10 Hairstyles and Haircuts for Women with Hair Loss

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from early 2000s rom coms, it's that there’s something truly magical about a fresh haircut. When done well, a new hairstyle can be a huge confidence booster.

But what if you don’t have much hair in the first place?

When you have hair loss or thinning hair, finding the right haircut can really help create the illusion of fuller, thicker hair while highlighting all your best facial features. Talk about a boost of confidence.

If you’re starting to see more hair falling out or are noticing more of your scalp peeking out through your hair, read on for a dive into the best haircuts for thin hair. Whether you’re ready to rock a blunt bob or a mid-length look with curtain bangs, we’ll equip you with some smart options for the next time you’re in the stylist’s chair.

And if you’re looking for help treating thinning hair, we’ll cover how to handle female pattern hair loss for longer-term solutions.

Whether you love a pixie or prefer longer strands, we have lots of ideas on how to make your hair look its best. And more importantly, for you to feel your best!

Thinning hair can really affect self-confidence, so it’s important to find a style that you can rock.

Hair loss can present itself in different ways so the right haircut is key in highlighting the hair you do have.

While a haircut can be helpful, you’ll also want to consider the root causes to what may be causing thinning hair. From genetics and hormones to an overly tight ponytail, multiple issues can cause thinning hair. Check out our article on female pattern baldness for a deeper dive on what may be going on.

1. Blunt Haircut

A blunt cut can help create an illusion of thick hair since all your strands are one length, creating the appearance of fuller ends. This style can work well if you’re experiencing a receding hairline or m-shaped hair loss on the sides of your scalp, especially if you add a middle part to allow front hair pieces to cover the thinning areas.

This look can work on all hair lengths, whether you like your hair short, shoulder-length or long, but it tends to work best on straight hair, where you can really see the blunt ends. You can also ask your hairstylist to add in some highlights, which can create more dimension and make your hair look thicker.

2. Classic Lob

If you’re experiencing overall thinning, or diffuse thinning — which is common with telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss caused by mental or physical stress — a lob (long bob) may be the answer. If you’re nervous to go too short, try this chic medium-length look, which hits right by the collarbone and gives the comfort of length without the weight.

Longer styles can sometimes make thinning hair look straggly, so this not-too-long, not-too-short look works well if you’re experiencing overall thinning. Opting for bangs can also help cover any frontal thinning.

3. Flipped-Out Bob or Side-Swept Bob

The bob haircut is a classic style that has stood the test of time. This short chin-length style is the epitome of effortless French chic. But if you’re getting a bob to cover hair loss, there are some things to keep in mind.

Female pattern hair loss can sometimes present itself as diffuse thinning over the top of the head, so consider a deep side part instead of a middle part. This will add some flair while concealing areas that are thinning. And as a bonus, switching up your part can also add instant volume.

Pro tip: Blow dry your damp hair with the new part in place to better keep it in place.

4. Wispy Straight Across Bangs

Bangs are like an instant accessory for your face, and they can change up your look dramatically. Long wispy bangs are a great way to ease into this look if you’re the non-committal type, since they’re not as heavy as blunt bangs. Plus, they work on any hair length, whether you have shorter hair or long layers.

Wispy bangs are also the perfect coverup if you’re dealing with thinning around your temples and want to disguise any bald spots.

If you style your bangs with a round brush, it can add extra volume and help cover a receding hairline. This may be helpful if you have a type of hair loss called traction alopecia, which is caused by certain hairstyles, like tight buns or braids, and leads to thinning in the temporal regions or above the ears. Just mist with hairspray to keep your bangs in place.

5. Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs highlight your face and bring attention to your eyes and cheekbones. If you loved side-swept bangs, this modern take may be one to try. And since they’re on the longer side, this low-maintenance bang can be easily tied back in a ponytail if that’s a go-to look for you.

This bang can work on both short or long hair types, making it a versatile option. Since it’s a center part bang, it can also help conceal a M-shaped hairline. Glide a flat iron through to help smooth out the bang and give it a flick at the ends for shape.

6. Pixie Cut

From Twiggy to Rihanna, the pixie cut remains an edgy look that never goes out of style (and it’s been decades since it made its debut). When you’re dealing with hair loss, longer hair can sometimes look even thinner. This short haircut is great if you want to give hair a little more oomph and cool factor.

