79 Hairstyles and Cuts That Make Thin Hair Look Thicker

From bobs to box braids.

 Sabrina Carpenter, Lana Condor, and Joan Smalls with Stunning Thin Hair Hairstyles

Getty Images

Playing around with different hairstyles can be super fun– do you want to go for a bouncy blowout, sleek and straight, or maybe a high ponytail to channel your inner Barbie? The options are endless. And while you can easily wear any style that you want, there are certain styles in particular that have the power to enhance your hair and help it to look its best.

If your hair is on the thinner end of the spectrum, there are actually lots of ways to style and cut your hair that will create the illusion of fuller and thicker hair. So, we went to top hairstylists Feisal Qureshi, Gretchen Friese, Abii Raji, and Rogerio Cavalacante for their top tips for making thin hair look healthy and full.

While some of these A-list inspirations may have fuller heads of hair, the styles that they're sporting will help make your own hair look thicker and more voluminous. Scroll through to see the official Byrdie guide to the best styles for thin hair.

Meet the Expert

  • Faisel Qureshi is the founder of luxury haircare brand Raincry, and has three decades of experience in the beauty industry as a hair artist.
  • Gretchen Friese is a BosleyMD stylist and certified trichologist. She has over 20 years of beauty industry experience and is based in Denver, Colorado.
  • Abii Raji is a hairstylist based in New York City.
  • Rogerio Cavalcante is a stylist and colorist, he is also the owner of The Second Floor Salon in New York City.


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Bangs and Layers

Sabrina Carpenter with bangs and layered hair

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"Bangs and short layers work wonders for her thin hair, adding volume and style," explains Cavalcante.

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Accessorized Pixie

haircut for thin hair to look thicker

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

During a pixie's grown-out phase, jazz it up with accessories similar to Ruth Negga's bedazzled headband. It'll automatically elevate the look with minimal effort.

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Curly Bangs

haircut for thin hair to look thicker

John Shearer/Getty Images

Let your curls do their thing as you style your bangs. The added movement will give the appearance of fuller hair.

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Dense Pixie

haircut for thin hair to look thicker

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Instead of creating wispy styles and tons of movement, opt to style your hair in a dense pixie, which will create the illusion of fuller hair. To keep it all in place, use a reliable hair gel such as the Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel ($5) and apply liberally.

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Short Layers

Close up of Glenn Close with short hair

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"Short layered hair is fantastic as it fills your hair with natural movement, providing an effortlessly expensive appearance," explains Cavalcante. "Just a touch of pomade and a casual hair toss can work wonders."

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Flipped-Out Ends

Priyanka Chopra with flipped out ends

@priyanka

It's the hairstyle that keeps making a comeback: flipped-out ends. Made popular in the '60s and coming back in style in the '90s, this retro 'do makes otherwise fine hair that falls limp appear thicker. To achieve, use a blow-dry brush—like Amika's Blowout Babe Thermal Brush ($100)— and make sure to do a flipping motion away from the face once you reach the ends.

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Short and Sweet

Close up of Emma Stone with platinum blonde bob hair

@mararoszak / Instagram

Although some people may think that longer locks will give the appearance of having more hair, it's actually short hair that gives the illusion of fullness. Cavalcante says that a short hairstyle can give you hair volume and make your morning routine a snap. "Just wash it, add some mousse, and you're all set."

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Bun With Bangs

Laura Harrier wearing a bun with bangs

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Contributor / Getty Images

Sometimes, the move with thin hair is to slick it back. Take Laura Harrier's ballerina-esque bun with thin, razored bangs. Here, the bun is a classic (just pull hair back into a ponytail and pin the ends around the elastic) but the bangs add some oomph.

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Shoulder-Length Blunt Cut

Kendall Jenner with blunt cut hair

 Steve Granitz / Getty Images

No matter the hair type, long locks have the tendency to weigh the hair down, but this is especially true for those whose hair falls on the thinner side. "Typically, very long lengths will lack volume and that includes your layered lengths," says Qureshi. "I recommend making the hair and layers proportionate with each other and not too long overall." If you're going for a shoulder-length cut, opt for blunt ends, as this can make your hair appear thicker.

