14 Best Hairstyles for Thin Hair That Create Volume and Texture
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We’ve all been there—scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest, falling in love with a gorgeous hairstyle, only to try it at home and feel meh because your thin hair just won’t cooperate. It falls flat, doesn’t hold, or lacks the volume you hoped for. The struggle is real, but trust me, it doesn’t have to be.
With the right tricks and go-to hairstyles, you can give thin hair the lift, body, and movement it deserves—no complicated routines or endless frustration required.
Let’s dive into styles that truly work.
Best Hairstyles for Thin Hair
When it comes to styling thin hair, the key is to pick hairstyles that create the illusion of volume and fullness while being gentle on your strands. Look for styles that lift at the roots, add dimension with texture, or strategically frame your face to make your hair appear thicker.
Plus lightweight styling products and techniques that don’t weigh your hair down are your best friends here.
For this list, I’ve rounded up a mix of versatile looks—from polished ponytails to tousled waves—that work across different occasions. Whether you’re heading to a formal event, a casual outing, or just need an easy everyday style, these options will help your hair look its best without complicated routines.
Let’s get started!
Root-Boosted Blowout
If you’re looking to add instant volume to thin hair, a root-boosted blowout is your go-to. This technique focuses on lifting the hair at the roots, giving your hair a fuller, more voluminous look that lasts all day.
The secret? A combination of heat, the right tools, and a few simple tricks to maximize lift where you need it most.
To achieve this look, concentrate on drying the roots with a round brush while angling your blow dryer upward. Adding medium-sized hair rollers at the crown while your hair cools locks in that extra height and bounce.
In the end, you’ll get a sleek, salon-quality blowout with all the lift and movement you crave.
Want to master this at home? Check out my How to Do a Blowout at Home post for step-by-step tutorial and product recommendations to nail the look every time!
Pinned Back Waves
If you’re looking for a soft, romantic style that still adds volume, pinned-back waves are the perfect option. By gently flipping your hair to one side and pinning a few strands back, you create a fuller, more dimensional look.
The waves add that effortless charm, making this hairstyle ideal for date nights, weddings, or any time you want to elevate your everyday style.
To get this look, use a curling iron or wand to create loose, natural-looking waves. Once styled, flip your hair over to one side and secure a few sections near your temple with bobby pins.
It’s quick, easy, and gives the illusion of thicker hair in seconds!
Source: Pinterest
Pro Tip
Use bobby pins in a crisscross or decorative pattern to make them a statement piece instead of just a tool. Spritz with texturizing spray for added hold and volume.
Teased Crown with a Low Bun
A teased crown paired with a low bun is the perfect mix of volume and sophistication. By gently teasing the hair at the crown, you create instant height that gives the illusion of fuller, thicker hair—exactly what thin hair needs.
The low bun adds elegance, making this style versatile enough for a wedding, a formal event, or even an effortless day-to-night look.
To achieve this, use a teasing brush to add volume to the crown, securing the height with a light mist of hairspray. Then, sweep your hair into a soft, low bun at the nape of your neck. Pull a few face-framing strands loose to keep the look soft and effortless.
Source: Pinterest
Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail is a quick, fun way to add volume and style without much effort. This playful look creates “bubbled” sections down the length of your ponytail, giving it a full, trendy vibe that’s perfect for casual outings, gym days, or even a laid-back brunch.
It works wonders for thin hair because the bubbles add shape and dimension, making your ponytail appear thicker.
To achieve this look, start with a high or mid ponytail. Secure it with an elastic, then add another elastic a few inches down. Gently tug on the hair between the elastics to create that soft “bubble” effect. Repeat until you reach the ends of your ponytail.
Source: Pinterest
Pro Tip
Use clear elastics or ones that match your hair color for a seamless look. Finish with a texturizing spray to make the bubbles pop and hold their shape all day!
