Stylists Say These Are the Best Haircuts For Thin Hair

Updated on July 12, 2024 at 3:50 PM

As fun as it can be to try all of the latest and greatest haircut trends, sometimes the best move is to pick a hairstyle option that's right for your hair type. If you have fine hair, which many people naturally do, there are certain haircuts for thin hair to add volume and fake the look of fullness. But first, it's important to get one thing clear: having naturally fine hair is not the same as having "thinning" hair. If your hair type is categorized as fine, it doesn't mean there isn't a lot of it; it just means the width of a single strand is on the smaller side.

Just because you weren't born with that effortless, I-just-woke-up-and-look-this-good volume doesn't mean you can't achieve it with the right cut and hair-care routine. From the ever-flattering lob haircut to something a bit edgier like a pixie hairstyle, you have options. Oftentimes, when thin hair falls flat, it's because 1) you don't have the right cut, 2) you're not using the right products, or 3) you're not properly caring for your hair (like washing too little or too much).

Ahead, three hairstylists share the best thin-hair haircuts, from short hairstyles for thin hair to medium-length hairstyles and everything in between.

Experts Featured in This Article

Jennifer Korab is a celebrity hairstylist and colorist.

Michelle Cleveland is a celebrity hairstylist.

Drew Schaefering is an NYC-based hairstylist and Cruxe brand founder.

Best Haircuts For Thin Hair

Before we jump into the volumizing haircuts for thin hair, let's go over what haircuts not to get. As a general rule of thumb, thin hair looks best with shorter haircuts because the styles allow your hair to maintain its shape. "Depending on how thin your hair is, [you may want to] avoid going too long and making sure to get haircuts regularly, because stringy ends can make the hair look even thinner," Korab tells PS. Cleveland adds, "Long, one-length haircuts wouldn't benefit someone with fine or thin hair, as all the weight of the cut would stay at the ends, creating a flat, stuck-to-your-head look."

If you do want to keep your hair longer, all of the hairstylists emphasized the importance of adding layers — but not too many. "Volume is achieved with shorter layers being lighter and creating a different shape within a cut," Schaefering says. "When hair is overlayered, it has the tendency to fall flatter unless there is more of a curl pattern or wave in the hair. Seamless layers are a great way to add body and volume without cutting out too much of the hair through layering."

Lob Haircut

One of the best haircuts for thin hair is the lob. Korab says a lob haircut is "ever flattering" and works on all hair types, "but especially thin hair because it frames your face without weighing you down." If you're searching for volumizing haircuts for thin hair, Cleveland recommends adding internal layers to "promote the theory of 'short pushes long,' which basically means that when there are short hairs lying underneath longer hairs, they push the longer hairs up to create the illusion of more volume."

Pixie Haircut

"Very fine hair can benefit from a super-short crop," Korab says. "Pixie cuts can actually make your thin hair appear thicker than it really is." If you've been searching for short hairstyles for thin hair, this look is for you. Korab also recommends adding some layers and side-swept bangs for even more texture.

Bob Haircut

There are many different kinds of bob haircuts, from the graduated bob (Cleveland's favorite) to the shaggy bob, and all are good options as thin-hair haircuts, but according to Korab, the best is the angled bob. "Thin hair typically shows off straight lines really well, and this tends to emphasize the cut's beautiful geometry." Schaefering adds, "It is a chic statement haircut, which usually gives the illusion of a thicker, fuller head of hair that swings."

Bangs

Whether you opt for a lob, a bob, a pixie, or a wild-card style like the "octopus" haircut, bangs can be the icing on top of the cake. "A full fringe is a great way to strengthen the shape if density and daily styling allows for it," Schaefering says.

Bixie Haircut

If you've been searching for medium-length hairstyles for thin hair, the "bixie," which is a combination of a bob and a pixie haircut, does wonders for fine hair. It gives the illusion of fullness. It's a happy medium for anyone who's afraid to take the plunge and go super short. It's also incredibly low maintenance and looks effortless (yes, even when you first wake up).

Ghost Layers

"Ghost layers," also called invisible layers, are a subtle haircutting technique that adds movement to the hair. The term was first coined by celebrity hairstylist Ramon Garcia. The cutting technique involves camouflaging subtle layers within the hair to give the appearance that everything is one length. The style is a perfect haircut for thin hair because it allows you to keep your hair's body and length, all while giving it additional texture and movement.

Jessica Harrington is the senior beauty editor at PS, where she writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. As a New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she loves to interview industry experts, keep up with the latest trends, and test new products.