Expert Hair Styling Tips for Women With Thin Hair
Get professional styling tips and tricks for thinning hair!
If you’ve experienced hair thinning of any kind, especially as you age, you’re not alone! Many women over 50 experience hair thinning and wonder what products and hair styles are the best options. Maria McCool, a hair stylist, salon owner, and founder of haircare brand Calista, shares some tips and tricks for styling thin hair!
Why Is My Hair Thinning?
Hair goes through growth cycles. According to dermatologist Janiene Luke, MD, the anagen growing phase (when the hair shaft grows) becomes less effective with age. This combined with follicles that may stop producing new hair can result in thinning.
“The diameter of the hair becomes smaller,” Luke told Healthline. “Sebum, your body’s natural oil production, declines with age, which results in hair that is not as shiny, soft or smooth.”
External factors like inflammation, UV light, smoking, genetic factors, or oxidative stress can also cause hair thinning. Simone Thomas, founder of Simone Thomas Wellness Clinic, also said menopause can contribute to thinning hair.
“Significant events such as menopause or thyroid problems may dry out the hair, causing it to feel brittle or break,” Thomas said. “These issues can cause thinning of the hair, contributing to aging hair loss.”
Hairstyles for Thinning Hair
If your hair is thinning, try these styling tips.
Woman’s World: What are the best short hairstyles for older women? What are the best ways to achieve those hairstyles?
Maria McCool: “I don’t like to box my clients into a length. Instead, I like to assess their hair and then suggest whatever allows the hair to look its most youthful. If you have thinning hair as you age, I might suggest a super-short cut or a pixie to enhance the body and texture. If your hair is looking healthy at the crown but coarse or dry at the ends, something shoulder-length or a blunt bob will make you look more on-trend and current. If your hair is healthy and strong, I say grow it as long as you want!”
Woman’s World: What are the best hair styles for women over 50 with thin hair?
Maria McCool: “A good rule of thumb with thinner hair is to keep it at or above your shoulders and don’t add too many layers.”
Best Styling Tool for Thinning Hair
Did you know certain hair styling tools are a better option for women with thinning hair? Calista has a heated round brush that’s ideal for older women!
Woman’s World: What hair styling tools should every older woman have in her arsenal?
Maria McCool: “A heated round brush with a non-metal barrel like the Calista Perfecter is a must-have for styling older hair. A heated round brush lets you add volume, flips, or curls that give hair a fuller and more modern feel while ensuring you’re using safe, healthy heat that isn’t damaging already fragile strands.”
Perfecter Pro + Pro Plus Heated Round Brush
Heated Round Brush for Thinning Hair
This heated round brush comes in varying sizes including .5″, .75″, 1″, and 1.5″. This 7-time winner of the QVC Customer Choice Beauty Award for Best Hair Tool has firm bristles that effortlessly glide through hair to create lift, volume, waves, curls, flips, smoothness, and shine. Plus, this was designed to gently hold hair to the barrel and protect your hands and scalp from heat, you don’t have to worry about burns!
What Women Are Saying
- “My hair is short and I needed some volume as my hair is very thin as well. This does the trick!!”
- “I have short, fine, impossible hair, but this tool brought out the curls and made my hair look good!”
- “Mine is great for my short fine hair. It gives me great lift and volume.”
Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair
In addition to Maria’s tips and tricks for styling thinning hair, you may want to add this shampoo designed for thinning hair to your routine.
Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair
Thinning hair Shampoo
Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair delicately stimulates the scalp and removes buildup to create an environment for healthy growth. Formulated with Alpha and Gamma Keratin proteins, rice-based humectants and active plant extracts, this shampoo clears scalp irritation and flaking. Plus it’s color-safe, paraben-free, vegan and gluten-free!
What Women Are Saying
- “Since using this product, I’ve noticed I’m not shedding as much hair as I was before. I love this stuff!”
- “Love the smell and results I get with this shampoo. it makes my hair seem thicker and fuller, and I seem to be losing less of it.”
- “Have only been using a few weeks but my hair does feel fuller.”
Thinning Hair: What to Avoid
Woman’s World: Are there any hair styling tools older women with fine hair should avoid?
Maria McCool: “Old school curling irons! They damage the hair and give you a dated look. There are so many better options out there!”
Try Maria’s tips and tricks on your thinning hair!
Want more haircare tips? Keep reading!
8 Updos That Add Volume To Thin Hair: Celebrity Stylists Give the Easy How-Tos
9 Best Heat Protectants for Fine Hair + More to Keep Strands Strong and Healthy
Is Blow Drying Hair Bad? Experts Reveal the Pros and Cons — Plus How to Prevent Damage
