10 Trending Hairstyles for Long Thin Hair
Girl, your hair's looking fine.
Having thin, fine hair is a Catch 22: It’s easy enough to manage, but it’s also super prone to frizz and can lose its shape and lift within minutes of leaving the door. Looking for hairstyles for long thin hair then becomes a delicate balancing act between style and practicality. Thankfully, we’ve found that one of the easiest ways to marry both is by opting for cuts for thin hair that make the most out of baby-fine strands (spoiler alert: layers reign for this thin hair type) and by playing with partings and texture:
Read on to learn more about some cool hairstyles for long thin hair:
10 Fun Hairstyles For Long Thin Hair
1. Long and Layered
We’re going old school with this one. This classic has stood the test of time (and different hair types) because of its über-democratic versatility. Layers that start gradually from the chin and end 1 ½” shorter than your longest lengths give super-fine hair some movement and an overall fuller look. For an everyday oomph, invest in a volumizing wash-and-care regimen, like Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty Coconut Water and Mimosa Flower Shampoo and Conditioner.
Love Beauty and Planet
Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Love Beauty and Planet
Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Conditioner
2. Loosely Curled
Airy bends, or rich girl hair, is perhaps the most flattering kinds of ringlets for fine hair—bigger curls have a hard time holding their shape on really fine hair, and tighter curls tend to frizz out or look crunchy. To achieve, wrap thin sections of hair around a 1.25-inch barreled curling iron, twirling away from the face and starting from eye level downwards. Make sure to leave around 1” free at the ends. Repeat on all sections and loosely shake off when done. A middle part looks extra-special with this look.
3. Sleek Half-Pony Twist
As far as long hairstyles for thin hair go, this simple hairstyle has maximum impact. The nighttime version of this look entails you blowing hair out really straight and shiny—and we mean mirror-shiny—and refining it with a flat iron. The day look (as pictured) can get away with more texture. Create a middle part and take two tiny sections behind each temple and twist them towards the middle, creating a half-pony effect. Secure together with a hair tie or bobby pin, and enjoy the tiny bump in your crown this creates.
4. Blown-Out Bombshell
This failsafe glam look gets a 2020 update with more blended layers below the chin towards the ends. Ask your stylist to use thinning shears if possible for a cool, downtown effect, which when blown out, adds more heft to your style. Prep hair with a bodifying spray such as Nexxus Diametress Body Gel Spray, focusing on the root. Part hair to one side, a shiny, bumpy beehive (as shown), or opt for an imprecise middle part. Proceed to blowdry as normal, making sure to blast the root to create some lift (careful with your scalp though!). Smooth down any kinks with a hardworking—but lightweight—shine serum as desired.
5. Sweet Bangs
Bangs always breathe new life into any long hairstyle, but on fine hair they do run the risk of getting stringy and falling limp halfway in. First, ask your stylist for a full, yet longer fringe—ends should barely kiss your cheekbones—for a cute, swingy, slightly retro effect. Make sure your layers start lower on your lengths if you have bangs to avoid a choppy, dated look. Refresh your bangs once they start to feel greasy with a dry shampoo such as Dove Refresh+Care Volume & Fullness Dry Shampoo, which can also work to give some lift and bounce to your root area. Want more ideas? Try these layered haircuts for fine hair with bangs.
6. Fishtail Braids
Add braids to your list of hairstyles for long fine hair options. With this style, you can conceal the thin appearance of your hair with a simple hair hack. The key to nailing the look is to pancake the braid to create a fuller finish.
7. Loose Bun
If you have thin and fragile hair but would like to still wear updos like buns, opt for a loose version. Not only does a loose bun prevents any tension on your hair, but it also gives your hair a thicker appearance.
8. Space Buns
Looking for fun updo hairstyles for long thin hair? Space buns are a hit and they’re perfect for adults. Try this space bun tutorial to create your own look on your hair type.
9. Braided Updo
Just because you have a thin hair type that doesn’t mean you’re exempt from wearing certain hair trends. This braided back updo is one way to revamp your go-to top knot style.
10. Waves
Hairstyles for long thin hair like this wavy style will give you the fuller-looking hair you’re after. Add a few chunky waves to your hair and finger comb through to separate and create volume.
