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Hairstyles for thin hair - See the best advice for thin hair HERE

by Lotte Lindgren on Aug 07, 2019

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Dorthe Kristensen

Read through by Dorthe Kristensen

Hairdresser and former co-owner of the award-winning hairdressing chain Zoom by Zoom
With many years of experience in the hairdressing industry, Dorthe has advised many customers about hair and hair care. Dorthe has read through this blog entry to ensure high quality and professionalism. This blog post is professionally updated on December 11, 2024.

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Tips and tricks for thin hair

A good hair day is very important for our identity and self-esteem. Many women are not at all aware of the role and importance of hair until they themselves experience damaged and thin hair. Thin hair can often feel challenging to manage, as it may lack volume and strength. But fear not, luckily there is help available and we have collected the best advice for you with thin hair in a guide below.

Is my hair fine or thin?

Before starting a treatment for thinning hair, it is important that you know your hair type. Although fine and thin hair are often categorized as the same, this is not the case. It is therefore important that you know the difference so that you can treat your hair in the best way possible.

Fine hair is defined by many, fine and thin strands of hair that are soft and smooth and have a thinner diameter than other thicker hair types. It is therefore not about the number of hairs, as the hair is often very dense, but instead about smaller hairs. Many people from Denmark think their hair is thin, but in fact their hair is just fine. From nature's side, it is completely normal for people from Scandinavia to have fine hair and for it to thin out with age. Understanding this distinction is essential for choosing the right hair care products and treatments to maintain the health and appearance of your hair.

The difference between fine and thin hair therefore depends on the number of hair strands and their density. If you have fewer hairs than average, there are a number of factors that can play a role. First of all, thin hair can be genetic and thus passed down from your parents to you. In addition, it can be due to an imbalance in the hair's growth cycle or damage in the form of wear or poor hair care routines. You can read more about thinning hair in women here.

Woman with thin hair

What should you do and what should you avoid?

If you have fine or thin hair, it is important to use the right hair care and not treat the hair in the same way as thick and curly hair. If you do not pay attention to this, the hair will often appear flat and greasy. Below we have created a guide for you with fine hair, so you know what to do and what to avoid.

Do you have thin hair, and what do you do about it?
Yes, I look for hairstyles that suit thin hair
Yes, I try various hair care tips to help with it
No, it's not a problem for me

If you have fine hair, you must:

1. Avoid overwashing the hair.

Fine hair becomes greasy faster than thick hair, as the scalp's natural oils can more easily settle on the fine hair strands and promote the greasy look. Therefore, many will wash their hair more often than usual, but this is not always the best solution. Instead, we recommend that you limit your hair washing to 2-3 times a week so that you reduce damage to the hair as much as possible. In addition, you reduce the scalp's production of oil by reducing your hair washing.

2. Only use conditioner on the lengths.

Shampoo usually promotes volume in the hair, while conditioner flattens and softens the hair. Therefore, only use conditioner in the lengths, so that the hair close to the head is not weighed down more than necessary. In addition, conditioner will make your hair extra greasy if applied directly to the scalp. We recommend you wash your hair twice with shampoo and then a single time with conditioner in the lengths. In this way, you clean and care for your hair and scalp really well.

Woman using conditioner

3. Avoid products with silicone.

If you use a shampoo that contains silicone, it will accumulate in the hair and cause the hair to appear heavy, greasy and lack luster. Therefore, you should avoid these if you have thin hair and want more volume. Silicone-based products can weigh down fine hair, making it look flat and less manageable. For fine hair, using lightweight and silicone-free shampoos helps to preserve its natural texture while preventing buildup that can dull its shine.

Instead, use styling products such as salt water spray, volume mousse and texture products. These options can enhance the natural movement of fine hair, giving it a fuller appearance without adding unnecessary weight.

We hope you have now become a little wiser about what to do and what to avoid if your hair is fine. Now we will continue with good advice and tips if you have thin hair. Follow along and learn more.