High Textured Ponytail
A high-textured ponytail is your go-to hairstyle when you want to add instant height and volume to thin hair. By pulling the ponytail high on the crown and adding soft waves or texture, you create a lifted, fuller look that’s both chic and effortless.
This style works for everything—from a night out to an elegant event—and it’s perfect for elongating your silhouette.
To get the look, start by teasing the crown for extra volume, then gather your hair into a high ponytail. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic for a polished finish. Use a curling iron or texturizing spray to add soft waves or tousled texture to the ponytail itself.
Source: Pinterest
Pro Tip
Spritz a volumizing powder or dry shampoo at the roots before securing the ponytail. It adds grip and creates a lifted effect that holds all day!
Flipped-Out Ends on a Lob
If you’re looking for a subtle, retro-inspired style that gives the illusion of thicker hair, a lob (long bob) with flipped-out ends is a perfect choice.
The flipped-out ends add a soft, playful touch while making your hair appear fuller and more voluminous at the bottom. It’s a timeless look with just enough personality to keep things modern and fresh.
To achieve this style, use a round brush while blow-drying or flat iron to gently flip the ends outward. A lightweight texturizing spray will give the flips some hold without weighing down your hair.
Source: Pinterest
Crown Braid with Loose Hair
A crown braid is one of those magical hairstyles that add instant lift and texture while keeping the rest of your hair soft and flowing.
The braid sits at the crown, creating natural height and structure, which is perfect for thin hair that tends to fall flat. Meanwhile, the loose hair underneath keeps the look effortless and romantic—great for anything from casual days to dressier occasions.
To achieve this style, start by teasing the crown slightly for volume, then create a loose braid or twist. Pin it securely while allowing the remaining hair to flow naturally. A light texturizing spray will help add grip and hold.
Source: Pinterest
Pro Tip
Use a fine-tooth comb to gently pull the braid apart for a fuller, softer look. This trick makes your hair appear thicker without trying too hard!
Half-Up Half-Down with Volume
Half-up half-down hairstyle is a go-to for thin hair because it adds volume right where you need it—at the crown—while keeping the rest of your hair soft and flowing.
By pulling up the top layers, you create instant lift, which makes your hair look fuller and more voluminous. It’s perfect for everything from a casual day out to a romantic evening.
Source: Pinterest
Pro Tip
Tease the crown section before securing it and use a texturizing spray to hold the lift in place without weighing it down.
Low Twisted Bun with a Scarf
I highly recommend this hairstyle when you want something chic but super easy to pull together—especially for thin or fragile hair.
A low twisted bun keeps the strands secure without putting too much tension on your scalp, and the scarf? It’s the magic touch that makes the style feel fun and fresh. Use it to add a bit of personality—whether it’s a pop of color or a soft, neutral vibe. Perfect for brunch, errands, or a relaxed summer evening.
Source: Pinterest
Pro Tip
I recommend choosing a lightweight scarf and twisting it gently into the bun. It keeps the style secure without weighing your hair down or causing breakage.
Loose Braids with Face-Framing Layers
Loose braids are soft, romantic, and—most importantly—gentle on your scalp, avoiding any unnecessary tension that can make fragile hair feel even more delicate. Adding face-framing layers takes the look to the next level by keeping the front light airy while enhancing your natural features.
It’s the perfect mix of laid-back and put-together, making it great for everything from casual days to a boho-inspired event.
Source: Pinterest
Pro Tip
Use a light texturizing spray before braiding to add some grip and fullness to your strands. Pull the braid apart gently for a perfectly undone, voluminous look.
Sleek Low Ponytail
The sleek low ponytail is a timeless style that works wonders for thin hair. It creates a clean, polished look while subtly hiding any thinning areas near the crown or part.
The trick here is smoothing the hair down and securing it low at the nape of your neck for maximum shine and structure. This style is perfect for when you need something effortlessly chic—whether it’s for a work meeting, dinner out, or even a casual day when you still want to look put together.
