Layer Thin Hair

Thin hair with layers
Photo: Depositphotos
Q: I have thin neck length hair and used to wear it in a blunt one-length cut. I was happy with my hair, and it was easy to style. Then I wanted to try something new with more volume and let the hairdresser cut layers.
 
Now my hair is unruly, it looks choppy and it pops up all the time. It is very difficult to style and even the slightest bit of moisture makes it look like a mess. Was it a bad idea to get layers? Did the hairdresser give me bad advice?
 
A: It’s usually a bad idea to cut thin hair into layers, especially if the client doesn’t know how to style or maintain layered hair. I can’t say that the stylist gave you bad advice, as I don’t have firsthand experience in what your hair looks like or in what kind of condition it is in.
 
My advice to you would be to grow your hair out again into a one-length cut. Don’t let it grown longer than your shoulders, as thin hair that is too long tends to look stringy and ill-maintained. Next time you want a change, have your hair cut into an inverted bob, with the front sides curving slightly inward towards your cheekbones.
 
Because a bob is a blunt, one-length cut, it doesn’t tend to pop up or look unruly, and works especially well with straight, thin hair. It is layered at the back, but because of the curve of the head, the hair curves inward along the profile of the scalp, which means it falls into style very easily.
 
There are a few things that you can do to ease your hair-difficulties while you wait for it to grow out.
 
Avoid highlights now. Highlighted, bleached or blonde hair tends to me more dry and brittle, which will increase its tendency to look choppy and encourage the baby hairs to stand up. If you have natural blonde/light hair, or if it is naturally dry, I would suggest going for a monthly in-salon treatment to increase the moisture in your hair. Thin hair can be tricky to moisturize, as this type of hair tends to be weighed down easily by hair masks or treatments. But there are certain products and lines that cater for the specific needs of dry, thin hair.
 
Apply a small amount of heat-protection and smoothing lotion to you hair before blow-drying it in the mornings. Use a medium-barrel brush to sweep in the curves/tips of your hair, so that it doesn’t pop up or look choppy. Once you’re done, you can use a very light silicone gloss spray to smooth down any unruly little hair that insists on popping up. The silicone base will also block out any humidity or moisture that might be present in the air, while adding that healthy dose of gloss and shine to your tresses.
 
Rather than spraying the gloss spray directly on the hair, it’s better to spray some on the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and then lightly comb your fingers and hands through your hair. Silicone gloss spray can be heavy, and if used in excess, especially on thin hair, it can make the hair look, tacky, oily and dull.
 
Don’t lose heart. You’ll have to adapt your styling methods and use the tips I mentioned above, but layers can be great fun, and even people with thin, wispy hair can totally rock it once they get the hang of the new styling and maintenance methods.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
How to cut hair
 
Different types of layering
 
The benefits of layers