If you're like me - and many of our customers - and have been "blessed" with thin, fine hair, you've probably spent a lot of time tampering with hairstyles and products to give you more volume and body.

Dealing with hair that chronically lies flat on the head is cumbersome. Besides styling issues,  it is more susceptible to damageg through styling, processing and the environment.  There are, however, a few tricks you can use to give thin, fine or thinning hair life, body and a look of volume and health.

Styling for Thin, Fine or Thinning Hair

Adding color helps.  Coloring treatments can give your style a thicker appearance.  Highlights and lowlights add dimension and depth that give the appearance of volume and thickness. Lightening (or darkening) color to lessen the contrast between your hair and scalp tone makes a visible difference.

Body waves and perms give an extra boost of fullness. Thinning is more pronounced lying close to the scalp.  Perms that add curl or raise towards the top of the head offer volume as well as definition and texture.

Blow dry brushing with a round barrel brush.  Medium to larger barrels work best.  Bore or synthetic bristles is a personal preference, though silicone and tourmaline coatings reduce frizz and improve control.  Lifting upward and outward away from the scalp adds instant volume and life.  Backcombing near the root also adds height at the crown and makes hair look full.

If it suits you, avoid straight hairstyles. While straight hair may be a trend that is "in", it isn’t a friend to locks that lack body.  Opt for designs that add "movement", curls or waves.

Choosing Hair Products for Thin, Fine Hair

Hairsprays can be your friend.  For long hair, use firm-hold sprays or foams.

Styling aids - mousse and gels - give fine hair texture and allow design creativity.  Be careful - residue and product build-up can lead to altogether new problems.

Curling irons and curlers can help perms retain shape and volume. Protect from heat damage. Consider using leave-in conditioners with thermal protection.

Use shampoos and conditioners formulated for thin or fine hair .  Many hair products are specifically designed to thicken the follicle shaft and add moisture.

Hair Vitamins - while a longer-term solution, supplements generally increase thickness and shine while improving overall scalp and hair health.  They work great for nails and skin, too.

Managing hairstyles for thin, fine hair - though at times frustrating - is easy with a few styling tricks and the right products.  Add volume and dimension through styling, thicken with shampoos and conditioners, and maintain a beautiful healthy design with styling aids.