Products for thin hair

If you have thin hair, you must:

1. Avoid scalding hot baths.
Are you also one of those who love a nice warm bath? Then you might have to consider turning down the heat a bit if you want to get rid of the thin hair. Hot water dehydrates the hair, just as you may have experienced that it also does to the skin. In the long term, scorching hot baths lead to more fragile and thin hair, which is more prone to breakage. What happens with hot baths is that you damage the hair's natural oils and create an imbalance in the scalp's pores.

A good tip might be to rinse your shampoo and conditioner in lukewarm water, and then give the hair a cold rinse as the last. It helps to seal the strands and make your hair more resistant. The cold rinse not only seals the strands but also enhances shine and smoothness, giving your hair a healthier appearance. This technique is particularly beneficial for reducing frizz and preserving the structure of your hair. Besides, a cold rinse is good advice if you're a little extra tired on Monday morning, don't you think?

Varme bande kan være med til at udtørre dit hår

2. Take good care of your hair when it is wet.
Regardless of your hair type, hair is most fragile when it is wet. For this reason, it is a really good idea to take extra care when you brush your hair after a shower. You can advantageously brush your hair before you take a shower, so that the need to brush your hair afterwards is reduced. This is especially important if you have thin hair, as wet strands are more prone to breakage and damage. By minimizing brushing when the hair is wet, you can preserve the strength and texture of your thin hair, helping it look healthier over time.

For the same reason, we recommend that you make sure that your hair is completely dry before combing it after you have showered. We recommend that you use a hair towel that is especially suitable for the hair, which gently dries the hair. Microfiber towels are a great choice for drying thin hair, as they reduce friction and absorb water quickly without causing unnecessary stress to your strands. This method helps prevent flat or clumped hair, giving your thin hair a fuller appearance once dry.

You should avoid using tools with high heat, such as a blow dryer - especially when the hair is still wet. A small bonus is that when you dry your hair thoroughly and gently, you notice more volume in your hair. If there is moisture left in the hair, it will quickly clump together, leaving you with flat hair.

3. Avoid heating devices for styling.
You probably know them well, and probably use them often. But do you know how much straighteners, curling irons and blow dryers actually damage your hair? If you have thin hair, it is important that you avoid these styling tools as much as possible, because they damage the outer layer of the hair shaft and make the hair very vulnerable

Thin hair is particularly susceptible to heat damage, as its structure is often finer and less robust than thicker hair types. Prolonged use of high-heat tools can lead to breakage, split ends, and an overall weaker appearance. To preserve the integrity of your thin hair, minimizing exposure to heat is key.

If you have to use a heater, it is important that you use low temperature settings and use heat-protecting products that also moisturize the hair. Heat-protecting sprays or serums designed for thin hair can provide a barrier against heat while adding hydration to keep your hair looking healthier and less prone to damage.

Undgå varmestyling hvis du har tyndt hår

4. Avoid putting your hair in tight hairstyles.
You must avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair and stretch it. Tight ponytails, buns, or braids can put excessive strain on the hair, leading to breakage and long-term thinning, particularly around the hairline. This tension, known as traction alopecia, can weaken hair follicles over time, making it harder for new hair to grow.

Instead, try braiding your hair loosely or see which hairstyles we recommend below here. Opt for relaxed, protective styles that reduce tension on the scalp and allow your hair to move naturally.

5. Avoid using too many hair products.
When you have thin hair, it is important that you take good care of it and that you don’t damage it. Therefore, it is a good idea to be careful with how many hair products you use in it. Especially at the ends, too many hair products will weigh the hair down, making it look thinner. This can also be the case if you let your hair grow too long. When you have long hair, the hair weighs itself down. This also helps to make it look thinner in itself.

