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Convinced your fine hair isn’t up to the job?
There are several ways forthin hairto hold shape and boost volume, texture, and movement.
Getty Images / Byrdie
Creating a stylish updo for fine hair doesn’t have to be a battle, says hairstylist Gregga Prothero.
“I always like stronger shapes with fine hair,” says Gibson.
“Fine hair tends to not grow as fast and can break easier on clothes and rubbing against surfaces.
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If you want to put layers in, have them longer rather than shorter unless you want ashag.”
Diagonal Part
Spice up a classic sleek low bun by adding a few key details.
Here, Ayo Edebiri went for a diagonal part and a swooped strand carefully fixed with gel.
A great hairstylist can help you achieve the best look for your hair bang out.
If afringeis in the cards, know that it adds exquisite depth to an updo.
“When you visit your hairdresser be realistic about your wants.
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Be very clear how you want your hair to look,” advises Gibson.
“The consultation is the most important step in great hair.
If it doesnt feel right dont do it.”
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Ballerina Bun
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Parting makes all the difference in any coif.
Sleek Half-Up Half-Down
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Is a half-up, half-down style cheating?
We’ll let it slide as an honorary updo.
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The classic option allows you to free your face (and provide lift!)
while letting your ends create structure and balance.
Whimsical horns, like Dove Cameron’s, aren’t obligatory, though we’re admittedly digging the style.
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Simone Ashley’s updo employs over-directed side-parting to give volume up top in contrast to its slicked-back sides.
Low Bun With Side Swoop
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Same, but different.
Zoe Saldana’s glossy updo forgoes the aforementioned height for a swooping side bangs to frame her stunning features.
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This will give the illusion of fullness and help define those strong, clean part-lines.
The result: a romantic version of a half-up, half-down that still feels cool and different.
On fine hair this might need some hair extensions, notes Gibson.
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“Apply them about 2 inches from the part.”
“Pull everything up into a ponytail on top of your head,” continues Gibson.
Spray with firm hold hairspray to hold in place."
Keep a few strands out for a chic everyday style that matches any outfit.
You’ll notice an immediate shift in those fine strands, with more grit and hold for styling.
Pearly Fishtail Braid
Add some bling to a pulled-back ‘do by adhering stick-on pearls orgemstonesthroughout the hair.
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This freckled look adds a hint of decadence but still plays it cool.
Your hair will magically appear fuller thanks to the gems poking out of your braid.
Classic Curly Bun
This hairstyle looks like it is straight out of a romantic period piece.
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Pair with an unexpected choker a la Araya Hargate to maintain some edge.
A flurry offloralsfresh or fauxis an excellent addition to your average chignon.
Let the adornments take center stage while you cruise through the lack of styling effort.
Large florals like this are especially plumping, even on a less-than-full bun.
A little backcombing secured with bobby pins is too easy a fix to toss to the curb.
Whip this fad out to help frame your updo with a little extra “oomph.”
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Ditch the teased-up sections for a clean, chic take on this fashion-forward ponytail.
The trick to wearing this look on fine hair is adding a point of interest over your elastics.
Wear it up, split your strands into two parts and criss cross them atop the head.
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Brush your hair forward, style as preferred and set the result with a dose of hairspray.
Wrap your hair into a few different twists using a styling cream to help it stay smooth and tame.
These twists will give your topknot a sculpted, dimensional look.
Rachel Sennott shows us how chic and modern this look can be.
When all else fails, don’t hesitate to braid a weft of hair in!
It’s an easy option with no strings (or clips) attached.
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Pompadour
Apompadouris such a fun style to play around with and works especially well on shorter lengths.
Use some thickening spray and a brush or comb to lift the roots up and away from the scalp.
Finalize the creation by bringing the sides back for contrast and securing with a strong-hold hair spray.
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Alternate the direction of your “C” as you move down the section.
This is a simple, foolproof way to lock in a subtle wave.
Frieda Pinto’s crown braid even goes as far as to create some added structure.
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Braid with a Woven Scarf
Another shoutout tohair accessories; they’re a thin-haired person’s BFF.
Don’t believe us?
Just take Leonie Hann’s word for it.
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We love the addition of lash-skimming bangs, graduated toward the ends for a rounded shape.
This modernizedbeehiveoffers a sexy silhouette with the perfect amount of volume and gritty texture.
When you finish with a full head of ringlets, use your brush to separate and loosen the coils.
This will give your hair full, fluffy movement all over.
(It’s also amongst the easiest ways to experiment withextensions.)
Undercut
Cut comes into play here again.
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When creating an updo on thinner hair, it can be helpful to create a base first.
Warrior Braid
Similar to pompadours and poufs, this sectioned style brings our attention front and center.
“Blow Dry the hair with a round brush for lots of lift concentrating on the roots.”
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Braiding or knotting a center section is an easy way to provide lift where fine hair may be lacking.
Stacked Buns
Stacking two buns together will make it appear like there’s more hair to spare.
“Celebs do it all the time and sometimes it makes the updo a lot more fuller looking.”
French Twist
“She has fine hair but a lot of it,” says Gibson.
This French twist uses her natural texture that everyone loves, he adds.
Twist vertically until the ends are tucked in and secure with bobby pins.
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Repeat with the remaining hair and tuck into the already-finished twist.
Spray with hairspray to hold in place.
“Adding texture is important using a small barrel curling iron to add wave,” he adds.
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When pulling into the ponytail use a gel mixed with oil for thatwet messy updo look.
Twist 2 inch sections in a circle securing with large hair pins.
Spray with hairspray to hold in place."
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Maddie Ziegler’s updo is framed by long braids and we’re totally here for the early-oughts reference.
From the front it has all the makings of a tousled lob, but au contraire.
This boho-chic ‘do is in fact a tousled low ponytail, albeit with an ultra-low securement.
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But if you’re going for a big look, a fluffy iteration like Gemma Chan’s is best.
Load up on texture, waves, and a bit of teasing for this playful ‘do.
“Apply a dry shampoo and texture spray to keep your hair from falling flat,” adds Prothero.
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Zoe Kravitz pulled her micro-cornrows back into a petite low bun for an ultra cool-girl take.
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