Who doesn’t absolutely adore the body-building power of a good blowout or of voluminous, bouncy curls created with hot rollers? Yet while using hot tools to style thinning hair can make it appear thicker, sometimes the same tools can wreak even more havoc on our strands! “Just like an iron can ruin delicate fabrics like silk, fine hair, with its narrower diameter, is similarly fragile and prone to damage caused by high heat,” says Julie Dickson, master hair stylist and founder of Joon Drop Salon in New York City. “So women with thinning hair need hot styling tools that not only reduce heat damage but also promote scalp health.” What’s more, repeated use of certain hot tools create a damaging cycle, where weakened hair requires even more aggressive styling to achieve the desired look—so frustrating!
The good news is there’s hope! That’s because using the right tools can actually help thinning hair stay healthy. So what are the best styling tools for thin hair? “The best tools use infrared and ionic technologies to distribute heat evenly, and help retain moisture while using lower temperatures,” says Dickson. “Plus, materials like ceramic over metal can be more gentle on thinning hair.” That means there’s no need to give up hot tools completely—yep, you can still style thinning hair to make it look fuller. Scroll on for hair experts’ pro picks for the best styling tools for thin hair.
The best styling tools for thin hair
Best blow dryer for thin hair
Traditional hair dryers can be super harsh on fragile locks, but the pros we spoke to said a dryer with ionic technology is one of the best styling tools for thin hair. The reason? Ionic hair dryers work by emitting negatively charged ions that quickly break down water molecules, reducing drying time, which is much more gentle on strands. “While an ionic blow dryer dries the hair faster with less heat and damage, it also locks in shine and body,” says Lisa Abbey, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Strength x Beauty Hair Care. That’s why she recommends Bionic Ionic Gold Pro Dryer.
Best blow dry brush for thin hair
“Infrared technology is a hair tool game-changer for women with thinning hair because it heats hair from the inside out, offering a gentler, more even heat distribution,” says Gabriel Samra, celebrity hair stylist, global brand ambassador for SUTRA. “This helps prevent excessive breakage and damage to keep hair healthier.” He says his favorite styling tool is SUTRA Infrared 2” Blowout Brush because it allows you to create volume and style by drying hair in a low-heat manner. “Plus, the infrared technology can help stimulate circulation, which can encourage healthier hair growth.”
Best curling iron for thin hair
“When it comes to curling irons, I suggest going with a ceramic barrel,” says Julia North, hair stylist and founder of Wigonia, a luxury wig brand. “This material is much gentler on hair than traditional metal barrels to minimize damage.” That’s because ceramic glides over the hair, and more evenly distributes heat, whereas typical metal hot tools can catch on hair, breaking strands. Her pick: Ghd Curve Classic Curl 1” Curling Iron.
Best flat iron for thin hair
For flat irons, look for ones with adjustable temperature settings. “This allows you to find the perfect heat level for your hair type and avoid over-styling,” says Abbey. “Additionally, a tool made with titanium plates rather than metal offers a more even heat distribution to keep the hair healthy and sleek at the same time.” That’s why both she and North rave about BaByliss Pro 1” Ultra Thin Flat Iron.
Best hot rollers for thin hair
If you prefer to use hot rollers to set your curls, Dickson advises using ones that are velvet wrapped, which are gentler and help prevent damage. Her pick: BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Professional Hot Rollers. Abbey offers another option: A detachable-barrel brush set, like Olivia Gardens Multi-Brush. “The detachable brush barrel ‘sets’ the hair while drying for maximum volume,” she explains. “Detachable roller brush heads use the heat from the blow dryer to set the volume which works with a gentler heat setting than most hot tools.” Just be sure to let them cool before removing for lasting hold.
Now that you have the rundown for the best styling tools for thinning hair—no matter what hot tool you choose to use—Dickson has a couple of last bits of professional advice. “I can’t stress this enough: Always use a leave-in heat protectant product and opt for lower heat settings, since fragile hair so easily disintegrates with high heat,” says Dickson. “It’s important to lower heat settings in order to prevent that.” Ready, set, style!
