Hair lacking volume? Cuts and styling for thin hair
Hair
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Thinning hair is an unfortunate reality for so many of us. Here at The Chapel, we are often asked, “How do I give my hair volume?”, or “What can I do to make my hair thicker”. When it comes to thin hair, however, it is all about working with what you have, rather than wishing for what you’ve not. There are so many reasons why our hair can become fine, which you simply cannot avoid. However, with a good understanding of your hair, there are plenty clever cuts and sophisticated styling techniques which can help to breathe a new lease of life into your fine hair.
Thin hair facts
On average, we all shed around 100 hairs a day. But if you are noticing that you are losing more hair than this, it’s worth understanding and recognising the reasons behind the hair loss. Stress and a deficiency in vital vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and iron, can all play a part in hair loss. Other causes can be family history or a medical condition such as alopecia. What’s more continued incorrect removal of hair extensions and excessive heat styling can also lead to hair thinning. If your hair loss is of concern, consult your stylist and doctor to see if they can give further advice.
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What cuts and colours are best for my thin hair?
Shorter styles, sharply cut, can often help make thin hair appear fuller. Shorter layers can work well to give height and fullness to the crown area. Be wary with layers, however, as too many layers can result in the ends of your hair looking wispy, and shorten the length when hair is fine. If you don’t dare to go too short, a shoulder-skimming bob will enable you to add volume when styling with curling tongs, but still allow you to wear up if you want to. The graduated bob cut is a great style for thin hair, giving a clean shape and more opportunity for root boosting layers at the crown. Even as the style drops throughout the day, you can easily add volume by styling with texturising spray for a grungy casual look, or a quick chic blow dry to rejuvenate lackluster locks. In addition, adding a short choppy fringe can help to give the illusion of denser hair, and is perfect for flatter heart and long face shapes.
If you decide to wear your hair longer, waves and curls can add bulk and hide thin tresses. Textured long cuts with precise layering can help to give volume and enhance bounce. Avoid wearing hair poker straight as this can elongate the face and make hair appear lank and flat, with no natural healthy spring or volume. Up do’s are a great way to boost fine hair: leave face framing pieces and mix braids and twists in to help create a voluminous end result. Try not to wear hair too flat to the face, always adding texture at the front of your style to give the illusion of thicker tresses.
Colouring can also be used to give the illusion of a thicker style. Avoid all over colouring, as this emphasizes the flat nature of your hair. Multi-tonal colouring using a variety of shades to build a dimensional element to the hair will create shine, and add depth to your style. Dark block colours can often emphasize gaps in hair on the scalp, so it’s worth discussing with your stylist the best bespoke combination of colours which will hide any areas of concern. Balayage is also a great colouring technique for fine locks: building upon a base colour to give natural high and lowlights, avoiding a one-dimensional look.
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Volumising styling
A firm favourite for those with fine hair is mousse. However, when used incorrectly it can often weigh down the hair and accentuate thinner locks. They do, however, help to provide a great base for styling. For fine hair, products that are applied before styling tend to work well against finishing products such as serums and sprays, which can weigh the hair down. Apply mousse your hair roots before blow drying, for added hold. Avoid styling products that contain silicone as over time this will coat the hair shaft resulting in greasy, weighed-down roots. Some conditioners can be too heavy for fine hair so try out a leave in spray conditioner, concentrating on mid-lengths and ends to avoid dry hair.
As damage is one of the most significant causes of hair loss, it is essential to reduce the amount of damage to your hair as much as possible. Make sure your brushes and combs for styling do not have any broken teeth or bristles, as this can break hairs and pull them away from the root. In addition always ensure that you use heat protection spray when blow drying, straightening or using tongs. You can also try blowdrying your hair using a diffuser, which will help to add body whilst not being as harsh on your hair health. Hair that is fragile will break causing thin hair to become difficult to grow and maintain, therefore regular conditioning treatments are a must. In addition, chemical processes, and colouring can also cause hair to thin, so listen to your stylist's advice on how to best care for your hair after leaving the salon. Want to find out more on how to best care for your thin hair? Get in touch with one of our expert stylists, or explore our expert articles.