Hair

Best Layered Haircuts for Thin Hair—See The Styles That Make Hair Look 2 Times Thicker

Plus, the best face shapes for each layered style

By Anna Traver April 22, 2025

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There’s no better feeling than getting a haircut you truly love. A new chop to remove dead ends and more can do wonders for our hair and give us a confidence boost. If you have thin or fine hair, finding the right haircut that can also amp up volume is an extra bonus. One of the best ways to get that lift is through layers! To help inspire your next trim, we rounded up the best layered haircuts for thin hair, including what to ask for at the salon and why you should try adding texture to your tresses in the form of layers.

Why layered haircuts are great for thin hair

If you have thin hair, you probably have tried all the products and tools claiming to make your hair look 10x thicker. But sometimes what you need is to start at the “root” of the problem (no pun intended), and focus on your cut. If you have a “heavy,” non-layered haircut, it can weigh down thin locks, making your hair look flatter and thinner. With layers, you’re taking some of that weight off, allowing your hair to look and feel more voluminous.

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“Layers can work beautifully for thin hair when done correctly. Layers add movement and lift, so hair doesn’t hang flat,” explains Paulina Raciborski, Stylist at NYC THE TEAM Salon, founded by Michelle Hong. “By cutting shorter pieces around the top and sides, you get more bounce, and it will make your hair look thicker and it will give the illusion of fullness.”

How to talk to your stylist about layers

Before you head to the salon, there are a few things to know when it comes to layered haircuts for thin hair—especially the right kind of layers to ask for. “Layers can give the appearance of thicker hair for those with fine strands, especially if you opt for longer layers. Cutting shorter layers on medium to long hair can actually make the ends look even thinner,” warns Jewell Hingorani, professional hairstylist and Founder of Jewell Clip Luxury Hair Extensions. “It’s best to focus on framing the face and incorporating light layering on top for a smooth blend.”

Having a chat with your hairstylist before getting a layered cut will help them tailor the layers to what will work best for your hair length and hair type. Also, bringing in photos of layered haircuts you like—and don’t like—can be incredibly helpful.

Celebrity examples of layered haircuts for thin hair

Keep scrolling for our favorite examples of layered haircuts for thin hair, featuring Hollywood A-listers.

Short shag layers for thin hair

Andrew Toth/Getty

Shag haircuts are one of the biggest trends at the moment. The ‘70s style ‘do has taken a more modern take as of today, but still does wonders for adding volume from roots to ends, as you can see here with Alyssa Milano’s textured shag. “This look is great for thin hair as the choppy, uneven layers give instant volume and lived-in texture,” says Raciborski. Best face shape for this style: “This is great for oval and heart-shaped faces,” says Raciborski. That’s because the mix of curtain bangs and layered long hair softens angular features. To get the look, Raciborski says to “ask for a modern shag with crown layers and piecey ends to enhance the texture.”
Shoulder-length layers for thin hair

Cindy Crawford Stefanie Keenan / Contributor / Getty

As mentioned, layers work great for short and medium-length hair. Cindy Crawford rocks a shoulder-length haircut with long layers styled in a blowout, which gives her locks volume-boosting texture and body. Best face shape for this style: A longer, oval face shape this style works best for. For a similar look, ask for a cut that cascades past the shoulders with long, graduating layers that begin at the jawline.
Cindy Ord/Getty

Effortlessly add dimension and fullness to a long bob, a.k.a. lob, with subtle layers mixed throughout. Viola Davis’ lob here is styled in gorgeous, loose curls with lots of volume at the root. “A collarbone-length bob with soft layers starting just a little below the chin adds the right amount of movement without losing weight,” says Raciborski. Best face shape for this style: “It will work great on an oval or square face,” says Raciborski. Why? Because the layers optically widen an oval face to balance its length, and if you have a square face, the layers optically soften the face’s rigid angles. In the salon, Raciborski advises asking for a lob with face-framing layers from mid-length down.
Long layers for thin hair

Jennifer Aniston Steve Granitz / Contributor / Getty

If you have medium-to-long hair like Jennifer Aniston, don’t overdo it with the layers, warns our hair pros. “When cutting layers, you should avoid too many layers or heavy texturizing as this can actually make thin hair even thinner,” advises Raciborski. “Over-layering can take away needed weight and leave the hair looking stringy.” By getting long, subtle layers like Aniston’s, you can add some body and volume to a long hairstyle without worrying about making ends look thinner. Best face shape for this style: Long layers work best for heart-shaped and round faces, as they take the focus off of angles and fullness. At the salon, ask for subtle, long layers that seamlessly blend together, with long, face-framing layers.
Feathered bangs with subtle layers for thin hair

Susan Lucci Dia Dipasupil / Staff / Getty

You can see how much volume Susan Lucci has at her roots and crown, despite her hair leaning on the thinner side. “Adding wispy bangs and soft layers will instantly lift up your look,” says Raciborski. Best face shape for this style: “It’s great for heart-shaped and round faces,” adds Raciborski. The reason being that it takes the focus off fuller areas like cheeks and the forehead. Want the look? “You should ask for feathered bangs and soft layers around the face and top, but you want the look to be more blended in and nothing too choppy.”
Layers at the crown for thin hair

Reba McEntire Taylor Hill / Contributor / Getty

For short hair, you can “lift” roots by cutting short, wispy layers near the crown, as we see here with Reba McEntire’s haircut. Her added wipsy, layered bangs are great for creating movement and adds texture all over for extra volume to thin hair. Best face shape for this style: As far as face shapes, this cut and layering technique will flatter all faces—chiseling round faces, balancing oval faces and softening square and heart-shaped faces. For a similar cut, request a shaggy style that sits just above the shoulders with wispy bangs and layers that begin at the crown and graduate down to ends.

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