Thin hair in winter can look flat, but these winter hairstyles for women with thin hair add volume without the effort, and they will change how you feel about your hair. The right style lifts the roots, creates the illusion of thickness, and holds its shape all day, even under a hat and a scarf. If you have ever looked in the mirror and thought your hair was disappearing, this guide is for you.
In this guide you will find 21 winter hairstyles for women with thin hair, each with step-by-step how-to, a product tip, and the occasion it suits best. We start with volume-boosting blowouts, braids that make hair look thicker, half-up styles with height, textured buns and top knots, party styles with volume, and the styles to avoid, before the full list of looks. Save your favourites, try one a day, and enjoy fuller-looking hair all winter.
Volume-Boosting Blowouts
A blowout is the single best thing you can do for thin hair, because it lifts the roots and creates volume where there was none. Start with damp hair and a volumising mousse at the roots, then blow-dry with a large round brush, lifting the hair upward as you dry. Work in sections, from the back to the front, and finish with a cool shot of air to set the lift. The result is hair that looks twice as thick as it did when you started.
In winter, a blowout lasts two or three days in cold, dry air, which makes it a practical choice, not just a party look. Sleep with your hair in a loose topknot to keep the volume, and refresh the roots with dry shampoo on day two. If the roots start to drop, a quick pass with a hot brush will bring the lift back in minutes. The goal is soft, bouncy volume, not stiff, over-set hair, and a good blowout is the fastest way to get it.
Braids That Make Hair Look Thicker
Braids are a thin-hair secret, because a loose, pulled-apart braid looks much thicker than the hair it is made from. Start with a little texturising spray, braid loosely, then gently pull the edges of the braid outward, a technique called pancaking, to make it look full and soft. A Dutch braid, a fishtail, or a simple three-strand braid all work, and each one looks different, so you can change the style every day.
Braids suit every face shape, and they are wonderful in winter, because they keep the hair out of the way under a coat and a scarf, and they do not tangle as much as loose hair does. For a party, add a ribbon or a sparkly clip to the braid, and it becomes a party style. For a workout, a tight braid will stay put through anything. A braid is not just a style, it is a volume trick, and thin hair benefits from it more than any other hair type.
Half-Up Styles with Height
Half-up styles are perfect for thin hair, because they lift the crown and create height where you need it, while the rest of the hair falls loose and soft. Start by backcombing the crown lightly, smoothing the top, and pinning the top section back with bobby pins or a clip. Leave a few soft pieces out at the front, so the style looks relaxed, not severe. The result is a style that looks like you have much more hair than you do.
Half-up styles suit work, weddings, and any day you want your hair out of your face, and they are wonderful in winter, because they keep the hair away from a coat collar and a scarf. For a party, add a sparkly clip or a small comb, and the simple half-up becomes a party style. For a busy morning, a half-up twist takes two minutes and looks like you spent twenty. A half-up style is the thin-hair woman’s best friend, and it is worth mastering.
Textured Buns and Top Knots
A textured bun is a thin-hair miracle, because the texture creates the illusion of fullness, and a bun is the easiest style to make look intentional. Start with a little texturising spray, gather the hair into a high ponytail, twist it loosely, and pin it into a bun, leaving a few pieces out at the front. Pull the bun apart gently to make it look fuller, and secure it with bobby pins. The result is a bun that looks much bigger than the hair it is made from.
Top knots suit every face shape, and they are wonderful in winter, because they keep the hair out of the way under a hat and a scarf, and they do not tangle as much as loose hair does. For a party, add a sparkly clip or a ribbon to the bun, and it becomes a party style. For a workout, a tight top knot will stay put through anything. A textured bun is not just a style, it is a volume trick, and it is one of the best things thin hair can do.
Party Styles with Volume
Party styles for thin hair are all about volume, shine, and a little bit of drama. A blowout with extra lift at the crown, a half-up style with a sparkly clip, or a textured bun with a ribbon, each one is made for holiday parties and winter weddings. The secret is to start with a good base, a blowout or a textured style, then add one party element, a sparkly accessory, a bold lip, or a little shine spray, and let it do the talking.
For a party, style the hair with a little extra volume at the crown, using a volumising mousse and a round brush, then add your sparkle. A touch of glitter spray on the parting, a rhinestone clip at the side, or a bold red lip will turn a daytime style into a party style in minutes. The best part is that thin hair photographs beautifully when it has volume, because the light catches the lifted roots and the hair looks full and shiny. Go bold, have fun, and let the volume shine.
Styles That Flatten Further – Avoid These
Some styles make thin hair look even thinner, and it is worth knowing which ones to avoid. A slicked-back, severe ponytail shows the scalp and makes the hair look flat, and a centre part with no volume at the crown does the same. Heavy, straight, one-length hair with no layers looks thinner than layered hair, because there is nothing to create movement or lift. Avoid these styles, or add volume to them first, and your hair will look much fuller.