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Choppy Pixie

Janelle Monae with a choppy pixie

Dan Macmedan / Getty Images

Shorter hair is oftentimes stronger than longer strands, so even very fine hair can benefit from a super-short crop. Pixie cuts can actually make your thin hair appear thicker than it really is. Try one with choppy layers to add volume, and work in a light styling balm or paste-like Reverie’s Rake Styling Balm ($36) to give your cut definition without weighing it down.

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Deep Side Part

Cara Delavigne with a deep side part

Paul Archuleta / Getty Images

With a deep side part, you’re essentially gathering all of the hair together on one side, which creates the illusion of volume. Friese, explains: "When the hair on the thicker side is parted to the thinner side it will fill that side in a bit to create balance and thicker-looking hair." Add a few bends to the front pieces for added texture and create lift at the roots with a styling powder like Got2b Volumaniac Bodifying Spray Powder ($5).

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Bantu Knots

Yara Shahidi with Bantu knots

Steve Granitz/ Getty Images

Bantu knots are chic and protective and don't require thick hair. Use a product like Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade ($14) to keep the knots hydrated.

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Bedazzled Side Part

Lucy Boynton with a bedazzled side part

Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

  • What's better than a side part? A bedazzled side part. Adorn your side part with a few pops of pearls or jewels for a red carpet-worthy moment. Even if you aren't a hair accessories person, you can pull them off.
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Textured Bob

Jennifer Hudson with a textured bob

John Shearer / Getty Images

This look works with your natural hair so it's easy to replicate. Create a slight side part and rough dry your hair with a microfiber towel then spritz on some texture spray and let it air-dry to finish.

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Pixie With Side-Swept Bangs

Carey Mulligan with a wispy pixie

 Vera Anderson / Getty Images 

A pixie haircut is round by nature, and with a few soft layers and side-swept bangs, it can look fabulous on thinner hair types. Go choppy around the nape of the neck where you can afford to go shorter—this will also give the illusion of an elongated neck.

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Chin-Grazing Bob

Ciara with a chin-grazing bob

John Lamparski / Getty Images 

This chin-grazing bob is made to look thicker with the addition of some waves. Apply a wave-boosting leave-in like the R+Co Sun Catcher Power C Boosting Leave-In Conditioner ($32) and curl with a medium-sized curling iron.

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Ear-Tucked Bob

Jenna Dewan with a ear-tucked bob

Albert L. Ortega / Getty Images

While those with thick hair may find it more cumbersome to pull off an ear-tucked style, thinner hair types won't have to fuss with flattening out the extra hair that sticks out. Pair it with a short cut, like a bob, for volume.

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Under-Curled Ends

Ann Curry with under-curled ends

Fernando Leon / Getty Images

Sporting a lob (aka long bob)? Go for an under curl at your ends, which offers a subtle flare and something different from the age-old curl-away-from-your-face style. Try a jagged part and blow-dry hair normally, flipping toward your jawline once you reach the ends.

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Messy Ponytail

Freida Pinto high messy ponytail

George Pimentel / Getty Images

For this look, just pull hair into a traditional ponytail and curl the ends using a wide-barrel wand. Spray on a texture spray to add grit.

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Angled Bob

Victoria Beckham with an angled bob

M. Tran / Getty Images​ 

Victoria Beckham has had some iconic hair moments, and her angled bob is no exception. "The [angled] bob is best done on thinner hair textures, as thin hair typically shows off straight lines really well and this lends to emphasizing the cut’s beautiful geometry," says Qureshi. "Once that cut and shape has been achieved, the bob becomes very easy to style, maintain, and grow out with thinner textures," he adds.

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Braided Low Bun

Kiki Layne braided finger waves and low bun

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

If your hair is braided, you're already halfway to this unique style. Pull hair into a low chignon, and pin it up. (You can use the pins to fasten hair so that it looks thicker, even if it's on the thinner side).

