20 Best Medium Length Hairstyles for Thin Hair to Add Volume
Finding the perfect hairstyle can be a challenge, especially for women with thin hair. The struggle to add volume, create texture, and avoid flat or limp looks is real—but the good news? Medium-length styles can be a game changer.
This post is here to inspire you with 20 flattering medium-length hairstyles tailored for thin hair, along with tips to style and color them to create the illusion of fullness and depth.
Whether you’re looking for everyday chic or something playful and unique, there’s a style here to suit your needs.
What Does It Mean to Have Thin Hair?
Thin hair refers to the density of strands on your scalp rather than their thickness or strength. This means fewer hair follicles distributed across your scalp, leading to a less full appearance.
Challenges of Thin Hair:
- Lack of Volume: Hairstyles can appear flat without proper techniques or styling.
- Fragility: Thin hair is prone to breakage and damage, limiting the versatility of styles.
- Scalp Visibility: Certain hairstyles may expose the scalp more easily.
The right cut and styling techniques can transform these challenges into opportunities, highlighting the beauty of thin hair in fresh, creative ways.
20 Gorgeous Medium-Length Styles for Thin Hair
Here are 20 hairstyles designed to add depth, texture, and volume to thin hair. Whether you’re heading to the office, going out for a date night, or experimenting with a fresh look, these styles will have you covered.
1. Blunt Blonde Bob with Layers
This straight-cut bob may seem simple, but the secret lies in its sparse layers, which create subtle movement and natural volume.
The blunt ends give a sleek, polished appearance, making it perfect for women who want their hair to look fuller without sacrificing sophistication. It works beautifully for both everyday wear and more formal occasions.
2. Layering and a Headband Twist
A layered collarbone-length bob paired with a headband twist is a versatile style that keeps bangs off your forehead while adding depth and dimension to your look.
Whether you’re heading to a casual brunch or a formal dinner, this easy-to-style haircut transitions seamlessly across events. The headband twist also allows for creative accessorizing, letting you switch up your look effortlessly.
3. White Blonde Shaggy Bob
Tousled waves and a bright white blonde color make this shaggy bob effortlessly chic and fresh. The textured waves add movement, bringing life to thin locks and making them appear fuller and more bouncy.
This carefree style is ideal for women who want a low-maintenance yet fashion-forward look. Pair it with bold makeup or keep it minimalist for a versatile vibe.
4. Medium Cut with Angled and Feathered Layers
Feathered layers and softly flipped-up ends give this mid-length cut a dreamy, magical feel. The style is further elevated when paired with golden blonde balayage, which creates warmth and dimension.
This cut is perfect for women seeking a flattering hairstyle that’s easy to maintain yet looks striking on all occasions.
5. Warm Bronde Shaggy Lob
A shaggy lob (long bob) with midshaft waves and peek-a-boo bangs delivers a relaxed, beachy vibe that’s both playful and sophisticated.
The warm mix of brown and golden blonde tones enhances the richness of the hair, while the soft layers and shaggy texture create a carefree, boho-inspired look that’s ideal for any casual outing.
6. Chic Sliced Golden Blonde Bob
For a timeless yet modern vibe, try a shoulder-length bob with soft, feathered layers. The sliced ends add sleekness, while bright blonde balayage gives this classic style an elegant finish.
This haircut is ideal for women who value balance between sophistication and simplicity, making it suitable for both professional and social settings.
7. Messy Updo for Medium Cuts
A tousled bun or loose ponytail is an excellent way to create instant volume while maintaining a relaxed, breezy aesthetic.
Teasing the crown and leaving soft strands loose around the face give this updo a casual yet chic appearance. It’s perfect for busy mornings or a quick style upgrade for a night out.
8. Messy Blonde Lob
Medium-length lobs (long bobs) styled with messy waves are a go-to for those looking to add volume and texture.
Teasing the crown and lightly tousling the ends can make hair appear thicker and more dynamic. This low-maintenance style is perfect for busy women who want an effortlessly cool, full-bodied look.
9. U-Shaped Cut with Curled Ends
A U-shaped cut is a fantastic choice for creating softness and natural bounce. The gently curved shape adds volume and frames the face beautifully.
Adding slight curls to the ends using a flat or curling iron enhances the movement and creates a romantic, feminine finish. This style is great for both casual days and special occasions.
10. Choppy Inverted Lob with Balayage Highlights
An inverted lob with choppy, layered ends and balayage highlights is a bold, contemporary choice for women looking to make a statement.
The shorter layers in the back create volume and structure, while the longer front pieces frame the face. Balayage highlights add depth and dimension, making this youthful, edgy style one of the most coveted looks among trendsetters.
11. Layered Pixie Cut
A layered pixie cut is perfect for those who want a bold and modern look without the hassle of high-maintenance styling. The layered texture adds movement, dimension, and volume to the cut, making it effortlessly chic.
The shorter length not only keeps the style fresh and edgy but is also ideal for busy individuals who prefer a quick and easy hairstyling routine.
