20 Hairstyles That Instantly Add Volume and Fullness to Thin Hair
Two experts weigh in.

While hair trends come and go and some hair colors feel more seasonal than others, there's a certain hairstyle that people search for all year round: the best one for thin hair. Sure, it's vague, but it's undeniable that the quest for thicker-looking hair is timeless. And between seeking out the best strand-boosting products to the colors that actually look good on finer hair, we've been really getting our heads down here at Who What Wear to find out what works.
Besides, when you use the right products and get a cut that's tailored specifically to your hair type and needs, the results seriously deliver. Thin hair really benefits from regular trims to avoid those straggly ends that can make fine hair look even finer. "Always maintain a six-weekly trim, even if it's just that millimeter to keep things sharp," advises Darren Fowler, Kérastase Expert and Owner of Fowler35 Salon. "[Hairstylists] use a technique that gives invisible structure and support to fine hair in the right areas—it works wonders!"
Ready to transform your look? We've come up with a conclusive list of the 20 best hairstyles for thin hair for a thicker appearance, according to the pros.
Best Hairstyles for Thin Hair in 2025
1. Center-Part Bob
A classic center-parted bob always looks good.
2. Side Part Chin-Length Bob
Switch to a side part and use straighteners to curl your ends under for a volume boost and the perfect chin-length bob.
3. Chin-Length Cut With Blunt Ends
Textured lengths pair perfectly with blunt ends.
4. Layered Ends
Opting for a haircut with layers is a surefire way to add lift to finer strands. "Layers are great for creating the appearance of thickness and volume to any hair look," says Suzie McGill, Schwarzkopf UK Ambassador and Owner of Rainbow Room International Artistic Director. "Pairing layers with a bob or lob haircut is a particularly beneficial hairstyle for those with thinner hair as it allows for further volume while getting rid of any thin and wispy ends for a nice, blunt, thick-hair finish."
5. Front-Facing Layers
So. Much. Volume! Keeping the layers shorter at the front of your face and longer at the back adds shape and movement to finer hair.
6. Micro Layers
Layers don't have to be dramatic—even micro ones will add lift.
7. Classic Pixie Cut
If you're ready for a real hair transformation then a pixie cut is about as dramatic as it comes for a shorter style—and hairstylists swear by it. "For those feeling more daring, pixie cuts are a fantastic hairstyle for those with thin hair," suggests McGill.
8. Layered Pixie Cut
Stick with longer layers on top if you're not quite ready to chop all of your hair off just yet. "Keeping these haircuts choppy on the top helps to enhance your hair's body—and height is key," says McGill. "Pixie cuts can also be styled in a very textured, effortless way for added volume."
9. Textured Pixie Cut
Pixie cuts work well on coily and curly hair, as it emphasizes the hair's natural texture for a fuller-looking style. You can grab your go-to pick and lightly pull outwards at the root to give your hair more volume.
10. Curtain Bangs
These dramatic sweeping curtain bangs look thick and bouncy. "If you don’t want to change up your look too much, then adding in a curtain fringe is a great idea," says McGill. "This type of fringe helps to frame the face and add dimension, drawing attention to the fringe instead of the rest of your hair. "
11. Side Fringe With Layers
It's a common misconception that bangs make fine hair look thinner. In fact, chopping in some fringe might just be a low-maintenance way to help your style look fuller.
12. Updo With Curtain Bangs
This style of curtain bangs looks chic and fuller when the rest of your hair is pulled back.
13. Blunt Bangs
These blunt bangs on wavy hair ooze '70s appeal.
14. The Shag
Possibly the most recommended hairstyle of 2025, it turns out that the shag is also a surefire hit for making thin hair look thicker. "I've loved creating a shag for those with fine hair this season," says Fowler. "It's soft, chic, and cool all in one haircut—and it really makes the most of fine tresses."
15. Side-Parted Shag
Curtain bangs + shag haircut = the ultimate hair-thickening duo. Ask your stylist to chop and change the length of your layers for additional texture.
16. Classic Ponytail
A ponytail is the ultimate low-maintenance hairstyle, so it's a brilliant way to cheat thicker-looking hair if you're short on time. The secret to success? "Ponytails make your hair look thicker in appearance due to the hair all being in one place," explains McGill. "You can create waves in your hair before securing your ponytail or apply some mousse or a texturizing spray to damp hair before tying it into a ponytail for an effortless and textured finish."
17. Bubble Braid
A bubble braid—where you secure your ponytail with multiple hairbands—is one of this summer's trending hairstyles, and it's perfect for thin hair as the "bubbles" create the illusion of extra thickness.
18. Accessorized Ponytail
This fuss-free ponytail is instantly elevated with a chic hair scarf.
19. Low Ponytail
Fowler says that this hair-thickening style is all about the product. "Add some volume spray or a powder for your roots and twist hair into a low pony, pulling some pieces out on top and at the sides for a chic low-maintenance style," they suggest.
20. Slick Back
Rather than pushing all your hair to the front, slick it back for a fuller appearance that's perfect for business or formal occasions.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK. This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
Mica Ricketts is a freelance beauty editor, copywriter and regular contributor to Who What Wear UK. She also writes for titles including Marie Claire Refinery 29 and Cosmopolitan, and previously worked at Who What Wear UK as Beauty Editor. With experience in both editorial and content management, she also works with beauty brands and small businesses on brand messaging and content strategy. As a busy mum of two, she is passionate about finding efficacious beauty products that can disguise all signs of tiredness with minimal effort.
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