14 Strategic Haircuts That Will Give the Illusion of Fuller, Thicker Hair

Volume can change dramatically with just a few snips.

We all have our hair battles to fight—frizz, hydration, and dullness, among others—but when you have fine hair, the greatest opponent is volume, or lack thereof. There are a lot of factors that cause the downfall (literally) of our strands, such as damaging hairstyles or the overuse of silicones, but did you know that the wrong haircut is one of the biggest culprits for making thin hair look thinner? That's right—although your washing and styling habits are undoubtedly important, the first step to faking extra volume is the right cut, which can help you eliminate the weight that's pulling down your hair.

Talking to your hairstylist to achieve this goal can prove a bit challenging—especially when you're not familiar with hairstyling lingo—so we asked some top hairstylists exactly what to ask for the next time you're sitting in the salon chair. Below, the best hairstyles for thin hair to feign a fuller scalp.

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Blunt Cut

If you have a finer hair texture but like to keep your length long, Seamus McKernan, hairstylist and Nioxin Top Artist, recommends asking your stylist for a blunt haircut. "Blunt cuts have a solid, clean line at the perimeter of the hair that gives the appearance of fuller hair. All the hair that is at the bottom gets cut off, thus creating the illusion of more bulk."

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Box Bob

If you prefer shorter hairstyles, ask your stylist for a box bob. Hairstylists are dubbing this look the "new facelift for your hair," and looking at the plethora of photo inspo, it's not hard to see why. "I always go for a box bob to add fullness and swing to the hair," says McKernan. "The blunt shape provides maximum weight and thickness while remaining easy to style." You can customize the length to hit at the chin or skim the shoulders, but stylists generally advise requesting a center part for this cut as it will ensure your length is perfectly symmetrical. You can also ask your stylist to add some textured ends for the perfect finish.

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Graduated Haircut

If you do opt for layers, keep them minimal in order to preserve fullness and body. "A graduated haircut is where more of the weight is focused in the back and nape of the head," says Dereq Clark, hairstylist and Wella Professionals North American Ambassador. "This is beneficial when trying to achieve a fuller look because of the stacked layers that are cut into it." The gradual progression of lengths from short to longer can hold shape and allow for volume to be emphasized.

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Asymmetrical Triangular Bob

Making a huge comeback this year, the asymmetrical triangular bob is great for those looking to add some edge (literally) to a classic bob. This style is intentionally cut unevenly—one side of the hair is longer than the other, creating a chic, ultra-feminine outcome that caters to all face shapes. Although it can work with any hair type, it pairs especially well with straight styles as it emphasizes the striking line.

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Clavicut

Exactly what it sounds, the clavicut is a haircut kissing the collarbone. It's (surprise, surprise) free of layers and super-blunt. The medium length lets you experiment with shorter hair without making too dramatic of a chop—short enough to pass as a lob but long enough to wear in a ponytail. For a cute clavicut hairstyle, try a bent bob. "With the base of the hair bent beneath the top, this effortless style is perfect for the season ahead," says Laura Polko, celebrity hairstylist and Aquage Brand Ambassador. "I like to keep this look soft, shiny, and movable, with a little texture and looseness so it's not too precious."

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Long Layers With Face Framing

The longer layers haircut with face framing creates more dimension for the hair. "The longer layers helps with the overall shape, I think people when they have [fine] hair get a little scared at first, but the layers actually give hair more dimension," says Polko. By focusing on face framing, the hair will appear fuller and have the big movement.

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Bang Cut

A classic bang cut is a great option for fine hair and if you're experiencing hair thinning around the hairline. "When you push part of the hairline forward, you're masking where you're having issues and having that little bit of bang even if it looks more wispy than full, can really create an illusion of fuller hair," says Polko. She recommends using a round brush and a good mousse or thickening spray to give the hair a fuller effect.

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Wolf Cut

A shaggy lob—or "wolf cut" as TikTok is calling it—can add soft volume and texture to your style while looking cool and edgy, says celebrity stylist Ryan Richman. Think of this cut as the marriage of a mullet and a lob—old-fashioned with a modern twist. "To achieve the look on short hair, use a curling iron or flat iron to add waves to blow-dried hair. Use alternating directions and different sized barrels for some variation throughout your style. Finish with a spritz of texturizing spray for weightless volume and texture to complete the look," Richman advises.

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Side Bangs

According to stylists, side bangs can add fullness and serve as a distraction from thin roots. Less is more when it comes to side bangs, since the goal is to appear casual and relaxed. Celebrity hairstylist Julius Michael says it's important to avoid over-styling to prevent your bangs from looking flat. And if you have a cowlick, steer clear of this look as it can add awkward volume in the wrong place.

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Textured Pixie

Stylists agree that the shorter you go, the fuller your hair will look. Ask your hairstylist to cut some choppy layers so you get lots of dimension. Then accentuate those pieces with gel. Try TRESemmé Hair Gel Extra Hold 24H Frizz Control for a stay-put style minus any crunch.

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Long Bangs

Below the brow fringe can really benefit those with thin strands. The reason being, stylists say, is that you can use a round brush to style long bangs, which instantly adds volume and fullness. That lift at the root dials your hair density up a notch. So resist the urge to trim 'em and do a little heat-styling instead. Voila—va-va-volume.

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Shaved Sides With Texture on Top

If you struggle with sparse spots on the sides of your head, consider buzzing them as a way to stress less. Instead, focus on the hair on top by playing up its texture or adding a pop of color (hey, candy pink) like influencer @leslielns.

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Pineapple Hair

Got curls? Gather them up high on your crown (the shape resembles a pineapple, thus its name) to create inches of extra volume. Use a light curl cream or hair mist to add definition and shine.

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Flippy Bob With Curtain Bangs

The secret to this bouncy look is asking your stylist for a one-length bob, which delivers density at the perimeter. Then style it with a round brush or hot rollers to create these flips, which double the density. Curtain bangs add movement and volume around the hairline. Pair the two styles together and you've got a winning combo.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are blunt cuts good for thin hair?

    Blunt cuts are an excellent option for thinning hair. They create the illusion of dimension, texture, and thickness by making ends appear fuller.

  • What is the best cut for fine hair over 50?

    Age should not be a factor in a good cut. However, medium-length hair is low-maintenance, versatile, and universally flattering. With that said, you should go for medium-length style haircuts which include wolf cuts, side bangs, and mid-length bobs.

  • Is short hair better for thin hair?

    Shorter hair is typically better for fine hair because you can create the illusion of fullness through styling and shaping. Longer hair makes thin strands more noticeable.

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