33 Volume-Boosting Styles and Cuts for Thin Hair, According to Experts

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33 Volume-Boosting Styles and Cuts for Thin Hair, According to Experts

This way to fuller hair.

Lily-Rose Depp poses in an Instagram photo.Lily-Rose Depp poses in an Instagram photo.

@lilyrose_depp/Instagram

Fine hair can be so smooth and silky that your scrunchie falls right through it. But it can also feel super thin, lifeless, and weigh you down. If your hair is naturally thin, it will require frequent trims to help keep the shape and encourage bouncier volume. Without the right technique, no amount of styling or curling will give it the voluminous look you want.

So, what do you do when you want to feign fuller hair? We turn to the experts and put together a guide on the best haircuts and styles that add volume to flat hair. From bobs and lobs to buns and braids, there are lots of looks to choose from for the appearance of fuller, thicker hair.

Meet the Experts

  • Benjamin Mohapi is a hairstylist and the founder of Benjamin Salon, with locations in California and New York.
  • Giovanni Vaccaro is a hairstylist and co-founder of Glamsquad.
  • Eric Sebbag is a master hairstylist at Warren Tricomi.

Please note: Some of the individuals featured may already have thick hair, but it’s their cut and style that will help those with thin hair feign volume. Keep scrolling for 33 of the best haircuts and styles for thin hair.

01of 33

Long, Glamorous Waves

Lily-Rose Depp with her glamorous waves.Lily-Rose Depp with her glamorous waves.

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While shorter styles tend to be more popular for those with thin hair, that doesn’t necessarily rule out longer cuts. If you want to keep your length, opt for long layers and blunt ends which can lend volume to thinner strands. Also, invest in volumizing products to bring limp hair to life.

02of 33

Bixie

Ciara attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party with asymmetric bixie haircutCiara attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party with asymmetric bixie haircut

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Ciara’s bixie haircut is a great way to stack on the layers and add drama to otherwise flat hair. A combination of the bob and pixie, a bixie helps to add texture and movement, which is perfect for thinner hair types.

03of 33

Texturized Pixie

Zoe Kravitz textured pixie cutZoe Kravitz textured pixie cut

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A pixie is “the ultimate confidence cut when it comes to thin hair,” says Vaccaro. “This is my favorite style to create on thin hair because the transformation of your hair texture is instant. This look can work for any texture; from curly to straight.”

Here, Zoë Kravitz opts for a mussed up pixie. To style a pixie, the artist suggests using a water-based pomade or a matte wax. “Avoid oil-based products because they tend to be heavier and weigh hair down,” he adds.

04of 33

Long One-Length

Elizabeth Olsen with straight hairElizabeth Olsen with straight hair

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Elizabeth Olsen’s one-length strands are manageable and chic. Better yet, the hair looks fuller when it doesn’t have too much weight on the ends. “The more solid the shape for thinning hair, the better,” says Mohapi. “Layers will take weight away from the ends and that’s the one thing we should try to keep. One-length shapes with volumizing products will create the best results.”

05of 33

Tousled Shoulder Length

Margot Robbie with her tousled shoulder length hair.Margot Robbie with her tousled shoulder length hair.

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Shoulder-length cuts and shorter tend to be the most flattering on thin tresses. Unlike a longer mane which can weigh hair down, a shorter cut possesses natural volume that can make it appear fuller, as seen here on Margot Robbie.

06of 33

Wavy Bob

Emma Stone in 2015 with a bright red bob.Emma Stone in 2015 with a bright red bob.

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Wavy hair can be worn long or short, but we especially love Emma Stone’s chop, seen here. “What you’ll notice about these celebs is that most opt for mid-length to short hairstyles, giving the illusion of fuller thicker hair,” says Vaccaro.

07of 33

Short Pixie With Baby Bangs

Keke Palmer pixie with baby bangsKeke Palmer pixie with baby bangs

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There are so many short cuts to try, but we love Keke Palmer’s ’90s baby bang look. “Often with thin hair, the shorter the better,” says Mohapi. “Short hair allows for thickest part of the hair (the roots) to participate in the final result.”

08of 33

Wavy Shoulder-Length

Olivia Munn wavy shoulder length hairOlivia Munn wavy shoulder length hair

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If you’re not sure if you’ll look good with short hair, a shoulder-length cut will allow you to keep some length. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be styled any which way so that it never feels dull. If you’re a pro with a curling iron, try adding a wave right in the middle of your hair shaft and leaving the ends straight like Olivia Munn.

