Meet Mary Allen, a writer at The Right Hairstyles Magazine with a passion for the artistry of hair, who first joined our editorial team in January 2022. With a keen eye for trends in haircutting and coloring techniques, Mary Allen explores the diverse spectrum of beauty, ensuring that her articles resonate with women from all walks of life.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
Cassie Sheets is a Philadelphia writer who spends most weeknights freaking out her dog with sheet masks. Being truly passionate about trends in hair styling, she delivers the most useful and inspiring information to The Right Hairstyles’ writers. Also, Cassie loves writing on feminism and social issues and reviewing interesting books.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
Olga is a professional wedding hairstylist based in the UK. She specializes in modern, effortless, relaxed looks, which emphasize her client’s best features. Olga's hairstyles have been featured in print magazines such as Salonfocus and Weddings & Honeymoons. The stylist is sharing her knowledge and love for hair by training and mentoring other hairdressers.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
@hairbyhannahtaylor
One updo you can never go wrong with is a classic chignon. It is as good for a formal event as it is for holiday parties and it is fitting for both shoulder length and long hair. This off-center option creates natural volume and looks super cute. Leave out a tendril on the opposite side to balance your look.
Can you style some nice updos if your hair is fine? Why not. The following super sharp looks do not require exceptional hair thickness or extraordinary density. Adding some volume at the roots and practicing a little, you will be able to recreate some of them effortlessly, while others may require more advanced skills. Anyway, preparing for a special occasion, you can always show a picture of your dream updo to a good stylist. Hope you’ll find it here.
One problem with thin hair of medium length is that it may look limp in downdos. You need to invent some voluminous waves or backcomb your locks to solve this issue. As for updos, thin hair usually looks more appealing when it’s lifted up, especially if you opt to experiment with a variety of popular curly and messy updos.
You won’t really tell if your hair is thin or not if it’s styled skillfully. A cute bun or an inventive knot updo, for instance, is a stylish hairstyle that is good for every day or a special occasion, and it’s an ideal option for fine hair of medium-to-long length. We have prepared the brightest examples of updos for all occasions in your life. So, get inspired and don’t be afraid to experiment!
@tonyastylist
Volume is the key to making fine strands appear thicker than they really are. Her teased crown and large bun make it look like she has a ton of hair. Volume is the key to making fine strands appear thicker than they really are. Her teased crown and large bun make it look like she has a ton of hair.
Updos for thin hair are usually best when they are soft and aerial. An updo with whipped waves and loosely pinned sections pumps up your mane, no matter how fine your locks are.
@lee4you
How chic is this hairstyle? Not only is it elegant, but it’s also stylish and flattering for fine hair. Loosely twisting and pinning small sections of hair, your stylist can create a more voluminous updo even on mid-length hair.
@lee4you
When you wear your hair down, it always looks like you have thicker strands if it is curled as opposed to blow dried straight. The same rule applies to updos. Opt for a textured ‘do where your locks are curled and gently pinned back.
@nayza
This modern take on a classic French roll is elegant, yet not overdone and it can blend clip in extensions nicely. If your hair is naturally straight, use a large curling iron to create waves and spin your hair back, leaving a few locks to frame your face.
@tonyastylist
Wedding hairstyles for thin hair can look gorgeous even without extensions. Her hairdo elegantly sweeps the length of her hair into a low curly bun. It has been backcombed, so its volume considerably increased.
@beautyandtheblush
It doesn’t get more romantic than wearing flowers in your hair! Organize your hair in a messy bun with a few thin strands down your neck. Pin the flowers of your choice to complement the hairstyle.
@kimannesley.hair
One updo you can never go wrong with is a classic chignon. It is as good for a formal event as it is for holiday parties and it is fitting for both shoulder length and long hair. This off-center option creates natural volume and looks super cute. Leave out a tendril on the opposite side to balance your look.
@hairbyhannahtaylor
Highlights on thin hair are always fun to play with. Just look at how the texture of fine tresses is defined in this lovely updo. Ideal for every hair type!
@kellgrace
You don’t need to create anything complicated to achieve fullness. This casual twisted bun is lovely and of optimal size thanks to a bit of backcombing and the way one section wraps around the other to form a very loose knot.
@ashpettyhair
We can’t take our eyes off of this amazing, disheveled bun! If you want to create one yourself, use a texturizing spray to add fullness and grit to your hair. A few loose strands add to the romantic feelof the style.
@hadarah_hairandmakeup
We love how smooth and glossy this hairstyle is. Also, pears make a perfect accessory for darker hair colors, which makes them stand out. A flawless hairdo any stylist would approve of.
@art4studio
This sensual voluminous hairstyle is sure to turn heads. Create lift by back-combing the top half of your hair. Don’t roll your hair too tight to keep your hairstyle puffy. Use a rat tail comb to define a free flowing single strand.
@tonyastylist
If you are concerned that your thin hair might lose volume in twisted hairstyles, look at this enchanting twisted bun. Carefully arranged curls allow a peek at the shadow root and make the platinum sheen stand out.
