The rule: For more volume and movement in your hair, get a layered cut. Yep! But this is only true for hair that has some volume in the first place. Truly thin hair can look even thinner with layers.
"The more solid the shape for thinning hair, the better," says Mohapi. "Layers will take weight away from the ends and that's the one thing we should try to keep. One-length shapes with volume-adding products will create the best results."
Certain styles—like bobs and blunt cuts—can actually create the illusion that your hair is thicker than it is. "Short hairstyles are best for thinning hair, because too much length can drag the hair down and create an unflattering, stringy appearance," says Alabama stylist Hope Russo.
Layered and textured waves make the hair look wider, Tesler says, which gives the illusion that you have fuller hair than you do. Ask your stylist to layer your hair so that it gives dimension to your strands. You can then style it with loose waves to add more body.
An easy way to create the illusion of thicker hair is to trim a few inches off and add layers. If you've got thinner hair, having it cut short creates more volume as it's not weighed down. A precision cut and carefully placed layers can also create volume.
"Layers tend to remove weight and can make hair look thinner. Long layers will remove just the right amount of weight to add volume at the root while keeping density throughout."
Lifestyle factors could include using certain hair products, wearing your hair up too tightly, experiencing high stress levels, or not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet. People who have immune system deficiencies could also have thinning hair.
Well-placed highlights and general colour can help add dimension to hair. “The minute you start adding texture or contrast with colour, you start to see more depth, and that can give the illusion of thickness,” says Hersheson. “Adding very subtle, different tones throughout will do the job well.”
Darker colours tend to add more depth and dimension to the hair, which can make it look fuller and thicker. If you have very fair skin, you may want to avoid going too dark, as it can make you look washed out. Some of the best hair colours for thin hair include chocolate brown, auburn, mahogany, and black.
Here's the hard truth: Little can be done to permanently change the diameter of individual hair strands. Thickening products can do wonders to temporarily plump hair strands, but when it comes down to it, fine hair is genetic and can't be changed.
Although hair re-growth may be possible, you should also know when to seek professional help. If the reason for thinning hair is genetics, it will not grow back on its own. To grow back a healthy, full head of hair, you'll need to take action, and that involves reviewing different hair loss options.
Yep! But this is only true for hair that has some volume in the first place. Truly thin hair can look even thinner with layers. But here's a new trend haircut – with an evocative name – that just might help: Ghost layers.
If you are experiencing thinning or balding, our Bosley experts recommend washing no more than three times a week.
With a few precautions, coloring thinning hair can be safe -- and may even protect the hair shaft from breaking. There's a myth that permanent hair-color is damaging, but that's only true if you bleach your hair or if you use the color incorrectly.
“If you're thinning, you are going to see areas around your hairline start to recess,” says Hall, and you'll start to be able to see more scalp through the hair. You may also see more shedding when you run your hands or a comb through your hair.
Brightened-up colors, such as golden blonde, can work wonders when applied to the money pieces around your face. Likewise, rich colors—like chestnut or caramel brown—can create a shadow effect throughout that feigns depth and thickness.
“Highlights are great for adding volume, but if you go too light at the root you can actually cause more breakage to the hair, which means thinner hair,” Orellana said. “You can still stay very blond, especially on the ends, but try to avoid the root.”
But the key to managing fine, thin hair is to avoid daily washing and use styling products with naturally derived ingredients that won't muck up your mane. As mentioned, shampoos with harsh ingredients strip your hair of its natural oils and shouldn't be used for frequent washing.
Your scalp is skin, and the way to keep the scalp healthy is to shampoo frequently,” says Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist for the Philip Kingsley clinics, who explains that regular shampooing ensures that hair grows at its best rate and helps avoid thinning hair.