15+ Tips & Tricks for Girls with Thin Hair
This is for the girls who seethe with jealousy every time they watch a Victoria’s Secret commercial. For the ladies who have tried every single thickening spray on the market. For the women who treat the detangling process like open-heart surgery, desperate to preserve every possible strand.
This one goes out to all of the thin-haired ladies of the world — I am one of you, and I feel your pain.
Yes, I’ve battled static-y, flat, flyaway hair my whole life… and it hasn’t been fun. However, in my years of experience, I’ve also gained some pretty good knowhow about the best ways to combat thin, flat, lifeless hair. And today, I’m going to share them with you!
Quick disclaimer before we begin: I’m no hair expert — I’ve never been to cosmetology school, and I’m definitely not a “beauty guru”, whatever that even is. These are just the tricks that have worked for me. (YMMV.) Share your own tips by leaving a comment!
1. Avoid tangles like the plague.
When your ponytail’s diameter measures a half an inch, losing any strands to rough brushing is something you want to avoid. The problem is, thin hair is more susceptible to static and wind, which are both major contributors to tangly hair. Also, teasing combs and hairspray, staples in a thin-haired girl’s styling kit, can also cause serious tangling.
Of course, loading up on conditioner seems like an obvious fix. However, the heaviest, most tangle-busting formulas come with the unfortunate side effect of weighing down your hair, canceling out any natural bounce your locks may have. It’s a total catch-22.
However, all is not lost! After much trial and error, here are my best tricks for avoiding knots and tangles:
Brush your hair before you shower.
Dry hair is stronger than wet hair, so de-tangling before you shower will preserve more strands.
Use good quality shampoo and conditioner.
I swear by Peter Lamas’ Chinese Herbs Stimulating Shampoo (above) and Conditioner, but I only use them every other wash because they’re kind of pricey. I really do think they’ve made my hair much fuller and thicker, and the conditioner is great for lightweight detangling.
Condition your hair, but don’t go overboard.
Only apply conditioner to the bottom 2/3rds of your hair, and be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Spot-treat tough tangles with leave-in conditioner.
There’s no need to weigh down your entire mane if there’s only a couple trouble spots.
Never brush wet hair!!
It’s age-old advice for a good reason. If you have to detangle wet hair, a wide-tooth comb is much gentler than a brush, and you’ll have much less breakage.
Sleep with your hair in a loose braid or ponytail.
I’m no stranger to those awful, dreadlock-like knots that develop behind the nape of your neck. Give your hair a quick brush before bed, and tie it back to avoid some trouble.
Invest in a satin pillowcase.
If you always wake up to tangles, consider swapping your cotton pillowcase for a satin version. While cotton can rough up your hair as you toss and turn, satin reduces friction, meaning less breakage, fewer tangles AND better hair in the morning. Some even claim that satin pillowcases give you better skin!
2. Make your haircut work for you.
In my experience, it’s a myth that thin-haired girls can’t pull off certain haircuts. From long manes to chin-length bobs, I think you can pull off any style with a little bit of research.
Photo courtesy of Elle
When I had a bob haircut, I found that layering my hair worked best. Layers gave my hair a fuller appearance, and worked well with the styling I did with a large round brush and blow dryer. When my hair was short and cut more bluntly, it kind of gave me a weird, triangle-shaped news anchor kind of look. Not cute.
Photo courtesy of Elle
Now that I have long hair, however, I actually prefer fewer layers. I don’t want to take any volume away from my ponytails, braids, or curls, so I like to have as much hair as possible to play with. I typically don’t use a round brush when I blow dry anymore, so maintaining a specific shape isn’t as important.
However, this is just my experience: I’ve heard many girls say the complete opposite about their own cuts. My best advice is to talk to your hairdresser about your morning routine and your level of blow-drying knowhow. Together, you can come up with a great cut that will work with your hair.
3. Have some great styling tricks up your sleeve.
This is probably the most important arrow in a thin-haired girl’s quiver. There are hundreds of products out there that promise to solve your flat-hair problems. Although I’ve yet to discover a magic bullet, here are a few styling tricks that work well for me.
Make friends with dry shampoo.
Thin hair tends to get oily fast — there’s just not enough of it to sop up the amount that your head produces. However, constant washing and blow drying will cause breakage. To counter this, dry shampoo is an absolute lifesaver. Not only does it keep your hair looking clean and smelling fresh, but the powder gives your roots a ton of body, especially if you tease them a bit as well.