@hair.so.boho
Messy but cute, this updo is low effort with maximum effect. Start with a high ponytail and use some dry shampoo to tease your roots and add volume and texture. Hairstyles like this are adorable and comfortable to wear.
@hair.so.boho
Shoulder-length straight hair can be a good starting point for elegant sleek hairstyles. The delicate sheen of dark hair can go a long way towards creating an irresistible party look.
@tonyastylist
Side twists take a classic knot to a new level. They will keep event short thin hair in place while allowing additional volume. An updo that will work for various hair types and colors.
@loveisinthehair_byliz
Here is one of the elegant hairstyles for short hair that are suitable for short thin hair. You can wear your hair half up or pin the loose ends inside. Dot the i’s with elegant pearl pins.
@jeny.stylist
Looking for hairstyles for a fancy occasion? Ask your stylist to replicate this intricate updo. Extra textured and defined, this flower-like styling will make you a center of attention.
@milagolubeva
If you are searching for easy hairstyles for long hair, start with simple knots. The looseness of this casual knot creates appealing volume and softness. It’s always a good idea to leave out several fine strands to frame your face.
@bel_pipsqueekinsaigon
You might be surprised if you think your hair is too thin to pull off an updo such as this one. By starting with a ponytail and then strategically curling and pinning hair around its base, you’ll end up with a quite voluminous looped bun.
@elstile
This tender look is achieved thanks to soft waves flowing gently into a simple chignon. Fluffing the top half up is a good way to build up hair volume.
@tonyastylist
Hairstyles for long thin hair offer a surprising variety of options. Experiment with sophisticated twists to create enigmatic updos that glam up your everyday look.
@jeny.stylist
Thinner hair might be tricky to style so that it looks full of air and doesn’t lose volume by the end of the day. Try buns with braided details, such as a fishtail braid or a rope braid, that will keep hair in place and blend the extensions if needed.
@simeonalanta
Color match the color of your extensions to your highlights, and you a ready to pull off a stunning updo with a large low bun. Play on the contrast of the sleek top, making the bun intricately textured.
@kasia_fortuna
Dyeing your hair light blonde can seriously damage your locks. Take care to reverse the damage and keep your bleached hair healthy. Meanwhile, use hair products that create volume at the roots of your hair to create sassy hairstyles like this.
@hadarah_hairandmakeup
Get creative with this interpretation of a half Mohawk knot on your long hair. It might take time to get used to creating hairstyles like this, but it’s definitely worth it. They create more hair texture than classic chignons.
@morganhairco
This look would be marvelous for prom, wedding, or any other formal occasion. Make your updo intricate with intersecting or blending twists, add a decorative string and a slight bouffant – and the thinness of your hair will be anything but evident.
@reneemarieacademy
This cute bun works for any length, provided your locks are long enough to be loosely twisted. This is one of the styles you can tackle at home, just coil, pin, and mist with hairspray. If a few pieces fall out at the front, that will make your look even more relaxed.
@sunkissedandmadeup
Opt for a half Mohawk updo, styling sections of your hair into twists or knots and pinning them in place. When you start the hawk not from the hairline, but somewhere below the crown, you automatically make it bulkier because the mass of hair is concentrated on a smaller area.
@theconfessionsofahairstylist
This gorgeous style pulls double duty by showcasing a gorgeous dye job and creating a full updo for fine hair. As you can probably tell, a curly style is the simplest option to add thickness to thin hair. Large curls are a good base for fancy-looking loops.
@canaryrocksalon
Tight ballerina buns are great, but they don’t do any good for fine hair. On the other hand, a low messy twist does. The loose pieces around her face enhance the appeal of her undone look. The bun itself may not be neat and round.
@studioalessandranunes
If your updo consists of different elements or features different textures, it looks more sophisticated, and the eyes believe it takes a thick mane to pull off those things. This curly bun is upgraded with accent braids and thin face-framing streaks for a reason.
@gabrielleroccuzzo
The right color and texture always work to your advantage. Lighter ends with darker roots play up to thinner locks, and so do curls. Add in some ringlets or looser waves to get an easy updo for a special occasion or every day.
@allieliliokalani
A nice way to upgrade a loose, messy low bun is to add a simple hair accessory. Pearls are sophisticated and timeless, they give a classic twist to the trendy chignon.
@carasuthers
When it comes to updos for thin hair, Dutch lace braids with a messy finish are the best. Criss cross two side braids for a single horizontal plait across the nape of the neck, secure with hair pins, and you’re all set! For added thickness, tease the roots before you begin braiding.
@jbraidsandbows
Forget about the small details and go big. If braided at the nape horizontally, a jumbo braid looks like an intricate twisted chignon. Gently pull out each piece of the braid to make it lacier.
@tonyastylist
Modern prom and wedding hairstyles are nonchalantly elegant and effortlessly looking. Hairdos with a soft beachy texture inflate your mane. Try the Gibson tuck on wavy hair and you’ll get a gorgeous update of the classic updo your grandma might have worn when she met your grandpa.
