The Best Hairstyles for Thinning Hair
We’ve had some fantastic questions lately asking about How to keep hair shiny, how to grow gray gracefully, and what are the best hairstyles for black women.
Now here’s an email I got about a very common problem after 40, and that is thinning hair. What’s the best hairstyle to make it look thicker and stylish? Our Fabulous After 40 hairstylist Chris Maclachlan has this expert advice.
Hi, Chris,
My hair is very thin. I color it to cover the gray and it is naturally very straight. I like to spend as little time on my hair as possible, and I’ve even thought about letting go of gray. What hairstyle would you suggest?
Thank you, Jenny
Hi Jenny,
My advice for really thin hair is usually the shorter the better. I would recommend something classic and chic like a bob, or if you have the nerve you could go for a pixie cut. Short hair requires regular trims, at least every 6 weeks, and usually needs to be styled (but not necessarily shampooed) every day. You will also get better results when using a styling product. I would suggest a very lightweight pomade on your hair after blow drying to give it shape and texture. Try something like one of these pixie cuts.
Pulling this look off requires confidence and a talented stylist, but it can be a real statement and will help define your look. If you want to keep a little more length try something like this.
As far as going grey, that is really personal. It may look thicker with a darker color, but I am a big fan of being as natural as possible. It would depend a bit on the shade of grey you are. If you do it and decide you don’t like it, you can always go back to coloring.
Good luck and let me know how it goes. Chris
Chris Maclachlan is a top hairstylist with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is passionate about helping all woman find their own style and feel their best, no matter age, shape, or size.
If you have a question about hairstyles for women over 40? Send Chris an email with a photo to questions@fabulousafter40.com
I was looking for something completely different when I came upon this website and immediately fell in love with the tips, advice and posts on this website, it is absolutely amazing!!!!! :)
A woman with thinning hair at the crown, be careful with pixies too short on the top like the picture., unless you have enough hair to cover the thinning. A longer pixie works well except I struggle with the color being too dark ( so my part is more obvious ( covered with sprinkles) or too light ( I’m 90% grey) so the grey roots make my hair see through to the scalp. Changing to medium brown with a few high and low lights to break up the obvious line. Grey for very thin/ balding hair is NOT a good look unfortunately . Hopefully hair will grow back so I can get that gorgeous silver short pixie!
I have to disagree with this about coloring thin hair. Dark colors make the scalp even more obvious. A color closer to your skin tone will help make the scalp peeking through less obvious. The thinner the hair is the more of an issue this becomes.
Jennifer Tolentino . Yes.
Please note that this advice is for straight hair. I have naturally wavy hair that curls when it’s long but it absolutely wild when cut short. When I went for a pixie cut, it looked cute, BUT, I’d wake up with it sticking out in every direction (except the one(s) I wanted). It took a LOT of work to manage, much more so than longer styles.