Q&A for How to Thin Hair

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  • Question
    What should you not do with thin hair?
    Arthur Sebastian
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Arthur Sebastian is a Professional Hair Stylist based in San Francisco, California. He is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon, a studio offering Hair Styling, Color & Brazilian Blowout services. Arthur has 30 years of experience styling hair. His career began with apprenticeships at Wayne’s Beauty College in Santa Cruz, California Miss Marty’s School of Beauty in San Francisco, California. After receiving his Cosmetology License in 1998, he rented his first station at Wack Shack Hair Salon in San Francisco, going on to hold positions at Posh Hair Salon, Acabello Hair Salon, and Red Union Salon before opening his own studio. With over 500 online customer reviews, Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon has a 5 star average rating on Yelp and 4.9 average review on Google.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Be sure not to deep condition your hair too often, as deeper conditioners tend to create a buildup on the air. You definitely don't want to overfeed your hair with nutrients, since this can make it brittle.
  • Question
    What is thinning out hair for?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Thinning helps thick hair to have a less bulky appearance. It softens layers and improves hair's movement.
  • Question
    Do layers make your hair look thinner?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Long layers will remove bulk from the hair, making it look less heavy. Rounded layers will add volume, making the hair appear fuller.
  • Question
    How do thinning scissors work?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Thinning scissors cut intermittent bits through a section, taking away bulk without cutting away length. They do this by trapping some of the hair in each section in between teeth so if doesn't get cut.
  • Question
    What is a thinning comb?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    A thinning comb is essentially a sharp blade with a comb on top. It cuts the hair in a similar way to a thinning shear, removing bulk, not length.
  • Question
    I was thinking about cut my hair real short. Can I still use all these methods on short hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    On short hair, it is best to thin hair with point cutting or by using the tip of a razor. Thinning shears and other common texturizing methods can create spiky cowlicks or leave ends looking fuzzy.
  • Question
    Can coconut oil thin hair?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    No, coconut oil does not thin hair. It's actually a moisturizer. If you want to thin your hair, you should trim it with a pair of thinning shears.
  • Question
    I don't want to cut my hair. Is there possible ways to naturally make my thick hair thinner quickly? :/
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    You can make your hair appear thicker by flat ironing it. The heat from the iron flattens your hair, which makes it look less thick.
  • Question
    Will a regular hairstylist be able to thin my hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but be sure he/she only takes from the bottoms. An inexperienced hairstylist may take from the middle, and tear parts of your hair.
  • Question
    Is thinning okay to do on a child?
    Olivia Wild
    Community Answer
    It should be fine, as long as you're not using any harsh chemicals or damaging their hair. It would be best to have a hairdresser thin out children's hair.
  • Question
    How can I make my hair shiny?
    Community Answer
    Apply some natural oil, such as Argan, coconut, jojoba, or olive, into your hair. Avoid using heat, if you can. If you must use a flat iron or curling iron, be sure to use a heat protectant spray.
  • Question
    My hair is puffy and dry no matter how I condition it. What shall I do?
    Community Answer
    Keep your hair away from heat and a day before having a bath add almond oil or coconut oil and then the next day wash it off. This method can also get rid of dandruff.
  • Question
    How long does it take to thin hair?
    Community Answer
    This depends on how much hair you have, but it shouldn't take any longer than 10 minutes.
  • Question
    Does apple cider vinegar actually act as a conditioner? Is it easy to comb your hair when it's wet using apple cider vinegar instead of a conditioner.
    Community Answer
    It does and it is, if you use a spray bottle to apply it. Many people use it to clean and then use almond oil to condition.
  • Question
    I have thick, wavy, medium length hair that is very oily. How do I reduce the amount of oil and make it thinner?
    Community Answer
    Try using a no oil shampoo, Make sure you wash your hair every time you're in the shower, but don't over wash it, like every day, and don't put too many products in your hair. It increases the oil in hair. To make it thinner, try after your shower putting it in a side braid or consult a hair salon for better tips.
  • Question
    Does straightening my hair daily damage it?
    Community Answer
    Yes, any kind of heat styling damages hair if done frequently. You should always use a heat protector in your hair before using a straightener to minimize damage. Check out How to Keep Your Hair Healthy when You Straighten It Every Day and How to Have Healthy Hair for more tips.
  • Question
    Other than layered hair, is there another style you recommend?
    Community Answer
    Try a twin braid. When you come out of the shower, towel dry your hair then brush it until it's smooth with no tangles, then put your hair in a side pony tail and tie it with a hair band. Separate your hair in two sections. Take the first section and make a braid with it. Do the same with section two, so you have two braids. Once you wake up, undo your braid and we your hair with water. It won't make it thinner, but it will look thinner. For an easier way, put your hair into a side pony and put hair gel all over it, it will be hard but it will make your hair thinner.
  • Question
    How should I thin hair that is extremely thick?
    Samantha L. Campbell
    Community Answer
    Ask your stylist to thin your hair with thinning shears, and mention areas where you hair is very thick. Layered haircuts remove a lot of extra hair from the ends of the hair shaft, which can make even extremely thick hair look thinner.
  • Question
    In the front of my hair, I have some waves and curls, but on the back and sides, it's straight. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    You can try to blow dry the front because the heat can make it seem straighter.
  • Question
    Where can I get thinning scissors? Are they used for layering?
    Community Answer
    The hair product sections of regular drug stores often have them, or for better-quality scissors, try a beauty supply store like Ulta. They're not typically used for layering. Layering is done with regular hair shears. Thinning scissors just thin out the hair.
  • Question
    Can you ask a hairstylist to thin your hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you certainly can. Just make sure your hair is not too thick or it may take a long time.
  • Question
    I have really thick hair, how do I make it thin?
    Community Answer
    Ask your barber or hairdresser to thin it using thinning shears.
  • Question
    Will putting oil in my hair make it oily?
    Community Answer
    Not unless you use too much. Son't put oil in your hair everyday, only once or twice a week.
  • Question
    My hair used to be thin and straight, once I started trimming it became wavy and thick. Is there any relation between these two facts?
    Samantha L. Campbell
    Community Answer
    The thickness of your hair can change for a lot of reasons! Getting more frequent trims can cause your hair to become healthier, which can result in a change of texture. Additionally, changes in diet, hormone levels, and stress can all affect the thickness of your hair.
  • Question
    How do I thin my hair without scissors?
    Community Answer
    Use a mixture of half water and half apple cider vinegar, or just use cold water instead of hot water on your hair.
  • Question
    What shampoo can I use to thin my hair?
    Samantha L. Campbell
    Community Answer
    Look for shampoos that contain smoothing treatments like argan oil, anti-frizz serums, and smoothing treatments. While a shampoo won't cause your hair to physically become thinner, it can make your hair appear to be thinner than it is by smoothing and straightening the hair.
  • Question
    I have thick long hair. It is reasonably easy to care for but I would like to have its length at just below my shoulders. What look should I go for?
    Community Answer
    Sometimes it depends on your face shape. Perhaps you could try a long bob. (AKA a "lob.")
  • Question
    If I don't use heat products, how do I thin my hair?
    Community Answer
    Use thinning shears. This is better, because heat products can damage your hair.
  • Question
    Will coconut oil be okay to use if I want thinner hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that would be fine.
  • Question
    Does a layered cut make my hair look thin?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how the layers are cut, what the thickness and texture of your hair is in the first place, and how you style your hair. Sometimes layers can make your hair look more bountiful and voluminous, and sometimes layers can thin the hair. Generally, the heavier the layering, the thinner it will look.
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