The 5 Best Hairstyles For Thin Hair And A Complete Guide To Styling Fine Tresses

Finding the best hairstyles for thin and fine hair can be tricky, but we'll let you in on a little industry secret: the bouncy ponytails and bombshell waves seen on your favourite celebrities are most likely due to some clever use of hair extensions. The density of your tresses hinges on multiple factors - many of them out of your control, such as genetics, age and ethnicity - so if you have finer hair, don't despair. You're not alone.

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As hair thickness is also affected by your health, it's important to seek professional help from your GP or a trichologist if you're noticing more hair fall than usual. They can offer useful advice to navigate and improve hair growth.

Once in the clear, there are plenty ways to make the most of thin, fine hair.

The Experts

• Kirsten Finningan, hairstylist at Hari's Salon, Notting Hill
• Marcos Duran Alvis, hairstylist at Hari's Salon, Northcote Road
• Miffy Goknil, senior stylist at Hari’s Salon, King’s Road
  

What are the common styling issues for thin hair

According to Finnigan, thin hair tends to appear flat and lacking in volume, in which case she recommends using a root-lifting spray and blow-drying it upside down. Lightweight texturising hairsprays will also add hold if you find that your hairstyle doesn't last.

If you're experiencing limp or 'stringy' ends, Finnigan suggests getting regular trims and adding in subtle layers for movement.

'For scalps that show through, try hair fibres or gently back-comb to help with coverage,' says Finnigan, who's also a fan of keeping dry shampoo in your arsenal as thinner hair tends to get greasy quicker.

Adds Alvis: 'Thin hair can sometimes be prone to frizz, especially in humidity. Anti-frizz products and heat protectors will help to keep a better style.' And do go easy on the hair. The last thing you need is to lose more strands so always brush gently and avoid tugging at it.

How to style fine and thin hair

Get a layered cut

'If the hair is straight, add layers for movement, use dry shampoo for texture, and avoid heavy products,' says Finnigan. For curls and waves, scrunch with a mousse and use a diffuser to add volume. 'Avoid thick creams that weigh hair down,' she shares. When heat styling, do use a heat protector to prevent damage and breakage.

Zimmermann AW25

Try a blunt chop

Your haircut can make a difference too. 'Blunt bobs and cuts are an excellent option for thinning hair. They create the illusion of dimension, texture, and thickness by making ends appear fuller,' shares Finnigan. 'Alternatively, you can try pixies, shags, and textured cuts for something a bit bolder.'

Michael Kors AW25

Chanel AW25

Experiment with your parting

A side-part can create the illusion of height and volume. Mist a small amount of volumising spray and use a rat-tail comb to define the parting.

Prabal Gurung AW25

Patou AW25

Use hair accessories

A chic barette or scarf will distract from thin hair and add interest. 'I particularly love a thick headband especially with a little embellishment. Clips and scarfs are fun too,' says Finnigan.

Marine Serre AW25

Gently does it

Afro hair requires an extra gentle touch. 'Always protect and be delicate as it can be quite fragile when heat styling, if you can do heatless styling that’s my best advice,' says Miffy Goknil, senior stylist at Hari's salon King's Road.

'Use gentle heat where possible and when doing silk presses don’t overpass the same section on the hair. If the ends are fragile, use lower heat.

'If braiding, don’t use too much tension as you don’t want to create traction alopecia. Regular, deep conditioning treatments [such as a hair mask] are key.'

ELLE Edit: Best Styling Products For Fine And Thin Hair

Best for volume

K18 Astrolift Reparative Volume Spray

£44 at Cult Beauty

Best for texture

Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray

£26 at Cult Beauty

Best for curls

Boucleme Super Volumising Foam

£24 at Sephora

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Medina Azaldin

Beauty Editor, ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK

Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.