If you have thin, fine hair don't be (too) discouraged about your hairstyle. Many failures arise from inadequate haircare products, improper use of hairstyling aids, and less than stellar blow-outs. Damaged hair from thermal products - curse that curling iron - and teasing are other culprits. These issues are, thankfully, fixable.
I too have long dealt with a less than glorious crown for some years but when I work at it you can't really tell, too much. I have also witnessed some gloriously happy customers achieve a flattering hairstyle once they had the knowledge and tools they needed.
Try these hair care and hairstyle tips for thin and/or fine hair designed to help you look your best.
Identify the cause of thinning hair: Though thinning hair is often due to genetics, it is prudent to rule out a health condition or a medication side-effect. Though most physicians won't delve into fixing problem hair, I had one take the time to recommend Selenium and Zinc when my hair was falling out, in near clumps, due to a migraine treatment.
Check into nutritional supplements: Nutrition obviously plays a big role in hair health, so if thinning hair is not your norm - or you want to improve your hair health - read about smart supplementation from the Huntington College of Health Sciences. Discuss the safety and usefulness of adding these proven natural remedies with a health-care provider.
Additionally, if you have the means, consider nabbing the services of a trichologist as it may prove a worthy investment for dealing with hair loss.
Find an experienced hair stylist: Securing a hair professional that is experienced with fine and thin hair is essential. Our hair strands are less forgiving of user error and stylist whims. Some salon and at-home disasters include:
- over-processing
- thermal damage
haircuts that won't hold a style
hair breakage
While it's easier to find a specialty hairstylist in New York or Chicago, one of the best ways is to simply ask a gal to reveal her secret weapon. Just be sure that the lady sporting a flattering hairdo' shares similar hair woes, and isn't blessed with thick, plentiful tresses. Try to stare inconspicuously, though.
Choose a reasonable hairstyle: Unless you plan on wearing a wig or hair extensions - not often advisable due to hair damage - attractive long and full hair is just not going to happen. Some hairstyling tips for thin, fine hair include:
Keep your hair at shoulder length or above unless fine hair is your main concern.
Layers are your friend when properly done. Exception: If you have fine hair like Naomi Watts, you can sport a longer blunt cut.
Popular hairstyle choices for thin, fine hair include angled-bobs, (check out Jennifer Aniston's latest haircut), pixie cuts and shags.
Hair coloring products add volume to the hair shaft but also cause damage. Consider less invasive lowlights or low-lift highlights. Semi-permanent color, henna, lemon juice, and organic hair coloring can also beautify thinning tresses quite nicely and safely.
Add volume and avoid damage:
Use haircare products and styling aids that serve the needs of fine, thin hair well. It's hard to beat Redken on most fronts.
Clarify your hair on a regular basis as needed with Paul Mitchell ® Tea Tree Shampoo or an equivalent product.
Limit or avoid the use of thermal styling aids, depending on your hair health and strength.
Use velcro or foam rollers. For volume, pile hair on top of your head with a scrunchie and let it air dry.
If a blow-out is essential, select a low heat setting. Optimally, add a diffuser for sleek looks. Dry hair while bent at the waist with your hair upside down, until it is 75 percent dry. Finish your style in an upright position, using a round brush and/or rollers to finish the job.
Limit the use of daily hair conditioner to the ends. Use an intensive, restorative conditioner monthly as needed.
Use volumizing products, serums, sprays and spritzes very sparingly.
