Struggling with inspiration for thin hair? You’re not alone. Everything from lifestyle and hormones to product use and ageing can result in hair looking thinner and feeling finer over time. Knowing how to style hair that’s decreased in its density or understanding what to ask for from your hairstylist suddenly becomes a whole new ballgame. However, the good news is that appearance of thin hair can dramatically change (and indeed, disappear completely) with the right haircut and styling techniques.
When it comes to hairstyles for thin hair, the old-school approach is that blunt cuts and one-length styles are best for making fine hair appear thicker. However, in recent years, layered haircuts for thin hair have grown in popularity—and they’re more than just a trend, in fact they totally work. Now, there are plenty of chic, volumising haircuts for fine hair to choose from, not matter your hair length or texture.
The key is in the types and lengths of the layers that you opt for. As a general rule, the length of hair plays much more of a role in making hair look thinner than having layers cut in. Layers serve to add movement and texture to hair, which in turn adds dimension and they can easily be styled to create the impression of volume and thickness.
Now that we’ve established that yes, layered haircuts definitely do work for thin hair, scroll down for our roundup of the best haircuts for your mood board.
The Best Layered Haircuts for Thin Hair
1. Choppy Layers
Choppy layers create a sense of movement in fine hair, which automatically makes it seem thicker. “As a nod to the ’90s, revisit ‘the Rachel haircut‘ and given it a modern twist, with the length longer and the face framing layers shorter to give it a freer loose feel,” says Neil Moodie, editorial stylist and founder of the Neil Moodie Studio. When it comes to styling a choppy layered cut, straight may seem like the obvious route, but for a more glamorous evening vibe, Moodie recommends blow-drying the hair using a round brush or hot brush to add more volume.
Get the look:
This hair growth serum has seriously impressive results for encouraging thicker hair growth (just take a glance the before and after pictures). Simply apply to your scalp and see results in 12 weeks.
ghd
Chronos Hair Straighteners
Perfect for fine hair, these fast-heating GHD straighteners help you to achieve your desired style in one stroke, thus reducing the chance of breakage.
Ghd
Shiny Ever After Final Shine Spray
The perfect finishing touch to both straight and curly styles, this lightweight spray adds shine and flattens flyaways.
2. Face-Framing Layers
If you’re hesitant about experimenting with layers in your thin hair, opt for a face-framing haircut, which according to celebrity hairstylist Desmond Grundy, work for everyone no matter what your hair type or length, or face shape. “Rounder faces can benefit from elongated layers whilst longer faces can create shaping with shorter strands. I think the layered look is perfect for older women, as the hair cut can be customised to accentuate your best features with chin skimming layers and longer fringes,” he explains.
When it comes to styling face-framing layers, Grundy advises blow drying or using velcro hair rollers to ensure the layers frame the face. “Always prep the hair before using a heat protector such as Bristows Sol Fiesta Heat Protector (£3) or use a light hold hair spray like a styling spray,” he adds. The layers can be sculpted outwards for a more voluminous effect, or inwards for a fun, modern look.
Get the look:
Bristows
Sol Fiesta Heat Protecter
This ultra-fine mist protects hair up to 200 degrees, while lightly scenting it with a lasting tropical fragrance.
Amika
Blowout Babe Thermal Hairbrush
This nifty tool will make light work of sculpting and shaping your layers to frame your face.
Living Proof
No Frizz Smooth Styling Serum
For a sleek, smooth finish, look no further. What’s more, this lightweight serum formula won’t weigh hair down and make it appear flat.
3. Marquise Layers
Another face-framing style, marquise layers are much less obvious—the style is all about combining delicate layers to create seamless flow, resulting in a soft, flattering frame around the face. According to Hare & Bone hairstylist Sam Burnett, this style is ideal for thin hair. “It’s perfectly adaptable for different hair textures, lengths, and lifestyles, because it offers volume and movement without compromising on style,” he explains. “Whether styled sleek or tousled, it’s easy to maintain and stays effortlessly chic throughout the day.”
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Hair by Sam Mcknight
Cool Girl Super Lift Root Boost
If you only have time for a one-product styling routine, this is an instant root boost in a bottle.
Color WOW
Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer
Unlike old-school hair mousse, this one won’t leave hair sticky or crunchy. Instead, expect soft, airy volume.
Oribe
Maximista Thickening Spray
Prep layers pre-blowdry with this volume-boosting mist to ensure they remain full of movement.
4. Soft Layered Bob
“The bob haircut remains a popular choice, but with a twist,” says Don Kurland, stylist at Blue Tit Portobello. “We’re seeing softer, more layered versions that add movement and texture. These bobs can be tailored to any face shape and can be worn sleek or tousled for a more casual look.” The best thing about a short layered haircut is that the hair isn’t weighed down by length, meaning it’s much easier to get volume and texture into the lengths, creating the illusion of thicker hair.
Get the look:
Arkive
The Movement Dry Texturising Spray
Designed to be used on dry hair, this will instantly revive and define your layers.
Jvn Hair
Complete Air Dry Cream
Prefer to air dry your hair? Just a small amount of this cream through the lengths will help to prevent frizz and fluffiness, so your layers stay defined.
A volumising shampoo is an essential for fine hair.
5. Layered Curtain Fringe
“This flirty curtain fringe is sexy, sophisticated and wearable for all occasions,” says celebrity hairstylist Valery Joseph. “The pieces are a bit longer and less full than the average curtain bang, making it an ideal style for all ages and thinner hair types.” Joseph recommends styling with a blow dryer and round brush, then setting the hair with a Velcro roller to ensure lasting shape and volume. The best part? This layered fringe can easily grow out into simple face-framing layers.
Get the look:
ghd
The Blow Dryer Radial Hair Brush
Alongside a good hairdryer, you’ll also need a round brush to get lift at your roots and shape in your lengths.
Boots
Sleep Rollers Large
Brush through hair after drying, then curl the roller up towards the scalp to encourage volume and bounce.
Olaplex
No.4d Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo
Not only does a good dry shampoo prevent your fringe from looking greasy, it will add texture and volume.
6. Bixie Cut
The shorter hair is, the less thin and fine it appears, so if you want to go short and bold, Burnett recommends the bixie cut, a fusion of the bob and pixie cuts with added layers. “This edgy style provides texture and volume, perfect for those seeking a radical change.”
Get the look:
If your layered hair is naturally curly, this cream will help to enhance and define them.
Kiehl’s
Grooming Solutions Texturising Hair Clay
Add shape and structure to your short layers with this texturising hair clay.
Sachajuan
Hairspray Strong Hold
The strongest holding and best-smelling hairspray I’ve ever tried.
