Take inspiration from the celebrities who do it best
Looking for high-volume hairstyles for fine hair? You’ve come to the right place.
Despite most people complaining about it, fine hair is actually a blessing. It’s manageable as well as malleable, which means that it will suit most styles and will hold shape far better than other types.
Not to be confused with thinning hair, fine-haired beings can choose from a variety of hairstyles that will add life to a flat cut. Choose curls and waves to add bounce and movement, or a blunt bob hairstyle that you can bring depth and texture to with the right products and clever drying techniques.
There are plenty of celebrities who know some great tricks when it comes to creating winning hairstyles for fine hair; keep reading for the expert guide to pulling them off.
Hairstyles for fine long hair
As fine hair holds its style well, longer lengths are your best option when it comes to versatile styling options. ‘The key thing to remember with long hair is that it needs to look healthy,’ says Sam Burnett, KMS Style Council member and founder of Hare and Bone. ‘There is no point in having long unhealthy hair as the condition will always determine the length. If you have fine hair, keep layers longer as over layering will only make the hair appear thinner and sparser.’
Straight, wavy or curly, the world is your oyster here – this is the length most fine-haired celebs opt for when choosing a style that’ll work on and off the red carpet.
Celebrity inspiration: Kate Moss, Keira Knightley and Naomie Harris
Hairstyles for fine medium length hair
Safe to say that blunt, mid-length styles are all the rage right now. ‘Medium length hair looks great when it’s maintained well; think fuller, blunt styles with no layering,’ advises Sam. ‘If an individuals’ hair is prone to frizz then it’s best to keep the hair on the longer side of medium. The longer and heavier the hair, the more controlled it will be.’
Celebrity inspiration: Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman
Hairstyles for fine short hair
The key to making finer, short hair appear fuller with a cropped style is to add layering on top to create the illusion of volume and height, while sweeping fringes with multi-toned colouring add depth to your style while helping it appear fuller.
Layering is really your friend here. ‘Face shape isn’t key for this style but by creating layering, you ultimately affect the shape,’ says Sam. ‘For example round faces should opt for square layers and vice versa for square face shapes.’
Celebrity inspiration: Jennifer Lawrence
How to get thicker hair
If you’re battling finer or thinning hair, one option is to work hair supplements into your daily routine; another is to try out the best shampoo for hair loss. For more tips on how to get thicker hair, read our round up for the expert tips, tricks and advice for fuller looking locks, as well as our guide on how to make your hair grow faster.
See our round up below of the best celebrity styles on fine hair.
We reckon you’ll be taking the below straight to the salon.
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Jamie Chung, Wet Look Hair
Add lift to the roots of a slicked back 'do for added volume, as seen here on Jamie Chung.
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Zoe Saldana, Layered Style
Adding layers towards the end of your hair like Zoe Saldana creates the appearance of of fullness.
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Joan Smalls, Full Curls
Styling your hair in full, looping curls gives the appearance of fuller hair, à la Joan Smalls.
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Kate Moss, Layered with Bangs
This has to be our favourite ever 'do on Ms Kate Moss. The Bardot-esque fringe and hidden layers are a first class anti-ager - and so much cheaper than Botox. Take this picture to the salon to walk away with some serious new year style.
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Cameron Diaz, Big and Bouncy
Proving how much it is possible to change the look of fine hair, Cameron Diaz transforms her naturally limp locks into Bardot-esque tresses with the help of some curling tongs. Use a sea salt spray to add depth and definition with a teased look that's so much more modern than standard curls.
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Keira Knightley, Tonged Curls
Keira Knightley really knows how to shake up her style and works so many different looks on the red carpet. These mermaid waves are quick and easy to recreate, using a heat styler. We love how she has left the very ends out of the hair tool, so they stay straight, giving her overall look a more relaxed, undone feel.
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Gwyneth Paltrow, Loose Waves
Add body to your fine hair with chunky waves, as seen here on Gwyneth Paltrow. Use a thickening spray, like the Bumble and Bumble version after drying, but before curling. Shake out your curls to create the textured, natural-looking waves.
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Kate Hudson, Beach Waves
The queen of boho hair, Kate Hudson knows how to work her fine hair into a glamorous yet relaxed 'do for a red carpet event. Follow her lead and part your freshly waved hair in the centre: It's so much more modern than a classic side-parting-curl combo.
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Olivia Wilde, To The Side
A more obvious way to make your hair appear thicker and fuller is to put it all on one side, as seen here on Olivia Wilde.
