EXPERT TIPS
Learn how to appreciate the finer things in life! Add a little va-va-voom to your fine hair with our expert tips, recommended haircuts and styling advice.
Although there are similarities between the best ways to treat fine and thin hair, they are in fact two different hair types that sometimes need slightly different approaches to care and styling.
Fine hair is categorised by looking at the diameter of its strands, which tend to be smaller in width, hence the word ‘fine’. Each hair often feels soft and silky to the touch. Even though the strands are slimmer, fine hair can still be very dense, giving an illusion of overall thickness.
Thin hair is categorised by density (the number of strands) rather than the size of the strands themselves. Strands can be fine, medium or coarse but lacking in numbers, leading to a thinner appearance. If your scalp is visible with larger spaces between strands, your hair is likely thin rather than fine.
As with any hair type, fine and thin hair types have unique challenges. Understanding these can help you pick the right hair care and styling products to get the results you’re looking for. Common fine and thin hair challenges include:
Lack of volume and body – due to reduced density or thinner, silkier strands, fine and thin hair often appears flat with limited volume.
Oily scalp – the lightweight texture of fine hair makes it harder to distribute oil along the hair shaft, leading to buildup on the scalp. If you have fine, dense hair, this problem is exacerbated by the extra hair follicles on your head producing sebum. Thin hair can also suffer from excess oil as there are less strands on the head for oil to be distributed on to.
Dry ends – in an effort to combat an oilier scalp, you may avoid moisturising hair products to prevent any additional buildup. This means that hair lengths miss out on much-needed hydration, leaving them dry and brittle in comparison to hair nearer the scalp.
Difficult to style – it may seem like dealing with less hair or silkier hair may make it easier to style, but often the opposite is true. The softer texture of fine strands and the lack of density in thin hair means that they can stubbornly refuse to hold a curl or easily slip out of an updo.
Tangles – fine hair can be more prone to tangles. The more delicate the strands, the easier it is for them to stick together. Pair this with increased density and fine hair can quickly become a knotty nightmare.
When choosing hairstyles for fine and thin hair, prioritising volume-boosting cuts is the secret to more lift and a feeling of fullness. No haircut is off limits; it’s simply about adapting your cut to your hair’s unique needs.
Layers are a great way to add body and movement into fine hair, helping to give the appearance of fuller locks. However, too many layers can have the opposite effect, removing too much weight from the hair and emphasising thin or fine strands. If your hair is thinning rather than fine, layers should be kept to a minimum to avoid removing precious density.
Ask your hairstylist for: Medium to long layers that add subtle movement without removing weight, paired with gentle face-framing.
When hair is all one length, the clean lines of a blunt cut create the illusion of thickness. Free of any wispy or damaged ends, fine and thin hair looks fuller with a blunt cut. These cuts work especially well when paired with bobs, including everything from daring chin-length looks to longer lobs.
Ask your hairstylist for: A blunt haircut with zero layers, in your preferred length.
Forever versatile, a pixie cut can be a great choice for fine or thin hair. The volumising effects of a pixie cut will be most effective when paired with the right styling techniques and products, so this one is best if you’re committed to daily hairstyling.
Ask your hairstylist for: A texture-enhancing pixie cut with layers designed to add maximum volume and lift.
No matter which hairstyle you choose, prioritising styling that adds volume to your hair will be key. Try these styling tips from our hair experts:
Dry shampoo – if your fine or thin strands often feel limp due to an oily scalp, make dry shampoo your go-to saviour. By spritzing into greasy areas, you can absorb any excess oil while adding a touch of volume. It also works well in freshly washed hair to add texture and grip, which can be helpful when styling. If using dry shampoo as a pre-styler, look for products that include heat protection to keep your locks protected from hot tools.
Flip your blow-dry – blow-drying isn’t just about drying your hair; it’s also a surefire way to ramp up the volume. Try flipping your head upside down whilst drying, using a round brush to lift sections and direct airflow underneath the root to encourage natural height.
Use a mousse – adding a volumising mousse into your styling routine can be a game-changer for transforming fine hair. Apply a palm-sized amount throughout towel-dried hair using a comb to give your roots an extra boost!
Gently backcomb – the timeless technique of backcombing is a quick and foolproof way to add instant volume to any style. Hold the section you want to backcomb up high, position your backcombing brush about two inches from the scalp and push the hair towards the root using short, gentle strokes. Once you’ve built your desired volume, set your style in place with a light mist of hairspray.
Looking for the perfect products for your fine hair styling routine? Taft offers a confidence-boosting collection that’s ready for any style!
Fine hair has its fair share of challenges, but armed with the right styling knowledge and techniques, you can give delicate strands the lift they deserve and create beautiful styles full of volume and body.