We know firsthand that thin hair tends to tangle, and it is easily damaged, and it lacks volume, and (how could we forget!) it becomes greasy very fast. You may think of other reasons to hate your fine hair, but we prefer focusing on how to fix this. Let’s look at short hairstyles for fine hair approved by hair experts for wearing in 2023 and supplemented with comments from two celeb hair stylists.
Choosing Short Hairstyles for Fine Hair by Color
When searching for a new look to show your thin hair to the best advantage, don’t forget that color and shape work together. Their successful blend can give your fine hair everything it lacks, from density and texture to vividness and trendy feel. “For blondes, either go platinum blonde or don’t highlight too close to the roots leaving streaks and darker base on the roots. For brunette and dark hair, lighten up the ends so it doesn’t look too heavy or just go solid dark but keep the shape super clean lined”, Jenny Cho, celeb hairstylist, said to Coveteur, explaining how to achieve a chic look with bob hairstyles. And we totally agree! One of the most popular short hairstyles for thin hair, bob, can offer quite a fresh vibe with the right coloring. Let’s see how this works when applied.
via @chrisweberhair
This bob has a lot of depth and the California beach flair due to its lovely transition from warm darker roots to a cool sun-bleached blonde on the tips.
via @gencrocksdc
Blending high-contrast colors is not a must for getting volume – this one-tone brown hair sparks, since it is beautifully textured.
via @shmoakin_hair
If you have straight dark hair, try a clean angled bob with a fringe and get it razor cut in the front for an edgier look.
via @knormhair
Unusual colors are popular options in short hairstyles for fine hair as they add a touch of individuality. What a nice idea to combine a daring shade of gray with a multi-layered textured bob cut to make the hairstyle pop!
via @rachelringwood
A balayage in your flattering color is a sure-fire way to create a tridimensional effect; and when complimented with chopped tresses, it is just unbeatable.
via @killerhairinc
What a nice idea to combine a daring shade of gray with a multi-layered textured bob cut to make the hairstyle pop!
via @hellobalayage
A balayage in your flattering color is a sure-fire way to create a tridimensional effect; and when complimented with chopped tresses, it is just unbeatable.
via @magic.maker
If you have wavy hair, it is really simple to volumize your thin locks by getting them chopped and textured.
via @presleypoe
This hairstyle has everything, from an opalescent blonde color to an awesome pixie shape. Have you noticed that nice volumizing effect created by the combination of an undershave and sleek, long tresses?
via @immortalbelovedsalon
If you have wavy hair, it is really simple to volumize your thin locks by getting them chopped and textured
Adapting Short Hairstyles to Your Face Shape
Obviously, you need to make allowance for your face shape, when considering short haircuts for thin hair. Cuts, softening the rough shape of a square face, can have a blurring effect on round faces, and hairstyles, which balance round faces well, can add an unflattering extra length to long faces. It would seem that everything is clear, but …”Over the years, I’ve spoken with many people who have always thought they were one face shape (and followed the guides for that face shape) only to learn that their face was another shape entirely”, says Kristin Ess, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of thebeautydepartment.com, in her post for the website and gives a helpful guideline on finding your face shape. No matter if you have a round, oval, long or square face, you can choose from short hairstyles for thin hair to achieve the most awesome combination. Just have a look at these photos to see how perfectly these short hairstyles for fine hair complement different face shapes.
via @franzimakepretty
Since volume on the sides is not recommended for a round face, why not shift the focus to below-the-chin level for an elongating effect? Without any doubt, it’s the best bet for fine hair plus round face!
via @anhcotran
An oval face is the perfect shape, and you can frame it handsomely with a straight bob haircut, while rocking a middle part and softly textured tips.
via @jessecuts
Short pixie haircuts can be a nice choice for long faces, provided they have plenty of texture on the top to give your thin fine hair more volume.
via @cutyourhair
Who said that short hairstyles are incompatible with square faces? Just keep in mind that your square face needs a softer shape, and you can get one with this messy bob cut, featuring raised roots, many layers and an unhackneyed color choice.
via @dkatz_hair
Don’t forget about bangs, since they do the job, when you need to balance your face shape. Just like this cute fringe, hiding the forehead and making the face look less long.
Tips on Short Bob Haircuts for Fine Hair
It goes without saying that if you’re an owner of fine hair, all you need is more volume. Among the popular short hairstyles for fine hair, bob is a real superhero. The blunt bob is good for adding some body to the lower edge of your haircut, the stacked bob creates volume in the back, and the choppy bob brings tons of texture… So, which bob is the most flattering for you?
