Hair Styling Tips for Weak Hair Woes

In general, the key to making weak, thin hair look best is to always use the right products. Shampoos and conditioners that strengthen, repair and protect are best, followed by styling gels, mousse and sprays that will add texture, shine and hold. Be consistent with hair cuts, and when styling at home, switch up the part every week or so and dry your hair while flipped upside-down over the head to add instant texture. Blunt cuts, adding curls, lightly teasing from the roots and keeping layering to a minimum are general rules of thumb in making weak, thin hair look its best. But for specific ideas on enhancing varying lengths of weak hair, see the how-to tips below.

2 Short Hairstyles To Create Sass in Weak, Thin Hair

1. Baby Doll Bob—A Short Hairstyle for Oval Face Shapes

Cutting the hair shorter (between the ear and bottom of neck) and keeping ends blunt can help weak hair look thicker. Keeping layering to a minimum while adding longer side bangs adds shape and style. A short look like this is best on rounder faces, and is easiest with naturally straight hair.

To style this shorter bob, wash and condition hair with a strengthening shampoo and conditioner, and part the hair on the side. Spritz on a leave-in fortifying spray or anti-frizz product, and let the hair air dry if possible. If you need to blow it dry, use a paddle brush.

1. Using a 1-inch flat iron, begin ironing at the nape while the rest of your hair is pinned up. Iron the section that is not pinned up, softening the look by beveling the ends under slightly.

2. Repeat this process section by section until your all of your hair has been ironed toward your face, including your bangs. The goal is for hair to look smooth, soft and sexy.

2. Modern Pixie—A Short Hairstyle for Oval and Heart Face Shapes

A fun variation on the classic pixie cut is to keep hair a touch longer on top, and add wispy pieces. The movement this style adds to thin, weak hair makes it a cute cut for weak and damaged locks. Regular upkeep helps keep damaged ends at bay. Layering and dynamic color gives weak hair dimension. This whimsical style is a great choice for oval and heart-shaped faces.

To style this playful cut, just have fun with it! Shampoo and condition with thickening products, and finish by spritzing on a leave-in defensive spray or anti-frizz product. Add texture by using a light pomade, gel or mousse. Air dry and plump with fingers as it’s drying, or blow dry on the lowest setting and scrunch with your fingers. Use a flat iron to add softness to bangs. It’s that simple!

3 Medium-Length Styles To Add Movement to Weak Hair

1. Lovely Layered Bob—A Medium Length Hairstyle for Oval or Round Face Shapes

A medium-length graduated bob can help add movement and texture to weakened, damaged hair. Just be sure to keep up with your hair repair regimen and regular trims to enhance hair health and keep split ends under control. This style is ideal on oval or round facial shapes. Begin the styling process by shampooing, conditioning and treating hair with products formulated for weak, damaged hair. 

1. Blow dry the hair without using a nozzle attachment, which can make your hair look flat. When the hair is about half-way dry, use a volumizing product at the scalp. Using a round boar-bristle brush, finish drying the hair. 

2. Take a small section of hair and spritz it with hairspray. Using a 1-inch flat iron on a low setting, straighten it from roots to ends, creating a slight upward curl as you go. Next, pin-curl that section of hair up and secure it to the head. Continue this process all over the head.

3. When the pin curls have cooled, remove the pins or clips and comb through the hair with your fingers for a tousled look.

2. Longer, No-Layered Bob—A Medium Length Hairstyle For All Face Shapes

For a variation on the bob and for slightly longer hair, focus on a style with a deep side part and thick, wispy pieces. With weak, thin hair, keeping a cut full with no layering is another strategy to give hair the appearance of thickness. If you crave a little layering, small side bangs or light layers in the front can add liveliness. This style works on any facial shape.

To style the longer bob, begin with a strengthening shampoo and conditioner. Add a texturizing product or mousse to damp roots and comb through.

1. While blow drying, flip your head upside down. If drying naturally, periodically flip your head over and scrunch from the roots to add volume.

2. When hair is nearly dry, use a large round brush to flip the ends under and create a rounded shape.

3. To add even more volume, flip your hair upside down again and spray with a strong-hold hairspray. After flipping the head right side up again, gently smooth the hair with fingers.

3. Blunt and Beautiful—A Medium Length Hairstyle for Oval and Square Face Shapes

For hair that hits just above the shoulders, a no-layered blunt cut can help give weakened hair a fuller appearance. The addition of side bangs adds a little funk to this traditional style, which is great on oval and square facial shapes.

