9 Volumising Tips For Thin Hair

If you've ever found yourself envying those with a head of thick, luscious hair, fret not. With the right care and styling techniques, you can boost the volume of your hair – and your confidence.

Thin hair can sometimes feel like a challenge, but the key lies not only in the products you use but also in the techniques. In this guide, we'll focus on enhancing volume while keeping your hair healthy and vibrant. Our emphasis is on healthy heat styling, because while heat tools can work wonders in adding oomph to your hair, they need to be used mindfully to keep your hair in optimum condition. 

VOLUMISING THIN HAIR – KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Blow dry your hair to boost volume.
2. Choose a volumising hairstyle.
3. Cut in a fringe to give the illusion of volume.
4. Experiment with your parting to boost volume.
5. Use kind heated styling tools like the CLOUD NINE 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro.
6. Use volumising products.
7. Gently backcomb your hair to add volume.
8. Use rollers to inject volume.
9. Apply dry shampoo to the roots for a quick boost of volume.

UNDERSTANDING THIN HAIR: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s the difference between thin and fine hair?

When we talk about thin hair, we’re referring to the density of your hair, or the number of strands. Thin hair means not many strands. The actual hair itself could be fine, medium or coarse. Fine hair can be very flyaway, especially if there’s not much of it, whereas thin, coarse hair can lack volume. In order to tell whether your hair is fine, medium or coarse, you can quickly roll a strand between your fingers. If you can barely feel the hair, it’s likely that you have fine strands. If you feel a strong, thick strand, your hair is on the coarser side. If it’s somewhere in between, you have medium hair.

Is thin hair the same as thinning hair?

Thin hair refers to having fewer hairs on your head than someone with thick hair. It’s still possible to not have very much hair but have coarse individual strands. Thinning hair refers to when you used to have thicker hair, but you’ve lost some hair or are experiencing a gradual loss of hair density over time – leaving you with fewer strands to work with than you're used to.

Take a look at our guides to hormonal hair loss and the link between nutrition and hair loss for more tips on how to look after thinning hair.

How do I know if I have thin hair?

Chances are, if you’ve got thin hair, you probably already know about it. But if you’ve been experiencing hair loss recently, and you’re not sure how it’s affected the density of your hair, try this: 

• Take a section of your hair near the front and gently pull it to the side. Now, take a look. If you can easily spot sections of your scalp peeking through, then your hair's on the thinner side. 
• On the other hand, if your scalp is mostly obscured and you can't really see it much, you've probably got thicker hair.
• And if you're somewhere in between, where you can see your scalp but not too much, you're in the middle zone. 

Why do I have thin hair?

Whether you've had thin hair since birth or noticed a gradual thinning over time, there’s a few reasons why. First things first, it’s possibly down to your genes. The thickness of your hair is largely determined by your genetic makeup. If your parents or grandparents passed down the thin hair gene, there's not much you can do about that except embrace what you've got and work some magic with it.

Lifestyle factors can also have a big impact on the thickness of your hair. Poor nutrition, stress, hormonal imbalances, and even some medications can all contribute to hair thinning. So, if you've been skimping on those leafy greens or feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders, your hair might be trying to tell you something.

And let's not forget about ageing. As we age and our hormones change – first through puberty, then pregnancy and menopause – our hair follicles can become less active, leading to thinner strands. 

But remember, thin hair is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, with the right care and styling techniques, you can have hair to be proud of.

Is thin hair genetic?

Think back to family reunions or those old photo albums gathering dust in your attic. Notice a trend in the hair department? That's the magic of genetics at play. If your parents or grandparents have thin hair, or started losing their hair in their 20s, the chances are you will too. However, environmental factors as well as lifestyle choices, illnesses, and medications can also cause hair to thin out.

