Choppy Fringe

When you have fine hair, the haircut you have is of the utmost importance. Blunt ends, layers, and even bangs can be of huge assistance in keeping your hair lively and looking its best, no matter how you style it. “I always like stronger shapes with fine hair,” says Gibson. “Fine hair tends to not grow as fast and can break easier on clothes and rubbing against surfaces. If you want to put layers in, have them longer rather than shorter unless you want a shag.”

Diagonal Part

Spice up a classic sleek low bun by adding a few key details. Here, Ayo Edebiri went for a diagonal part and a swooped strand carefully fixed with gel.

Bun with Side Bangs

Bangs can be hit or miss with fine hair given how much density is available to them. A great hairstylist can help you achieve the best look for your hair type. If a fringe is in the cards, know that it adds exquisite depth to an updo. “When you visit your hairdresser be realistic about your wants. Be very clear how you want your hair to look,” advises Gibson. “The consultation is the most important step in great hair. Ask questions. If it doesn’t feel right don’t do it.”

Ballerina Bun

Parting makes all the difference in any coif. Eliminating your usual parting and bringing the hair fully back can help your ‘do appear fuller by avoiding any peeks at the scalp and potentially exposing just how close it might be to the surface.

Sleek Half-Up Half-Down

Is a half-up, half-down style cheating? We’ll let it slide as an honorary updo. The classic option allows you to free your face (and provide lift!) while letting your ends create structure and balance. Whimsical horns, like Dove Cameron’s, aren’t obligatory, though we’re admittedly digging the style.

Low Bun with Side Part

Allowing for some contrast in the hair will provide a guide for the eyes to follow and create the illusion of greater balance. Simone Ashley’s updo employs over-directed side-parting to give volume up top in contrast to its slicked-back sides.

Low Bun With Side Swoop

Same, but different. Zoe Saldana’s glossy updo forgoes the aforementioned height for a swooping side bangs to frame her stunning features.

V-Parted Ponytail

Here’s an easy style that’s been nabbed straight from the runway—an unusually parted ponytail that elevates the otherwise simple look. Your best tool for achieving this coif is going to be a rat tail comb for nailing those precise lines.

Twist Back

Incorporate a subtle side part (or a middle one) before twisting each side and clipping them to the top of your head. The result: a romantic version of a half-up, half-down that still feels cool and different.

Stylized Bun

Creating shape(s) in the hair is a beautiful way to add dimension to thinner strands. On fine hair this might need some hair extensions, notes Gibson. “Apply them about 2 inches from the part.” Style the hair underneath over the extensions to cover them, using a flat iron to smooth out the hair. “Pull everything up into a ponytail on top of your head,” continues Gibson. “Twist the ponytail into a twist leaving the ends out that creates a fan shape at the architectural bun. Spray with firm hold hairspray to hold in place.”

Textured Braid

When you have thin strands, you always want to begin by prepping the hair with added texture before crafting your updo. Blow-dry an even layer of volumizing mousse or primer into dry or wet hair from roots to ends, over-directing the hair from side to side and flipping your head upside down to help create lift at the roots. Once the product is fully dry, turn to your favorite dry, texturizing spray to plump up fine strands and give them texture. This prep work will not only thicken up your mane, but it’s also guaranteed to give you transformative results.

Long Half-Up Half-Down

This casual version of a half-up, half-down ‘do adds dimension and volume to long and very long hair. Keep a few strands out for a chic everyday style that matches any outfit.

Messy Bun with Middle Part

To add that perfectly messy movement to your updo, a la Eiza González, spray an even layer of thickening spray throughout the hair while damp or dry, and blow-dry the product in well. You’ll notice an immediate shift in those fine strands, with more grit and hold for styling. Finish the hair with a little texturizing spray and flip your hair around to get that imperfect parting to match.

Pearly Fishtail Braid

Add some bling to a pulled-back ‘do by adhering stick-on pearls or gemstones throughout the hair. This freckled look adds a hint of decadence but still plays it cool. Your hair will magically appear fuller thanks to the gems poking out of your braid.

Classic Curly Bun

This hairstyle looks like it is straight out of a romantic period piece. Gather your hair in a messy high bun and leave some strands out for an air of whimsy– the messier, the better. Pair with an unexpected choker a la Araya Hargate to maintain some edge.

Floral Braided Bun

If your updo is for an event, give it a little extra something special. A flurry of florals—fresh or faux—is an excellent addition to your average chignon. And the best part is, there’s truly no learning curve or specialty to the way you bring your hair up and back. Let the adornments take center stage while you cruise through the lack of styling effort. Large florals like this are especially plumping, even on a less-than-full bun.

Front Pouf

Front poufs, or “bumps,” may have had their moment in time circa the early 2000s, but for finer strands, this look never really leaves the repertoire. A little backcombing secured with bobby pins is too easy a fix to toss to the curb. Whip this fad out to help frame your updo with a little extra “oomph.”

