What causes fine hair?

Firstly, it’s important to understand what fine hair really means. Many people assume that having fine hair means having less actual locks, but in reality, it refers to the diameter of the hair strands themselves. Those with genuinely fine hair don’t necessarily have fewer hairs; in fact, they often have more strands thanks to having more room on the scalp, but each strand is thinner, which can result in a the appearance of thinner looking tresses.

However, for some, hair getting sparser is a result of hair loss. If you notice more hair than usual in your brush after styling or are starting to see gaps that show your scalp, it could be a sign that you’re shedding more strands. Regardless of how thick or fine your hair is, hair loss can impact overall hair density.

While fine hair is typically determined by genetics, hair loss can occur at any stage in life due to various factors, such as stress, hormonal changes, or illness. These can accelerate thinning and make even the thickest hair appear sparser.

The good news is that a combination of both lifestyle changes to improve the health of your hair, alongside some styling wizardry to make give thin hair some oomph will get your thin hair looking more voluminous. . .

Can diet improve fine hair?

While your diet cannot change the “diameter” of your follicles, what you eat can certainly make a difference to the health of your hair.  Hair cells are some of the fastest-growing cells in the body, but they also need a constant supply of nutrients to thrive. A diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals can lead to weak, thinning hair, while a well-balanced diet can nourish your hair from the inside out.

Protein

Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein, so a lack of dietary protein can lead to brittle, weak hair and even hair loss. Including lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins like lentils and beans in your diet can help support strong, healthy hair growth.

Healthy Fats

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are essential for scalp health and the production of natural oils that keep hair hydrated and shiny. A lack of these healthy fats can lead to dry, brittle hair prone to breakage.

Iron and Zinc

Both of these minerals are essential for maintaining healthy hair follicles. Iron helps carry oxygen to the hair follicles, while zinc plays a key role in tissue growth and repair. Low levels of either can lead to hair thinning and, in severe cases, hair loss. Include iron-rich foods like spinach, red meat, and lentils in your diet, along with zinc sources such as pumpkin seeds and chickpeas.

Vitamins

Vitamin deficiencies can also impact hair health. Vitamin D, for example, plays a role in hair follicle cycling, and a deficiency has been linked to hair loss. Meanwhile, vitamins A, C, and E are potent antioxidants that protect hair from environmental damage, promote healthy sebum production, and moisturise hair. Including a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables in your diet can ensure you get the right vitamins for optimal hair health.

Can Stress Cause Hair Loss?

Chronic stress is one of the most overlooked contributors to hair thinning and loss. High stress levels can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes a significant portion of hair to enter the resting phase and shed prematurely. While this type of hair loss is usually temporary, it can last several months, making hair appear noticeably thinner during stressful periods.

Can illness impact hair thickness?

Yes, illness can significantly affect hair thickness. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases like alopecia, and even severe infections can lead to hair loss or thinning.

If you're experiencing sudden hair thinning, pop along to your GP to rule out underlying health issues.

Styling fine hair

While lifestyle changes can help to promote hair growth over the long term, if you’re looking for instant oomph, how you style your hair can make all the difference.

Styling fine hair can feel challenging as it lacks the volume and structure provided by more voluminous hair.

However, you can create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair with the right techniques, haircuts, and products.

Best haircuts for fine hair

Choosing the right haircut can make all the difference in how full your fine hair appears. Specific cuts add movement and texture, giving the illusion of thicker hair. Here are some of the most flattering haircuts for fine hair:

Here are some ideas:

Choppy Layered Bob

A layered bob is a fantastic option for those with fine hair. The layers create dimension, and the shorter length prevents the hair from lying flat against your scalp. To add even more volume, ask your stylist for choppy layers and texturised ends to help create movement.

Pixie Cut

For those who like shorter styles, the pixie cut is an excellent option for fine hair. The short, cropped look helps add structure and volume, while the natural texture of fine hair allows for a soft, tousled appearance, hiding any gaps.

Long Layers

If you prefer keeping your hair longer, opt for long, face-framing layers that add volume without weighing your hair down. Avoid heavy layers, as these can make fine hair look thinner at the ends.

If considering layers, it’s important not to layer fine hair too much. Adding some layers provides volume, but too short, and they will have the reverse effect, so make sure to get the balance right.

Hairstyles for Fine Hair

Finding the right hairstyle for fine hair can transform its appearance by adding texture and volume. Whether you prefer wearing your hair up or down, here are some styles to consider:

Soft Waves

Adding waves or loose curls to your fine hair can give it instant texture and volume. While it may be tempting to reach for a curling iron, try to embrace your hair’s natural texture if you can, and use a rought dry on low heat on the root of your hair, allowing natural waves to come through. Apply a lightweight texturising spray before styling to make the waves last longer.

Half-Up, Half-Down

This versatile style adds volume at the crown and keeps your hair from looking too flat. Tease the roots slightly (but don’t overly back-comb)  at the top to create a bit of lift, then secure the top half of your hair with a clip or hairband. This style works great for casual and formal occasions.

Volumised Ponytail

For a fuller-looking ponytail, tease the roots at the crown before pulling your hair back. Adding extra lift can be done with a texturising powder or volumising spray at the roots. You can also create the illusion of a thicker ponytail by sectioning your hair into two layers and securing each separately with an elastic.

Braids

Braids can be a great way to add texture to fine hair. Opt for looser, messy braids, as tight braiding can make fine hair look even thinner. A fishtail or French braid styled with some volume at the crown can give a fuller appearance. Don’t fancy fiddling? We offer a range of hair up do’s in our Covent Garden based salon.

Best haircare products for fine hair

What you use on your hair can make a huge difference to its appearance, but what are the best hair styling products for fine hair?

What is the best shampoo for fine hair?

Choose shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated to add volume. Volumising products are usually lightweight and designed to lift the hair at the roots without leaving residue. Avoid conditioners that are too rich or contain heavy oils, as these can flatten fine hair.

Take a look at our fortifying shampoo. This shampoo is perfect for adding volume to fine hair. It contains rooibos tea and yerba mate to strengthen the hair shaft and energise the scalp. Its lightweight formula gently cleanses the hair while promoting volume, making it ideal for daily use on fine hair.

Hair thickening spray

To create volume at the roots, apply a root-lifting spray or mousse to damp hair before blow-drying. These products are designed to boost volume at the scalp, giving your hair a fuller look. Use a round brush when blow-drying to further lift the hair at the roots.

 

Hair thickening cream’s and lotions

Hair thickening creams and lotions can be applied to damp hair before styling. These products coat the hair shaft, making each strand appear thicker. Choose lightweight formulas that won’t weigh your hair down.

Windle London’s Thickening Cream is an excellent choice for creating fuller, thicker hair. The lightweight formula is infused with white tea extract, which provides antioxidant protection while adding thickness and density to the hair. Apply it to damp hair before blow-drying for maximum volume.

Total haircare bundle for fine hair

Get thicker hair with our “Make it Thicker” bundle - our selection of our best hair thickening products. Created in the UK, this combo is infused with rooibos tea and micro wheat proteins that help boost volume and provide thicker looking locks.

Fine hair doesn't have to mean flat hair. By adopting a haircare routine that promotes thickness and using the right products and styling techniques, you can achieve fuller, healthier-looking hair.