1. BLOW DRY YOUR HAIR TO BOOST VOLUME 

Get ready to turn up the volume and unleash some serious hair-drying magic. Whether you're looking to add some va-va-voom to your everyday style or amp up the volume for a special occasion, try a salon-worthy blow dry. Here’s how:

• Prep: Before you even think about switching on your hairdryer, make sure you remove excess moisture from your hair. Start by gently towel-drying, then reach for a volumising mousse or spray to give your roots some extra oomph.
• Pick the perfect hairdryer: When it comes to blow drying for volume, the tools you use can make all the difference. We love the CLOUD NINE Airshot Pro – it’s a lightweight hair dryer with a nozzle attachment to help concentrate the airflow and control frizz. And don't forget to use a round brush to add lift and shape to your hair as you dry.
• Flip it upside down: Flip your hair upside down while blow drying. This simple trick helps lift the roots and create instant volume. Just be sure to aim the airflow toward your roots to really maximise the lift.
• Section your hair: Don't try to tackle all your hair at once – sectioning your hair allows you to focus on one area at a time, ensuring that each section gets the attention it deserves. Start at the bottom and work your way up, using clips like our Croc Clips to keep the rest of your hair out of the way.
• Blast your hair with cold air: Once you've dried each section, hit it with a blast of cool air to set the style. Our Airshot Pro comes with a Cool Shot function to help lock in the volume and gives your hair that extra boost of staying power.
• Fluff to finish: Once your hair is completely dry, give it a final fluff with your fingers to add some texture and movement. Gently tousle the roots to boost the volume even more.

2. CHOOSE A VOLUMISING HAIRSTYLE

You don’t always have to use hair sprays or heated styling tools to generate volume for your hair. Sometimes it can be as simple as going for a haircut. Some hairstyles naturally boost volume through layers or fringes, and are surprisingly low-maintenance. Next time you’re in the hairdresser’s chair, ask for one of these volume-enhancing styles.

Long waves with fringe

By having a fringe cut in, you’re automatically adding texture to your hair. A long fringe is perfect for thin hair as you can arrange it around your eyes to help you see – and look stylish at the same time. Complement your wispy fringe with some face-framing layers for added bounce. Our Mini Iron is the ideal heated styling tool for styling a fringe – its thin plates (0.5 inches wide) give extra precision for straight or wavy styles.

Mid-length waves with centre parting

Waves are a great way of giving the illusion of volume as they widen the profile of your hair. A simple straight parting with your hair brought down over the sides of your face can give the illusion of more hair. Master this wavy style using the CLOUD NINE 2-in-1 Contouring Pro Iron which has curved Floating Ceramic Plates to create gorgeous waves. Check out our Styling Guides for more advice on how to perfect your look.

Top knot

Ideal for curly hair, a top knot hides hair loss around the crown. Slick hair back with gel or finishing spray, then twist or braid into a knot and secure with a silk scrunchie.

High back-combed ponytail

For a simple updo, the high back-combed ponytail is ideal. Leave a fringe at the front, then gently backcomb the top section of your hair. Spritz with a lightweight hairspray for extra hold and secure with some bobby pins before tying your hair into a ponytail with a silk scrunchie. Gently tease the hair up and out of the hair scrunchie to give an extra boost at the back.

Headband

Headbands or scarves are your go-to accessories for hiding thinning hair. They add style, disguise sparse areas, and instantly boost volume.

Ponytail with long front section

For something a little different with a splash of the wow factor, try a simple ponytail but leave a large section of hair to form a long wave down one side. Gently backcomb the roots for extra lift, then curl with a styling tool like our Curling Wand, which has Variable Temperature Control for kinder styling.

Wavy bob

A classic bob can be a great way to give thin hair a thicker look, especially if you go for blunter ends. By adding a kink or a wave, you can add a little flair. Our Mini Iron is perfect for this look – with its thin plates (just half an inch wide), you can easily style short hair to create effortless waves. But don’t worry if your hair won’t hold a curl, a straight, sleek bob is just as gorgeous – and low-maintenance.

Textured shag

For a naturally voluminous style, the shag haircut is the cream of the crop. With very short layers chopped in around the head, and much longer layers around the neck and shoulders, this is a great way to give the illusion of thick, flowing hair. Combined with a full fringe, this look just needs a light texturising spray and a quick zhuzh with your fingers and you’re all set.