09of 33

Voluminous Lob

Rosie Huntington-Whitely wavy lobRosie Huntington-Whitely wavy lob

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Rosie Hungtington-Whitely’s lob plays up thin hair with lots of volume and texture. “Perfect for any face shape, this will give you the volume you’re looking for while adding layers for fullness,” says Vaccaro. “Take a 1.25-inch curling iron and give your hair a subtle loose bend by wrapping large sections around the barrel horizontally.”

10of 33

Face-Framing Layers

Felicity JonesFelicity Jones

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Framing the face with layers can also give the look of more hair. To keep thin hair from falling flat, give it movement and body with light layering. “Some face framing or bangs can also be a great way to add dimension and interest,” Mohapi says of Felicity Jones’s layers. Keep the layers long towards the back of the hair, moving them closer to the face in the front.

11of 33

Chin-Grazing Bob

Jourdan Dunn wavy layered lobJourdan Dunn wavy layered lob

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A ruffled, wavy bob capitalizes on movement and texture. Light layers and feathered ends make this short ‘do an easy one to tousle and volumize. The chin-grazing length looks gorgeous on Jourdan Dunn’s oval face but in case you’ve got a rounder face or a sweetheart one, you may want to keep a little more length to elongate it.

Sebbag recommends turning up the volume even more with a long-lasting styling product that’s non-drying.

12of 33

Voluminous Curls

Zendaya curly mid-length hair with bangsZendaya curly mid-length hair with bangs

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Zendaya’s mid-length, U-shaped cut helps boost her textured tresses in every way. When styling curls, it’s helpful to know your curl type so you can properly address your hair’s needs and the products that will help it thrive.

13of 33

Wavy Lob

Eiza Gonzalez wavy lobEiza Gonzalez wavy lob

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Eiza Gonzalez’s hair looks inches fuller, thanks to loose, textured waves that graze her collarbone. “Celebs tend to style with loose waves, which helps make hair look thicker and fuller,” says Vaccaro.

14of 33

Light Layers

Hailey Bieber with her light layers.Hailey Bieber with her light layers.

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Hailey Bieber’s sleek wavy look has a chic, retro vibe to it. If body and volume are your goals and you prefer your strands long, you can simply ask your hairstylist to add a bit of texture on the ends. Think light layers that won’t remove too much volume. As for a product, Sebbag opts for a mousse “applied in damp hair prior to styling to help boost the volume of your hair.”

15of 33

Asymmetrical Bob

Kate MaraKate Mara

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Kate Mara’s asymmetrical bob with its slight side part is ultra trendy. To style, we suggest a matte finish product. And if you’re looking for even more lift at the roots, go for a deeper side flip.

16of 33

Curly Pixie

Ruth NeggaRuth Negga

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A super-cropped-but-still-curly pixie, as seen on Ruth Negga here, will add body and shape to your thin hair. To style, simply work in a small amount of styling cream to moisturize and define curls. If and when you decide to grow out your pixie, curls will help to make the transition that much easier.

17of 33

Half-Up, Half-Down

Gemma Chang half-up, half-down wavy hairstyleGemma Chang half-up, half-down wavy hairstyle

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Gemma Chan’s wavy half-up, half-down look helps add volume to hair via a slightly teased crown. To keep thin, mid-length strands from appearing stringy, add some loose waves to create some bulk and texture. Pull out a few pieces of hair to frame the face and complete this visually effortless style.

18of 33

Textured Lob

diane krugerdiane kruger
Diane Kruger.

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A center part allows you to volumize the sides of hair, but to work wonders, combine with a thickening and lift spray. Curling the ends in and scrunching at the roots will leave you with a beachy texture à la Diane Kruger.

19of 33

Heavy Bangs

Close up of Constance Wu with blunt bangsClose up of Constance Wu with blunt bangs

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Constance Wu’s full fringe makes her entire head of hair appear thick and voluminous. This fringe will add density and fullness to your hair,” says Vaccaro. “Go for a blunt or lightly textured look, just make sure they’re heavy.”

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance style, just know that maintaining a heavy bang can require some work. To get a full fringe sans commitment, opt for clip-in faux bangs.

20of 33

Wavy Mid-Length

Close up of Priyanka Chopra Jonas with wavy medium-length hairClose up of Priyanka Chopra Jonas with wavy medium-length hair

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Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ wavy layers add beautiful volume to her locks and make for easy styling that always looks effortlessly polished. Even if your hair is naturally straight, you can achieve a similar look with a curling iron.

21of 33

Topknot with Fringe

Halle Berry with a topknot and bangsHalle Berry with a topknot and bangs

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A topknot hairstyle, as seen here on Halle Berry, not only looks chic, but it is also a fab hairstyle choice for those with thin hair. Simply pull hair up into a high ponytail and fasten with a band. Wrap your hair around the band into a bun and stick in some bobby pins until it feels secure. A fab fringe also elevates this effortless look.

