- Long hair can work beautifully for thin strands—the key is smart cutting and styling. A blunt, one-length cut adds fullness, while light face-framing layers provide shape without sacrificing volume.
- Avoid overly long lengths; keeping hair around the collarbone to the chest helps maintain movement and body. Regular trims and nourishing masks prevent fine hair from looking limp or dry.
- For extra thickness without a chop, use volumizing mousse or texturizing spray, or try tape or partial extensions to add fullness where you need it most.
It’s often said that thin hair needs a shorter haircut. And while yes, a well-cut bob can fake fullness incredibly well, the style isn’t loved by everyone—and it's understandable. Bobs can be a chore to maintain with increased styling and monthly salon appointments to keep your cut neat. Longer hairstyles do tend to be easier to maintain, but have the reputation of making thin hair look, well, thinner. So, there are pros and cons for every length for finer hair types, confirming the fact that we should always choose the looks that we love and that make us feel good. If you are on the hunt for some style inspo for longer looks for thin hair, though, we are here to deliver.
What long hairstyles suit thin hair?
If you look at your hair as material to craft with, having long hair is an excellent start to create the illusion of thickness. Using your lengths to build a voluminous base for a high bun or working a volumizing foam or texturizing spray through your ends before blow-drying will be the key to fuller-looking hair.
You can easily add the illusion of volume with two types of cuts that remove minimal hair. The best, by far, is a blunt, one-level cut. "For thinner hair, it’s best to stick to one-length styles, as layers can make the hair appear even finer," notes Ryan Forsythe, artistic education director at Trevor Sorbie salon in London, UK. "A clean, blunt edge helps create the illusion of fullness and strength. Adding some subtle face-framing layers can work well to give shape and support to weaker areas around the front."
If you prefer a layered look, no prob. Long layers are a clever way of not removing any hair from the length, but the added movement creates texture and, bingo, volume! Forsythe warns of keeping your hair length too long, though, when you have finer strands. "In general, avoid very long lengths, keeping the hair at a manageable, medium length [from collarbone to top of chest] helps maintain body and movement. Regular trims and nourishing masks are also essential to keep finer hair looking thick and healthy."
How can you make long hair look thicker without cutting your hair short?
"Styling products such as mousse or volumizing sprays are a great way to add body and lift to long hair without cutting it shorter," notes Forsythe. And if you still aren't satisfied, extensions are an option. "They can make a huge difference. Today’s bonding technology is much gentler than it used to be, and tape extensions offer a quick and easy temporary solution. Partial placements are also a brilliant choice for adding fullness in specific areas, especially if there’s breakage through the sides or nape."
Ok, so now you know what the vibe is, let’s have a look at the following styling inspo…
Best long styles for thin hair
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
