Add Volume to Your Thin Hair with These 10 Fun and Easy Tips

There’s nothing better than a good hair day to get you feeling great. But nothing will trample on that good day more than thin hair that refuses to cooperate. Anyone with thin hair will tell you that it’s a constant battle to get any volume in the hair department. Luckily, there are some tricks for adding volume to your thin locks to get them looking full and fabulous.

How to Give Your Thin Hair Volume

Those with fine hair don’t necessarily have less hair as many people believe, but they have a smaller hair shaft. Fine hair is also typically weaker and has a lower abrasion resistance, which means that it’s more susceptible to breakage and split ends. The composition of the hair makes it difficult to hold styling, but thankfully there are some safe and easy things that you can do to create and hold that volume.

1. Short Cut

Shorter hairstyles give the impression of more volume. Shorter hair also has less weight to it, which will help to keep your hair full of body at the top of the head. How short you choose to go with your hair depends on the shape of your face.

Round Face – Try a long, layered cut that will help to slenderize the face

Long Face – Try a cut with fullness at the bottom to create the illusion of width

Diamond-Shaped Face – Keep the length below the widest part of the face[1]

2. Add Layers

In general, one-length hair will make the hair look flatter and finer. Adding layers to your hair gives the impression of volume, especially if it has an uneven or messy fringe. Layers should be placed inside the hair, not on the ends and not too close to the scalp, for maximum fullness[2].

3. Add Color

First of all, we love natural beauty! But many women have found that adding color to their hair can help create the illusion of volume. Using highlights and lowlights, your stylist can create dimension and the illusion of movement. The hair color itself will expand the hair shaft slightly, so your hair will appear voluminous[2]. That being said, it’s important to avoid toxic chemicals found in popular hair dyes and treatments such as:

• Resorcinol
• 1-Naphthol
• Fragrance
• P-Phenylenediamine
• Methylisothiazolinone

You can talk to your stylist about non-toxic options available or try your hand at these effective natural hair dyes at home!

4. Adjust the Part

If you’ve always kept your part on the same side, your hair has spent years being flattened into place. Consider shifting your part to lift the hair away from the scalp and create volume right at the root of the problem. Try shifting your part to the other side, or zig-zagging it to add dimension.

5. Choose the Right Shampoo

When choosing a shampoo and conditioner combo, consider the type of hair that you have. Oily and dry hair will take differently to shampoos. A shampoo for fine, oily hair will remove excess oil, whereas shampoo for dry, fine hair will moisturize without weighing down the hair. If your hair is oily you may need to shampoo every day, whereas dryer hair will likely require it less frequently. Try this all natural Sukin purifying shampoo.

Volumizing shampoos and conditioners were made for people with thin hair. Take advantage of that. These shampoos gently clean the hair without stripping it or leaving unwanted build-up. Contrary to popular belief, conditioner is great for thin hair, as long as you apply it to the middle and bottom of the hair shaft, avoiding the roots where it can build up and weigh down the hair. (Available on Amazon)

Remember to read the label! You’ll want to stay far away from these ingredients:

• Sulfates
• Fragrances
• Parabens
• Propylene glycol

Learn More: The Best Volumizing Shampoo for Thinning Hair

6. Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo can be used on the days that you do not otherwise shampoo your hair. Dry shampoo removes dirt from your roots and helps to lift them, giving them volume as well as cleanliness. This is especially helpful for anyone with a busy schedule. You can hit two birds with one stone with one easy product!

Stick to non-toxic options; the EWG skincare database recommends Be Green Bath and Body Dry Shampoo, which is made of arrowroot, cabbage rose, nettle, kaolin, lavender and rice flour. (Available on Amazon).

7. Blow-Dry Upside Down

Believe it or not, a hair dryer can do wonders for giving you volume and definition. Your hair is accustomed to being dried while upright, which means it will simply fall back into its usual thin routine. But, if you blow-dry your hair while your head is turned upside down, your hair will be forced out of their usual comfort zone, and add instant volume. 

8. Avoid Using Too Much Styling Foam

While a small amount of styling foam can create a huge amount of volume for your hair, too much of it can make the hair heavy and flat. For short hair, it’s best to use a ball of foam the size of a walnut, and for medium length, it should be the size of an egg. 

DIY Natural Hair Mousse

You can actually make your own styling mousse from natural ingredients! Simply whip 1/4 cup of shea butter with 1/4 cup of coconut oil (and 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil for an added scent) with a hand-mixer until light and fluffy. For a stronger hold, try a gelatin-based recipe instead:

1. Simmer 1/2 cup of water in a pan.
2. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin and mix until it is completely dissolved.
3. Add about 10 drops of essential oil, such as rosemary or lavender, for a fresh scent.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow to cool completely and set for about an hour. (Recipe courtesy of Leaf.tv)
5. Curlers

Curlers (like the ones your mother used to use) can be great for adding lift to thin hair. Set the curlers at the root of the hair to add volume. Make sure that you protect your sensitive hair from the heat with a thermal protectant before leaving them on. (Available on Amazon).

10. Lift Your Roots

Adding lift to the roots of your hair is one of the best ways to instantly add volume to flat hair. Try a volumizing shampoo or blow-dry your hair until it is damp and then add a volumizing product before completing the blow-dry. This product will keep the hair from sticking to the scalp.

Thin hair is genetic, and it’s something that we have to live with. But, that doesn’t mean that we have to constantly do battle with our hair to make it cooperate. With a few tricks, thin hair can be just as full and voluminous as all other hair types. If you follow these tips you’ll find a million reasons to love your hair exactly as it is.