Source: Pinterest
Pro Tip
Use a lightweight shine serum or hair oil to smooth flyaways and add a glossy finish. Wrap a small section of hair around the hair tie for a more polished, seamless look.
Messy Top Knot with Volume
The messy top knot is a go-to for thin hair, especially on second (or third!) day strands. By teasing the crown before pulling your hair into a loose bun, you add instant volume and height.
The face-framing layers keep it soft and relaxed, making this style look effortlessly chic. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for running errands, a casual brunch, or even lounging around while still looking put-together.
Source: Pinterest
Pro Tip
Lightly backcomb the roots before creating your bun and finish with a texturizing spray to hold the volume in place. Pull out a few wispy pieces around your face for that perfectly undone finish.
Half-Up Space Buns
Half-up space buns are the perfect mix of fun and functional for thin hair. By pulling the top section of your hair into two small, playful buns, you add height and volume to the crown while keeping the rest of your hair loose for softness and movement.
This style works for casual days out, concerts, or when you just want to switch things up with a trendy vibe.
Source: Pinterest
Pro Tip
Add small pearl pins, colorful clips, or dainty scrunchies around the buns to accessorize and give this playful style a unique twist!
Claw Clip Twist
This hairstyle is stylish, quick to do, and very gentle on your hair. It involves twisting your hair upward and securing it with a claw clip, resulting in a relaxed yet polished look. It's perfect for days when you want to keep your hair up without any pulling or tension, making it suitable for errands or a casual brunch.
Pro Tip
Choose a claw clip with embellishments like pearls, gold accents, or neutral tones to elevate the look while still keeping it practical and secure.
Tools and Products to Style Thin Hair
The right tools and products can completely transform thin hair, adding volume, texture, and fullness without a lot of effort. Whether you’re looking for lift at the roots, extra hold, or to conceal thinning areas, here’s a quick list of must-haves:
Hair Rollers: Perfect for adding soft, bouncy volume, especially at the crown. Try these medium-sized rollers for long-lasting lift.
Teasing Brushes: A teasing comb or brush like this one is ideal for creating lift at the roots without damage.
Round Brushes: A round brush is your blowout best friend, helping smooth hair while adding volume.
Texturizing Sprays: Add grip and fullness to thin hair. I recommend this texturizing spray for creating an effortless, lived-in texture.
Scalp Concealers or Root Powders: These are lifesavers for hiding thinning areas and creating the illusion of fuller roots. This one blends beautifully with your natural hair color.
Heat Tools: For sleek, polished looks or beachy waves, invest in quality heat tools that style quickly without overexposing your hair to heat. Check out my top picks here.
These tools and products are all about enhancing your hair while keeping styling simple and effective – perfect for making thin hair look fuller, healthier, and effortlessly styled.
FAQs: Hairstyles for Thin Hair
Does styling thin hair cause damage?
Styling thin hair can cause damage if you’re not using a heat protection spray or keeping your hot tools on a lower heat setting. Always prioritize gentle styling methods to protect your hair.
How can I make thin hair hold a curl longer?
To make thin hair hold a curl longer, set your hair into pin curls after curling. Let them cool completely before releasing for longer-lasting results.
Can I achieve volume without heat tools?
You can achieve volume without heat tools by trying heatless sock curls or overnight braids. These methods add natural lift and texture without causing damage.
What’s the best haircut to make thin hair look fuller?
The best haircut to make thin hair look fuller is a blunt bob that sits just above the shoulders. It creates sharp edges that give the illusion of thickness.
What products should I avoid with thin hair?
You should avoid heavy, oil-based products that can weigh thin hair down. Instead, focus on lightweight options like those in the Vegamour Grow Line to promote healthy, fuller-looking hair.
More Hairstyle Ideas
Looking for more ways to switch up your hair game? Check out these posts for inspiration tailored to every occasion:
Looking for the best hairstyles for thin hair? Find tips and inspiration for styles that add volume and movement here!