Having fine hair can be a bit of a mixed bag. One day you’re thanking your lucky stars that it’s so easy to style; the next, you’re praying for even the slightest hint of volume. Luckily, there are tons of flattering and stylish haircuts for women with fine hair.
Keep reading for our favorite haircuts for fine hair.
How Do I Know If I Have Fine Hair?
You might think that having fine hair and having thin hair is the same thing — we did at first, too. But according to dermatologists and hair stylists, they’re totally different things. Fineness refers to texture — how dense is each strand of hair? The thinner the individual strands of hair, the finer your hair.
Thinness, on the other hand, refers to the actual amount of hair on your head. You might have fine hair, but a lot of it. Or maybe you have thicker strands, but you’re experiencing hair loss, so your hair doesn’t look as voluminous as it used to. Understanding your hair type can help you choose the most flattering haircut to look and feel your best.
If you aren’t sure what type of hair you have, you can always ask your hairstylist the next time you’re in for a cut. They’ll be able to make recommendations for the best haircuts and styles based on your hair length, hair type, and face shape.
Luckily, there’s no shortage of flattering haircuts for those of us with fine strands . Whether you like keeping your hair long or chopped, curly or straight, there’s a haircut for you.
Shoulder Length Layered Bob
If you’ve been gifted with fine AND thin hair, this is the section for you. You might be struggling to achieve the volume you want (or any type of volume at all), but the right cut can help with that.
If you usually keep your hair straight, ask for a shoulder-length chop with lots of face-framing layers. Before you leave the salon, ask your stylist to give you a blowout with flipped ends. This throwback look is both retro and classic, and it’s sure to rake in the compliments, especially with the volume you’ll get from those layers.
Wolf Cut
One of our favorite haircuts at the moment is the wolf cut, also known as a shag cut with curtain bangs. With choppy layers and lots of texture, his hairstyle aims for an effortless beachy look and can create movement and volume on even the finest of hair.
The wolf cut might have begun as an edgy red-carpet look, but the low-maintenance and flattering hairstyle has become a lot more mainstream. The effortlessly cool cut requires little styling to achieve maximum style and volume: picture rolling out of bed, touching up your roots with a bit of dry shampoo or similar hair product, and being ready to leave the house. It’s that easy.
The best part is that anyone can rock a wolf cut, no matter your hair type or length. Next time you head to the salon, ask your hairstylist for a wolf cut, and be prepared for your girlfriends to gush about it for weeks.
Blunt Cut
Another great cut hair stylists recommend for women with fine, straight hair is a blunt cut. Layers make hair lighter, but they can also contribute to the appearance of thinness. On the other hand, a blunt cut — keeping all of your strands at one length — keeps most of the weight of your hair near the bottom, which contributes to a thicker and fuller look.
A blunt cut can work on any length haircut, but if your hair is longer than a lob (a long bob), consider adding bangs to give your cut a little more shape. Maintain the blunt look with short and straight bangs, or try face-framing curtain bangs for a more sophisticated do. These are some of our favorite blunt cuts:
The Clavicut
- This is a blunt cut that just grazes your collarbones, with no layers. This hairstyle is long enough to wear in a ponytail or updo but still short and blunt enough to almost pass as a bob. The perfect mix of stylish and practical.
The Blunt Bob
- If you prefer your hair on the shorter side, try a blunt bob. Depending on how you style it, bobs can look either trendy or classic — which way you lean is totally up to you.
The Chin Length Bob
- A chin-length or mid-length classic bob will keep your locks at their thickest and fullest and definitely amp up the volume. If you want to add a little edge, try an asymmetrical bob — the sharp line of the bob paired with the asymmetry creates a super chic, feminine look. You can even rock this style if you have curls or waves; just ask your hairstylist to cut your curls all to the same length and let her shape it into a wavy bob. The perfect combination of classic and cool.