Hair experts insist unanimously that for one thing you need to try a faux bob (to make sure the hairstyle is your cup of tea) and then to find a hairdresser with a good eye. Your face shape, hair texture, lifestyle, and styling skills – each aspect matters for choosing the right bob./p<>
But even if you are not thrilled with your current bob cut, here is one tip to take on board. “Flat iron waves!(…) Flat iron waves create such a cool vibe where a curling iron makes it more “pretty”, says Kristin Essin to Coveteur.
via @alimackenziehair
While graduated bob haircuts are perfect hairstyles for women who strive to add more volume in the back, you can get even more texture by emphasizing some tresses with the help of suitable hair styling products.
via @hair_bynay
This short layered bob looks fabulous, since layers create both body and movement, while shadow roots deliver the depth, which thin hair often lacks.
via @rosemarymonicahair
Your thin fine hair is perfectly straight and you want to keep getting compliments on it? Got you! A blunt cut can show your straight hair to the best advantage, too. Just keep it sleek and choose melted colors to make your hairstyle shine.
via @heathertequiere
Shaggy bob hairstyles look sexy, and they are easy to manage, but you will fall in love with them ultimately, when realizing how good they are at hiding weak locks.
via @erin.boha
This inverted bob takes advantage of both the color combination and varied lengths to give the impression of fullness on fine hair.
via @hairbykimtran
A classic hairstyle for thin hair, Cleopatra bob with bangs is never out of fashion, when properly adapted to current trends and hair types. Avoid blunt ends and add a color melt to look gorgeous.
via @thecurlninja
Want to have an edgy haircut? Opt for an expressive color scheme, multiple layers and styling that feels a bit undone. You might have already noticed how your fine hair loves that ‘a bit undone’ – we bet you enjoy its sexy volume when you wake up.
via @priss_duarte
While thin tresses tend to tangle, you don’t need to keep them short all around. Get longer front locks with this strongly pointed A line bob.
via @headrushdesigns
Asymmetrical options are also good for thin short hair, especially when volume and texture are added through razor cut layers.
via @anhcotran
Choppy bob hairstyles are adorable for their dynamics, but you can make your cut even more vibrant with bold highlights.
Inspo on Pixie Cut for Thin Hair
While thin hair tends to tangle and look limp, you can avoid both troubles by cutting it really short. As a rule of thumb, shorter tresses are stronger compared with long locks and harder to get tangled, too. Maybe that’s why pixie has become one of the most popular hairstyles for women who have fine hair. And it’s needless to say that pixies are hot and versatile. Besides, pixie haircuts are quite easy to manage during the growing-out process (in case you get tired of your cropped hairstyle). Jenny Cho recommends using a sea salt spray to texturize the hair and to hide your longer strands into a messy do. “You don’t need multiple products at this stage, so a sea salt spray is a great one and really light, but it gives hair a lot of grit,” she said to Refinary29.
via @hair_by_trevor
This undercut hairstyle is well suited for fine thin hair, since it leaves a plethora of longer tresses for creating the desired volume.
via @tiffanyshuck
For straight fine hair you can choose a less messy option that wins at the expense of length and color alterations.
via @kasdoeshair
This asymmetrical pixie features a long deep bang with a side part and shorter top tresses styled frontwards – a stunning mix of layers complimented with a color blend.
via @dc_hairmakeup
If you’re considering haircuts for fine hair that can radically change your look, we’d suggest pixie crops. Yes, you can get tons of texture just by applying light texturizing products on your dry hair.
via @hair_by_trevor
And there is a cool pixie option for wavy thin hair – it is built on the contrast between the shaved sides and large locks on the top.
Hints on Layered Haircuts
Consider layered haircuts for fine hair, whether you have thinning hair on top or struggle with weak and tangled ends. The thing is that layered haircuts are so diverse that they can address any challenge. And there is no point to be scared of short hairstyles just because you will be deprived of the camouflage of longer hair. (…) “Oh, I’m getting older, my neck is wrinkling,” but you don’t have to be scared of that because you can cut layers into it a certain way that, if you don’t want to clear your neck completely, you don’t have to, but you can still wear shorter hair”, says Kristen Ess to Newbeauty. And you will probably agree with her when you look at our side and back view photos listed below!
via @dillahajhair
This short layered hairstyle combines long tresses and an undercut to deliver both length and volume (not to mention its wonderful toning).
via @riahmai
We know that layers are good for thin hair, but these layers are just awesome, since they add much movement with their front-swept styling.
via @yamashiro_hair
Layered haircuts with bangs are perfect for casual styling – like this fun graduated bob with textured and highlighted strands
via @sebastianguedeshairemakeup
But layered styles are so versatile that you can get more formal, yet lively styling based on the same graduated bob – this time, backswept.
via @chrisjones_hair
And when your hair is very thin, you will be pleased to style it easily, using only a texture hairspray to accentuate layered tresses.
Best Short Hair Ideas for Women with Fine Hair Based on Current Trends
We all are striving for easy care hairstyles, but it would be rather childish to expect that any hairdresser can completely relieve you of the necessity to maintain your short hair. “Fine hair tends to get greasy quicker and lose its shape, so washing every day is usually a must”, says Jenny Cho (who is also a Suave Professionals expert) to InStyle. She recommends choosing light products to avoid weighing your short hair down and losing its volume, while giving preference to those having “volume” or “thickening” on their labels. Also, you should always protect your hair when using heat for styling and keep it away from blow-dryers or flat irons whenever it’s possible.
