rod and you are good to go!
3. Choppy Pixie
The choppy pixie is a dicey hairstyle. Give it a go if you have thin hair, but we don’t recommend it if you have fine hair. The short choppy layers add dimension to your hair, which makes it look thicker.
How To Get The Look
Go to a professional hairstylist for this one. The short choppy layers require a skilled hand to do perfectly. Styling it every day will be easy. You can either comb it neatly or mess it up with some hair gel.
Quick Tip4. Roller Curls
Since the ‘50s, rollers have helped women achieve the voluminous curls look. If you have ever wanted to look glamorous, this is it!
How To Get The Look
Wash your hair and allow it to air-dry partially. Set your blow dryer on a low or medium setting. Take your round brush and place it between your hair and head. Brush your hair downwards and then outwards towards the ends as you blow dry it.
5. Braided Curls
Braids look so hardcore, but nothing compares to the curls you achieve the next day when you unbraid your hair. If you don’t like using heat styling tools to style your hair, this hairstyle is for you!
How To Get The Look
Part your hair as you normally would and weave it into two French braids. You can also weave your hair into a single braid depending on how thin your hair is. Secure the braids with elastic bands and leave them on overnight. Unravel the braids the next morning to reveal your curls. Do note that this curling method may not work for you if you have silky straight hair.
6. Simple And Straight
Long, dark hair has always looked captivating. But if you have thin hair, styling it can be hard. Give your hair some lift at the front to add height, depth, and volume to it.
How To Get The Look
Apply some lightweight mousse to your comb and comb the front of your hair to lift it just a bit. Then, comb it back and part it any way you want to finish off the look.
7. Side Parting And The Tuck
Olivia Wilde always seems to know what looks good on her, be it clothes or hair. We’re taking a cue from her with this simple yet effective hairstyle. A messy parting can make your hair look much thicker than it actually is.
How To Get The Look
Brush your hair to remove all tangles and knots. Part your hair on the side. Don’t go for a straight parting, make it slightly irregular. Simply tuck one side of your hair behind your ear.
8. Sculpted Waves
Sculpted curls are brilliant for anyone with thin tresses. They are also very easy to achieve and a great everyday look for work or school.
How To Get The Look
You can use hair rollers or a curling iron to achieve this look. Place your hair in big sections around the curling iron and only curl it from halfway down. This will make the curls look more natural.
9. The Low Bun
A simple low bun might just be the everyday work hairstyle you are looking for. In case you are worried that it will make your hair look even thinner, hear me out! You can mess around your low bun with your fingers and some texturizing spray as much as you want to add volume to it.
How To Get The Look
Gather all your hair and wrap it around in sections to form a low bun. Pancake each section and pin it down as you go. This will make your bun look bigger. Alternatively, you can also use a bun maker to add more thickness to your hairdo.
Quick Tip10. Loose Side Bun
The side bun seems to be creating waves at many red carpet events. It is elegant and stylish: the perfect blend to flaunt at a formal event. But it can also make your thin locks look surreal.
How To Get The Look
Curl your hair and run your fingers through it gently to give it a loose look. Leaving out two small sections in the front, gather all your hair at the back to one side. Divide your hair into two sections and knot them as many times as your hair allows. Tuck the ends within the bun with the help of pins. Pancake the knots to make the bun look bigger. Curl the front sections of hair to finish off the look.
11. Tousled Waves
Summer is here, and, of course, a trip to the beach is necessary! But what’s a trip to the beach without the perfect wavy hair to flaunt there?
How To Get The Look
Style your hair in loose waves with the help of a curling iron. Spritz on some hairspray to lock the curls in. Spritz on some sea salt spray, then flip your hair over and shake it out to give it a tousled look. Comb it down with your fingers to finish off the look.
12. Classic ‘90s Layers
If you were a teen in the ‘90s, I’m sure you wanted to sport this textured look. The flicked-out ends make your face look slimmer, which automatically makes your hair look thicker.
How To Get The Look
Ask your hairstylist to give a shag cut in which the layers begin below your cheeks. Ask for the ends to be flicked out. Don’t hesitate to show a photo of the hairstyle you want. It always helps!
13. Retro Curls
This gelled, curled style was achieved with a comb, some mousse, a round brush, and a blow dryer. While you might be wondering how it is that simple, let me tell you that this hairstyle requires attention to be done right.
How To Get The Look
Comb your hair down with mousse from the roots to the ends. Applying mousse instead of a gel will give your hair a smooth, unoiled appearance. Wrap your hair around the round brush in sections and blow dry it to create those curls. Use hair pins to pin half of your hair up to create this look.