22of 33

Retro Bob

Lucy Boynton with curled under bobLucy Boynton with curled under bob

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“Thin hair needs a medium, above-the-shoulder bob to create thickness on the ends,” says Sebbag. Here, Lucy Boynton emits Old Hollywood glam with her retro bob. As a bonus, curled-in ends make her hair appear to have a boatload of volume. Get the look with hot rollers and by dousing with hairspray to hold it all together.

23of 33

Pompadour

Ser Anzoategui pompadourSer Anzoategui pompadour

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The vintage pompadour is making a comeback. We love how Ser Anzoategui pairs edgy shaved sides with curly texture on top. It draws the eye upward, adding height and volume. A short back and sides will keep styling to a minimum although a lengthier pompadour allows for some creativity.

24of 33

Curved Bob

January Jones curled-under bobJanuary Jones curled-under bob

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The angle on January Jones’s curved bob creates the illusion of fullness and body, even on straight hair. Make sure to lift roots at the hairline to get even more volume.

25of 33

Side-Swept Lob

Chanel Iman sideswept lobChanel Iman sideswept lob

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Take a cue from Chanel Iman and pair a full lob with a side part. “An exaggerated side part will give the illusion of more volume and fullness on top,” says Vaccaro. “I love this cut with an ear tuck and heavy sweep. It’s flirty yet sophisticated.”

26of 33

Stacked

Close up of Massy Arias with stacked bob Close up of Massy Arias with stacked bob

@massy.arias/Instagram

Also referred to as an inverted bob, this cropped cut is rife with strategically-placed layers that flatter thin hair. Stacked layers in the back build body while face-framing ones create a rough A-line shape that adds movement and texture. Go with a deep side part to get even more volume like Massy Arias.

27of 33

Blunt Lob

Rowan Blanchard straight, blunt lobRowan Blanchard straight, blunt lob

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Rowan Blanchard’s sleek blunt cut makes her hair appear full and healthy. You’ll need to stay on top of ends with regular trims since split ends can exacerbate thin hair. When you go too long without a hair cut, the ends begin to look straggly and thin, leaving them unable to hold a shape, says Mohapi. Blunt ends look sharp on a thin mane and create the appearance of thicker hair.

28of 33

Strategic Highlghts

Jennifer Aniston's highlightsJennifer Aniston's highlights

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Jennifer Aniston shows how well-placed highlights can give your hair dimension and make it look thicker. Ask your stylist for subtle highlights around your face or a some balayage, which keeps your roots slightly darker. If your roots are lightened up too much, it could actually make your hair look thinner. Also: Make sure you use a conditioner for color treated hair to keep hair moisturized to prevent breakage.

29of 33

Beachy Waves

Gisele Bundchen long beach wavesGisele Bundchen long beach waves

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Gisele Bündchen shows how beach waves can make thin hair look like it has tons of volume. This look is a great choice for those with longer hair. To recreate this look, spray in a salt spray while hair is wet to amplify your natural texture. Use a 1.25 inch curling iron and curl small sections away from your face. You can also braid your wet hair at night and reveal a wavy, beachy look come morning.

30of 33

Bouncy Blowout

Sydney Sweeney with soft glam and a big hair bow at the Met Gala 2023Sydney Sweeney with soft glam and a big hair bow at the Met Gala 2023

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Nothing says glamour like a thick and voluminous bouncy blowout, just look at Sydney Sweeney. Use a volumizing mist, then “with a blow dryer and round brush, section hair and blow out, creating enhanced volume, and finish with a curling iron for added texture as needed,” says Sebbag.

31of 33

Half-Up Half-Down Topknot

Kelly Rowland with a Boxer-Braided TopknotKelly Rowland with a Boxer-Braided Topknot
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Kelly Rowland proves that even when worn in a protective style, hair can be made to look voluminous. Here, her boxer braids are swept up into a half-up half-down topknot style.

32of 33

Fishtail Braid

Maria Menounos Side Swept Fishtail BraidMaria Menounos Side Swept Fishtail Braid

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A fishtail braid like Maria Menounos is a great style option for thin hair. Once braided, pull out more hair to feign a fuller braid, giving the illusion of thicker hair. We love the sideswept, undone look for a night out. The messier, the better.

33of 33

CLB

Leslie-Bibb with her one-length haircut.Leslie-Bibb with her one-length haircut.

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If your hair leans thin, try steering clear of heavily layered cuts like shags. The layers will remove hair density and volume, two things that you do not want to lose if you’ve got thin hair to begin with. Instead, go for a one-length cut like Leslie Bibb (shown here with her signature CLB).

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Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/volume-boosting-haircuts-and-styles-11821575


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