12. Curtain Bangs with Soft Layers
Curtain bangs combined with soft layers create a timeless, face-framing effect that works beautifully with most hair types and face shapes.
The soft layers add depth and texture to the overall look, while the curtain bangs gracefully part in the middle, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. This effortless style is a go-to choice for anyone seeking a classic yet trendy appearance.
13. Long Layers with Beach Waves
Long layers styled with beach waves deliver a relaxed, carefree look that’s full of movement and body. The layers help distribute volume evenly, while the beach waves bring a touch of playfulness and natural flair.
Use a curling wand and finish with a texturizing spray to enhance the waves for a polished yet casual vibe that’s perfect for any occasion.
14. Side-Parted Bob
A side-parted bob is a versatile and universally flattering cut that suits most face shapes. The deep side part adds an asymmetrical effect that enhances facial structure, while the bob length gives the look a polished and professional edge.
For a modern twist, keep the ends slightly angled or tapered for a sleek, stylish finish that’s ideal for both work and play.
15. Blunt Cut with Subtle Highlights
A blunt cut is all about sharp, clean lines that provide a sleek and structured look. Adding subtle highlights to this style gives it depth and dimension, breaking up the blunt edges with soft, natural-looking color.
This combination creates a striking balance between boldness and sophistication, making it perfect for those who want a standout yet understated look.
16. Shaggy Cut with Fringe
The shaggy cut paired with a fringe is a retro-inspired hairstyle that has made a major comeback. The textured layers throughout the cut create volume and movement, while the fringe adds a playful, youthful touch.
This style is ideal for anyone looking for an edgy, casual look that frames the face beautifully and requires minimal upkeep.
17. Sleek Straight Lob
A sleek straight lob, or long bob, is a sophisticated choice for those who prefer clean, minimalist styles. The sharp, precise lines of this cut create a polished look that works well for both casual and formal settings.
Use a flat iron to achieve a smooth, glossy finish, and add a shine serum to emphasize the sleekness of this elegant hairstyle.
18. Wavy Bob with Face-Framing Layers
A wavy bob with face-framing layers is the perfect combination of softness and structure. The waves add texture and movement to the bob, while the face-framing layers accentuate your best features, such as the cheekbones and jawline.
To keep the waves looking fresh and bouncy, use a lightweight mousse or curl-enhancing cream that adds volume without weighing the hair down.
19. Textured Crop with Undercut
A textured crop with an undercut is the ultimate choice for those who want a bold, edgy style that stands out. The contrast between the closely shaved sides and the textured, voluminous top creates a striking and modern appearance.
This style is highly customizable, allowing you to experiment with color, styling products, or patterns shaved into the undercut for an even more unique look.
20. Classic Mid-Length Cut with Feathered Ends
A classic mid-length cut with feathered ends is an elegant and timeless option suitable for any age or lifestyle. The feathered layers at the tips create a soft, wispy effect that adds movement and lightness to the hair, making it ideal for everyday wear.
This style strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, making it easy to style for both casual and formal occasions.
Styling Tips for Thin Hair
While your haircut is the foundation of your hairstyle, how you style your hair can make all the difference. Here are some expert tips for creating volume and texture:
- Use Volumizing Products: Opt for lightweight mousses, sprays, or dry shampoos that add volume without weighing hair down.
- Tease Strategically: Backcombing at the crown helps add height and gives the illusion of fuller hair.
- Try Blow-Drying Upside Down: This can create instant volume at the roots.
- Use Hot Rollers: Curls add body, so consider hot rollers or curling wands for a bouncy finish.
- Avoid Heavy Products: Too much oil or cream can make thin hair look flat. Use lightweight or water-based formulas instead.
The Power of Color in Elevating Thin Hair
Color techniques can elevate medium-length cuts for thin hair. Highlights, lowlights, and balayage add depth, dimension, and texture, making fine strands appear thicker.
Best Color Options for Thin Hair
- Balayage Highlights: These mimic natural sun-kissed tones, adding a multi-dimensional effect.
- Warm Brondes (brown + blonde): Perfect for women seeking a soft, natural look.
- Ash Blonde or Cool Silvers: Ideal for lighter, cooler complexions aiming for a trendy finish.
- Dark Roots with Lighter Ends: Create contrast and the appearance of fuller hair at the crown.
Strategic coloring combined with the right cut can amplify your hairstyle, creating a bold yet balanced look.
Why Medium-Length Styles are Perfect for Thin Hair
Medium-length hairstyles strike the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics:
- They offer enough length for versatile updos and braids.
- They avoid the limp, weighed-down appearance that can happen with longer hair.
- They emphasize texture and volume in just the right ways.
Experiment and Find Your Perfect Style
Choosing the right hairstyle makes a world of difference when it comes to thin hair. Don’t be afraid to experiment with cuts, colors, and styling techniques. Remember, the goal is to make your thin hair work for you—not against you.
Which look are you most excited to try? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your favorite styles in the comments below or tag us in your photos to inspire others.
