A variety of styles to suit all thinning hair types.

If you have thinning hair, you may feel like keeping your hair forever. This is definitely not the case. There are many different updos and hairstyles you can wear to thin out your hair. For example, weaves can create a fuller look while hiding thinner areas. The key is to take care of your hair to avoid pulling and tension.
Celebrity stylist Cody Renegar notes, “I recommend keeping the braid on the loser’s side – not too tight – because it helps the hair fall out and makes it look more voluminous. ” “Braiding the hair also helps prevent breakage caused by using frequently used heating tools when styling hair.”
Celebrity stylist Deaundra Metzger agrees, adding that braiding is a great way to protect hair. It prevents breakage and minimizes or eliminates the need for heat styling, both of which are important for thinning hair. “Just keep the tension as low as possible, especially around the hairline,” she advises. “Instead of heavy extensions, try a lighter braiding style to prevent traction alopecia.”
The best braids for thinning hair
Crown Braid (Milkmaid)
As the name implies, the crown braid is located at the top of the head and is an easy way to hide a thinning or receding hairline. It can be done gently to create fullness and protect hair follicles. All you need is a comb, two elastic bands and about 10 minutes of your time.
Start with a small triangle near the hairline, divide it into three even sections and weave the three strands from the outside to the center,” says Jay Small, celebrity stylist and co-founder of Arey. “Each time you complete one pass through the center of two strands, grab the hair from the area near your part – with just a pinch. Continue adding more hair along the hairline as you pass through each time; the braid will get bigger and you’ll end up at the back of the neck or back hairline.”
Continue braiding until you run out of hair, then secure with an elastic band to seal. Repeat on the other side. Finally, remove the loose ends and secure them with bobby pins to combine with the opposite braid. To gain more volume, gently pull the corners of the weave. Using a powdered dry cleaning shampoo prior to braiding will help with this texture when expanding.
Pancaked Big Braid
“This braid is ideal because you can flatten the hair and spread it out, which adds width to the head and gives it a fuller look,” Renegar says.
Start by creating an inverted French braid, pausing every three to four inches to “pancake” the hair as you weave.
“Pancaking means you separate and unfold each part of the braid to flatten it out,” Renagar explains. “Then you continue the braid and merge it into the next section. Finally, a regular braid is made for the rest of the hair at the top of the nape of the neck and sprayed with a medium hold hairspray.”
Knotless Braids
Knotless braids are a lightweight, protective hairstyle that hairstylists often recommend for people with fine, thinning or sparse hair.
“They consist of small sections of varying shapes that are kept small to prevent the hair from being pulled too far away from its growth area,” says Britt Dion, director of hair artistry for Aveda North America. “These sections are then woven starting with the natural hair. The extensions are then ‘fed’ into the braid to add density and potential length to the look.”
Knotless braids are usually done by a professional, and you can wear the style for about two to three months before it needs to be re-worn.
Box Braids
Box braids are also a good choice because they create a more voluminous hair but are still light enough not to add more weight than the hair can handle.
Dion notes that the process is nearly identical to knotless braiding, except that box braids have box sections. Extensions are added to the bottom of the sub-part at the beginning of the braid. This produces a thicker, longer appearance.
Typically, box braiding is done by professionals and lasts about four to six weeks.
Braided Bun
A simple braided bun is easy to follow and minimizes tension in the hair and scalp. small says it’s a favorite option for his fine or thinning hair clients because it’s a great alternative to a messy bun and still ensures full, textured hair.
“Start by combing your hair with a brush or comb, then apply dry shampoo from scalp to ends. Comb hair and tie it into a ponytail at the crown, center of the head or under the nape of the neck and combine with a soft, flexible fabric,” Small says. “Depending on the style you choose, divide the ponytail into two or three parts, then use a clear elastic to combine the ends after braiding the hair.”
Gently pull on the sections of the braid to give it more volume and secure with bobby pins.