Although aerosol dry shampoos are really easy to use, I’ve found that they only last a couple weeks. Also, it’s hard to apply the amount that I like (and let me tell you, I lay my dry shampoo on thick!). I’ve found that powder forms, like my favorite, Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo (above), work best for me.
To apply dry shampoo, sprinkle a bit on your fingertips, flip your head upside down, and rub into your scalp in sections. Okay, so maybe an easier way to apply it is to use the convenient pointed nozzle and apply directly to your scalp, but I find that my way disperses the powder a lot more evenly. If you have dark hair, be sure to brush through so your hair doesn’t look gray-ish!
Boost your roots!
A fast and easy way to do this is by blow drying your hair upside down. Be sure to comb your hair really well first, to avoid tangling.
Another way to do this sans-product is to tease sections of your hair at the crown. I’ve found that teasing combs with three rows of teeth work miracles on my hair. (I’m an Oklahoma Sooner – it’s practically part of our uniform to poof the crowns of our heads!)
Another good way to add some volume is to spray in some product and go at your roots with a round brush and blow dryer. I’ve used Big Sexy Hair Spray Mousse (above) for probably ten years now, and it’s my absolute favorite root lifter on the market.
Think About Texture.
I have very straight, very slippery, thin hair. It makes curling my hair – or even giving it any form of body – very difficult.
About a year ago, I started spritzing my hair with beachy salt spray before blow drying it — and it has made a world of difference! It gives my hair twice as much volume, and curling it right then or the next day is easier than ever. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, although very pricey, is the best salt spray out there.
Of course, this might only work because I have straight hair. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, I imagine that blow drying salty hair could turn it into a crazy, frizzy mess.
If that’s the case, try rubbing a dab of smoothing cream through your hair instead, or even using a combination of salt spray and smoothing cream. Only use a little bit of cream so your hair won’t be weighed down, and blow dry either with a diffuser or a vented brush, depending on the kind of texture you want your hair to have.
4. Here are a few more tricks I’ve rounded up online…
- Some websites claim that you can add body to your hair by braiding/crimping the bottom layers and leaving the top (or the sections that you can see) straight. This sounds kind of like a crazy mess to me (not to mention time-consuming), but if you’ve tried it before, be sure to leave a comment and tell us about it.
- Other sources say that taking folic acid or other prenatal vitamins will make your hair grown in thicker and fuller. I’ve never tried this either, but my friend who does it says that she has to pluck her eyebrows and shave her legs twice as often, too… (Um, no thanks.)
- I’ve heard that massaging one’s head increases blood flow, which might stimulate your hair to grow faster. I don’t have the patience to try this and see if there are measurable results, but I can see how this might be somewhat helpful.
- Hair extensions are not only great for adding length – they can also add volume and mass. I briefly had glue-in extensions a few years ago, and while I loved how thick they made my hair look, it was hard to ever get my scalp feeling clean. Not to mention, when I removed them, my hair felt thinner and more damaged than ever. I’ve actually heard that clip-in extensions, like the popular HairDo by Jessica Simpson extensions, are really easy to use and won’t damage your hair since they clip in and out so easily. Have you used extensions before? What did you think?
As a final thought, remember to embrace your hair for what it is. While you might get frustrated that you’ll never have the full, waterfall-like mane like the models on TV (who are almost all wearing extensions, by the way), know that there are hundreds of girls out there who are insanely jealous that your hair only takes five minutes to blow-dry.
You’re unique and beautiful in your own way, and now you have plenty of tricks up your sleeve to enhance what you already have!
Share Your Tips!!
Do you have thin hair, too? What tips and tricks can you share your your fellow CF ladies? Have you ever tried hair extensions before? Do you use any kind of special shampoos or hair products? How to you keep your hair tangle-free? Leave a comment and help us out!
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Posted on on January 24, 2013 / Filed Under: Beauty & Hair / Tags: Beauty, Featured, Hair, Hairstyles, Tips
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Laura
Thank you so much for this post!!
Although I don’t necessarily have thin hair, I do have very FINE hair and I majorly crave volume! I’ve heard a lot about that sea salt spray so I think I’ll bite the bullet and shell out the extra cash for it.
I’ve also been blow drying my hair upside down for years and it does work but adding some product to it on top of that would probably have even better results.
Katelin
Thank you! I have crazy thin hair that is extremely prone to static and whipping around in the wind. I can’t wait to try some of these.
