Let’s cut to the chase – having thin hair can be a drag, literally. With retro hairstyles like pompadours and quiffs trending (hairstyles that hinge on huge, pumped up hair), being a fine-haired fellow can mean hairstyles that just don’t look how you want them to. Ultimately, the thickness of your hair comes down to your hair cuticle. Interlocking layers form the cuticle around your hair shaft. The more layers you have, the thicker your hair. Guys with thin hair have fewer layers, and must pay extra attention to proper shampooing and moisturizing to avoid damaging hair.
Having thin hair can have its drawbacks, but luckily there are many hair products available to add volume, texture, and general oomph to your hairstyle. When styling, avoid products that are too dense, like (most) pomades and gels.
Continue reading for our guide to styling products for guys with thin hair.
For more personalized hair tips, check out our Hair Type Guide series.
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Volume-Building Shampoo
The goal of styling thin hair is to weigh down hair as little as possible. Shampoo is your greatest ally, forming a strong foundation for great hair. You’ll want a lightweight, volumizing shampoo that stimulates roots, strengthens strands, and adds softness. Look for ingredients like collagen, which builds existing hair and promotes stronger, thicker hair growth.
Tip: Avoid heavy conditioners like silicones, butters, and oils.
SHOP: Billy Jealousy Fuzzy Logic Hair Strengthening Shampoo
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Paste
The midway point between a cream and a pomade, paste adds texture and definition to your hair without extra weight or greasiness. And lightweight conditioners and oils keep hair healthy.
Paste offers a light-to-medium amount of hold and comes in matte-to-natural finishes so your hair will never look too done up.
Tip: Paste works best on short-to-medium-length cuts.
SHOP: Imperial Premium Barber Grade Matte Pomade Paste
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Styling Foam/Mousse
If you plan on using a foam or a mousse, pay extra attention to the product’s intended use, since many mousses can make hair crunchy. That being said, there are a few exceptions, like Nevo Volume Volumizing Foam, which provides pliable hold and full volume.
Tip: Apply to entire head for lots of volume, or just the roots for a little more lift.
SHOP: Nevo Full Volume Volumizing Foam
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Clay
With an effortless matte finish, clay adds messy texture to your hair, so it’s a prime choice for creating casual styles like the messy pomp or textured crop. Since clays increase the friction between hair follicles, they also boost volume.
Tip: After applying clay, use your fingers to tousle hair and style as you wish. Start with a small amount and use more only if needed, as clay can get gummy if you use too much.
SHOP: Baxter of California Clay Pomade
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Sea Salt Spray
If your girlfriend has one of these sitting around on her bathroom counter, we completely advocate a little trial – and then maybe joint ownership. Sea salt sprays are everywhere right now. They work on all hair types, but with a particular volumizing benefit for fine-hair types. Sea salt sprays use salt to slightly dry out strands, increasing friction between individual pieces of hair. The result? Beachy, lived-in hair with chunky texture. It’s like a vacay in a bottle.
The sea salt actually coats individual hairs to create separation and volume. And in case you’re worried about your hair drying out, most sea salt sprays come fortified with moisturizers. Hairbond Texturiser Professional Sea Salt Spray boasts panthenol (vitamin B5), while Bumble and bumble’s cult hit Surf Spray contains sea kelp extract.
Tip: Work through damp or dry hair. Let dry naturally for more relaxed texture, or blow-dry with a diffuser to amplify your style with volume.
SHOP: Hairbond Texturiser Professional Sea Salt Spray