Wrapped Ponytail

This is a classic bubble ponytail without the bubbles, and it’s a great updo option for fine hair at medium to long lengths. Ditch the teased-up sections for a clean, chic take on this fashion-forward ponytail. The trick to wearing this look on fine hair is adding a point of interest over your elastics. Instead of using your own strands to wrap around each base (and making your pony look even smaller), bring in some reinforcements like a gold cord.

Fluffy Volume

To get that effortlessly airy texture into your updos, distribute a soft hold volumizing mousse and place flat duck-bill clips or no-crease clips vertically around the hairline to hold the hair up as you diffuse. The clips will help keep those roots lifted while the heat alters your hair into the desired form, creating a voluminous base for your updo.

Criss Crossed

If you have long hair, this hairstyle is a great way to give the illusion of volume. Wear it up, split your strands into two parts and criss cross them atop the head. Brush your hair forward, style as preferred and set the result with a dose of hairspray.

Sculpted High Bun

Tight and sleek high buns are a great updo option for thin hair. Wrap your hair into a few different twists using a styling cream to help it stay smooth and tame. These twists will give your topknot a sculpted, dimensional look.

Slicked-Back Bun With Baby Bangs

Daphne Bridgerton may have reacquainted us with baby bangs, but Zoë Kravtiz made them red-carpet-ready. Here, the aforementioned tight and sleek updo is given a hint of mod sophistication with the introduction of swooping Hepburn bangs.

Classic Bun with Loose Strands

Opt for a carefully set bun with a few strands let loose in the back. Rachel Sennott shows us how chic and modern this look can be.

Space Buns

You may not have a ton of hair for two thick, braided space buns, but these little guys prove a ton of hair isn’t needed to look super cute. When all else fails, don’t hesitate to braid a weft of hair in! It’s an easy option with no strings (or clips) attached.

Pompadour

A pompadour is such a fun style to play around with and works especially well on shorter lengths. Use some thickening spray and a brush or comb to lift the roots up and away from the scalp. If you want more of a curled and controlled look, like the one seen here, turn to your round brush to direct your desired movement. Finalize the creation by bringing the sides back for contrast and securing with a strong-hold hair spray.

Wispy Waves

Did you know that a flat iron could give you perfectly imperfect bends in the hair? Pinch a section of your hair and gently push it up to create a “C” shape, then tap it with the flat iron. Alternate the direction of your “C” as you move down the section. This is a simple, foolproof way to lock in a subtle wave.

Crown Braid

Add a face-framing braid along the hairline before tying your hair into a casual low ponytail or bun, and you have yourself an event-worthy updo. Frieda Pinto’s crown braid even goes as far as to create some added structure.

Braid with a Woven Scarf

Another shoutout to hair accessories; they’re a thin-haired person’s BFF. Styling your updo with a woven-in head scarf will add some density to your ‘do, helping the overall style appear a little bit thicker.

Sleek Low Ponytail

Keep your updo sleek and simple with a middle part and zero flyaways in sight. A little pomade around the edges and some hair spray all around, when laid down with a small toothbrush or spoolie, will give you those smooth, flyaway-free updos.

Face-Framing Strands

Recreate Ashley Graham’s hairstyle worn at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards by giving your bun a deep side part and letting face-framing strands loose on each side.

Accessorized Hairline

Detailing your hairline with clips or barrettes is a simple effort that goes a long way in adding sophistication to any stylized updo, while still being fun and playful. Don’t believe us? Just take Leonie Hann’s word for it.

Low Ponytail With Rounded Bangs

Rashida Jones offers a more romantic iteration of the low ponytail, with tousled texture and slightly undone feel. We love the addition of lash-skimming bangs, graduated toward the ends for a rounded shape.

Retro Beehive

You don’t always need a ton of hair to create a great updo with fine strands. This modernized beehive offers a sexy silhouette with the perfect amount of volume and gritty texture.

Curly High Bun

Fine hair often doesn’t have a lot of natural movement, but that doesn’t make curls and waves impossible to achieve. Use a small barrel curling iron that’s roughly 3/8″-3/4″ in size and carefully wrap small sections of hair around the barrel from roots to ends.

When you finish with a full head of ringlets, use your brush to separate and loosen the coils. This will give your hair full, fluffy movement all over. You can even back-brush the curls for more body, and twist it loosely into a thickened topknot for a romantic look like the one seen here.

Statement Piece

Statement pieces will always dress up an effortless hairstyle, even on the thinnest of hair. A headband, a ribbon, a huge clip, a barrette, or a hairpin—all of these options are easy standouts that make your styling efforts minimal without compromising a finished look.