3. CUT IN A FRINGE TO GIVE THE ILLUSION OF VOLUME

Fringes are a secret weapon to unlocking volume. If you’re working through the challenges of thinning postmenopausal hair, particularly grappling with the dreaded "cat ears" at the hairline, fringes offer a great solution. By strategically framing your face and concealing areas of thinness, fringes not only inject a dose of chic style but also create the illusion of fuller, thicker hair. We’ve rounded up a few fringe styles that could help disguise thinning hair.

Long side fringe

A gentle sweep of fringe cascading to one side not only adds dimension to the face but also masks areas of sparse hair along the hairline. This style creates an elegant, effortless look while subtly camouflaging thinning edges.

Wispy fringe

A wispy curtain fringe not only adds a touch of whimsy to your hairstyle but also works wonders for concealing thinning hair at the front. You can part this fringe in the centre, allowing it to fall softly on either side of your face, cleverly hiding any "cat ears" that may be lurking.

Chunky fringe

Going for a textured blunt fringe adds instant volume and depth to fine or thin hair. The blunt cut creates the illusion of denser hair, while cleverly placed layers add movement and bounce, effectively disguising thinning areas around the temples.

Blunt fringe

To add the illusion of volume for short hair, go for a blunt fringe. Blunt ends give the illusion of ‘no gaps’ which can hide the fact that you don’t have much hair to go round. Coupled with a face-shaping style, this look is on the edgier side.

For even more hairstyle ideas, check out our blog on the best hairstyles for mid-length hair.

4. EXPERIMENT WITH YOUR PART TO BOOST VOLUME

By simply changing the way you part your hair, you can instantly add volume and lift to your thin hair. Whether you opt for a deep side part, a playful zigzag, or a relaxed messy middle part, experimenting with different part styles can transform your hairstyle and elevate your look in no time. Here’s our roundup of a few ideas to try:

Deep side part

A deep side part is a classic way to add volume to thin hair. By shifting the part to one side, you create asymmetry that instantly lifts the roots, giving your hair more body and bounce. 

Messy part 

For a relaxed, undone look that still adds volume to the crown, opt for a messy middle part. This laid-back style is perfect for those days when you want effortless volume and a touch of bohemian chic.

5. USE HEATED STYLING TOOLS MINDFULLY

For many of us, heated styling tools are an important part of our hair styling routine. With a bit of TLC, you can still use heat on your hair while keeping your locks happy and healthy. 

• Use a heat protectant: Begin with a spritz of a heat protectant spray such as the CLOUD NINE Magical Potion, which contains nourishing ingredients that help care for your hair as you style it.
• Style at a lower temperature: On thin hair, it’s best to use heated styling tools that come with Variable Temperature Control like our Original Iron Pro. Unlike traditional straighteners that offer only one heat setting, all CLOUD NINE Irons have this advanced feature, which allows you to tailor the heat setting to suit your hair type and condition, which can reduce overheating and frizz. Before using heated styling tools on your thin hair, it’s a good idea to work out your hair type. You can do this by using the CLOUD NINE Temperature Calculator, where you can find out your hair type and the safest temperature to style it at. 
• Section strategically: Divide your hair into small sections before styling to ensure even heat distribution and maximum volume. This allows you to focus on specific areas that need extra lift.
• Keep it moving: Prevent your thin hair from overheating by continuously moving the styling tool through your hair – don’t stay too long in one place. Our 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro has revolutionary ReviveModeTM with Axial VibrationTM technology which means the Floating Ceramic Plates gently vibrate as you close the plates around your hair. This minimises friction and the amount of heat applied to your hair.
• Be gentle: Protect your thin hair by handling it gently, especially when towel-drying, teasing or backcombing. Avoid harsh pulling or tugging, as this can lead to breakage and more thinning over time.

Check out our expert guide to hair types blog to read all about the different hair types, and how to care for and style your hair. You could also head to our styling guides for videos and tips on how to use our heated styling tools.

6. USE VOLUMISING PRODUCTS

If you're someone with thin hair, it's likely you've explored various lotions and potions in hopes of boosting volume. We understand it can be challenging to find the right products, so we’ve rounded up some top tips and tricks for picking the right products for your hair, and how to use them properly.

