The 4 Best Haircuts for Thin Hair, According to Stylists

We Asked the Experts—Here Are the Best Haircuts for Thin Hair

Thin hair can be frustrating when it comes to styling. You're probably used to working with hot tools and spritzing on plenty of texturizing sprays. But before you even get to doing your tresses, you'll want to get a haircut that already makes it look like you have some oomph. "Thin or fine hair, while easy to maintain, does lack some of the natural volume that those with thick hair have," says Christinah Nicolaisen, hairstylist and the president of Nikita Hair. "But, with the right cut and styling tips, you can make your hair look voluminous without spending extra cash."

Before you go for the chop, the first step is to talk to your stylist about options that you like, as feeling confident is the most important step. Then, let the professionals work their magic on your strands. "The key is sporting a cut that has texture and depth," Nicolaisen explains. "Texture, curls, and sleek layers give off the illusion of thickness because they don’t allow the hair to lay completely flat, in effect covering any limp strands or sparse areas."

The Best Haircuts for Thin Hair

These ideas are great for inspiration, but your stylist will ensure your style perfectly fits you. (That's why you go to a pro!) Here are four stylish cuts to try to give your 'do the volume it's craving.

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Make the Cut for Bangs

Bangs are an especially good looking cut for anyone with a larger forehead. Anna Jackson, a stylist at Chicago salon BOSS HAIR GROUP, says bangs can be a great help to disguise a thinning hairline. Because bangs can brush your face, make sure you have a good dry shampoo ($36, Sephora) to absorb oil. If full-out bangs feel like too much of a commitment, Jackson also suggests trying out a long swoop bang, which falls more to one side of your face versus laying across the whole forehead, for an easier transition. Another trendy option is curtain bangs if you have long hair.

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Frame Your Face With Layers

Soft layers that taper near the chin or chest are one of the best ways to add movement to thin hair, Nicolaisen says. However, make sure your stylist doesn’t go overboard with too many layers. "While face framing is successful in giving off the illusion of thick hair, overcompensating with too many layers can make thin hair look stringy instead of full. So, be selective. If you wear your hair longer, stick with long layers that taper inward, and if you wear a pixie cut, keep them scrappy and fresh to help build strength." A cute barrette ($9, Etsy) is a stylish and practical way to clip back your shorter layers when you need them out of your face.

Related: A '90s Hair Trend Is Back and Hotter Than Ever—with a Modern Twist

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Go for a Pixie Cut

With the right texture and length, chopping hair down to a fun and flirty pixie cut, especially with super light strands, can add a ton of volume and help hair look fuller. Celebrity hairstylist Paul Labrecque says when he does a super short cut, it gives the opportunity to play with layers and create an edgy look. "With a style like this, you can keep the top area more weighted and heavy, giving it the appearance of being as full as possible," he explains. Keep a texture spray ($31, Sephora) handy for easy styling.

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Get a Blunt (But Chunky) Bob

We’ve seen blunt bobs trending for a while now, but this stylish cut is particularly ideal for those with thin hair. "Blunt haircuts work for thin hair because the weight pools at the base of the hair, making it look and feel full," Nicolaisen says. She suggests wearing it in a deep side part and using a pin tail comb ($3, Ulta) for intensified volume.