@ulyana.aster
Updos for thin hair are all about the body. Teasing, curls and highlights work together to create this tender curly updo, beautiful enough to be appropriate for fancy formal occasions.
@salonleah
Long thin hair can sometimes be tricky to style. You do not want your locks to appear too flat when they’re pulled back. That is why loose braids for thin hair are a failsafe choice. Combine a twist with a fishtail braid for the same rewarding variety in textures we have mentioned above
@ashpettyhair
Fine hair gets a boost thanks to the undone waves and the looseness at the back of the crown. For a romantic finish, leave a few loose tendrils around your face.
@sunkissedandmadeup
A Dutch braid hairstyle that takes strands from the top but is placed at the lowest point along the hairline is a great idea for a new updo. As with any braid, you can make this one bigger by pulling at its parts when it’s completed.
@heatherchapmanhair
If you prefer to use solely your God-given hair, tease the back portion upward to get this messy updo. For fine hair, this is an awesome cheat, at it creates the illusion of thickness.
@nastty_lisicina
Here is an easy look to try when you are short on time. This charming style seems intricate yet delicate at the same time. It’s the perfect option to carry you from work to an event after – no need to style your hair again.
@treatwell_uk
Sometimes fine hair can be “thickened up” through the use of a stand out hair color like the trendy gray-blonde balayage. Pull your hair back, teasing the roots and using a strong styling spray.
@maxwellmathson
Hairdos for thin hair can be versatile and creative, and your stylist can use bun cushions to create the illusion of thicker hair. This messy French roll features several layers and switching directions that provide a fuller and more interesting look.
@nastty_lisicina
Thin hair looks thicker when there’s a color dimension, like in this example where the long fine hair is blonde with exposed dark roots. Side braids also add volume and interest to hair – the messier the better!
@felipehenriquehair
Allowing a looser finish for the whole look will make the updo more voluminous and add softness around your face. Mind that highlights and contrasting ombre are already showy, so extra embellishments may look overwhelming.
@lee4you
If you like the idea of a low bun hairstyle, try a twisted bun (it will appear bigger) and add some accessories. From flowers to jewels, there are plenty of options that will add some bling to your tresses and make them seem thicker when they are up and pinned.
@weddinghaircompany
Try something creative and original for that upcoming party with this hairstyle that is ideal for long hair that lacks thickness. The crown braid is thick and angled to add volume, while the tendrils gathered into a bunch below also contribute to the impression of a bulky updo.
@kykhair
This thin hair updo looks adorable, and it’s really simple to style, too! You’ll need a hair elastic, some bobby pins and a strong setting spray. Messy is very trendy right now, which is good news for thin hair – current styles are very forgiving to flyaways.
@modernsalon
This cute tri-color mane uses highlights and lowlights to create an illusion of volume. When the color is this impressive, you only need to add a bit of texture for a flawless hairstyle.
@maxwellmathson
Use some hot rollers to thin locks, and then don’t overstyle. By simply gathering your hair at the nape of the neck and securing with some hair pins, you’ll achieve a fuller look.
@hairstylist_ani
Accent braid have been populate for a while and are definitely worth trying. The trick is pulling out each loop of the braid once it’s finished to give the appearance of thick strands. Gather your braids into a ponytail, a bun, or leave them down.
@emmas_parlour
Low updos with disheveled texture give the fullest look to thin hair. Subtle highlights and wispy twists add to the allure of the updo.
@sunkissedandmadeup
Braids are so fun and easy to add to hair, why not combine a few different ones or try a mix of braids and messy twists? Unleash your creativity and have fun!
@heatherchapmanhair
This style is so easy, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it can be put together. Grab some hair elastics and bobby pins and get to work! By starting with a low ponytail, braid the hair into two sections and twist them around the hair elastic, securing with pins.
@salonleah
This hairstyle is a great option for those with naturally curly or wavy locks. Apply a bit of product to your damp hair, working it in with your fingers and scrunching your locks, but do not brush to preserve the texture of your hair. Make a side part, leave some side bangs and gather the rest into a messy bun at the nape of your neck.
@duyenhuynh
A great way to glam up a less formal style in an instant is to add a flower. With fine hair you do not want to overpower the look with a large blossom, so opt for a color that is similar to the hue of your hair. In this instance, the pastel pink flower blends perfectly with blonde hair.
@hairbympalacios
A perfect casual style for any occasion; this look sweeps messy curls into a high ponytail for an effortlessly cool updo. This can work for all women, especially those with long thin hair.
@hairlabbudapest
If you are running out of ways to do your fine hair, try some of these hairstyles you have just seen in the pictures above. Draw inspiration from them, creating something unique and exclusive.
Enter your email to get this picture to your inbox, and get other ideas you might like 💌
Fine hair has its perks, you just must learn your way around it. Using mousse or thickening spray on wet hair will give your locks some oomph. Luckily, finer hair is quick and easy to blow dry. For special occasions, apply some texturizing powder and backcomb the roots.”