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8 Short Hairstyles That Will Make Thin Hair Look Fuller

This is your sign to go for it.

If you’ve got naturally fine or thinning hair, you might naturally shy away from short hairstyles out of fear these cropped ‘dos just won’t work. Not so fast. With the right cut, short styles can actually boost volume, movement, and structure. The result is hair that actually looks full and vibrant. To help you find the perfect fit, we reached out to professional hairstylists for their expert advice on the most flattering short hairstyles for thin hair, whether you love a chic and timeless bob, soft layers, or like something with a bit more edge. 

Blunt Bob

A blunt bob is a type of short haircut without any layers at all. “This keeps the bottom looking thicker and fuller. The length can vary anywhere from chin length to just above the shoulders,” explains Jenna Spino, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, Ill. She adds that you can style this cut in a million different ways, including stick-straight, with some flipped ends as pictured on Hailey Bieber here, with some curls for a classic old money feel, or with some texture.

Classic Pixie

A classic, unfussy pixie looks great on fine or thin hair—especially if you have some natural texture like Zoe Kravitz, Bennett says. “The natural wave or curl in her fine hair gives the pixie a sleek but lived-in feel without requiring heavy products, keeping the style light and airy,” she explains. For this style, she recommends keeping some texturizing paste on hand to create just a touch of definition while taming flyaways. 

Chin Length Bob

For a subtle twist on the blunt bob, try a chin-length bob with a bit of texture—a look famously worn by Cate Blanchett. “The cut is precise but choppy, offering a chic but edgy look,” says Lacy Bennett, professional colorist at lrn beauty. “I recommend this for someone with naturally straight hair looking for minimal styling for an everyday look. It’s also the perfect length for a slick-back low-bun.” 

Short Shag

A short shag is full of texture, which is one of the keys to making your hair look fuller than it actually is (without weighing it down). “They add texture and body to fine hair,” explains Gina Rivera, hair artist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites. “This cut is perfect for hair that is straight, wavy, coarse, and curly; they are super easy to maintain and look fantastic while they grow out.” Plus, the messy and lived-in finish gives a cool, effortless vibe. The trick to styling this short haircut is really leaning into the layers and amplifying texture.
 

Old Money Bob

The old money bob is another way to infuse texture and dimension into fine or thin hair, only instead of that boho edge it has a sophisticated twist that’s half Hollywood glamour and half quiet luxury. Soft layers built into this style create natural movement, while a curling iron or traditional curlers can add tons of soft, pillow-y volume. 

Textured Pixie

A textured pixie is ultra cropped, but plays up volume via choppy layers integrated throughout. Spino says that when you keep the top longer than the sides, it can also help create the look of more fullness. The right styling technique can further enhance volume and movement. “Air dry or rough dry just using your hands and finish styling with a texture spray to show off the layers and make it look messy,” she says.

Layered Lob

“Adding soft layers or a slight A-line shape gives movement and body without making the ends look too thin, enhancing the illusion of volume,” says Olya Iudina, a professional stylist at IGK NYC. “For this style you might need some styling skills, unless your hair has a natural wave to it. First rough dry your hair with mousse—it doesn’t have to look perfect, you just need to add some grit to your hair. And then using a 1-ich or 1.25-inch curling iron curl top pieces and spray with texture spray or light hairspray. The goal is to lift and volumize the top section of your hair.”

Long, Feathered Pixie

Whether you’re growing out a pixie or want to chop off some length without feeling too bare, a longer, soft and feathered pixie is a great hairstyle for fine or thin hair.  “A pixie with soft, feathered layers adds dimension and lift, especially if styled with a bit of texture. A longer pixie with side-swept bangs can also create fullness around the face,” Iudina says. “Use a bit of mousse and rough dry. Then use a pomade or wax, warm it in your fingers and pinch the ends for definition.”