Meanwhile, get inspired by our pick of the best ideas for short hairstyles for thin hair: from thin curly hairstyles to straight crops, and from sophisticated styling to simple air-drying.
via @hairdesignbybrittney
Pixie seems to be the best cut for thin hair, but perfection knows no limits, right? Get more by giving your pixie cut a fancy twist with this spiky styling coupled with an extraordinary shade of blonde.
via @strandedchicago
Searching for something that will make you look awesome with the least effort? A cropped bob is an easy-to-manage option for thin hair, especially when you opt for casual messy styling.
via @nelsonstylist
Longer versions of pixie cuts do well for older women and allow for elegant styling, while creating the required elevated look.
via @phjacomassi
If you are bold enough to wear a very short hairstyle, think of the buzz cut. Then think again and make it really exceptional by choosing a bright candy color.
via @salsalhair
It is smart to give preference to haircuts with bangs, when you need to balance your facial features. Here is a good example of how to make a long and narrow face look more proportional.
via @domdomhair
We love shaggy haircuts for that laid back feel and those tons of texture they boast. But there is always a chance to add some vibrancy through creatively done highlights (or lowlights).
via @aryavarji
When thinking of transforming your pixie cut, don’t miss this fantastic feathered styling. Besides that it ensures some extra texture, these beautifully shaped strands look truly cool.
via @lovelanesalon
This short shaggy pixie shows how you can get the best from texturizing products – thin hair has both body and structure.
via @truashton
However, you may want a softer look, and this razor cut messy hairstyle with copper blinks is just the thing.
via @boltcollective
Meanwhile, the blunt bob holds up, sparkling with its classic chic and elegance. Get depth through coloring and create volume at the roots when styling – ta da! You are drop-dead gorgeous! This is the case when short hair looks really romantic.
We do hope that with such an array of fabulous haircuts for thin hair you won’t have a headache over finding your own style. Short hair can be sexy and versatile, and yes, short hairstyles are great for fine hair. Be brave to toy around with shapes, colors, lengths and styling options, while taking good care of the health of your fine tresses. At the end of the day, you will be rewarded for your efforts with a hairstyle that excites admiring envy.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in the field of hair care and styling, I have extensive knowledge and first-hand experience with the challenges faced by those with thin hair. Thin hair is prone to tangling, easily damaged, lacks volume, and tends to become greasy quickly. However, instead of dwelling on these reasons to dislike thin hair, I prefer to focus on solutions and how to fix these issues.
When it comes to choosing short hairstyles for fine hair, it's important to consider both color and shape. The successful combination of color and shape can give thin hair the density, texture, vividness, and trendy feel it lacks. For blondes, it's recommended to either go platinum blonde or avoid highlighting too close to the roots, leaving streaks and a darker base on the roots. For brunettes and those with dark hair, lightening up the ends can prevent the hair from looking too heavy, or simply opt for a solid dark color while keeping the shape super clean lined.
One of the most popular short hairstyles for thin hair is the bob. When paired with the right coloring, the bob can offer a fresh vibe. For example, a bob with a lovely transition from warm darker roots to cool sun-bleached blonde tips can add depth and a California beach flair. Blending high-contrast colors is not a must for creating volume; a one-tone brown hair can look beautiful and textured. For those with straight dark hair, a clean angled bob with a fringe and a razor cut in the front can create an edgier look.
Unusual colors are also popular options for short hairstyles for fine hair, as they add a touch of individuality. Combining a daring shade of gray with a multi-layered textured bob cut can make the hairstyle pop. A balayage in a flattering color is a sure-fire way to create a three-dimensional effect, especially when complimented with chopped tresses.
If you have wavy hair, volumizing your thin locks is simple with a choppy and textured cut. An opalescent blonde color combined with an awesome pixie shape can create a volumizing effect. Adapting short hairstyles to your face shape is also crucial. Cuts that soften the rough shape of a square face can have a blurring effect on round faces, while hairstyles that balance round faces well can add an unflattering extra length to long faces.
When it comes to short bob haircuts for fine hair, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Hair experts unanimously recommend trying a faux bob first to ensure it suits your style, and then finding a skilled hairdresser. Your face shape, hair texture, lifestyle, and styling skills all play a role in choosing the right bob. Additionally, flat iron waves can add a cool vibe to your bob, while graduated bob haircuts can add more volume in the back.
Pixie cuts are another popular choice for women with thin hair. Shorter tresses are stronger and harder to get tangled compared to long locks. Pixie haircuts are versatile and easy to manage during the growing-out process. Using a sea salt spray can add texture to the hair and hide longer strands in a messy do.
Layered haircuts are perfect for addressing thinning hair on top or weak and tangled ends. Layered haircuts are diverse and can address any challenge. There's no need to be scared of short hairstyles just because you'll be without the camouflage of longer hair. Layered haircuts can be adapted to maintain elegance and style while creating the desired elevated look.
To maintain short hairstyles for thin hair, it's important to use light products that won't weigh down the hair. Washing every day is usually necessary for fine hair, which tends to get greasy quickly and lose its shape. Heat styling should be done with caution, and the hair should be protected.
In conclusion, short hairstyles for thin hair can be both sexy and versatile. It's important to experiment with different shapes, colors, lengths, and styling options while taking good care of the health of your fine tresses. By doing so, you'll be rewarded with a hairstyle that excites admiring envy.