14. Side Curls
Curls can accentuate any hairstyle. If you have thin hair, opt for a curly side swept look. It’s sure to dazzle!
How To Get The Look
Remove all the tangles and knots from your hair with a comb. Using a curling iron, curl the ends of your hair. You can also use velcro rollers to curl the ends. Part your hair deeply on one side and sweep it all over one shoulder. Gently tuck the hair on the other side behind your ear.
15. Diagonal Side Parting
Heather Graham is known for her lovely blonde locks. But the layered hairstyle she’s sporting here helps cover up the fact that she has thin hair.
How To Get The Look
With the tail end of a rat-tailed comb, part your hair to the side. As you move towards the crown, move your parting diagonally to the center. This will give the appearance of a fuller layered hairstyle.
16. Half Ponytail Waves
This hairstyle is super easy to achieve, making it perfect for those rush hour days! Now, you don’t have to worry about your hair looking flat when you have to be out of the door in 5 minutes.
How To Get The Look
Curl your hair midway down. Gather the top of your hair and tie it in a high half ponytail. Pull at the ponytail to make sure it’s tight and flare out your hair. You can even stick in a bobby pin to set the ‘do in place. You are good to go!
17. Slight Front Lift
It’s the little things that matter! Add a slight lift to the front of your locks to make them look more voluminous.
How To Get The Look
Apply some mousse to your comb. Lift the front of your hair with the comb and comb it back. Do this to the first two inches of your hair at the front. Part your hair down the middle and arrange the rest of it with the comb.
18. Messy Shag
Sandra Bullock floored everybody with her acting, singing, and style. So, it comes as no surprise that her hairdos are always on point.
How To Get The Look
I wouldn’t advise you to try to achieve this look on your own. You need to go to a professional hairstylist to get this gorgeous haircut.
19. Short And Curly
When Geena Davis stunned us with this look, every woman wanted it! They still do, and I don’t think this craze will end anytime soon.
How To Get The Look
Simply curl your hair with a curling iron or rollers. Make sure the ends are curled properly, though the top does not need to be curled. Part your hair and finish off the look by tucking one side of your hair behind your ear.
20. Classic ‘20s Bob
A little makeup and a great fringe hairstyle can go a long way in making you look on point. The asymmetric bob has got women all over the world hooked. Try it out if you have thin hair
How To Get The Look
Get your hair cut in an asymmetrical bob at a trusted salon. Straighten your hair either with a straightening iron or by brushing it down while blow drying it.
21. Full Bangs
Ruby Rose is known for her edgy, short hairstyles. Thin hair looks brilliant in a full bangs hairstyle as it adds dimension to it and draws attention to your facial features.
How To Get The Look
This is a layered pixie cut with full bangs. Notice that there are layers at the bangs and the hair up to the crown. You will need to get this cut by a professional hairstylist.
Fun Fact22. Highlighted Bob
Some highlights and a side parting might be all you need to to add volume to your thin locks and jazz up your life.
How To Get The Look
Check which shades of blonde complement your skin tone. Using foils, apply the color to the sections of your hair that would naturally be hit by sunlight. Wash off the color after the required time and allow your hair to air-dry. Part your hair on one side. While combing your hair, make sure to lift it up a bit to add volume.
23. The Middle Parting
Cameron Diaz is known for her luscious blonde locks. She is the blonde poster child of the early 2000s. When it comes to styling her thin hair, she does just some small tweaks to make it look thicker.
How To Get The Look
Get your hair cut in long layers. Part it down the middle, starting at the front hairline and stopping at your crown.
24. The Pouf
This is a brilliant hairstyle as it automatically jazzes up and adds volume to any hairstyle it is paired with.
How To Get The Look
Apply some volumizing mousse to your hair and backcomb the hair at the crown. Then, gather all your hair and tie it in a low bun.
25. Short Wavy Bob
This simple yet elegant hairstyle is perfect for summer and to sport to any formal events.
How To Get The Look
Style your hair in waves with the help of a straightening iron or hair rollers. Spritz on some hairspray and ruffle it up with your fingers to add a messy, relaxed vibe to it.
26. Messy Bun With Face-Framing Bangs
The messy bun is stylish and a time-saver. It is also super easy to pull off. The key to nailing the perfect messy bun is to spend some time messing around with it with your fingers.
How To Get The Look
Leaving out two big sections of hair in the front, gather all your hair and tie it in a bun at the top of your head. You can roll or wrap your hair around to form the bun. Secure it in place with the help of an elastic band and some bobby pins. Straighten the front sections and mess up the bun with your fingers to finish off the look.
