Fine hair refers not to how much hair a person has, but rather to the diameter of each hair shaft. A woman with fine hair may have a full, abundant head of hair. More problematic for a woman is having a sparse amount of fine hair, meaning that her hair is both fine and thin. Fine hair needn't be a liability, however. Careful selection of hair products and just the right cut can turn your fine hair into a flattering look.
Step 1
Use a shampoo made especially for fine hair. Look for products that advertise "body-building" or "volumizing" effects.
Step 2
Use a conditioner formulated for fine hair. The wrong conditioner can leave fine hair limp and greasy-feeling. It is important not to skip conditioning, however, particularly if your hair has been chemically treated.
Step 3
Try a mousse or thickening cream that is especially formulated to make fine hair look fuller. Avoid heavy wax or gel products that can weigh hair down.
Step 4
Let the roots of your hair dry upward for natural lift. After shampooing, work in a thickening product, then comb hair straight upward, securing it on top of your head. Allow it to air dry.
Step 5
Make the most of your fine hair with a good cut, such as a bob or a chop, which is a bob with irregular ends. You might also try a lightly layered mid-length style or a cap cut, which emphasizes the bangs.
Step 6
Get the ends of your hair trimmed regularly. Fine hair quickly loses the shape of a haircut as the ends become straggly.
Step 7
Consult a professional stylist if you want to color your hair. Hair coloring can work to your advantage by increasing the body and texture of fine hair, but you must avoid the dryness that comes with over-processing.
Step 8
Don't perm fine hair. Fine hair is especially vulnerable to the damage perms cause to the hair shaft, resulting in brittleness and breakage.
Step 9
Add length, fullness or curl to your fine hair for up to two to six months with hair extensions, The website HelpForFineHair.com recommends that hair extensions be attached only with a protein bond, since weaving, sewing or gluing can damage fine hair. You can also purchase clip-on extensions for instant and temporary results.
Step 10
Provide extra moisture to your hair during the dry winter months to avoid problems with static.
Tips and Warnings
- A crop cut is a short, tapered style which can work well with fine hair, but is best on younger women since it attracts attention to the neck area, according to the website HairBoutique.com.
- Avoid haircuts with too many layers. Although some layers give the effect of fuller hair, too much layering can cause fine hair to look thin.
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo for fine hair
- Conditioner for fine hair
- Mousse or thickening cream
- Comb
- Hair clip
- Hair extensions
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