Pixie Cut
Pixie cuts have become increasingly popular among women over 50, thanks to their flattering and easy-to-maintain style. You can keep it short and classic or add in some light layers to give it a bit of edge. This short hairstyle is 100 percent red-carpet-worthy. Pixie cuts are flattering on all hair types, from curly to wavy to pin straight. Keep it short or grow it out a bit for more volume — either way, the frequent cuts required to maintain this hairstyle will keep your fine ends healthy and luxurious.
If you aren’t sure what look would look best for you, ask your stylist. They’ll take your hair type and face shape into consideration before making a hairstyle recommendation.
Yes, it’s possible to have fine AND curly hair! To figure out if your curls are thick or just plentiful, put your hair in a ponytail the next time you blow dry and straighten it. How thick is that ponytail? If it’s the size of a quarter or smaller, you likely have fine hair.
Even if you have super fine strands, having some natural curl in your hair will add volume, which means you’ll have a little more wiggle room picking a haircut than your straight-haired friends. And with curly hair, layers are key to maintaining shape. Here are a few of our favorite cuts for fine-haired curlylocks.
Layered Cuts
Try face-framing layers to give your hair some shape or choppy layers if you like keeping your hair short.
- Layered Cuts with Side Part: To style fine, curly hair, set a deep side part — it will give you ALL the volume.
- Layered Cuts with Middle Part: If you love the ’90s-throwback middle part, you’re still in luck. You can still rock a middle part layered cut! Consider a bob with bangs — a short bob looks fabulous with side-swept bangs. Long bangs can help mimic the appearance of thick hair, no matter what length cut you rock.
Be sure to maintain your fine, curly hair with regular trims. Curly hair tends to run dry, which can lead to breakage and frizz — not the look we’re going for. Regular trims in between styling sessions can keep your locks luxurious and healthy, regardless of how you style them.
How To Style Fine Hair
Choosing a flattering haircut for your fine hair is only step one of the process. Step two is properly styling it to maximize volume and minimize limpness.
Luckily, the right cut will do 80 percent of the work for you. But once your locks have been chopped and you’re getting ready to leave the salon, ask your stylist for styling recommendations. They’ll likely recommend investing in products that add texture, like mousse or dry shampoo.
They might also recommend water-misting or frequent trims to keep your cut fresh and healthy. If you use a curling iron to create the beach waves of your dream, make sure your hair is dry and apply a heat protectant before getting started. You can also use a flat iron to create a curled hair look.
If you like the look of a retro cut, use a round brush to style your fine hair with flipped-out ends. After you wash your hair, blow dry it straight, and then use the round brush to style the blunt ends so that they face inward.
Finally, investing in good-quality hair care products can help you maintain that shiny, freshly-cut look in between trims. Look for volumizing shampoos and conditioners to help create thickness in the shower, and don’t be afraid to spritz some hairspray or a texturizing spray to add volume when you style your cut.
Feeling Fine
If you’ve been struggling with your fine or thin hair, you might think finding a stylish haircut is hopeless. But regardless of whether you keep your hair long or short, curly or straight, we have good news — the perfect haircut for you is out there!
Next time you head to the salon, ask your stylist for one of these haircuts and watch your fine strands transform into volume.
FAQs
What is the best haircut for very fine hair? ›
A shorter haircut will help get rid of the weight pulling those limp strands down. If you have thin hair, a blunt cut will feign thickness, and a pixie cut makes those strands feather-light and much more pliable for styling. For thicker fine hair, well-placed long layers give dimension and volume to your bobs and lobs.
What length is best for fine hair? ›Mistake #4: Keeping Hair Very Long
However, the sweetest spot for fine or thin hair is shoulder-length or shorter, no matter your age. It removes enough weight to give your mane a boost of fullness and bounce, and it makes it much easier to add volume to the roots.
Is thin hair better layered or one length? Subtle or light layers are best for thin hair, as too many layers make your hair appear thinner. Subtle layers, however, can help give the illusion of fullness. You can also get interior layers (see picture #5 above) to help volumize thin hair.
What color is best for thin fine hair? ›- Neutral blonde. ...
- Brown pink ombre. ...
- Dark chocolate. ...
- Muted dark blonde. ...