The other mistake is using too much product, especially heavy oils and waxes, which weigh thin hair down and make it look greasy and flat. Use light products, a volumising mousse at the roots, a texturising spray on the lengths, and a little dry shampoo to refresh the roots, and your hair will stay light and bouncy. If a style is not working, try the opposite, add volume at the roots, loosen the style, or add a texture, and you will see the difference at once.
Thin Hair for Your Face Shape
Thin hair styles should suit your face shape, as well as your hair type. Round faces look longer with volume at the crown and a side part, which draws the eye upward. Oval faces can wear almost any style, so try a bold, voluminous blowout. Square faces soften with soft waves and volume at the sides, while heart-shaped faces suit styles with fullness at the chin and jawline. Long faces look wider with volume at the sides, rather than just at the crown.
If you are unsure, ask your stylist to look at your face with your hair pulled back and to choose the style for you. Small changes make a big difference, moving the part by an inch or adding volume at the crown can change the whole balance of a style. The good news is that thin hair styles are easy to change, so if you try a style and do not love it, you can try another one tomorrow without a bad hair phase.
Winter Hairstyles for Thin Hair 1 to 4
1. The Volume Blowout. A blowout with extra lift at the roots, using a volumising mousse and a large round brush. It suits every face shape, and it is the best way to make thin hair look thick. Blow-dry in sections, lift the roots upward, and set the style with a cool shot of air.
2. The Loose Dutch Braid. A loose Dutch braid, pulled apart gently to make it look full and soft. It suits wavy and straight hair, and it is a beautiful winter weekend look. Start with texturising spray, braid loosely, and pull the edges outward for fullness.
3. The Half-Up Twist. Twist the top section back and pin it, leaving the rest loose, and the crown has height and volume. It suits work and weddings, keeps hair out of your face, and takes two minutes. Backcomb the crown lightly first, for extra lift.
4. The Textured Top Knot. A high, loose top knot, pulled apart gently to make it look fuller. It suits everyone, keeps hair out of the way under a hat, and looks like you spent an hour on it. Add a sparkly clip for a party.
Winter Hairstyles for Thin Hair 5 to 8
5. The Low Textured Bun. A low, loose bun at the nape, with soft pieces out at the front. It suits work and weddings, and it is the most elegant thin-hair style. Gather the hair loosely, twist it, pin it, and pull it apart gently for fullness.
6. The Side-Swept Blowout. A deep side part with the hair swept across one cheek, adding drama and volume. It suits thick and thin hair, and it is perfect for winter parties. Set the part while your hair is damp for the best hold.
7. The Fishtail Braid. A fishtail braid looks intricate and full, even on thin hair, because the small sections create texture. It suits wavy and straight hair, and it is a beautiful winter weekend look. Pull the edges outward for extra fullness.
8. The Pixie with Volume. A short pixie with volume at the crown is a wonderful thin-hair style, because the short length makes the hair look thicker. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces, and it is fast to style. Use a volumising mousse at the roots and a small round brush.
Winter Hairstyles for Thin Hair 9 to 12
9. The Messy Bun with Volume. A messy bun, pulled apart gently to make it look fuller, is the easiest thin-hair style of all. It suits everyone, keeps hair out of the way, and looks like you spent an hour on it. Gather the hair loosely, twist it, pin it, and pull it apart for fullness.
10. The Half-Up Ponytail. A half-up ponytail lifts the crown and creates height, while the rest falls loose and soft. It suits work and weddings, and it takes two minutes. Backcomb the crown lightly first, for extra lift, and wrap a small section around the elastic.
11. The Voluminous Bob. A bob with layers and volume at the roots makes thin hair look much thicker, because the short length removes weight and the layers create movement. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces, and it is fast to style with a round brush and volumising mousse.
12. The Textured Ponytail. A ponytail with texture, teased at the crown and pulled apart gently, looks much fuller than a sleek ponytail. It suits everyone, and it is perfect for a workout or a busy day. Add a little dry shampoo at the roots for extra lift.
Winter Hairstyles for Thin Hair 13 to 16
13. The Braided Crown. A braid wrapped around the crown, pulled apart gently, looks full and romantic, and it keeps the hair out of your face. It suits weddings and parties, and it is beautiful with a few soft pieces out at the front. Start with texturising spray, braid loosely, and pin it in place.
14. The Side Braid. A loose side braid, pulled apart for fullness, is a beautiful winter weekend look. It suits wavy and straight hair, and it keeps the hair out of the way under a coat. Pull a few pieces loose at the front for softness.
15. The Low Ponytail with Volume. A low ponytail with volume at the crown, teased lightly and pinned, looks much fuller than a flat ponytail. It suits work and weddings, and it is the most elegant thin-hair style. Wrap a small section around the elastic to hide it.
16. The Half-Up Bun. A small bun on top, with the rest of the hair loose, creates height and volume at the crown. It suits everyone, and it is perfect for a busy morning. Gather the top section, twist it into a small bun, and pin it in place.