• Start with lightweight products: Go for a lightweight volumising shampoo and conditioner combo. Look for ones that also provide moisture to avoid dryness and excess oil production.
• Go easy on the conditioner: Condition only from mid-length to ends to avoid greasiness at the roots.
• Use a clarifying shampoo weekly: This helps to remove buildup and maintain lightness.
• Use mousse for added volume: Apply it from roots to ends on damp hair.
• Diffuse for added volume: Our Airshot Pro hair dryer, equipped with a diffuser attachment, is perfect for boosting volume in thin hair. It disperses air evenly, lifting and separating strands to enhance natural texture, without causing frizz or damage. For people with type 2 or 3 waves or curls, a diffuser could be the perfect tool for bringing definition and volume to fine hair.
• Spray products into your hands first: This helps you to apply them lightly for added texture and control.
• Opt for a soft-hold hairspray: A lightweight hairspray is ideal to avoid weighing down fine hair.
• Clip-in extensions: A few strategically-placed clip-in hair extensions can add thickness and volume. Go for lightweight extensions to keep tension on your hair to a minimum.

7. GENTLY TEASE OR BACKCOMB YOUR HAIR TO ADD VOLUME 

Teasing or backcombing your hair can work wonders for thin hair. It's a tried-and-tested method for adding instant volume, and here's how you can master it while being kind to your hair:

• Preparation is key: Start with clean, dry hair. Lightly apply a volumising mousse or spray at the roots to provide extra lift and hold.
• Sectioning: Divide your hair into manageable sections. Smaller sections are easier to tease and will create more volume overall.
• Teasing technique: Take a small section of hair at the crown or wherever you want volume. Hold it taut and gently backcomb the hair towards the roots using a fine-tooth comb or a teasing brush. Repeat this process with each section, focusing on the roots for maximum lift.
• Smooth it out: After teasing each section, lightly smooth the top layer of hair over the teased sections with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush like the CLOUD NINE Luxury Dressing Brush. This helps to hide the teasing and gives a polished finish.
• Finishing touches: Once you've achieved the volume you want, lightly mist your hair with hairspray to set the style and prevent frizz. Don’t overdo the hairspray, as too much can weigh down thin hair.

8. USE ROLLERS TO ADD VOLUME

Velcro and hot rollers are back – they are thin hair's secret weapon for instant volume, and kinder than using heated styling tools.

• Prep: Start with clean, dry hair. Apply a volumising mousse or spray for extra lift and hold.
• Section: Divide your hair into small sections. Smaller sections create more volume, so it could be worth spending a bit of extra time on this step.
• Roll: For velcro rollers, simply roll each section of hair onto the roller, focusing on the crown and areas where you want volume. For hot rollers, wrap sections of hair around the rollers and secure with clips like our O Clips.
• Set: Leave the rollers in until your hair cools completely. This allows your hair to set in the desired shape, creating longer-lasting volume.
• Remove: Once your hair has cooled, gently remove the rollers. Avoid pulling or tugging to prevent frizz.
• Fluff: Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently fluff and shape your hair. Avoid brushing too vigorously, as this can flatten the volume and remove all your hard work.
• Finish: Finish with a light mist of hairspray to set your style and add extra hold.

9. USE DRY SHAMPOO FOR A VOLUME BOOST

Dry shampoo isn't just a time-saver between washes – it's also a game-changer for boosting volume in thin hair. By absorbing excess oil and adding texture, dry shampoo instantly lifts the roots, giving your hair a much-needed lift. Keep a bottle of dry shampoo handy in your hair care kit for on-the-go touch-ups and quick volume boosts throughout the day. It's the perfect secret weapon for achieving fuller, more voluminous hair anytime, anywhere. However, dry shampoo is designed to dry out your hair, so best to use in moderation.

From blow-drying tricks to teasing and experimenting with hairstyles, there's no shortage of ways to boost volume and confidence. We hope our guide has gone some way in helping you to feel happy and confident in your own skin – and hair.

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