6. Avoid coloring your hair too often.
Hair products also include hair dye. If you dye your hair too often, the hair dye wears away at the hair, making it look even thinner. Therefore, it is important that you do not dye it too often. Every time you color your hair, it is exposed to chemicals that damage and wear down the hair. If you dye your hair, it is important that you afterwards give the hair a nourishing hair treatment that cares for and strengthens the hair. In addition, you should choose your hair color carefully. Your hair color itself plays a role in how thin your hair looks. Do you have e.g. light growths in dark hair, your hair will appear even thinner.

Tips and tricks - hairstyles for people with thin hair

If you have thin hair, you may find it difficult to figure out what hairstyle to have and how to style your hair. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do yourself to get thicker hair and in addition there are also many hairstyles that suit you with thin hair - Read along here and get tips that strengthen both your appearance and your self-confidence.

In Denmark, thin hair is unfortunately a big problem for many. This is because the Scandinavian hair is already fine, and it also gets thinner with age. However, it can be difficult to know how to style your hair when it starts to thin.

Fortunately, there are many different hairstyles for both women and men that promote volume and suit thin hair well. By following a few simple tips, this way you can still feel beautiful and attractive, even if your hair isn't the biggest mane in the world.

In addition, there are actually several things that you can do yourself to get thicker hair. Firstly, you can eat healthy and varied and/or supplement a dietary supplement, such as hair vitamins, which, among other things, contains biotin, which helps to maintain normal hair. In addition, you can ensure that you have good and healthy hair care, which supports your hair's well-being.

Good hairstyles for women with thin hair

Many women with thin hair tend to just let their hair hang loose because they find it difficult to put up. For example, it is difficult to make it fill something in a hairstyle. Despite that, it is easier for you to put the hair itself up and make it sit than if you had thick hair.

Short hairstyles for thin hair

  • High Bun: The high bun is easy to make it look like you have a lot of hair: you just have to pull it a little to make it bigger and then spray hairspray on so that the hairstyle lasts.
  • Messy Bun: Much the same concept as above, but with this hairstyle you also pull small tufts out of it to give it a more messy look. In addition, you don't have to put it quite so high on your head.
  • Angled Bob: A sleek yet voluminous angled bob adds movement and texture, making thin hair look fuller.
  • Pixie Cut with Layers: A choppy pixie cut can create a textured look, perfect for adding volume to thin hair. Soft layers also give the appearance of thicker strands.
  • Curtain Bangs: By parting the hair in the middle and letting your bangs fall down on either side of the face, you create more volume. It is a very easy hairstyle to maintain.
  • Barrettes: Find a pair of nice barrettes and create structure in your hair by putting them in. It can be a good way to create a fuller look for your hair.
  • French Braids: It takes some practice to braid your own hair with French braids. However, both a single braid and two braids are a good look for thin hair. You can pull your hair a little to give it a more messy and careless look.
  • Tight Middle Parting: It is very easy for you to comb your hair in a middle parting and then put it up in a bun or ponytail at the nape of your neck. At the same time, it gives you a very elegant look. See an example of the look here.

Medium length hairstyles for thin hair

  • Messy Bun: A messy bun works just as well for medium-length hair. Loosely pulling hair into the bun and adding texture products creates a fuller, carefree style.
  • Page Hair (Bob): A medium-length bob, often referred to as a "lob," is ideal for thin hair as it adds structure and volume without weighing the hair down. Read our guide to page hair here.
  • Layered Lob: A long bob with added layers creates movement and gives thin hair a fuller appearance.
  • Curtain Bangs: Curtain bangs are perfect for medium-length hair, adding volume to the front and framing the face. This low-maintenance style is easy to pair with other hairstyles.
  • Shag Cut: A shag haircut incorporates choppy layers throughout, giving medium-length thin hair texture and volume.
  • Beachy Waves: Adding loose waves to medium-length hair gives the illusion of thickness and provides a relaxed, full-bodied look.
  • Barrettes: Medium-length hair provides even more versatility for barrettes. Use decorative barrettes to pin back one side of your hair for an asymmetrical look or secure the top section in a half-up style to add dimension and volume.
  • French Braids: Medium-length hair works perfectly for French braids, allowing you to create one or two thicker braids for a stylish yet fuller appearance.
  • Half-Up, Half-Down: Pulling the top half of your hair into a loose bun or ponytail while leaving the rest down can add volume and balance to medium-length thin hair.

