The Hair Color Tweak That Makes Thin Hair Look Way Thicker

@bobbymackhair

If thin hair could talk, we imagine it would say something along the lines of, "no volume for you, sucker!" It's charming like that.

For those dealing with flat strands, styling can seem like a waste of effort when you know it'll just deflate by noon. However, there are misconceptions about working with fine or thin hair that every gal should know, starting with the one that says you should avoid the stylist lest your strands become even more scarce. Cut and color can be used together to make thin hair look way thicker. It all starts with a volume-enhancing haircut and ends with a hair color combination that tricks everyone into thinking your hair is packing much more than its actual weight.

It's called "hair contouring," and, yes, it is really a thing. Like makeup contouring, hair contouring uses light and dark color to create a flattering look that complements your face shape and creates a push-and-pull effect with highlights and shadowing to give hair the ultimate dimension. In other words: No more single-process color! Any head of hair that's all one color can instantly make it look flat or lacking in dimension. Instead, it's all about making sure there are lights, mediums, and darks working together.

"For every light or dark piece of dimensional color, there must be a balance," says Bobby Mack, owner of Bobby Mack & Co Hair Studio. "That means incorporating depth with color shadowing and adding bolding brightness with highlights."

For example, light brown hair can be enhanced with a combination of highlights and lowlights. Brightened-up color, such as golden blonde, can work wonders when applied to the money pieces around your face. Likewise, rich color—like chestnut or caramel brown—can create a shadow effect throughout that feigns depth and thickness.

"I'm always analyzing how to best customize and contour a client's color and cut," adds Mack. "Creating the most flattering color and matching with a style that has body and movement ensures the client walks away exuding confidence," he says.

Basically, skimpy strands don't stand a chance. Make this hair color tweak, and you're destined for thickness.