While many people have fine hair or thin hair from birth, it's also something you may notice as you get older. It's incredibly common to experience changes in your hair texture with age and you may notice your hair is starting to thin.
If you're dealing with changes in your hair, or are simply looking to mix up your look, we've compiled a list of the most flattering haircuts for women with thin hair. All of these cuts suit a finer hair texture and help create volume, even if it's only an illusion.
Plus, if you're worried about your hair thinning, we have clinically proven hair loss treatments that target hair thinning at every stage. Here's what you need to know about female hair loss and ways to style it through your choice of haircut.
What causes thinning hair?
Hair loss, in general, can occur for a variety of different reasons in various places on your body [1].
Thinning hair is something many of us have to contend with, but the causes might be different from one person to the next. But, a large proportion of hair loss is influenced by genetics.
Hereditary causes and medical conditions that could impact your hair's structure could be:
- Hormonal changes
- Treatment for autoimmune disease
- If you've had a baby recently
- Weakened immune system
- Infection or skin disorder (especially on your scalp)
- A protein of vitamin D deficiency.
Lifestyle habits that can cause thinning hair include:
- Using too many treatments such as perms, relaxers or colour treatments
- Tight hairstyles
- Harsh haircare products that strip your hair of its natural oils and make it dry
- A non-balanced diet, with minimal nutrients such as iron, folic acid, protein or zinc [2]
- Stressors that increase your hormones such as cortisol. Stress hormones can prevent healthy hair growth meaning you're seeing less hair than you should.
Identifying the cause of your thinning hair can help you figure out what to do to improve it. And, in many cases, thinning hair is something you can treat — especially if you're starting to notice more hair loss in the shower or left in your hair brush as you get older.
Plus, the great news is there are plenty of haircuts for thin hair than can accentuate what you have.
Are layers suitable for thin hair?
Yes! Face framing layers can help bring definition and texture and light layers throughout the hair can transform thin hair by adding depth.
It's recommended that you go to an experienced hairstylist when requesting layers for fine hair as if too many layers are cut in, it could take away the density throughout the lengths of your hair.
Does thin hair look better short or long?
Choosing a hairstyle for thin hair is personal and remember that thin or fine hair doesn't need to follow an exact guide. It's about what you think looks good and what makes you feel confident.
If you want long thin hair, then go for it! It's your hair at the end of the day.
But, if you are looking to get a haircut that makes thin hair look a bit thicker, opting for a short haircut can make it look fuller. Removing enough weight and choosing shoulder-length or shorter haircuts can add volume to the roots and promote a look of fullness.
Haircuts for thinning hair
When choosing a haircut for thin or thinning hair, it's a great time for experimentation. What works for your thin hair might be completely different from what works for another person with thinner hair.
We recommend having a chat with your stylist about what will work best for your hair texture and how best to style it. Here are a few suggestions for haircuts for very thin hair.
Layers and texture
With thin hair, texture can be hard to come by. But, you can volumise thin hair by mixing up the length. Cutting layers into your thin strands creates dimension especially because your hair tends to be thicker at the root.
If you cut into your length with layers, you can match the volume at the top of the head.
Avoid choppy layers and aim for light layers to emphasise your new voluminous hair, rather than taking all of the weight out of it. Choppy layers could make your fine hair look even finer.
Using texture spray is a great way to show off your new layers, too. The more volume you add, the better. A layered bob haircut is the perfect example of this.
Deep side parts
A side part can work wonders for thin hair as it can create the appearance of thick hair.
If you push a lot of your hair to one side, let it settle in a position that's comfortable and looks good, and you'll notice a lot of fullness. More hair in one space means fuller hair, and it's a perfect haircut for thin hair.
You'll see more volume at the roots if your hair is being pushed against its natural parting, too.
Side swept bangs
Bangs can work really well for thin hair as well as short hair. Side swept bangs can emphasise many haircuts for thin hair and focus the attention on the face-framing, rather than on the thickness or length of the hair.
Plus, it helps add definition and style, without being too hard to manage. Just make sure you check with your hairstylist about whether these are easy to maintain for your hair.
Curtain bangs
Curtain bangs have had a resurgence in recent years, and for good reason. We associate the '70s with big hair, and curtain bangs can add that extra volume for thin hair. It focuses the volume around the front of your face.
Curtain bangs aren't too heavy and suit most face types, making them one of the best haircuts for thin hair. Consider using a curling iron to style your curtain bangs, bringing full focus to the front of your hair.
Bob
A classic bob or a blunt bob works for short hair and thin hair. Opt for a bob that is all the same length as this can create the illusion of thicker hair.
There's a reason a classic bob is timeless.
Blunt with curtain bangs
A blunt bob or a blunt cut with curtain bangs means that you'll have thickness all around your head as well as definition and volume at the front, focusing on your facial features.
Straight and sharp
A blunt bob or a blunt cut in general can work well for flat hair and thin hair.
Having a blunt cut creates full ends, meaning your hair looks thicker and your hair strands don't look wispy or thin. This look works particularly well for those with naturally straight hair.
Pixie cut
An all-time classic for definition is the pixie cut. For thin hair, you can't really beat a pixie cut. There are a few ways to wear it: either sleek and smooth, or textured and spikey.
The pixie cut creates an illusion of hair density and volume, making it perfect for thin hair. Consider adding a fringe for even more texture and definition.
Image credit: Getty Images
