How to Treat Fine Hair

Plunging bob cut for fine hair
Photo: Shutterstock
Hair that is very fine can be just as challenging as extremely coarse or thick hair. To make it look its best, we need to understand how it reacts to different haircuts and treatments. Humidity, static, bad cut, and too much texture can hurt your look, but there are ways to deal with it and even to prevent it.
 
When people speak about fine hair, they sometimes confuse the density of the hair (the amount of individual hairs per square inch) and the texture, meaning a thin hair shaft. In this article, we are taking a closer look at the latter and what you can do to make the most of it.
 
Best Haircuts for Fine Hair
 
Fine hair can appear in great abundance with a very high density, but it can also be on the lighter side and requires a good cut and good volume in styling. Many women and their stylists are convinced that the best cut for fine hair is a bob. A short, blunt-cut bob makes the hair look smooth and full. With a little undercut, the shape falls into place almost by itself. Wear it at chin length or longer and show your sense of style. A-line bobs can also look spectacular with their plunging angle featuring a longer section in front.
 
A choppy bob has developed a growing fan base over the past few years and is indeed a great choice for women of all ages with fine hair. The basic shape is like a bob, but the ends have irregular lengths and varying degrees of texture. This look can be styled with wispy ends, curled and curved, or simply shaken into place. It offers more spunk and dynamism than its sleek cousin.
 
Layers in all lengths of hair are a great way to tame bulk, but be cautious with overly eager hairstylists who believe texture is the solution to all hair issues. Whether you have a lot of thin hair or it's a bit on the sparse side, layers will distribute the weight, add movement, volume, and give you a sexy mane feel.
 
Short cuts in fine hair require a stylist with excellent scissor skills. You have a lot of hair to cut, and if it's supposed to fit and fall into a shapely place, a lot of experience and knowledge are needed. Pixies cuts and choppy cuts can look great.
 
Bob haircut for fine hair
Photo: Powerofforever/Getty Images Signature via Canva
If your thin hair could use a little more volume, try an asymmetrical cut. This way, most of the hair will be on one side, making it look fuller. The smaller, less dominant side can be slicked back, tucked behind your ear, or fastened with a dressy hair clip.
 
The longer the hair is, the more prone it is to frizz and split ends. Keep it well nourished and trimmed regularly.
 
Tips for the Care of Fine Hair
 
Fine hair has a tendency to look limp and lifeless. It is also very susceptible to humidity, and any moisture can turn your fluffy, bouncy hairdo into a picture of sadness. While we can't always avoid wet weather or humidity, you can prepare your hair to handle it gracefully. Use light conditioners and shampoos designed for fine hair. Additionally, apply a clarifying shampoo to get rid of build-up.
 
Anything heavy, too rich, or thick will weigh your hair down. However, when it's well-nourished, it will be more resistant to moisture. One side effect of moisture is that it can make the hair shaft swell slightly, making the hair feel thicker.
 
A very dry environment, especially during heating periods in winter, can have another very disturbing effect on hair. While humidity makes it heavy and limp, the dryness from your clothes, shoes, and carpets can cause static. Who doesn't hate all those unruly flyaway hairs?
 
An easy remedy is dryer sheets. Just take them out of their box and rub them through your hair. They even leave behind a pleasant scent. If you don't want to smell like fresh laundry, you can find one of the special styling products for fine hair at your local beauty supply or drugstore. Another cheaper and effective option is to rub some lotion into your hands and dab it gently over your hair. A thin mist of hairspray will also be your daily friend.
 
Bobbed hair with bangs for women with fine hair
Image: AI illustration
What to Avoid
 
Slithering is a cutting technique used to texture hair, as well as to remove bulk and make it lighter. The scissors are held at a steep angle against the h air and then moved downward in one swift, sharp motion. The scissors are partially opened, and the cutting results from the motion and sharp blades.
 
However, slithering can damage your hair if done too often, excessively, or with the wrong equipment. It puts a diagonal cut on each hair, thus opening the hair shaft and making the hair very prone to dryness, splitting, and breaking. When done on fine hair, it can make the hair look frizzy, and ultimately, it may need to be cut much shorter to eliminate the damage.
 
Another unpleasant situation can develop with razor cuts. It is a very similar technique, but it is done with a long razor blade. Be cautious when your stylist talks about deep texturing and techniques to remove bulk from the hair, and ask exactly what and how much will be done. If you do decide to go with the thinning cut, then do not repeat it the next time you visit the salon. Just get a trim and wait a few months before having the texturing repeated.
 
With fine hair, your biggest enemies are frizz and split ends, moisture, and product buildup. These are easy to handle. Now go out and find that perfect haircut!
 
By Bea | Updated | ©Hairfinder.com