- Tip: Ask your hairstylist to add a shadow root to create depth at the root area for a 3D effect. ...
- Auburn. ...
- Light blonde with turquoise highlights. ...
- Ash gray.
Is short hair better for fine thin hair? Shorter hair is typically more flattering for fine thin hair. A shorter haircut can help to feign fullness. Meanwhile, longer hair can exacerbate thin strands.
What's the new hairstyle for 2022? ›Long layers and volume
"Things are going from really short shags and mullets to mid-length haircuts," she said. Expect to see '90s-inspired long layers and stylists focusing on adding more volume while keeping the hair length intact. "Two of the most frequently used techniques will be slide cutting and texturizing.
- Use Volumizing Shampoos and Conditioners. ...
- Dry Shampoo to Keep Greasiness at Bay. ...
- Try a Lightweight Mousse. ...
- Blow Dry to Lift Your Roots. ...
- Use a Heat-Activated Blow-Out Spray. ...
- Boost Roots With a Thickening Spray. ...
- Add Body With Rollers. ...
- Don't Over-Brush.
- Go for a Volumizing Haircut. ...
- Trick the Eye with Color. ...
- Pump It Up with Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner. ...
- Use a Hair Mask for Hydration. ...
- Pick Lightweight Products. ...
- Spray Product into Your Hand, Not Your Hair. ...
- Apply Product in Horizontal Layers. ...
- Use a Root Lifter.
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.
What hair color makes u look younger? ›It's usually best to choose highlights which are no more than three shades lighter than your base hair color. If you're wondering which hair colors make you look younger, you might want to consider shades like caramel, honey-blonde, gold, coppery tones and strawberry blonde.
What haircut makes thin hair look thicker? ›
Those with thin hair should ask for a blunt cut to create the appearance of fuller ends and denser hair. Additionally, short haircuts such as a bob or a wavy lob are particularly flattering for thin hair as they lack the length that can weigh hair down.
What is the best hairstyle for over 50 fine hair? ›Neuman Bobs, pixies, wedge cuts, and short shags are the best hairstyles for women over 50 with fine hair. Keep in mind your face shape because this also plays a factor in determining how to amp the volume for your locks. So it's worth talking with your hairstylist about this.
What is the difference between thin and fine hair? ›"Density is always a differentiating factor—fine hair means the strand of hair is smaller in diameter, while thin hair means there's simply fewer strands of hair growing, no matter how thick." Simply put, fine hair comes down to the thickness (or lack thereof) of each hair strand, while thin hair is related to the ...
Should fine hair be cut one length? ›“There is no right or wrong when it comes to length for thin hair,” Tesler explains. Keep your hair all the same length instead of adding layers. You can maintain your hair by getting trims instead of drastic cuts.
Which hair cut gives more volume? ›Blunt Lob. You can't go wrong with a classic blunt cut like this one by stylist Riawna Capri, which makes your ends look oh-so thick. Layers might give more volume at the crown, but a blunt cut gives you thickness and, as it follows, overall volume like no other.
What is the best haircut for a 65 year old woman? ›A medium-length shag is the best haircut for older women in their 60s with wavy hair. It looks flattering with the bangs and would allow someone to appear a decade younger. This chop is most ideal for wavy locks, too. The shag has layers that can enhance the movement of medium hair.
What is a volumizing haircut? ›A shag cut. can help make the hair appear more voluminous. A shag haircut has many layers, mainly on the upper and middle sections of the hair shaft. Because of the layers, the additional movement and texture will help add volume to your strands.
What is the most popular short haircut for 2022? ›- Classic Afro. ...
- Buzz Cut. ...
- Micro Bob. ...
- Shaggy Lob. ...
- Baby Mullet. ...
- Textured Bob. ...
- Pixie. The pixie, short on the back and sides and longer at the top, is a timeless and seasonless choice for autumn. ...
- Supermodel Layers. Embrace your natural curls with the supermodel layers cut.
Loose waves are more younger-looking, while straight hair can be aging. Play around with face-framing layers to give your hair some softness and movement. Layers can also make your hair appear to be more luscious and healthy. Parra recommends asking your stylist for perimeter layers that are cut in a straight line.