7. Long Subtle Layers

We get it, not everyone feels comfortable with short hair. If long hair is more in your comfort zone, try adding subtle long layers instead of choppy layers, which can make hair look thinner. Adding long layers can create volume and dimension, making thin hair look fuller.

Styling your layers with a curling iron can also add extra movement and fullness vs. stick straight strands that tend to fall flat fast. Using a curling wand can give loose beach waves that create more body for finer hair.

8. Long with Face-Framing Layers

Like the cut above but with some shorter face-framing pieces, this style can really highlight your facial features. Love your lips? Have your stylist cut the first layer to fall near your mouth so it brings more attention to the feature you love. Adding face-framing layers will give hair body and added movement to conceal thinning.

9. Texture on Top and Short on Sides

Texture on top with short sides is basically the haircut equivalent of a leather jacket — certified cool. This short haircut works especially well with naturally curly hair or wavy hair types, and uses wispy short textured layers to give fine hair the volume it needs.

Spritz texturizing spray or use a dollop of mousse to add texture, hold and structure to thin strands and give that piecey definition.

10. Shag Haircut

Shag haircuts are the trendy cut of the moment, so embrace them! This modern take can give medium or longer lengths a lot of texture and movement, creating that illusion of fuller, thicker hair even on thinner hair types. Ask your hairstylist for balayage (hand-painted highlights) to add dimension.

Along with a haircut that makes you feel your best, certain healthy hair habits can help you keep your hair looking healthy, vibrant, and thick for as long as possible.

You can try the following hair care tips:

• Use quality hair products. Certain hair care products contain ingredients that help limp, thin hair look fuller and more lush. You could try our volumizing shampoo and volumizing conditioner.

• Style your hair gently. Avoid using harsh chemicals (like perms or relaxers) or heat-styling your hair too much, as this can cause hair breakage. Hair breakage can make your hair look thinner.

• Try hair growth supplements. Did you know that nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss? Eating a balanced diet can help you achieve healthier, fuller hair. If you’re struggling to get all the vitamins you need through your diet, try a hair supplement like our biotin gummies.

Want even more hair care tips? Read our blog posts on how to get thicker hair and improve your hair’s volume.

A haircut can give you that boost in the short term, you may want a more permanent solution. The good news is that there are also hair loss treatments you can try to help address hair thinning in the long term.

Popular hair loss treatments for women include:

• Topical minoxidil. One of the most well-studied hair loss treatments available for female pattern hair loss, minoxidil works by encouraging hairs to enter into the anagen, or growth, stage of the hair growth cycle. We offer both minoxidil solution and minoxidil foam online.

• Oral minoxidil. This once-a-day oral minoxidil pill boosts blood flow to your hair, stimulating hair follicles to enter the growth phase of the hair cycle. Oral minoxidil is still only prescribed off-label for women, meaning it’s not approved by the FDA for this use.

• Minoxidil and finasteride. In postmenopausal women with female pattern hair loss, a combo of minoxidil and finasteride can make a huge difference. Our topical finasteride and minoxidil spray combines both of these ingredients to promote healthy hair growth.

If you have room in your budget, you can opt for procedures that are done in a dermatologist’s office. Treatments like hair transplant surgery, low-level light therapy, and platelet-rich plasma therapy can be helpful, although they’re definitely pricey. These treatments aren’t suitable for everyone, though, so discuss it with a specialist before setting your heart on it.

We’d also like to remind you that wigs and hair extensions are a thing! Nowadays, wigs and extensions are designed to blend in seamlessly with your natural hair. So, if your go-to updo just isn’t working any more, consider talking about a wig with your stylist.

Long story short, there are a lot of different haircuts and styles that can help you look and feel your best. The best hairstyles will help hide thinning tresses, while complementing your face shape.

• Plenty of hairstyles can work for thinning hair. Lobs, shaggy haircuts, and pixie cuts are very popular for women who are dealing with hair loss, whether temporary or permanent.

• The exact haircut you choose depends on where your hair is thinning. While certain cuts may work better for hiding a thinning hairline, others can conceal a bald patch at the crown.

• You have options beyond the hairdresser’s seat. Certain hair loss treatments can slow down shedding, while others can even help you regrow healthy hair and promote voluminous, thicker hair.

But remember: No matter what hairstyle you pick, half of the battle is just rocking your look with confidence.

Whether you’re ready for a new cut or treatment plan (or both!), you have options to cover signs of hair thinning. If you’d like a more customized regimen, talk to a healthcare provider today.