Ultra High Ponytail

Take note of the positioning of the ponytail here. Creating a high ponytail with thin hair—and we’re talking high, between the hairline and crown of the head—is a playful illusion that will only do you favors.

Ponytail Braid

Braids are an excellent style for creating the illusion of greater thickness and density because their intricate weave can be tugged and pulled to appear fuller. (It’s also amongst the easiest ways to experiment with extensions.) Ella Mai’s glossy braid is slicked-back high atop the crown in a ponytail fashion with stylized edges which can be fashioned to disguise an uneven hairline if need be.

Undercut

Cut comes into play here again. Sometimes on finer hair, it’s the length that’s holding it back and preventing you from achieving volume. For some, it can help to get an undercut like this one where all the volume can be concentrated on one side.

Warrior Braid

Similar to pompadours and poufs, this sectioned style brings our attention front and center. “Use volumizing products such as a root lifter or something that is for hair plumping,” says Prothero. “Blow Dry the hair with a round brush for lots of lift  concentrating on the roots.” Braiding or knotting a center section is an easy way to provide lift where fine hair may be lacking.

Stacked Buns

Stacking two buns together will make it appear like there’s more hair to spare. “You can always add some extensions if you want to add some thickness to your updo,” says Prothero. “Celebs do it all the time and sometimes it makes the updo a lot more fuller looking.”

Top Knot Ponytail

Take your hair to new heights by opting for a top-knot ponytail just like Vanessa Williams. Your lengths will naturally flow on the side of your face, giving you the best of both worlds– an updo with your hair framing your face.

1990s Spiky Bun

This 1990s style throwback of sleek roots and spiky ends is sure to add interest to your fine-haired updo. Use a water-based pomade and flat brush to slick the hair back nice and tight, adding a pinch of pomade between your fingers to help give your ends that piece-y, spiky finish.

Tiny Strands

When you have fine strands, they often come with a lack of texture and body. If you lust over this tiny-strand updo on hair idol Zazie Beetz, try this on for size: Place your hair in a high, tight ponytail. Then, use a very small curling iron—a 9 mm or 10 mm barrel size—and carefully wrap thin sections of your ponytail around the barrel. Once you have a full ponytail of tiny tendrils, use a wide-tooth comb to rake out the curls and pin them artfully, bringing all that new movement forward.

Swoop Ponytail

Trying to add volume to the roots all the time can get tiring. Instead, opt to make your ends the star of your updo by flipping them out of pigtails, buns, or a ponytail. “Start with a very lightweight (volumizing) shampoo and conditioner if you plan to do an updo right after or maybe wait the next day without washing your hair,” notes Prothero. The cleaner your hair, the less grit and hold it will have, so a style like this can benefit from a few days old strands.

French Twist

“She has fine hair but a lot of it,” says Gibson. This French twist uses her natural texture that everyone loves, he adds.

To recreate Zendaya’s look, Gibson instructs to start by separating the sides from the front hairline to the crown of the head and clipping that hair out of the way. Pull the remaining hair to the back of the head, then wrap the ends around your index and middle fingers. Twist vertically until the ends are tucked in and secure with bobby pins. Repeat with the remaining hair and tuck into the already-finished twist. Spray with hairspray to hold in place.

Loose Strands on a Curly Bun

For Lori Harvey’s undone updo, Gibson instructs to start off with a really good blow-dry. “Adding texture is important using a small barrel curling iron to add wave,” he adds. “Pull all hair into a ponytail on top of the head leaving out some hair around the face to have softness. When pulling into the ponytail use a gel mixed with oil for that wet messy updo look. Twist 2 inch sections in a circle securing with large hair pins. Spray with hairspray to hold in place.”

Face-Framing Braids

Rogue, face-framing strands have a chokehold on just about every romantic or undone updo. While we’re eternal members of the wispy, face-framing fan club, we fully appreciate novel and creative approaches. Maddie Ziegler’s updo is framed by long braids and we’re totally here for the early-oughts reference.

Barely There Ponytail

Olivia Munn’s is-it-or-isn’t-it there ponytail skirts the line between updo and free-flowing mane. From the front it has all the makings of a tousled lob, but au contraire. This boho-chic ‘do is in fact a tousled low ponytail, albeit with an ultra-low securement.

Textured Ponytail

If you haven’t noticed, ponytails are major for fine hair updos. But if you’re going for a big look, a fluffy iteration like Gemma Chan’s is best. Load up on texture, waves, and a bit of teasing for this playful ‘do. “Apply a dry shampoo and texture spray to keep your hair from falling flat,” adds Prothero. “If you want a little more height at the crown, do a light tease throughout the crown of the head, but make sure to smooth the tease a bit.”

Cornrow Bun

Protective and chic, cornrows are a staple for nursing stressed, thinning hair back to optimal health. Zoe Kravitz pulled her micro-cornrows back into a petite low bun for an ultra cool-girl take.