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Lob With Light Layers

Rosie Huntington Whiteley with a lob with light layers

Kevin Winter / Getty Images 

The ever-flattering lob works on any hair type, especially thin hair because it frames your face without weighing you down. Layering adds movement to the hair, but removing too much could backfire. Stick with light layers like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and keep the ends blunt rather than feathered. Use a texture spray like Hair Shake Liquid-To-Powder Texturizer Finisher ($16) by Joico to create volume.

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Lob With Side-Swept Bangs

Vanessa Hudgen with a side swept lob

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images​ 

Side-swept bangs can look thicker if cut right. Qureshi says to ask your stylist to cut side-swept bangs into a “shallow concave” shape and then style them to the side. "If not, with thin hair your side-swept bags will look more like diagonal bangs," he notes.

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Curtain Bangs

January Jones with blunt bangs

Jason LaVeris / FilmMagic / Getty Images

The '70s-inspired curtain bangs are back. Not only are they flattering for nearly all hair types and face shapes, but they're also relatively low-maintenance and only require trims every other month to maintain their face-framing length.

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Slicked-Back

Zendaya with slicked back hair

Edward Berthelot / Getty Images

A slicked-back 'do is versatile—it can look polished and sophisticated or be the epitome of chic. Whatever style you choose, Qureshi urges slicking back on dry hair, noting that "if your hair is wet when you slick it back, it can make your already-thin hair look separated and less dense."

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Thick, Blunt Bangs

Jessica Biel

Jon Kopalof / Getty Images

Whatever your style may be, incorporating bangs can be a major volume boost. Just make sure your fringe is thick—the blunter the better. "If the hair is thick enough in the front, a deep thick fringe is a nice way to bring the focus forward to a thicker section of the hair," comments Friese. To style, she recommends using BosleyMD Mousse ($18) on wet bangs and blow-drying with a flat brush from side to side and then down.

Byrdie Tip

If your hair is oily– a common concern for those with thin hair– then be sure to leave enough length in your bangs to account for the extra volume needed at the root area when styling.

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Buzz

Danai Gurira buzz cut

Jeff Spicer / FilmMagic / Getty Images

One surefire way to hide the thickness of your hair? Rock a buzz cut. Though it requires more upkeep (to keep it short and clean), it's the ultimate low-maintenance look in terms of styling.

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The Shag

Taylor swift with a shag

Jim Spellman / Getty Images

The shag has the ability to revive limp hair while still giving off a cool-girl vibe. Essentially, the cut can be described as having lots of razored texture, movement, and volume via long layers and bangs, making it ideal for those with thin strands. To fake the fullness, style with layers and an ombré color to add body and dimension.

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Beachy Waves

Chrissy Teigen with beachy waves

Jon Kopaloff/ / Getty Images 

"For most people, beach waves are achieved through a wand or iron," notes Qureshi. "For those with thin hair, it's especially important to use a heat protectant spray to shield your fragile locks from unnecessary damage." Try Moroccanoil's Perfect Defense Heat Protectant ($28)—it coats the hair with nourishing antioxidants as it protects.

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Blunt Bob

Rihanna blunt bob

Kevin Mazur / Getty Images 

Blunt bobs have to be one of our favorite hairdos since they look flattering on just about everyone. According to Friese, "Any cut with a blunt perimeter will create the illusion of thicker hair than a cut with more texturized or feathered ends. An all-one-length blunt bob (around chin length) is a great option for thin hair. It can be worn straight and sleek as well as wavy and tousled, which is very popular right now."

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Mid-Length Voluminous Curls

Jennifer Lawrence with voluminous curls

 Dan MacMedan / Getty Images

While thinner hair types are notoriously known for resisting a curl, getting that voluminous retro-wavy look is possible. Your hair is more likely to hold a curl if it doesn't have length to weigh it down, so stay on top of frequent trims. And be vigilant about using a curl-boosting spray like Aveda's Be Curly Curl Enhancing Hair Spray ($25).