27. Braided Bun
A small parting with two side French braids and a low bun can infuse new life into your thin locks. It also accentuates your eyes and facial symmetry. This hairstyle is especially perfect for anyone with an oval face.
How To Get The Look
Comb your hair to detangle it. Part your hair down the middle in the front for about an inch. Weave a French braid on either side of your head, until the nape of your neck. Then, gather all your hair and tie it in a low bun. Pull out a few strands of hair to frame your face and finish off the look.
28. Parted Bangs
Nicole Mazzocato has impeccable style, and it’s that style that makes her numero uno at styling her thin hair to make it look thicker.
How To Get The Look
Get your hair cut in a bob and wispy bangs. Straighten all your hair and bangs and apply some smoothening serum to finish off this look.
29. Faux Bangs
I love this whole ensemble of Halle Berry. It looks brilliant!
How To Get The Look
Get your hair cut in two-tiered bangs. Gather the rest of your hair and hold it at the crown. Take an elastic band and pass it over the hair once. Twist the band and pass it over your hair a second time, but pull your hair only halfway through it. Allow the ends of your hair to fall free. Pin down this bun to secure it in place.
30. Low Back Bun
Now, this is what I call an edgy and cool hairstyle. It looks totally badass and makes your hair look thick.
This stunning look can be achieved with some hair gel and a hair brush.
How To Get The Look
Brush down all your hair to detangle it. Apply a generous amount of hair gel to all your hair. Backcomb the hair at the top and crown of your head before slicking it all back.
31. Half Top Knot
It’s no secret Blanca Suarez is a badass. The way she rocks this half top knot look is out of this world.
How To Get The Look
Gather the hair at the top of your head and tie it in a bun at the crown. Spritz on some hairspray, and you are good to go!
32. Blonde Bob
Is there a hair crisis a bob cannot solve? I think not. It is especially perfect for anyone with thin hair as it adds tons of volume and movement to it.
How To Get The Look
Go to a salon to get this color and haircut done. If you already have blonde hair, add in some blonde highlights to create a dimensional look. Straighten your hair until it is poker straight and part it on one side to achieve this look.
33. The Tight Top Knot
Slick looks are all the rage right now and rightly so! They look super chic, and this tight top knot is proof of that.
How To Get The Look
Apply some hair gel to your comb and comb all your hair back. Gather all your hair at the top of your head and wrap it in a bun. Secure it in place with an elastic band and bobby pins. Use hairspray to get rid of all the flyaways.
34. The Knot Bun
If you’ve seen Anna Mila you know she has style. And she definitely knows how to work with her thin hair.
How To Get The Look
Gather all your hair at the back and divide it into two sections. Tie the two in a knot and keep tying them in as many knots as the length of your hair permits. Use bobby pins to secure the knotted bun in place.
35. Pancaked Braids
Jessica Alba has stunning hair, and her style is impeccable. She knows that the easiest way to infuse some life into her thin hair is to braid it.
How To Get The Look
Brush all your hair together and weave it in a regular three-strand braid. Pancake the braid to make it look bigger and add a boho vibe to it. Allow some strands to fall free to add to the look.
36. Asymmetrical Bob
This is a suitable hairstyle for thin hair. If it is good for Jenna Dewan, you know it is good enough for you.
How To Get The Look
Get to the salon and ask for an asymmetrical bob. Make sure to check if this haircut will suit your face shape. Tie it in a low bun and leave out some sections to frame your face.
37. Hair Weaves
Zendaya’s style is to die for. She really is a fashion icon in every way: makeup, hair, or clothes! She is also a die-hard fan of weaves and loves getting to sport different types of hairstyles.
How To Get The Look
You’ll need to get a weave that matches your hair texture. Simply part your hair down the middle and add in the extensions wherever necessary to create this long-haired damsel look.
38. The Bun
Blonde hair and blue eyes. Yes, this is blonde bombshell, Cameron Diaz. She knows her hair is one of her most incredible features, and she is not afraid to flaunt it.
How To Get The Look
Comb your hair to remove all tangles and knots. Using a curling iron, curl the ends of your hair. Gather all your hair and tie it in a high bun at the back. The curls add some texture to your locks, which makes thin hair look thicker.
39. Messy Ponytail
Cameron Diaz is the poster child for blonde hair. If you have thin blonde hair, you can take a leaf out of her lookbook.
