The best hairstyles to add volume to thin hair - Garnier The best hairstyles to add volume to thin hair - Garnier

The Best Hairstyles for Thin Hair

Last updated February 4, 2026

Pump up the volume of your thin hair! There are three main ways to make thin and fine hair look fuller, thicker, and bouncier. One: get creative with cuts that add height, body, and bounce. Two: use volumizing hair care products like thickening shampoos and conditioners, intensely hydrating hair masks, and root-lifting dry shampoo. Three: learn easy thin hair hairstyles that add a ton of confidence-boosting allure to any look. Whether your fine hair is short, medium, or long, bookmark this page with great hacks and techniques for achieving the best hairstyles for thin hair.

Top Tips for Styling Thin Hair

• Start with lightweight, volumizing shampoo and conditioner; avoid heavy oils and butters at the roots.
• Blow-dry upside down or lift at the roots with a round brush; finish with a cool-shot to set volume.
• Use dry shampoo on clean or second-day hair to add grip and lift at the scalp.
• Embrace texture: layers, soft waves, and highlights can create the illusion of density.
• Go easy on tight styles; keep ponytails and braids loose to reduce tension on follicles.
• Always use heat protectant before hot tools and keep temperatures moderate.
• Part strategically (deep side or zigzag) to disguise scalp show-through and add instant lift.

Short Hairstyles for Thin Hair

Thin hairstyles for short hair focus on making your locks look thicker by creating lift and volume. In addition to giving your hair a fuller cut, you can amp things up with volumizing products, texturizers and max-hold sprays.

Medium-Length Hairstyles for Thin Hair

If short hair seems a little high-maintenance for your lifestyle, there are some super flattering medium-length hairstyles for thin hair. Here are some of the hottest looks that can also be enhanced with our tips on getting thick healthy hair.

Hairstyles for Long Thin Hair

Contrary to popular belief, wearing your thin hair long doesn’t make it look flatter. There are plenty of hairstyles for fine hair that make length look voluminous; it’s all about the cut, the styling, and the right thin hair products.

Best Products for Volume

• Thickening shampoo and conditioner to prep hair without weighing it down.
• Root-lifting mousse for body and hold on damp hair.
• Texturizing paste or putty to add grit and separation.
• Dry shampoo to refresh and boost lift at the crown.
• Flexible-hold hairspray to set styles without stiffness.
• Heat protectant spray to safeguard hair while styling.

Expert Advice on Hair Care

Explore trusted resources for caring for thin or fine hair:

• AAD: Healthy hair care basics
• Mayo Clinic: Hair loss overview
• MedlinePlus (NIH): Hair loss information
• NCBI (NIH): Hair cosmetics and effects of heat/chemicals
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Biotin fact sheet
• NHS (UK): Hair loss overview

Caring for Thin Hair

Making the most of thin hair can seem a little daunting, but you can add visible volume by using these thin hair hairstyles and products. Also consult a stylist to find the right cut for your face shape and type of hair (straight, curly, etc.). For lots more information about all your options, see the Garnier guide on caring for and styling fine and thin hair.

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Thin Hair Frequently Asked Questions

  • Short hairstyles like shaggy bobs, asymmetrical pixies, stacked bobs, lobs with layers, A-line bobs, and wispy pixies create lift and volume while making thin hair appear fuller and thicker.
  • Layers add movement, dimension, and the illusion of volume without weighing hair down, making them ideal for creating a fuller appearance in thin hair.
  • Half-up half-down styles, choppy razored layers, curly shags, balayage highlights, high ponytails, and Hollywood pinwaves all add texture and volume to medium-length thin hair.
  • Yes, long thin hair can look voluminous with the right cut and styling, including layerless long bobs, long and sleek styles, braids, messy topknots, bubble ponytails, and lifted curls.
  • Volumizing shampoos and conditioners, thickening products, root-lifting dry shampoo, texturizers, mousses, and heat protectants help create body and fullness in thin hair.
  • Keep braids and ponytails loose to avoid pulling on follicles and weakening your hair, which can lead to breakage and further thinning.
  • Balayage highlights and color contrasts create depth and the illusion of thickness by adding dimension to thin hair.
  • Blow-drying hair upside down, scrunching roots for lift, and using volumizing products before styling all help create the appearance of fuller, thicker hair.
  • Layered bobs, pixies, shags, and face-framing lobs add movement and lift. For longer lengths, try loose braids, bubble ponytails, or a messy topknot to boost fullness.
  • Detangle gently from ends up, protect before heat styling, keep styles loose, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction.