Copyright vogue
Wondering what the best haircuts for thin hair are? You’re not alone. Whether due to hormonal changes, medical conditions, lifestyle or ageing, hair thinning can affect anyone. However, there is good news. Thin hair is something you can easily conceal with a good haircut and some clever styling tricks. These staple styles suit all hair types – from curly and coily to poker straight. Should thin hair be layered? When it comes to picking layers or a blunt cut for thin hair, there are two schools of thought. “Excessive layering can take the volume out of the hair, making it look quite flat and lifeless,” says hairstylist George Northwood. “My advice is to keep thinner hair all one length. A short, shoulder-length bob or any kind of blunt style can create a thicker, fuller appearance.” In fact, regular micro trims to maintain your blunt cut can make a world of difference. “Simply taking the most minute ends off your hair every six weeks can help the hair look much thicker and healthier.” If you prefer the layered look, however, some styles can work. It’s all about the type of layering. Hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons recommends soft layers. “Soft, long layers can preserve most of your locks’ thickness, while still allowing for volume and shaping around the face.” Shaping includes those shorter, face-framing strands of hair that help to create the illusion of thicker, denser hair. Zoe Irwin, creative director at John Frieda Salons, suggests adding what she calls seamless layers. This is when you very finely cut the top section so that it’s “super blended, just at the very tip and creates a soft layer that can be easily lifted, styled and blow dried”. She also recommends a side-sweeping fringe as opposed to a straight one. “Fringes that are side-sweeping work well as they make hair appear thicker and create a better fringe, whereas straight fringes don’t work as they tend to get oily over the course of the day and separate more.” “The goal is volume and flow, not choppiness,” adds Elliot Bute, stylist at Hershesons Fitzrovia, “Soft, blended layers add movement without exposing sparse ends – for ultra fine textures, you can even create invisible layers, which are hidden within the haircut to create lift and body while keeping the edge of the hair full.” Does thin hair look better short or long? As a general rule, anything past the shoulders can make thin hair look thinner, which is why most experts would recommend shoulder-length and shorter. “Shoulder-length styles, such as my signature FLOB (Flat Iron Wave Bob), are great for finer hair types, as it gives nice texture and body to the hair,” says Northwood. If your hair is particularly fine, you may want to go even shorter. “Pixie cuts on fine hair can look really pretty,” says Irwin. “They work so well because the hair is shaped to the head.” “A well-cut pixie cut can make your hair feel much thicker, especially when styled with a good texturising product,” adds Percival. “I love the confidence a pixie cut gives off, and how versatile this look is.” The same is true for blunt cuts. Rather than grow the hair out naturally to the point of wispiness, a blunt, straight-across cut can work to emulate the density of thicker hair. Bute agrees, sharing that “ultra-long styles can pull the hair down, emphasising flatness at the roots”. Bobs, lobs, and pixie cuts each give the hair instant shape and fullness. If you are still a long hair loyalist, be sure to keep ends blunt and healthy with regular trims. Which haircuts are best for thin curly hair? “Thin curls need shape and bounce,” Bute asserts. “A rounded, layered cut, such as a curly shag or layered bob, enhances volume and movement.” Cutting the hair dry will allow you to see the hair’s natural fall, Bute also recommends using a lightweight curl cream or mousse, like the Hershesons Zhoosh Foam, to give curls definition without heaviness. Elliott Fitzgerald, stylist at Larry King Marylebone, also recommends adding layers of an even length, “for a more elevated and refined curl”. Which haircuts are best for thin, dyed hair? If you prefer to dye your hair, try a shorter, choppy bob. Fitzgerald notes that this style will give you added volume and work alongside (not against) your coloured hair. Similarly, Bute recommends asking for blunt edges to build density and face-framing strands for even more dimension. Which haircuts are best for thin, pin-straight hair? Pin-straight hair looks great with “sharp haircuts, styled into a symmetrical shorter