Volumizing haircuts for thin hair

Choosing the right haircut can make a world of difference for those with thin hair. Volumizing haircuts for thin hair are designed to create the illusion of thicker, fuller locks by adding layers, texture, and strategic shaping. These haircuts not only enhance your hair’s appearance but also make styling much easier, as they maximize the natural body of your hair.

Popular options include layered bobs, which add movement and lift, or long pixie cuts with feathered layers for extra volume. Blunt cuts that end just above the shoulders are also excellent for creating a denser look, especially when paired with soft waves. For medium length hair, adding subtle layers can give the illusion of more depth and thickness.

Another great choice is curtain bangs or face-framing layers, which can draw attention to your features while making thin hair appear more voluminous. To complement these haircuts, consider styling techniques like blow-drying with a round brush or using volumizing products that lift the roots and add texture.

Ultimately, the best haircut for thin hair depends on your personal style and how much maintenance you’re willing to invest. Consulting with a hairdresser who understands thin hair can help you find the perfect volumizing haircut to enhance your hair’s natural beauty.

Good hairstyles for men with thin hair

As a man, the hairstyle you choose depends on how your hair has started to thin. Is it in the temples, like a new moon or a full moon? No matter what, it's important that you don't try to camouflage the hair loss with hair extensions - it never was and never will be nice.

Here are four great hairstyles for men with thin hair:

  • Receding Hairline: If you have Receding Hairline, you should either cut your hair short so that you emphasize the high temples, or grow your hair long and then brush it back.
  • Beginning moon: If you have a beginning moon, it's important that you don't try to grow long hair to hide it. It will actually, on the contrary, highlight the moon. Instead, you should cut your hair short.
  • Full moon: If you have had a full moon, it is also important that you cut your hair very short. It gives character to your face if you keep some of your hair.
  • Shave it all off: One option, no matter how thin you've become, is to shave all your hair off. It hides the fact that you are losing your hair. When choosing this hairstyle, it is important that you take care of your scalp.
  • Beard: If you have thin hair on your head but can grow a full beard, you can compensate in this way. Many men choose this, as it gives them a more masculine look.

Products for thin hair

How to get thicker hair

In short, if you want thicker hair, you must focus on two things: the internal and external care of the hair. 

With internal care, we mean that you must focus on your diet and your general physical and mental health. Internal care focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle that supports hair growth. This includes eating a nutrient-rich diet that contains key vitamins and minerals such as biotin, vitamin D, zinc, and iron. Managing stress is equally important, as high stress levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to thinning. Practices such as yoga, meditation, or regular exercise can help improve overall well-being and support healthy hair.

If the body is to function 100% optimally, one should eat healthy and varied, exercise and avoid stress, as all three factors can have an influence on one's hair. 

In addition, you must take care of your hair properly with good and healthy products that suit your hair type. External care involves using products that suit your specific hair type and needs. Opt for volumizing shampoos and conditioners that add lift to your hair, and incorporate treatments like scalp scrubs or hair masks to stimulate blood flow and nourish the roots. Consistency is key—regular use of high-quality products combined with a healthy routine can make a noticeable difference in the thickness and strength of your hair over time. 

When you have both internal and external hair care under control, don't worry if your hair doesn't start to look different. But remember, the hair of your dreams unfortunately does not come overnight - you must arm yourself with patience. Hair growth takes time, and visible improvements may take several months. By staying committed to your routine, you’ll gradually see healthier, fuller hair. Read our blogpost for thicker hair here.

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