It’s no news flash that labels can be misleading, but it can be especially frustrating when it comes to hair styling products. Especially when we specifically buy ones that claim to make thinning hair look thicker, but end up doing the exact opposite! That’s why we turned to hair pros for the best styling products for thin hair that are game changers in making strands look fuller. Here, the products worth trying and why you should switch up your hair care when dealing with fine, thin hair.
Why you should use specific products for thin hair
“Certain styling products can weigh down the hair or even contribute to breakage and hair loss,” shares Chiara Scudieri, master stylist and product creator at hair care brand I.C.O.N. That’s because many styling products contain harsh chemicals that can damage both hair and scalp.
“Manufacturers add ingredients like parabens, phthalates, sulfates and alcohol to hair styling products,” explains Trisha Khanna, MD, a dermatologist in Orlando, FL. “These ingredients purportedly aid the hair in the drying process, help to hold heated styles or even remove dirt and oil from the hair.”
Yet with excessive use over time, these harmful products can also actually lead to hair loss. “For example, products with harsh alcohols can dry out the scalp and strands, making thinning hair more prone to damage,” says Scudieri. Plus heavy, waxy hair styling formulas can build up on hair and the scalp, weighing down strands and clogging hair follicles, which can hinder growth. So when it comes to finding the best styling products for thinning hair be sure to check the labels and steer clear of such harmful ingredients.
The best styling products for thin hair
When it comes to choosing the best styling products for thin, fine hair, what exactly should you look for? The pros we spoke to say you want to go for nourishing products that add volume while also supporting hair health. That means looking for natural ingredients. Keep scrolling to see the top 5 recommendations from hair experts that aren’t damaging and help hair look thicker.
Best hairspray for thin hair
“When it comes to styling thinning hair, skip any products with high alcohol content,” says Susie Geda, master stylist and owner of Bibo Salon in Oakland, California. “Products that contain alcohol dry out your hair and scalp, which can make thinning worse.” Its gentleness on hair is probably why Pantene Strong Hold Alcohol Free Level 4 Hairspray is so popular amongst beauty influencers on TikTok—this fine mist hairspray doesn’t weigh hair down or make hair crunchy. It even helps tame flyaways, like @marietril on TikTok demonstrates in the video below.
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Best hair oil for thin hair
“Hair oils are perfect for strengthening and nourishing thinning hair, especially for women over 40 who might notice their hair getting drier, frizzier, and more brittle over time due to hormonal changes,” says Dr. Khanna. “I always recommend using hair oils with natural ingredients like Boom Shine Lightweight Hair Serum, which is free from harsh chemicals and silicones.” The serum contains naturally-derived argan, moringa and coconut oils, all of which will help thinning hair thanks to stores of fatty acids and vitamins. “This serum will deeply penetrate strands to moisturize, reduce breakage, and enhance shine, making hair healthier and more resilient,” she says. “I also love that it’s lightweight, so it won’t weigh hair down.”
Best mousse for thin hair
When it comes to hair styling products that help boost volume, mousse might be top of mind for us gals who grew up in the ‘80s. The foam has been around for decades—and just like the old days, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. “The trick to using mousse or any product on thin hair is to remember less is more,” says Geda. “When they’re overused, even volumizing products can weigh the hair down.” Her pick: Kevin Murphy Body Builder Mousse, which she says gives hair fullness and bounce while staying light. She adds that this product is made specifically for fine, colored, or fragile hair, to help strengthen and thicken while adding body. Plus, it contains orange peel oil and almond glycerides to make hair shine.
Best thickening spray for thin hair
It may seem like a no-brainer to reach for thickening sprays when styling thinning hair, but we should all be wary of ones that contain a wax-like finish, cautions Geda. The reason: These products can weigh your hair down and cause build-up on the scalp. “When the hair follicle is clogged, it basically strangles the hair that is trying to grow through it,” she explains. This can lead to even more thinning. That’s why she recommends a lightweight spray that won’t weigh hair down. “One of my favorites is Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray,” says Geda. “It’s perfect for adding volume at the roots.” Ingredients like watermelon and lychee extracts as well as amino acids also help strengthen hair at the same time.
Best heat protectant for thin hair
Whether you reach for a curling iron, hot rollers or the blow dryer to try to infuse some volume to thinning hair, using a heat protectant spray as the first step in your styling routine is a must. “Using heat protectant sprays along with techniques like using a round brush to lift roots while blow drying will definitely help to create lots of movement,” says Scudieri. “But some of these products can strip hair of moisture and dry out the scalp, which can lead to further hair loss.” Heat protectant sprays made with silicones can also lead to buildup that weighs down hair and stifles growth. But using a silicone-free spray like Kenra Thermal Styling Spray 19 can offer protection from temperatures up to 428°F to ensure hair stays healthy.
Basically, when it comes to the best styling products for thin hair, here’s the gist: Focus on products that are free of harsh chemicals, and lightweight and nourishing, to get heaps of va-va-voom volume.