Jen
These are great styling tips. Also keep in mind that thin/thinning hair can be a sign of a medical problem, like a thyroid hormone imbalance or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Go to the doctor if you have any doubts! It is how I found out and started treating my condition (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).
Ashley
I think it should be noted that curlies thin hair or not should never brush their hair dry and should only finger comb or use a wide tooth comb in the shower while conditioning.
Madelen
I bought a tangleteezer a few months ago, and it works like a dream! I really reccomend trying it out.
Nina
My hair are very fine, but fortunately they are not that thin. I noticed that the salt spray makes the hair not just thicker, there are also less flyaways… but when i use salt spray in my hair, its even harder to curl them…
Alana
My hair is fine, not thin, but I do have problems with volume so this helps a lot! I really need to try salt spray, I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. Thanks for the tips!
Annie
The crimping the under layers does work! I section my hair, crimping as close to the root as I can, and cover the crimped roots with the uncrimped top layers. Adds so much volume! It also creates an excellent base for teasing, as with fine hair it rarely holds for long!
charlie
really like this post :] :] :] really helpful I have had really thick hair but I damaged it really badly and had no idea what to do with it so nice to see this :] :] :}
Katie
These are great tips! Thin hair runs in my family so this really helps! When I braid my hair I pull the side of my braid out to make it look thicker.
Mackenzie
Mane n’ Tail shampoo and conditioner and Biotin (5000 mcg) also work great for thin hair. I’ve been using all of these since products since November and my hair has grown almost 2 inches (which is more than it ever has in that amount of time) and has gotten increasingly thicker/stronger as well. I highly recommend both!
Lauren
Best. post. ever.
Thank you soooo much!
Rani
If you can avoid blow drying, DO! The less heat styling you do, the better condition your hair will be in. If you do heat style, please do use some sort of heat protection spray!
Also, avoid very tense hairdos, such as super tight high pony tails or buns, because excessive tension on the scalp can cause hair loss too.
Thanks for the great tips! :)
Shelby
Thank you for posting this! I have thin hair and these tips are great!
Sweeney
I sleep in a medium-high bun after letting my hair air-dry. I wake up the next morning with big waves and find that it helps volumize roots too. :) Thanks for the tips!
Abby
Taking Biotin works wonders! I lost a big chunk of my hair due to an allergic reaction to a medicine a year ago. I started taking Biotin (about $10 a bottle that lasts about 2 1/2 months). It has restored all of the loss and makes my hair so shiny!
Stephanie
Are there brushes recommended for thick hair? I might buy a denman soon because I’ve had the same crappy one from cvs forever.
Michelle
These are so helpful! Any advice to deal with static on these winter days when the heat is kicking so high my hair is literally sticking to my face?
Chelsea - University of Oklahoma
Hey girls, so glad to know these tips helped you all out! @Michelle, I heard that rubbing dryer sheets through your hair eliminates static…I keep forgetting to try this, but it makes sense that it would work.
laura
@Michelle I’ve tried the dryer sheet tip and it helps (not a cure all, but it will noticeably help!)
Anyone have any dry shampoo recommendations? I hate the aerosol ones bc they clog, and the oscar blandi I’ve found gets the job done but doesn’t give very much volume. I used to love Ojon, but the non-aerosol can was discontinued, so there goes my fave beauty product!
Clickorice
These tips are so great! I have a question though. I have wavy hair, but right now I have short hair. I wondered if anyone had tips on blowdrying short thin hair? I really wish I could make it look bouncy, but when I blowdry upside down my hair goes nuts and all over the place, and my bangs like to stick out, and when my hair dries enough, it doesn’t want to get back in place!! I never had this problem with longer hair. Help?
Hair Studio
An fascinating discussion will be worth comment. I do think that you should write on this topic, it might not often be a taboo subject but generally persons are insufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Ana
Exactly what you said, we need to accept our hair as it is, genetics are genetics and all we can do is adapt to it. Great article, we really got some great advices from you Chelsea!
Deja Powell
Could you also do an article on hairstyles to try, especially if you’re like me and have a mixed heritage. When wet, my hair instantly curls (which is super cute!) and I can strengthen my hair to be straight (it doesn’t get poofy). So yeah, what kind if hairstyles do you suggest for women of color :D
Camilla
I confirm the prenatal vitamins part: this year I had to take folic acid and inositol because I wasn’t getting my period (without being pregnant) and, more than getting thicker, I noticed my hair getting more frizzy, with the effect of adding volume (but detangling was a pain).
