Struggling with thin hair? You’re not alone. Whether the result of hormonal changes, medical conditions, lifestyle or aging, anyone can experience thinning hair. However, the good news is that thin hair is something you can easily conceal with a good haircut and some clever styling tricks.
Should thin hair be layered?
When it comes to layering versus a blunt cut, 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, there are some styles that can work. It’s all about the type of layering. For example, 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.”
Zoe Irwin, creative director at John Frieda Salons, suggests adding what she calls seamless layers, which is when you very finely cut the top section so that it’s “super blended, just at the very tip, so it creates a really 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 the 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.”
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 some 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 texturizing product,” adds Percival. “I love the confidence a pixie cut gives off, and how versatile this look is.”
Still in need of some direction? Below, Vogue rounds up the best celebrity haircuts for thin hair for your moodboard.
This article was originally published on British Vogue.