The Best Updos for Thin Hair, According to Experts

If you have thin tresses, you may feel limited in your styling options — especially in terms of updos. However, there are a number of ways to wear thin hair, which is not the same as fine hair (more on that, ahead). In fact, certain styles work like optical illusions: they don't draw attention to thin areas, but instead, make hair appear thicker and more voluminous. To learn more, we tapped top hairstylists to share their favorite updos for thin hair and spill their expert tips on how to style each look.

Keep scrolling for the five most flattering updos for thin hair.

Fine Hair vs. Thin Hair

Fine hair and thin hair are two terms that get thrown around interchangeably, but they're not actually the same thing. When talking about fine hair, you're referring to the actual density of the hair strand. Whereas thin hair means you have less volume of hair on your head, which can make the scalp visible. "All hair types (including fine and thick hair) can be thin," Dr. Iris Rubin, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SEEN Haircare previously told InStyle.

Pre-Updo Hair Prep

Before getting into the actual styling, celebrity hairstylist T3 ambassador David Lopez says it's important to prep the hair so that the updo will hold. "One thing to think about is that updos that are very tight and slick to the head can show off how fine the hair actually is, so in general, an updo with a bit more texture and fullness to it will be your best bet," Lopez says.

The best foundation for an updo is a voluminous one, so the stylist recommends washing your hair and then adding your desired texture to it. "Add in a foam or mousse that will add some memory to the hair, then rough dry your hair on low speed, high heat," Lopez shares. "A rough dry is using just the dryer and your hands while using the wider concentrator option with your dryer which will expand the hair cuticle for more volume."

Once your hair is completely dry, you can smooth it with a paddle brush, then curl/add texture to the hair. Lopez's tools of choice are T3's AireLuxe Dryer and Singlepass Curl Iron in .75 or 1 inch depending on your desired texture. Add a volumizing powder or texture spray for some grit.

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The Best Updos for Thin Hair

Messy Top Knot

To achieve this effortless style, celebrity hairstylist, Andrew Fitzsimons, suggests building texture with a hairspray like the Après Sexe Texture Spray from his namesake haircare line.

"Then pull your hair into a high ponytail and brush it away from your forehead," Fitzsimons says. "Divide your ponytail into two sections, wrap each section around each other, and then form a bun and secure." Leave out any excess pieces for a messy, lived-in look.

Sculptural Ponytail

Whoever says ponytails are boring is mistaken. One look at Florence Pugh's artful updo proves that the classic style can be statement-making. Hairstylist Peter Lux ingeniously styled the actor's ponytail into a beautifully sculpted look with added volume and all the extras — including scissor-free bangs.

Slicked-Back High Bun

This "simple yet chic" style is a favorite of Fitzsimons and his clients like Khloé Kardashian.

"Wrap your hair into a few separate twists, then pull it all together tightly into a high bun near the crown of your head," the stylist says. "Pro tip: Spray a toothbrush with a little bit of hairspray and use it to lay down any flyaways."

Soft Ponytail

"Leave a few face-framing pieces around the face to hide any thinness and pull the rest back into a ponytail," Lopez suggests when doing a ponytail on thin hair. "Use hairspray and your hair dryer to really slick everything down." If you want added fullness, the stylist suggests adding a ponytail extension into the mix.

Loose Chignon

This easy updo is so versatile — it can work as a quick, casual style for second-day hair or as an elegant red carpet look (see Gemma Chan as proof).

To get the style, "Start with dry hair, then tie your hair into a loose ponytail. Divide the ponytail into two sections and start curling your hair, once curled, put it into a bun," instructs Fitzsimons. "This look will add depth and dimension and is best when locked in with hairspray." Try the Touch Soft Hold Hairspray from Fitzsimons's line.

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