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Braided Headband

Jessica Alba with a braided headband

Jon Furniss / Getty Images

While a typical braid can accentuate a finer hair texture, a braided headband is an alternative that adds some playfulness to your look. Qureshi advises not to pull or apply too much tension near the root area, as this can lead to stress on the follicles and cause hair to not only look thinner but become thinner with time.

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Half-Up, Half-Down Ponytail

Kristen Bell with a half-up, half-down hairstyle

Jean Baptiste Lacroix / Getty Images

Kristen Bell's ode to Kelly Kapowski's retro half-up half-down pony is the modern version, which, when paired with bangs, gives more body and life to otherwise flat hair. Wrap a strand of hair around the base of your ponytail for extra dimension.

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A-Line or Stacked

Jourdan Dunn with a stacked bob

Jeff Spicer / WireImage / Getty Images

A-line cuts have gotten a major upgrade. They are incredibly versatile when it comes to styling. While Jourdan Dunn opts for lots of texture, this cut also looks great with a smooth finish. Friese says, "This is a blunt cut where the back is shorter than the front and layered to create lots of volume at the crown. It can be worn cheek, chin, or just below the chin length."

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Glamorous Side Sweep

Leslie Mann

 Getty Images

One of Leslie Mann's go-to looks is this pulled-to-the-side, slightly waved style. By teasing the roots and gathering the hair over to one side, she's able to give her thin strands a bit more oomph.

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Bouffant

Adele with a raised bouffant

Jason Merritt / Getty Images

A hair-raising bouffant makes a statement wherever it's worn. For a little lift, try incorporating extensions. "Be sure to create an adequate base—usually by teasing—to allow for your extensions to anchor," Qureshi advises. "Otherwise your bouffant will collapse as soon as you start achieving height." For a healthier tease, use a teasing brush that has boar bristles like the Drybar Texas Tease Teasing Brush ($18).

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Crop

Ruth Negga curly crop

Allen Berezovsky / WireImage / Getty Images

Ruth Negga's short curly crop is all kinds of wonderful. "This cut is shorter in the back and on the sides and longer on top," describes Friese. "The focus of the cut will be that longer part which will have more weight and appear thicker." Another perk? "This style is also easy to wear. It can be blown out smooth or it can have a more piecey look by using a paste or pomade to separate the strands," she adds.

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Double French-Braided Updo

Sienna Miller with a double french-braided updo

Anthony Harvey / Getty Images

Why do one braid when you can do two? A double-French braided updo is sure to be your new go-to: it's playful yet formal, and effectively gets your hair out of your face without forgoing volume. We approve of the way it adds a natural lift to the roots.

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Half-Up, Half-Down Bun

Nicole Ritchie with a half up, half down bun

JB Lacroix / Getty Images

This laid-back hairstyle for thin hair exudes that model-off-duty vibe. To achieve this, Qureshi recommends honing in on getting as much volume as possible at the root (before starting with the bun) so prep with Living Proof's Full Dry Volume Blast ($30). For extra volume, Qureshi says to tease the ponytail before looping it around into a bun for maximum thickness.

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Relaxed Brush-Back

Mollie King with a relaxed brush-back

David M. Benett / Getty Images

A tousled take on the completely slicked-back 'do, this relaxed brush-back can be made to appear as casual or elegant as the event calls for. Let your hair dry naturally before working in a styling pomade with a comb, making sure to pull back gently for that relaxed feel.

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Sleek Topknot

Jasmine Sanders with a sleek topknot

Daniele Venturelli / Getty Images

Topknots are praised for their "I-woke-up-like-this" vibe, yet they still somehow always manage to look put together. For thin hair, Qureshi advises to "make sure that it's not too far forward" and to not strive for perfection, allowing a few pieces to fall out of place. "This will help that topknot look thicker and provide a sassy alternative to the usual."

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Interior Layers

Gigi Hadid long, wavy hair

Peter White / Getty Images

While normal layers can have the effect of making hair look thinner—a definite no-no for those of us with already thin strands—interior or invisible layers work to create texture and fullness. And according to Friese, they're also a great option for the person who wants to keep their hair on the longer side. "Because short hair supports long hair, adding shorter pieces under the overlaying longer pieces will create a lot of volume," she says.