Nell
Chelsea, thanks a lot for sharing your tips))) So many useful ideas! But how do your ‘daily magic’ with hair usually look like? I guess it’s impossible to use dry shampoo and mousse at once?
Natalie
Hooray! I have fine, thin, corkscrew-curly hair which is always a complete mess! But I cannot be bothered with extensions or straightening every day (or I’ll end up with no hair at all by the time I’m 30!) I’ve already got a microfibre towel to reduce frizz and I’m definitely going to invest in a satin pillowcase. Because I wear my hair up for work I’ve collected loads of up-dos that work for my hair (and that are a bit more interesting than a ponytail!)
Chelsea - University of Oklahoma
@Nell: I usually wash my hair only two or three times a week, and when I blow dry I use salt spray and some root boosting mousse in my hair. In between washes, I use dry shampoo in the mornings. Hope this helps!
Stefani
My hair is very fine and thin & gets damaged very easily. My hair has gotten a lot healthier since I switched to using sulfate free shampoos! They clean your hair without stripping the natural oils. I love the Big Sexy Hair mouse, but have just started using a mouse by Alterna and really like it.
Belle
I would love to see a post on how to manage curly hair. Like how to revive curly hair after sleeping on it and not washing it every day.
Mel
I use pro naturals moroccan oil that comes with a heat protector for those of us who have gradually become addicted to electronic hair tools haha… you can check out this page hairproductspro.com to see lots of interesting hair tools and products… pretty good :)
shaina
heat tools do super damage your hair, but a lot of these tips don’t work as well for curly haired girls with thin hair. i curl my hair with a flat iron pretty much everyday. it adds loads of volume for me–i’m really not crazy about how my hair looks straightened–but it still look super polished. very damaging though, so be careful to get regular trims and use a protectant like an oil.
Nell
@Chelsea Sorry for my long absence) Now it’s clear, thank you))) I asked because I read somewhere that Charlize Theron uses some dry shampoo on just washed and dried hair (for the roots only) to keep the volume for long.
Nastya
I tried lots of different shampoos and never get any actual volume. But recently I got Goldwell Dual Senses Ultra Volume Gel Shampoo – it’s totally terrific!!!! Never tried something better than this. My friends say that hair looks shorter than before and I feel so much volume! You can get it at the hair salon or by internet, not sure about the store.
Joan
Thank you for your post. I learned some new things. I also tried a Peter Lamas’ Chinese Shampoo and i ca say that it is really great. Thanks again I hope you will write more about hair care.
Ann
I have tried tons of products. My hair is fine and thin. I love Abba Pure Volume Shampoo and Gel. I also use Tresemme Heat Taming spray to protect my hair and to reduce frizz. I spray it on my brush and brush it through my hair. I have tried homemade salt spray when my hair was short, but not since it is longer. I just mixed regular table salt with water in a spray bottle and sprayed it on. It worked great. I also love dry shampoo. I use it on my roots after I blow dry everyday. I like Suave, but the regular one smells a little odd so I buy the Keratin infused one or Garnier Fructis and Dove have good ones too.
Shayna
I have extremely thin hair! I have tried everything! I am about to get extensions because I cannot stand it anymore! Lol!
I just wanted to share a tip. I get a lot of static all year round in my hair. I have found that the spray that you spray on clothes to reduce static, ALSO works wonders on my hair!!! I spray it onto my brush after I have blow dried halfway. And then all I do is finish blow drying! That’s it! No more static! And you can touch it up during the day by spraying a small amount on a brush and lightly running it through your hair, or spray it on your fingertips and run them through your hair. Hope I helped! ;-)
Kristen
I have always had thin dry hair, but about a year ago I started using this product called mane n’ tail. It’s actually used for horses hair, but I saw it in shoppers drug mart and decided to give it a try. It did wonders on my hair! I now have long, shiny, very healthy hair….my hair has never been this long or healthy in my life. I could notice a major difference after just using it for a month!! I highly recommended it for anyone who wants to get rid of their dry damaged hair and wants luscious locks! Also from experience NEVER get glue in extensions if you have thin hair….it just destroys your hair. hope this helps! :)
Ellie
I also have extremely thin hair. I have been using seamless tape in extensions and those help a lot. I don’t really have a lot of breakage or hair loss. I only add a little bit for the extra thickness. You could try those. I can’t live without them.