Does thin hair look better short or long? ›Does thin hair look better short or long? Shorter styles are generally better for thin hair, as there's less weight pulling down, and it's easier to maintain and keep healthy. Plus, shorter styles allow you to add extra volume with cutting techniques and products.
Is layers good for thin hair? ›
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.
How do you get a root lift on fine hair? ›Learn how to get instant root lift and volume in your hair - YouTube
How do you get a crown lift in your hair? ›HOW TO GET VOLUME AT THE CROWN - YouTube
Why is my hair so thin I can see my scalp? ›In other cases, thinning hair is triggered by something going on inside the body — for instance, a thyroid problem, a shift in hormones, a recent pregnancy, or an inflammatory condition. Hair loss may also be genetic. The most common genetic condition is known as female-pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia.
Should you deep condition fine hair? ›First things first: Both Yuen and Amos recommend using a deep conditioner once a week on fine hair, and always, always post-shampoo — not before. "Washing your hair rids [it] of unwanted dirt and oils the from scalp and shaft," says Amos.
Why is my hair flat on top? ›What Causes Flat Hair? Flat hair is a result of hair that has been weighed down. Buildup in the form of product residue, dirt, oils, and other impurities can weigh down your strands over time. That's why, after a day (or two) without washing your hair, it becomes noticeably flatter at the roots.
Do layers make fine hair look thicker? ›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.
What can I do for really fine hair? ›Choose a volumizing shampoo and a clarifying shampoo once a week. The most important step for styling fine hair starts in the shower. Stay away from sulfates—detergents found in many shampoos—which can weaken hair follicles over time, making your hair susceptible to breakage and the appearance of thinning.
What haircut makes hair look thicker? ›Blunt Bob With Bangs
It's true: the blunt lob or bob, aka one of the most popular haircuts of the past few years, is flattering for fine hair, too. "The more geometric and blunt you make these cuts, the fuller the density appears," explains Maciques.
Neuman Bobs, pixies, wedge cuts, and short shags are the best hairstyles for women over 50 with fine hair. Keep in mind your face shape because this also plays a factor in determining how to amp the volume for your locks. So it's worth talking with your hairstylist about this.
What color makes hair look thicker? ›
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.
How do you make fine hair look thicker? ›haircut for thin hair to look THICKER - YouTube
How do you get a crown lift in your hair? ›HOW TO GET VOLUME AT THE CROWN - YouTube
Should fine thin hair be layered? ›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.
Is fine hair the same as thin hair? ›"Density is always a differentiating factor—fine hair means the strand of hair is smaller in diameter, while thin hair means there's simply fewer strands of hair growing, no matter how thick." Simply put, fine hair comes down to the thickness (or lack thereof) of each hair strand, while thin hair is related to the ...
How do I make thin hair look nice? ›- Don't rely on shampoo and conditioner. ...
- It's all about a great haircut. ...
- Ask for shorter pieces. ...
- Make use of “hair filler” ...
- Flip your parting. ...
- Tease hair at the crown. ...
- Find the right product for your hair. ...
- Blow dry upwards.
A shag cut. can help make the hair appear more voluminous. A shag haircut has many layers, mainly on the upper and middle sections of the hair shaft. Because of the layers, the additional movement and texture will help add volume to your strands.
Which hairstyle makes you look younger? ›Loose waves are more younger-looking, while straight hair can be aging. Play around with face-framing layers to give your hair some softness and movement. Layers can also make your hair appear to be more luscious and healthy. Parra recommends asking your stylist for perimeter layers that are cut in a straight line.
What is the most popular short haircut for 2022? ›- Classic Afro. ...
- Buzz Cut. ...
- Micro Bob. ...
- Shaggy Lob. ...
- Baby Mullet. ...
- Textured Bob. ...
- Pixie. The pixie, short on the back and sides and longer at the top, is a timeless and seasonless choice for autumn. ...
- Supermodel Layers. Embrace your natural curls with the supermodel layers cut.