What is fine hair and how to recognise it?
Fine hair is defined by the diameter of individual strands. If you have fine hair, you have lots of hairs with a small diameter. It’s worth distinguishing fine hair from thinning hair:
Fine hair: Many small-diameter strands, scalp may not be very visible.
Thinning hair: Hair density decreases over time, strands become thinner, and scalp visibility increases.
Understanding this key difference can help you choose the right products and styling techniques for maximising volume and overall hair health.
Shampooing and Conditioning Fine Hair
Daily shampooing can be particularly beneficial for fine hair. Just like your skin, your scalp accumulates environmental pollutants, oil and sweat every day, which can weigh fine hair down and leave it looking flat. Fine hair also tends to become oily more quickly due to its smaller surface area. Fact: You wash your face every day and your scalp deserves the same care.
Conditioning fine hair is just as important, but the right product matters. Apply conditioner primarily to mid-lengths and ends, where moisture is needed most. Some conditioners are specially formulated to add bulk to individual strands without weighing hair down.
We recommend pairing a shampoo tailored to your hair texture (such as our Body Building or Density range) with a conditioner suited to your hair’s length and level of heat or chemical processing. Not sure what’s right for your hair? Take our Hair Quiz and we can help.
The Best Fine Hair-Friendly Products:
To strengthen, nourish and volumise fine hair, here’s what we would recommend:
- Elasticizer Deep-Conditioning Treatment (once per week)
- Body Building Weightless Shampoo
- Body Building Weightless Conditioner (for non-processed fine hair)
- Moisture Balancing Combination Conditioner (for longer, processed fine hair)
- Our Density range
Top Tips for Styling Fine Hair
Fine hair often lacks body and bounce, especially at the roots. You can tackle this with volumising products and careful styling techniques that lift hair from the root and add fullness through the lengths. Blow-drying is also a powerful tool for creating root lift and maximum volume.
Our top picks include our Maximizer Spray, Maximizer Strand Plumping Cream and Volumising Froth Root Lift Mousse.
The Common Challenges & Mistakes With Fine Hair:
Lack of Volume: Fine hair can appear flat, especially at the roots. Using root-lifting mousses, sprays, or dry shampoo can create fuller-looking hair.
Oiliness: Because natural oils travel down fine strands more easily, fine hair can become greasy faster. Regular shampooing and lightweight styling products help maintain balance.
- Fragility: Fine hair is more susceptible to damage from heat styling, chemical treatments, and harsh products. Always use heat protection (like our Daily Damage Defence or Perfecting Primer) and avoid heavy, weighing-down formulas.
Styling Techniques That Can Help Boost Volume
To make the most of fine hair, there are several things you can do.
Use volumising products like mousses, sprays and root-lifting products to help add texture and fullness.
When blow-drying, focus on root lift for extra volume and body.
Go gently. Avoid rough brushing or over-manipulation to prevent breakage.
With the right combination of products, techniques and care, fine hair can appear thicker and fuller.
Styling Techniques That Can Help Boost Volume
Q: Is fine hair the same as thin hair?
A: Not quite. Fine hair refers to the diameter of individual strands, while thin hair (or thinning hair) describes a reduction in hair density over time, making the scalp more visible. You can have fine hair that is dense, or thin hair that has lost volume.
Q: Can I still use hair oils and serums if I have fine hair, or will they weigh it down?
A: Yes but choose lightweight formulations specifically designed for fine hair. Apply sparingly to the mid-lengths and ends to add shine and nourishment without flattening your hair.
Q: How can I add volume to fine hair without using styling products or tools?
A: Focus on techniques that lift the hair naturally: air-dry hair upside down, gently scrunch or twist damp hair to encourage texture, and maintain a healthy scalp to keep strands strong and resilient. Regular trimming also prevents hair from weighing itself down.
