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Haircuts for Women with Thin Hair

Thinning hair is often thought of as a male issue, yet female hair loss occurs in up to 40% of women by the time they’re 40. Other women are simply born with fine or thin hair.

Thinning hair is often thought of as a male issue, yet female hair loss occurs in up to 40% of women by the time they’re 40. Other women are simply born with fine or thin hair.

When it comes to finding a hairstyle for thin hair, the problems faced are slightly different. Having thin hair means that the hair follicles are weaker and more widely spread; this is also known as low follicle density. Certain hairstyles tend to expose quite a bit of the scalp due to the sparsity of the hair follicles. Ultimately, this means you may have to be more resourceful and inventive when deciding on a particular hairstyle for thin hair. That’s where we come in.

Explore which cuts and styles will work for your thin hair and our top tips for making your hair appear thicker and more voluminous. You can also view our recommended hairstyles for men with thin hair.

Recommended Haircuts

1. The Bob

The bob is an ideal short haircut for women with thin hair that comes in a variety of lengths and styles. A short to medium bob won't weigh your hair down and will make it appear denser and bouncier. You can emphasize this depth and create additional texture with the use of highlights and layering. Straight-edge, curved, asymmetrical or choppy, the numerous variations of the bob mean you can constantly change your style without sacrificing on volume.

2. Pixie Cut

Medium to short hairstyle lengths for fine hair are ideal, as anything longer could accentuate its "stringy" quality. The pixie cut falls more on the shorter side of the spectrum and is an ideal short hairstyle for women with fine hair. By keeping the sides short but growing out the top and bangs, you’ll be able to create some interesting textures and volume. The pixie can also be layered, paired with blunt bangs, or side swept for different variations on the cut.

3. The Shag

One of our favorite medium hairstyles for thin hair is the shag. Shag haircuts with textured layers give thin hair plenty of volume and body. Adding a center part and gentle waves throughout will give your hairstyle a retro 70’s inspired vibe that’s perfect for a night out. The layers in this cut are super versatile, so a slightly messy bedhead can still look chic when you don’t have time to style your hair. The shag haircut can also be paired with side or middle bangs, as they will blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair.

4. Layered Waves

Selecting the best hairstyle for long, thin hair can be a challenge, as the wrong long cut can accentuate your hair’s thinness. Face-framing layers and longer layers give long, thin hair more volume and movement and prevent the ends of your hair from looking stringy. Beachy, loose waves add additional texture and round out your look nicely. Using a curling iron with a large barrel and some texturizing spray will give your waves a loose and soft look.

5. The Updo

When it comes to updos for thin hair, keeping things soft and airy will help you achieve that effortless look with added body. Teasing your hair in the front before pulling it back into a bun or high ponytail is a great way to add volume. Accessories like head scarves, barrettes, and statement clips are another easy way to give your hair a fuller and denser appearance. Adding a side braid or some face framing pieces can elevate your updo and take your look from day to night. If braiding is your thing, try gently pulling out the braid to make the hair look thicker.

6. Bangs

Getting curtain bangs, sideswept bangs, bottleneck bangs or long layer bangs can instantly add more fullness to thin hair, while framing your face nicely and giving you a fresh new look! For those with thin hair, a full fringe can be difficult to achieve and can emphasize how thin the rest of your hair is. That’s why we recommend working with wispier, shorter bangs and teasing the root for extra volume.

Everyday Tips for Making Thin or Fine Hair Appear Thicker

Now that you’ve found your next hairstyle, here are a few things you can do to keep your hair looking thicker and more voluminous every day:

1. Keep hair short if you can

Naturally fine or thinning hair looks thinner when hair is long. To make your ends look fuller and thicker, try opting for medium or short length hair with a blunt cut. For extra body, try gently blow drying and teasing your roots to give them a lift.

2. Flip Your Parting to Add Volume

Having a center parting will instantly make your hair look thinner and flatter, especially if your hair is long. One way to instantly add a hit of volume is by flipping your parting to the side. Even if you already have a side parting, try flipping it to the other side to for extra body.

3. Apply Hair Gel to Shorter Styles

If you’re styling a pixie cut or super short style, applying a hair gel can add texture to fine or thin hair. Nioxin’s Thickening Hair Gel gives hair a noticeable volume boost and provides strong-hold, smooth-feel, and added texture.

4. Use a Specialized Hair Care Routine

Caring for your hair is so important to ensure your strands and scalp stay healthy, so using the right hair care and styling products is key. Our System Kits are specially formulated for light or progressed thinning. Our range of kits are designed for different hair types and levels of thinning, so you can choose the best kit for you! Featuring a cleansing shampoo, revitalizing conditioner and specialized scalp treatment, our System Kits are designed to reduce hair breakage and strengthen hair structure.

If you’re going for a voluminous up-do, using a hair spray product will ensure you get a long-lasting style. Try our regular hold or strong hold hair spray, depending on your needs. View all our hair care and styling products to find the best fits to keep your haircut looking full and fabulous!

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