A celebrity hair stylist's top tips for styling thin hair
Unfortunately, not all hair types are easy to style, and thin hair in particular comes with a very special set of problems.
Unlike fine hair, which is categorised by the diameter of the hair strands themselves, thin hair refers to a lack of density. However, both hair types can deal with limp, lifeless, and lacklustre strands if not cared and styled for correctly.
So, with Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders-inspired blow outs being all the rage, and spring's hair trends favouring lived-in texture, we reached out to an expert to help our thin haired friends out.
Ahead, celebrity hair stylist David Keough shares his tops tips for styling thin hair, the best products for the hair type, and the hair trends to try and avoid.
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The right hair cut can make all the difference
"This all depends on how good you are at styling your hair and also how thin your hair is," says Keough. "When it comes to styling thin hair, the right hair cut can make all the difference."
"Thin hair requires special attention to ensure it looks full, and by avoiding styles that emphasise thinness and opting for cuts that add volume and movement, you can create the illusion of thicker hair," he explains.
According to the celebrity hair stylist, short hair styles work well, but aren't for everyone.
"A universally flattering cut is a classic chin length bob — I suggest a little layering unless it's boyish short," he advises. "If you like hair a touch longer, a style that tucked behind your ears and shoulder length is also flattering."
Image credit: @gregoryrussellhair
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Not all hair trends are made for thin strands
"As long hair appears thinner toward the ends, I would typically suggest avoiding hairstyles with long, thin layers, as they can make hair look limp and flat," Keough warns.
He also tells us to tread carefully with fringes unless the style in question has some bulk to it, and to avoid tight hairstyles like ponytails or braids, which can cause hair loss by pulling on the follicles.
Image credit: @arianagrande
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Ask your hairstylist for a custom colour
"Depending on the hair, I would suggest adding some colour or foils to the hair, as it will also give it some bulk — colouring the hair expands the hair shaft," Keough tells BEAUTYcrew. "I would recommend you have a consultation with your hairstylist to discuss what might work for your specific hair type."
Image credit: @brycescarlett
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Use hair products that add bulk
To mitigate thin hair looking thin, limp and lacklustre, Keough recommends using hair styling products that help to add bulk to the hair.
"When blow-drying, use John Frieda’s Thickening Spray from the PROfiller+ range ($10.49 from Chemist Warehouse) at the roots," he advises. "Then add a little of their Volume Lift mousse ($10.49 from Chemist Warehouse). Working it in from mid length to ends first, and then the roots whilst the hair is damp, and then proceed to blow dry it."
He's also fond of a little dry shampoo or texture spray for additional volume once the hair is fully dry.
Currently, we're loving the Klorane Dry Shampoo With Nettle & Vitamin E ($14.99 from Chemist Warehouse), Wella Professionals' EIMI Dry Me ($21.55 from Oz Hair & Beauty), and Nouvelle's Body Booster Volume Root Spray ($29.95 from Hairhouse).
Image credit: @jennychohair
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How you blow dry your hair matters
When it comes to blow drying thin strands, always ensure the heat settings on your blow dryer aren't too hot, Keough warns. We like Remington's AIRvive Digital Hair Dryer ($159 from JB Hi-Fi) for this very reason; it has 12 heat and speed combinations.
Additionally, when drying your hair, throw your hair over to get the root lift; or if standing, use a good brush like Curious Grace's Classic Boar Bristle Cushion Brush ($29.95 from Hairhouse), he advises.
"Using Velcro rollers ($5.50 from Chemist Warehouse) can also help with volume and fullness," says Keough.
Main image credit: @hoskelsa
Hell bent on growing your hair out no matter how thin it is? You'd better acquaint yourself with hair growth products and our tips for how to get healthy-looking long hair.
Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).