To style, start with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, followed by a defensive leave-in product.

1. Using a blow dryer, completely dry your hair with a paddle brush for sleek-looking locks.

2. Take small sections and use a flat iron. To create a smooth, straight style, try using hairspray or gel on the sections prior to flat ironing.

 

6 Long Hairstyles

 for Weak Hair

1. Sleek and Sultry—A Long Hairstyle for Oval and Square Face Shapes

This no-layered look hints of a shag style, but doesn’t rely on layering for its texture. A great look on long, weakened hair, this style is created by fragmenting the bottom to add definition. For extra flair, add asymmetrical bangs that mimic the fragmentation on the bottom, and your weak, thin hair will fool the best of them. This style is best on oval- and square-shaped facial structures.

To style, start by cleansing with a gentle or dry shampoo and using a mild conditioner, followed by a leave-in protecting product.

1. Dry hair with a paddle brush and blow dryer. Blow dry the bangs downward so they will lay flat.

2. When hair is totally dry, use a spray-in shine product and begin taking sections to flat iron. Create completely straight hair by flat ironing section by section until your entire head is done.

2. Straight-Hair Drama—A Long Hairstyle for All Face Shapes

A sweeping side part and softly layered ends create drama in longer hairstyles that enhance weak hair. The secret is to add layering around the face only, leaving the rest of the hair unlayered. This gives weak tresses the illusion of fuller, thicker hair and works on all facial shapes. Bangs can be added for fun if desired.

To style, begin by shampooing and conditioning with products formulated for weak hair. Follow with a leave-in strengthening product.

1. Dry your hair with a blow dryer, flipping your head upside-down while drying.

2. Section by section, flat iron your hair to achieve a sleek, smooth look.

3. After flat ironing, apply a firm gel or spritz the roots with a texture spray, and then flip your part over to the opposite side to create extra volume. Complete the look with a light hairspray to hold the texture if desired.

3. Curly Girl—A Long Hairstyle for All Face Shapes

When hair is weak and limp, adding curls is a surefire way to make it look thicker and fuller. For long, shoulder-length hair, keep layering to a minimum, and for an updated look, part the hair on the side. Sexy curls are beautiful on any facial shape.

To style, cleanse and condition with fortifying products, followed by a leave-in protective product.

1. Using a 1-inch size curling iron, curl the hair section by section, working from the bottom up. Curl the hair up and down to create tubular-shaped curls, and when curling around the hairline, roll the iron away from your face. As you finish curling each section, spray the curl with hairspray.

2. When all of your hair is curled, spray the entire head with a lightweight hairspray.

4. Strong and Elegant—A Long Hairstyle for Square Face Shapes

For dressier occasions, add smooth bangs to your curls. The glamorous style will make your weak hair feel strong and fancy. This style is best on square-shaped facial structures.

To style, wash and condition with the shampoo and conditioner of your choice, followed by your favorite heat-protecting leave-in product.

1. Using a 1-inch curling iron, take small sections and curl, working from the roots through to the ends. Don’t curl the bangs, but use a flat iron on them to blend them in with the curls and add shine.

2. Once the entire head is curled, finish with a light hairspray to hold the curls in place.

3. Gather hair into a low, side ponytail and secure.

5. Flip Out—A Long Hairstyle for Square and Round Face Shapes

Weak, thin hair looks best with minimal layering, but by adding a few light layers around the face, the illusion of thickness is created. This style looks best on square and round facial shapes.

To style, start with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, or a dry shampoo. Follow with a leave-in fortifying product.

1. Blow dry your hair using a paddle brush to create smooth shine.

2. Using a large-barreled curling iron, take a section of hair around the face and flip out the ends.

3. Using your fingers, break up the curl to create flip. Finish with a light-hold hairspray.

6. Ravishing Razor-Edge—A Long Hairstyle For Round and Oval Face Shapes

This variation of the “Flip Out” style keeps weak, thin hair looking lush by layering around the face only, but adds light razor edges to create texture. Light teasing at the roots adds spice to this style, which looks best on round and oval faces.

To style, begin with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, followed by the protective leave-in product of your choice.

1. Blow dry your hair using a paddle brush to create smooth shine.

2. When hair is completely dry, use a flat iron to straighten strands.

3. To add volume and change up the look, take a few sections of hair on the top of your head and lightly tease from the roots.