How to Make Your Hair Thinner

Changing Your Beauty Regimen

Wash your hair in cold water. Perhaps the simplest way to achieve a thinner look is to wash your hair in cold water instead of hot. The cold temperature closes the hair follicles and reduces frizz, giving the appearance of smoother, thinner hair.

Use shampoo formulated for thick hair. Shampoos formulated for thin hair work to make it thicker and give it more body. By the same token, shampoos designed for thick hair can help make it smoother and more manageable. Try a shampoo formulated for thick hair to give your hair a thinner look.

Straighten your hair. Using a flat iron on your hair can make your hair appear much thinner as well as more manageable and smooth. To do this, wash your hair, then towel dry and apply any hair products. After you blow-dry your hair, divide it into sections. Apply a heat-protectant product through your strands to protect your hair. Finally, you can carefully run your flat iron through your hair one .5 in (1.27 cm) section at a time. You may want to apply a straightening serum to your hair prior to blow-drying to help with this process.

Try volume-reducing hair products. There are a wide variety of creams, gels, and serums available that are created to straighten or tame unruly hair. These have the added benefit of making your hair appear thinner. Look for a product that suits your hair texture, and follow the package instructions for use. Some products will be best applied to wet hair, and others to dry. Some products will recommend heat styling (such as blow drying and/or straightening) after application.

Trying a New Hairstyle

Part hair into two sections. Section your hair as if you were doing a half-ponytail or half-bun. Pin the top section out of your way. Then grab a handful from the middle of the bottom section, making sure there is still a bit of hair underneath.

Create two braids. Take the “handful” that you’ve chosen and divide it into two sections, side-by side. Braid the first section and secure it with a small rubber band. Then braid the second section.

Secure the braids to your head. Now twist the braids around one another against your scalp. Aim to create a smooth circle of braids right against the back of your head. Then secure this braid circle with bobby pins.

Let your hair down. Release the top section of your hair that you moved out of the way, and style your hair normally. Your hair should appear noticeably thinner without needing any special products or cutting any hair!

Working With a Stylist

Ask your stylist to use thinning shears. A professional stylist can thin out your thick hair using a razor or texturizing shears. This can be an excellent option if you’d like to thin your hair in a more permanent way. Speak to your stylist about whether or not they recommend this technique on your hair.

Get an “undercut.” Undercuts have become a trendy option. An “undercut” is when the sides and/or nape of your neck is shaved or cut really short. This can be an easy, effective way for you to thin your thick hair while sporting a trendy look. If you have long hair, you'll still be able to wear your hair down, and no one will notice that you have an undercut. You could also wear your hair up in a bun or ponytail to show off the undercut.

Try a keratin treatment. Keratin is a protein that occurs naturally in your hair. A salon keratin treatment coats your hair with this protein, causing a smooth, frizz-free appearance that can last anywhere from 3-6 months. Talk to your stylist about a keratin treatment to help thin out your thick hair. Some keratin treatments contain chemicals that may not be appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Ask for a Brazilian blow-out. A Brazilian blow-out, also called Brazilian keratin treatment or Brazilian straightening, is a semi-permanent method of hair straightening that lasts anywhere from 2-4 months. Find a salon that provides this service and schedule an appointment to make your hair appear thinner.

Cut your hair in long layers. Talk to your stylist about cutting your hair into a long-layered style. Long layers frame your face and make thick hair more manageable. Try a long-layered look to make your thick hair appear thinner.