How to Make Your Hair Thinner

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Thick hair may be considered a blessing, but sometimes it’s just too much. If you’d like your hair to be thinner (or at least appear that way), there are a few options for you. By making some changes to your beauty regimen, trying out a thinning hairstyle, or working directly with your stylist, you can be on your way to a sleeker look. Unless you have experience, it is not advised to cut your own hair at home.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Changing Your Beauty Regimen

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  1. Perhaps the simplest way to achieve a thinner look is to wash your hair in cold water instead of hot. The cold temperature closes the hair follicles and reduces frizz, giving the appearance of smoother, thinner hair. [1]
  2. Shampoos formulated for thin hair work to make it thicker and give it more body. By the same token, shampoos designed for thick hair can help make it smoother and more manageable. Try a shampoo formulated for thick hair to give your hair a thinner look. [2]
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  3. Straighten your hair . Using a flat iron on your hair can make your hair appear much thinner as well as more manageable and smooth. To do this, wash your hair, then towel dry and apply any hair products. After you blow-dry your hair, divide it into sections. Apply a heat-protectant product through your strands to protect your hair. Finally, you can carefully run your flat iron through your hair one .5 in (1.27 cm) section at a time.
    • You may want to apply a straightening serum to your hair prior to blow-drying to help with this process.
  4. There are a wide variety of creams, gels, and serums available that are created to straighten or tame unruly hair. These have the added benefit of making your hair appear thinner. Look for a product that suits your hair texture, and follow the package instructions for use. [3]
    • Some products will be best applied to wet hair, and others to dry.
    • Some products will recommend heat styling (such as blow drying and/or straightening) after application.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Trying a New Hairstyle

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  1. Section your hair as if you were doing a half-ponytail or half-bun. Pin the top section out of your way. Then grab a handful from the middle of the bottom section, making sure there is still a bit of hair underneath. [4]
  2. Take the “handful” that you’ve chosen and divide it into two sections, side-by side. Braid the first section and secure it with a small rubber band. Then braid the second section. [5]
  3. Now twist the braids around one another against your scalp. Aim to create a smooth circle of braids right against the back of your head. Then secure this braid circle with bobby pins. [6]
  4. Release the top section of your hair that you moved out of the way, and style your hair normally. Your hair should appear noticeably thinner without needing any special products or cutting any hair! [7]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Working With a Stylist

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  1. [8] A professional stylist can thin out your thick hair using a razor or texturizing shears. This can be an excellent option if you’d like to thin your hair in a more permanent way. Speak to your stylist about whether or not they recommend this technique on your hair. [9]
  2. Undercuts have become a trendy option. An “undercut” is when the sides and/or nape of your neck is shaved or cut really short. This can be an easy, effective way for you to thin your thick hair while sporting a trendy look. [10]
    • If you have long hair, you'll still be able to wear your hair down, and no one will notice that you have an undercut. You could also wear your hair up in a bun or ponytail to show off the undercut.
  3. Keratin is a protein that occurs naturally in your hair. A salon keratin treatment coats your hair with this protein, causing a smooth, frizz-free appearance that can last anywhere from 3-6 months. [11] Talk to your stylist about a keratin treatment to help thin out your thick hair. [12]
    • Some keratin treatments contain chemicals that may not be appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  4. A Brazilian blow-out , also called Brazilian keratin treatment or Brazilian straightening, is a semi-permanent method of hair straightening that lasts anywhere from 2-4 months. Find a salon that provides this service and schedule an appointment to make your hair appear thinner. [13]
  5. Talk to your stylist about cutting your hair into a long-layered style. Long layers frame your face and make thick hair more manageable. Try a long-layered look to make your thick hair appear thinner. [14]
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Expert Q&A

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  • 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.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    This depends on the type of layer. Layers remove bulk from your length but they can also add volume.
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    Not Helpful 17 Helpful 13
  • Question
    What is the best shampoo for thinning 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.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    For thinning hair, you want a mild shampoo that stimulates the scalp. Tea tree oil and mint are good ingredients to look for.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 17 Helpful 16
  • 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.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Thinning scissors work by trapping intermittent sections of the hair in their teeth so that only a portion of the hair in each section is cut. This removes bulk from the hair without changing the length.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 18
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      References

      1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/hygiene-basics.html
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips
      3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/female-pattern
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Knl2KXp2iYw
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v6cdHR_Byc8
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v6cdHR_Byc8
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Knl2KXp2iYw
      8. ↑ Jenny Tran. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 31 August 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9RlvOX2v-U
      1. ↑ Jenny Tran. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 31 August 2020.
      2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23204-keratin
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkXlLJ4XezY
      4. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23204-keratin
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BslpGHc11nE

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make your hair thinner, try washing it with cold water since the cold temperature will reduce frizz and make your hair look less thick. You can also try straightening your hair with a flat iron, which will reduce its volume and make it look smoother. Also, next time you're at the store, look for a shampoo that's formulated for thick hair, which can help make your thick hair more manageable. Or, you can pick up a volume-reducing hair product, like a cream or gel, so your hair looks thinner. To learn how to choose a hairstyle that will make your hair look thinner, scroll down!

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