Best Hair Extensions for Thin Hair: 5 Styles That Mask Thinning Hair, a Receding Hairline and More
See the extension options that hair stylists recommend for faking the look of a thicker head of hair instantly
There are so many options of products that promise to help with hair growth, but the only downside is that many of them take weeks, if not months, to see any hair-thickening results. And if you’re like us, sometimes you just want instant gratification when it comes to your fine hair. Enter: Hair extensions. They create the illusion of a thicker mane in seconds, and if you think extensions (or a wig) will appear as artificial as they are, think again. Additionally, gone are the days of damaging hair extensions. Today, you can find hair extensions that not only look and feel like natural hair, they’re cost-effective and harm-free too. Read on to see the hair extensions for thin hair — plus, one wig style — that will make your hair look two times thicker in a flash.
To conceal a receding hairline and thinning at the temples: Opt for clip-in bangs
Brow-skimming curtain bangs not only mask thinning at the hairline but since they sweep to the sides, they cover any sparse spots at the temples too. What’s more, this bang style cleverly hides forehead furrows to instantly erase optical years from your appearance. Simply secure the clips on a pair of 5″ clip-in bangs ½” back from the hairline, then comb through with fingers to blend the piece in with the rest of your hair (trim as needed if the bangs are too long).
Watch the magic of clip in bangs for thin hair in the below TikTok from @beautiful.life.laura.
@beautiful.life.laura Ok I love this… try it! #Over50Beauty #womenover50ontiktok #beautyover50 #over50women #clipinhairextensions #clipinbangshairextensions
To mask thinning at the crown: Try a topper
These cap-like wigs are clipped to existing hair to cover just the top of the head, adding volume while masking thinning. “They come in a variety of colors and styles, but the key is to find one made of human hair so you can have it highlighted or trimmed to blend in beautifully with the rest of your own hair,” says Lucinda Ellery, whose salons in England, New York City and Los Angeles specialize in helping women conceal all types of hair loss. She adds that if you’re thinning at the hairline, “try a topper with bangs for the most natural look.”
To add volume and fullness throughout: Pick halo extensions
Extensions are a hairstylist’s go-to for adding volume to thinner tresses, but old-school, in-salon options from clip-ins to weave-ins were expensive and notoriously harsh, pulling on delicate hair follicles and leading to fall-out. Thankfully the new “halo” styles feature a thin silicone band you simply slip onto the head like a headband. They’re undetectable and offer natural-looking fullness and length — no tugging and no need for a pricey trip to the salon!
See exactly how halo extensions work in the video below from TikToker @hairbysarahmascara.
@hairbysarahmascara I love my Halo so much. This one is from HaloCouture. If you are local to Minnesota I custom cut and color all the halos I sell to blend perfectly with your hair! #finehair #thinhair #halocouture #haloextensions #haloextensionsminnesota #minnesotahairstylist
To hide a wide part: Go for filler clip ins
It used to be that only hair makeup or scalp filler could be used to mask a widening part. But the newest variety of hair extensions can actually be placed right along the part line to fill in the gap without looking obvious. They are made specially to lie flat against the scalp and look just like hair that grows in at the scalp.
To see these extensions in action, watch the below video from @maddy_gutierrez_ on TikTok.
@maddy_gutierrez_ Replying to @Livjechels got the @Luxy Hair Extensions Scalp Fill Ins and think they are going to be perfect once I get them blended! #luxyhairpartner
To camouflage all over thinning: Choose a full wig
The secret to ensuring a full wig will look more gorgeous than granny? “Opt for a ‘full lace’ construction,” says hairstylist Ricardo Rojas, who has fashioned wigs for Cher and Jessica Chastain. “This type of wig is lightweight and breathable so it not only blends well with existing hair, but it won’t cause further damage to your scalp or hair.” Plus, he adds, you can see your scalp through it, so it looks very realistic.
Once you’ve chosen the right wig, Rojas suggests taking it to your salon and having it trimmed while it’s on your head to best flatter your face shape. Also, if it’s made of human hair, ask them to dye the roots slightly darker to give the illusion of natural growth and added depth. If it’s a synthetic wig and can’t be color-treated, apply an eyeshadow (three shades darker than the rest of the color of the wig) to roots for the same effect.
See more strategies that help with thinning hair and hair loss:
12 Best Hair Loss Remedies for Women Over 50 That Can Easily Be Done at Home
5 Best Products That Work Like Minoxidil to Reverse Hair Loss in Women Over 40
How Laser Hair Therapy Reverses Thinning Hair! Plus the Best at-Home Devices to Use