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Side Chignon

Tyra Banks with a side chignon

Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

For a more formal updo, opt for a side chignon, which is easier to create than you'd think. In fact, this style is touted as being one of the most favorable for finer hair types, as it doesn't require volume at the front or too many bobby pins (which are notorious for slipping off of thin hair types).

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Vintage Curls

Jessica Chastain with vintage curls

Jason Merritt / Getty Image​ 

The classic Old Hollywood hairstyle is both timeless and workable for all hair types—thin included. "Traditionally, this style is achieved starting with wet hair," says Qureshi. "However with thin hair, be sure to start on dry hair to allow for an easier, more comfortable styling and much less damage when brushing out." If your thin hair is frizz-prone, use an in-shower anti-frizz treatment like the In Common Static Silk Smoothing Enhancer ($30)—it'll land you polished curls in the end (sans flyaways).

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Dyed and Super Short

Cynthia Erivo

Steve Granitz / Contributor / Getty Images

You can wear hair cropped while still drawing attention. Without going all the way to the scalp, buzz hair so that there's half-an-inch to an inch remaining, and dye it a fun and vibrant shade like Cynthia Erivo's icy lavender.

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Mile-High Ponytail

Hailey Bieber with a mile-high ponytail

Taylor Hill / Getty Images​ 

No one has to know you're sporting fine hair underneath this mile-high ponytail. The hairstyle naturally creates the illusion of lift while the strategic addition of a scrunchie gives more volume. But if you're looking for even more fullness and body, there's a trick for that.

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Waved Balayage

Lily Aldridge with waved balayage

Slaven Vlasic / Getty Images

Aside from the right cut, the right color can also lend volume to thin hair. Qureshi explains: "Thin hair is one of the few textures where color, highlights, and balayage can truly help hair look thicker and support volume. So experiment and have fun." Ask for tight pieces at the top and thicker color at the ends of the hair—this will create the illusion of a more voluminous mane.

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Dyed Pixie

Katy Perry with a pink pixie

Allen Berezovsky / Getty Images

As we just mentioned, adding color to your hair is an instant way to pump up its thickness. A head-turning pastel pink pixie can work to draw attention away from hair's natural fineness. If you're feeling bold, DIY from the comfort of your home.

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Low Side Ponytail

Kerry Washington with a low side ponytail

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Here's a style that suits thin hair effortlessly. With a low side ponytail, you have options: keep it sleek and straight or play it up with some waves. Either way, pull the pony to one side and part your bangs on the other for added balance.

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Volumized Pompadour

Gwen Stefani with a volumized pompadour

 Ian Gavan / Getty Images

If your hair is a little lackluster in the volume department, a pompadour is a surefire way to transform it. Spritz some hairspray on the bang area of your head, combing upward, and take a blow-dryer to it to ensure it holds in that up-right position.

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Asymmetrical

Rooney Mara with an asymmetrical hairstyle

 C Flanigan / FilmMagic / Getty Images

If a non-traditional cut—that simultaneously flatters thin tresses—is what you're after, then why not consider an asymmetrical style? According to Friese, "Cutting the hair shorter on one side than the other adds the illusion of weight to the longer side which will make the hair look thicker. This is usually done on a shorter length cut."

Byrdie Tip

If you don't want to commit to an asymmetrical haircut, you can easily style hair to meet this look. On one side, either pull back and secure hair with pins or slick-back with a strong-hold gel.

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High Braid

Jasmine Tookes with a high braid

John Shearer / Getty Images

Even thin hair can rock a braid. Pull hair into a high ponytail, then braid the end. Pull the ends slightly apart to create the illusion of a wider (i.e. thicker) braid.

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Teased Shag

Julianne Hough blonde volumized shag with bangs

Tommaso Boddi / Getty Images 

One way to make thinner hair appear voluminous? Try teasing, says Raji. "I recommend a teasing comb to help provide added volume and hold," Raji says. This works particularly well on a shag, which has layers that mimic natural thickness.

