Let’s be clear on one thing: Being born with super-thick, flowing, supermodel-esque hair may afford you more options, but there’s no reason fine-haired ladies need to throw in the towel. Much of beauty is about optical illusions. Just like the right lipstick can make your lips look fuller and the right eyeliner can make your peepers pop, the right haircut can transform thin hair into a (seemingly) thick, voluminous mane.
Using our finest hairstyling knowhow (and the advice of a few trusted stylists), we put together this roundup of the six best haircuts for thin hair—with lots of photos to prove it. These simple, yet strategic haircuts and hairstyles will trick onlookers into believing you have more hair than you know what to do with. Scroll through to see the official Byrdie guide to the best haircuts for thin hair.
Shoulder-Length Blunt Cut
Long locks can weigh down any look, so keep thin hair shoulder length or above. The trick for pulling off a shoulder-length style is making it a blunt cut. Blunt lines make your hair appear thicker.
Deep Side Part
Another trick to try if your hair is on the longer side is the deep side part. With a deep side part, you’re essentially lumping all your hair together on one side, creating the illusion of volume. You also create lift at the roots.
Choppy Pixie
Shorter hair is stronger than longer strands, so even very fine hair can benefit from a super-short cropped cut. Pixie cuts can actually make your thin hair appear thicker than it really is. Try one with choppy layers to add volume. Work a light styling balm or paste like Reverie’s Rake ($36) through your hair to give your cut definition without weighing it down.
Angled Bob or Lob
Shorter cuts are always a good idea if you have thin hair. Bobs are timeless and create shape for fine hair that might otherwise fall flat.
Lob With Light Layers
The ever-flattering lob works on any hair type, especially thin hair because it frames your face without weighing you down. Layering adds movement to hair, but you don’t want to remove too much. Stick with light layers, and keep the ends blunt rather than feathered. Use a texture spray like our favorite, Hair Shake ($18) by Joico, to create volume like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s.
Thick Bangs
Whatever your style may be, incorporating bangs never fails to bump up thin hair. Just make your fringe is thick—the blunter the better. Heavy bangs add density, bringing body to the front. Add a deep side part and blunt, shoulder-grazing ends (like Suki Waterhouse’s), and you’ve got a winning haircut.