How To Get The Look
Gather all your hair and tie it in a high ponytail. Backcomb the ponytail to make it look more voluminous. Spritz on some hairspray to get rid of all the frizz.
40. Long Undercut Pixie
I absolutely had to add this hairstyle to this list! Jada Pinkett Smith cut her hair short because she was struggling with alopecia. Since this hair condition is becoming more and more common among women now, she has helped paved the way for many women to start talking about it.
How To Get The Look
Go to the salon and ask for a layered pixie haircut. You can also copy Jada and add some highlights to it. It will add some great dimension, which will make your thin locks look thick.
41. Dimensionals
Jennifer Aniston floored everybody with her acting and style. Her dimensional hairdos are always on point and do wonders in making her hair look thick.
How To Get The Look
Pick highlights that work with your undertone and hair color. You want to get colors that are a few tones lighter or darker than your natural hair. This way, your hair looks thicker and deeper. Then, part your hair down the middle and style it in relaxed waves.
42. Wavy Hair
Keira Knightley is known for her hairstyles. She colored her hair so many times that it started to get thin. Thin hair can end up looking very flat and make your face look large. But, there’s nothing that some waves can’t fix.
How To Get The Look
You can style your hair in waves with a curling iron, a straightening iron, or some big hair rollers. If you don’t want to use any heat styling tools, you can always braid your hair and leave it on overnight. Waves not only add texture and bounce to your hair but also make your hair look thicker.
43. Layered Beach Waves
Chrissy Teigen rocks long hair like nobody else! She makes her hair look so voluminous and gorgeous, and it is no different with this style. The layered beach waves add volume to your hair and give your thin hair a fuller appearance.
How To Get The Look
To achieve this look, you need to have some layers added to your hair, so get your hair cut in layers, ensuring that the length of your hair reaches your mid-back. To style your hair, apply a sea salt spray to damp hair. Use a curling iron or wand to make loose waves. Afterward, run your fingers through the waves to break them up, and finish with a light-hold hairspray for a windswept, textured finish.
Infographic: Hair Care For Thin Hair
You have thin hair if the diameter of your hair strand is small (about 50 microns). Since thin hair can be fragile, taking good care of your hair is extremely important. You also need to find out if your hair is naturally thin or if your strands are thinning due to other factors. If you are born with naturally thin hair, you can follow some tips and avoid certain harmful practices to make your tresses look healthy.
Check out the infographic below to learn how to take care of your thin hair. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Hair thinning is a common issue faced by many due to the changing lifestyles, pollution, chemical exposures, styling tools, and other environmental factors. Though it takes time and effort to improve the volume of your hair, you may also try haircuts that make your hair look thicker. The right haircut will help your hair look thicker, voluminous, gorgeous, and bouncy. The article lists the best haircuts for thin hair to look thicker. These haircuts are easy to maintain and improve the appearance of your hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are curtain bangs good for thin hair?
Yes. Curtain bangs can go well with thin hair and help frame your face. Professional hair stylist Khamis Maiouf says, “Curtain bangs are a low maintenance bangs style that adds texture and movement to thin hair. They also help frame the face and add a stylish touch to the overall look.”
Should I cut my hair short if it is thinning?
Yes. You can cut your hair short if it is thinning to avoid a stringy look. Furthermore, regular trims keep your hair looking its best.
Is feather cut good for thin hair?
Yes. Feather cut adds bounce and volume to thin hair. Professional hair stylist Khamis Maiouf adds, “Yes! A feather cut involves layering the hair to create a soft wispy look. It is a good option for those with thin or thinning hair as it adds volume and movement, giving your tresses a thicker and fuller look.”
Is wolf cut good for thin hair?
Yes. The addition of layers in a wolf cut provides volume to thin hair. Khamis Maiouf suggests, “To make the most of a wolf cut for thin hair, choose the right length and style to suit your face shape and hair type. Also try volumizing products, such as a mousse or texturizing spray, to give your hair a fuller and healthier look.”
Key Takeaways
- Factors such as pollution and UV ray exposure may make it difficult to maintain thick hair.
- Change your parting and get highlights to make your hair appear fuller, lively, and healthy.
- You may opt for hairstyles such as beach waves, choppy bobs, choppy pixie, loose side buns, or tousled waves to make your thin hair look thicker.
Transform thin hair into voluminous locks with this short hairstyle tutorial video. Discover expert styling techniques and tips to create thicker-looking hair that exudes confidence and style. Check it out!
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. How I Curl My Hair: Beachy Waveshttps://thisgalsjourney.wordpress.com/2016/04/01/how-i-curl-my-hair-beachy-waves/