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Windblown Half-Up

Gemma Chan

Araya Diaz / Getty Images

Add some texture spray to a classic half-up style and you'll have volume to boot. We like Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray ($49). Just a spritz on the finished style, and a little muss with your fingers, and you're set.

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Center-Parted Afro

Lupita Nyong'o with a parted afro

Gregg DeGuire / Contributor / Getty Images

Take a cue from Lupita Nyong'o and shape your short, natural hair into two small Afros. Using a comb will help to add volume to thin hair.

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Middle-Parted Low Ponytail

Nicole Kidman middle-parted low ponytail

John Shearer / WireImage / Getty Images

A middle-part is simple, but adds drama to a low ponytail. "You can pull all your hair back or leave some hair down to frame your face," says Raji.

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Romantic Space Buns

Constance Wu with a space buns hairstyle

Taylor Hill / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Take the traditional space bun and spin it on its head by keeping the look very shiny, and leaving some pieces of hair loose to frame the face.

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Slicked and Side Parted Waves

Sereyah with a wavy, slick, parted style

Steve Granitz / Getty Images

This style is proof that, even without any volume up top, a style can still make your tresses look thick. Here, volume is relegated to the mid-lengths and ends while a slick side-part adds drama.

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Mid-Length and Tousled

Olivia Palermo with touseled hair

Stephane Cardinale / Corbis / Getty Images

This look is all about keeping it casual but still chic. Using a center part, dry hair and then add a bit of wave with a wide-barrel curling iron. Finish with shine spray.

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Braided Crown

Shay Mitchell with a braided crown hairstyle

Robin Marchant / Contributor / Getty Images

If your hair looks even thinner in an updo, this look's for you. Braid the ends, then wrap it around the top of the head and secure with pins. The final look will make hair appear fuller than it is.

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Slicked Back

Tracee Ellis Ross slicked-back wet hair

Steve Granitz / WireImage / Getty Images

The slicked look couldn't be easier. Just apply pomade to slightly damp or dried hair and comb it through the top and sides.

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Beach Waves

Jennifer Love Hewitt Short Beach Waves

Jon Kopaloff / Getty Mages

"You can choose to style the hair using a curling or straightening iron. Section the hair horizontally down the middle," says Raji. Finish by spraying some dry shampoo, such as Living Proof Perfect Hair Day ($26), at the roots for added volume.

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Box Braid Ponytail

Kelly Rowland with a box braid ponytail

Cindy Ord / Getty Images

Box braids are a stylish protective style, but be warned: they can lead to hair breakage. So see a professional that is experienced with box braids and use a deep conditioning treatment before you get braided.

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Blunt Beach Waves

Margot Robbie Beachy Waves

Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic / Getty Images

If you have slight waves in your hair, this is the way to play them up. Just part wet hair in the center, comb through and apply a product such as Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus Humidity Resistant Volumizing Spray Mousse ($20). Let it air-dry and your beach waves are ready to go.

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Double Slicked Braided Pigtails

Tessa Thompson


Gregg DeGuire / Getty Images

Braids can make hair look that much thicker, especially if you pull them apart a bit after braiding. Take a cue from Tessa Thompson and create a strong middle part before braiding hair in two low pigtails. Be sure to use a strong-hold gel to slick the sides for extra drama.

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Slicked Back Pony

Close up of Joan Smalls with a slicked back ponytail

Getty Images

A traditional ponytail is great, but you can take the style into evening territory by using a comb and some gel to slick it back. This is a great opportunity to add some extensions in, too, if you want some extra length like Joan Smalls.

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Dramatic Blunt Bob

Lucy Hale

Pascal Le Segretain / Staff / Getty Images

Keeping the hair just below the chin, and maintaining blunt, but feathery ends, makes hair look wider than it really is. This look works with both a chic blowout or loose and natural waves.

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Dutch Braids

Leigh-Ann Pinnock dutch braids

Karwai Tang / WireImage / Getty Images

For this look, Separate hair into two sections and Dutch braid hair in each section until you reach the bottom, securing with an elastic. Using dry shampoo will help maintain the style and revive second-day strands, allowing hair to have extra volume.