style”, says Fitzgerald. In fact, curtain bangs can create a floaty, textured effect. Which haircuts are best for thin, grey hair? A plethora of styles suit thinner, grey hair. For a statement look, try a bold pixie cut. “Grey hair can feel even finer or wirier, so aim for softness and polish,” advises Bute. “Dramatic, chin-length bobs are also a great choice and add a modern edge to your look.” Still in need of some direction? Below, Vogue rounds up the best celebrity haircuts for thin hair for your moodboard. Soft midi bob A midi bob is a great choice for those who want extra volume and definition, while still maintaining a super sleek look. For more texture, experiment with glossy flicked-in ends using a hair straightener and a small dose of styling cream. Lily Collins experimented with this style at Wimbledon this year. Curly pixie cut A brilliant thin hair disguise, the curly pixie is both practical and glamorous. Halle Berry wears hers short along the sides and slightly longer at the top, creating an airy, lifted look. Floaty bobs accentuate the cheekbones and make the most of soft waves. Kaia Gerber styles her jaw-grazing cut here with even layers for a uniform look. Slicked-down bangs If you’re currently struggling with thinning hair, try a slicked-down style. Hair gel is a useful tool that can be used to mask and fill gaps. Simone Ashley wears her raven tresses here in a sleek updo with an architectural fringe. Wavy pixie crop Big waves can add the desired amount of texture and definition for those with thinner hair. Reach for a smaller curling tong (or flat iron) and gently curl the hair away from the face. Try this in different directions to create a tousled, rounded shape. French actress Audrey Tautou’s is full of definition and volume. Locs are an excellent hairstyle for those with Afro-textured hair who also experience thinning tresses. Low tension, when installed correctly, partings can be used to make gaps look totally invisible. Try the faux option if you’re keen to experiment but not ready to commit just yet – Halle Bailey is a huge fan. Asymmetrical bob Rihanna’s asymmetrical bob was iconic. Here she adds a punky touch with some bright red highlights. A great choice for those with thinning hair, the chunky layers towards the front create the illusion of a thicker mane, while the longer strands at the back keep the style looking sleek and smooth. Razor-sharp pixie Emma Watson’s super sharp pixie cut is extremely flattering for anyone with thin hair. This haircut lies intentionally close to the scalp, with a gamine micro-bang to frame the face. The silky kicked bob A kicked bob is a brilliant hairstyle for thin hair. It features a slight flip where the hair curves upwards. It’s all in the styling: create texture with a pair of straighteners. Alternatively, scrape your hair up into a low ponytail while it’s wet and let it all out once it dries. Heatless styling made easy! Architectural pixie cut The architectural pixie crop is another fine hair favourite. Angela Bassett rocks hers here with the front slicked upwards, with the curls flicked in opposite directions for added volume. The tomboy cut A pixie cut with shorter sides, Mia Farrow wears hers here with smooth, seamless edges and a full micro fringe. Sideswept bob Swishy, tousled and stylish, the side-swept bob looks effortlessly cool. For even more volume, gently blow-dry your tresses with a round brush. Use Marion Cotillard’s look, styled with eyebrow-grazing strands towards the front, for inspiration. Dramatic asymmetric bob Posh’s ultra-straight asymmetric bob was her signature once upon a time. With this look, the front is dominated by longer strands, which frame the face and add a dramatic layer of definition. The bumped bob If you’re struggling to create shape with thinner hair, try a bumped bob. Bella Hadid styled hers with shoulder-grazing, long layers in a stunning molten brunette colour. With highlights brought to the front, the cut and shade open up her face and complement her features. The blunt cut bob Charlize Theron has a plethora of fabulous beauty moments. If you have thinning hair, try her blunt cut bob, a style that creates the illusion of thicker hair, while still looking effortlessly chic. The blocky bob No matter your hair type, the blocky bob features a uniform haircut with a small amount of layers. Penelope Cruz wore her jet-black mane with loose curls and shorter strands framing her forehead in the form of gappy, wispy bangs. 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