Winter Hairstyles for Thin Hair 17 to 21
17. The Party Blowout. Our big party look, full volume, soft curls, and hair that moves every time you turn your head. It suits thick and thin hair, and it is made for holiday parties. Blow-dry with a large round brush, curl the ends away from your face, and finish with light-hold hairspray.
18. The Voluminous Waves. Soft, loose waves through thin hair are romantic and effortless, and they make the hair look much thicker. Wrap large sections around a curling wand, leave the ends out, and brush through gently for a lived-in wave.
19. The Textured Lob. A long bob, or lob, with layers and texture, is a wonderful thin-hair cut, because the length is short enough to hold volume and long enough to style many ways. It suits every face shape, and it is fast to style with a round brush.
20. The Braided Ponytail. A ponytail with a braid woven through it looks intricate and full, even on thin hair. It suits wavy and straight hair, and it is a beautiful winter weekend look. Braid a small section, wrap it around the ponytail, and pin it in place.
21. The New Year Volume Look. Our final look is the party volume look, full roots, soft waves, and a sparkly clip, made for New Year and winter celebrations. It suits everyone, and it is the perfect way to end the year. Style it big, add your sparkle, and dance all night.
How to Add Volume at Home in Winter
You do not need a salon visit to add volume to thin hair. Start with damp hair and a volumising mousse at the roots, then blow-dry with your head upside down, lifting the roots with your fingers. Work in sections, from the back to the front, and finish with a cool shot of air to set the lift. If you are short on time, dry the roots only and let the lengths air-dry, because the roots are what people see first.
For curls, use a large-barrel wand and wrap sections away from your face, leaving the last inch straight for a modern, undone look. For straight hair, a flat iron in small sections gives a sleek finish, but always use a heat protectant first. On second-day hair, dry shampoo at the roots and a quick pass with the brush will refresh the volume without a full wash. Keep your products light, your hands out of your hair once it is styled, and the volume will hold all day.
Best Winter Products for Thin Hair
Winter thin hair needs volume and light moisture, in equal measure. A good volumising mousse is the most useful product, followed by a texturising spray for the lengths and a lightweight leave-in conditioner for the ends. Use a deep conditioning mask once a week, especially if you colour your hair, and rinse it out thoroughly so the hair stays bouncy. A heat protectant is non-negotiable if you blow-dry, because winter hair is already drier than usual.
Keep dry shampoo in your bag for hat days, and a small bottle of shine spray for evenings out. Avoid heavy oils and thick waxes, because they weigh thin hair down and make it look flat, and save them for smoothing flyaways at the ends instead. Buy the smallest size first, try it for two weeks, and only then commit to the full size, because the right product for your hair type is worth finding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Thin Hair
The most common mistake is using too much product, especially heavy oils and waxes, which weigh thin hair down and make it look flat and greasy. Another mistake is washing the hair every day, which strips the natural oils and makes the hair look thinner. A third mistake is skipping the trim, because split ends travel up the hair and make the whole style look rough.
At home, the biggest mistake is over-brushing, which flattens the volume and creates static in winter. Brush gently, from the ends upward, and use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair. Do not pull the hair back too tightly, because it shows the scalp and can break the hair. And do not cut your own hair at home, however tempting a tutorial looks, because the back of a cut is the hardest part to get right.
Keeping Your Volume Fresh Between Appointments
Thin hair needs a trim every six to eight weeks to keep the ends healthy and the style looking sharp. Between appointments, protect the ends with a little oil, sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce tangles, and wear your hair in a loose braid at night to stop breakage. If the roots start to fall flat, a little dry shampoo and a quick shake will bring the volume back in seconds.
If you loved these winter hairstyles for women with thin hair, you may also like our guide to winter hairstyles for women with fine hair, and our round-up of winter hairstyles for women with a round face. Both will help you choose the exact style that suits you best this winter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can thin hair really look thick?
Yes, with the right cut and styling. Layers, a blowout, and a little texturising spray can make thin hair look much fuller, because they create movement and lift. The key is to use light products, add volume at the roots, and avoid heavy styles that flatten the hair.
How often should I wash thin hair in winter?
Every two or three days is ideal for most women, because washing every day strips the natural oils and makes the hair look thinner. Use dry shampoo on the roots between washes, and a light conditioner on the ends only, to keep the hair fresh without weighing it down.
Does a shorter cut help thin hair?
Often, yes, because a shorter cut removes weight and the hair holds volume better. A bob, a lob, or a pixie can all make thin hair look thicker, but long hair with layers can also work, as long as the layers are long and the ends are kept blunt and healthy.
Save your favourite volume tricks from this list, try one a day, and enjoy fuller-looking hair all winter long. Thin hair is not a problem to hide, it is a hair type to style well, and once you know the tricks, you will love it. Follow Nova Fashion on Pinterest for more winter hair ideas, and come back soon for our next round of seasonal styles.