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Super-Straight Pixie

Andy Allo - Pixie Haircut

Getty Images/Axelle/Bauer-Griffin 

One guaranteed way to add pizzazz to a classic pixie cut? Straighten the ends. This only works on hair that's at least a couple of inches long, so don't try it on anything shorter. A side part really shows off the look and the added length gives the illusion of thickness.

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Half-Up Bob With Flipped-Out Ends

Lana Condor half-up, half-down bob with flipped-out ends

Daniele Venturelli / WireImage / Getty Images

This half-up bob offers the illusion of thickness and volume up top (where hair is lightly teased at the crown) and at the ends, where hair is flipped out. Use a round brush to flip the ends out and away from the face while drying the hair.

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Smooth Shoulder-Length

Alesha Dixon with a smooth shoulder-length lob

Ben Pruchnie / Getty Images 

The universally flattering lob works on all hair types– even thin. Here, the ends kick in slightly (a round brush is the best tool for this) which helps give the illusion of fullness.

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Mid-Length Blowout

Padma Lakshmi layered mid-length haircut

Tibrina Hobson / WireImage / Getty Images

The key to a great blowout is to first coat your strands with a volumizing product that offers heat protection before actually adding any heat. We like Shu Uemura Fiber Lift Volumizer ($39).

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Textured Lob With Curtain Bangs

Michelle Williams with touseled hair

Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Curtain bangs help widen the entire look of a hairstyle making them a great style for thin hair. For this look, try air-drying the hair and adding a texture spray like Sachajuan Ocean Mist Texturizing Spray ($15).

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Boho Waves

Zoe Saldana

Frank Trapper / Getty Images

For the DIY version of this style, blow dry while hair is flipped over (and use high heat). Once it's partially dry, use a round brush to add volume and waves while you finish blow drying.

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Long Natural Waves

Olivia Munn

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

If you don't have naturally wavy hair, you can fake it. Just apply a liberal amount of R+Co One Prep Spray ($22) on damp hair, then blow dry and add waves with a wide-barrel curling iron.

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Flipped Out Wet Look

haircut for thin hair to look thicker

Lionel Hahn/Getty Images

A wet look makes any hairstyle look immediately cooler, and when paired with the trendy-yet-classic flipped-out ends, you get a chic, unforgettable look.

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Shaggy Mullet

Miley Cyrus Shaggy Mullet

Steve Granitz /Getty Images

A modern mullet has plenty of layers, so it makes even thin hair appear voluminous. To style, let hair air-dry and finish with a product like R+Co Two Way Mirror Smoothing Oil ($32) to add sheen.

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Bixie

haircut for thin hair to look thicker

Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

Growing out a super-short style can feel awkward at times, but a well-cut bixie is a smart way to keep your hair looking sharp.

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Sleek Lob With Headband

haircut for thin hair to look thicker

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Create the appearance of fuller volume with a statement headband that draws attention to the accessory. The bigger the better.

FAQ
  • Does thin hair look better short or long?

    There's no rule that you have to add volume to your thin hair to make it look good, but if that is what you're looking for, then you'll want to err on the shorter side. "Generally when it comes to haircuts if your hair is thin, the shorter your hair, the fuller it will look," celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimmons told us.

  • What kind of bangs are good for thin hair?

    If you have thin hair, light, wispy bangs can help add shape to your haircut. And what's extra great about wispy bangs? Just about any bang style can be cut wispy. "Side bangs, blunt bangs, micro bangs, curtain bangs—they can all be cut to accommodate a lighter, wispier feel," according to hairstylist and Byrdie contributor Ashley Rubell.

  • How do you cut thin hair to make it look thicker?

    If you want to create the illusion of thicker hair—which, again, isn't a requirement—ask your stylist about layers. "Soft, face-framing layers will add dimension and fullness without weighing you down," hairstylist Jessica Shakir told us. "You can also ask your hairstylist about adding internal layers to your shoulder-grazing locks, so you can keep the length of your hair while adding the volume you desire."

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