17 Fabulous Updos for Thin Hair Women: Expert Styling Tips for Volume and Elegance
Styling thin hair can be challenging, but the right updo can transform your look.
The perfect hairstyle can create the illusion of volume and fullness for your hair type.
With these fabulous updo techniques, you’ll boost your confidence and showcase elegant styles for any occasion from casual gatherings to formal events.
These hairstyles are designed specifically to make thin hair appear fuller while still looking natural and beautiful.
1: Twisted Low Bun
The twisted low bun is perfect for thin hair. This elegant style creates the illusion of thickness while keeping your look polished.
To create this updo, gather your hair at the nape of your neck.
Gently tease the roots for added volume before twisting and pinning your hair into a bun shape.
For a softer finish, pull out a few strands around your face. This simple updo works well for both casual and formal occasions.
2: Braided Crown
The braided crown is a perfect updo for thin hair. It creates the illusion of volume and texture while keeping hair secure.
To create this style, make a braid that wraps around your head like a crown. Pin it securely at the back.
This elegant hairstyle works well for both casual and formal occasions. You can add small flowers or decorative pins for extra flair.
3: Pinned Back Waves
Pinned back waves add volume to thin hair without much effort. This style works by creating texture with curls, then securing sections back with pins.
You’ll want to start by curling your entire head with a medium-sized curling iron. Then divide your hair into sections and pin them back loosely.
For extra volume, gently tease the crown area before pinning. This creates height that makes thin hair appear fuller.
Face-framing pieces left out can soften the look. Try this style for special events or everyday wear when you need a quick but elegant option.
4: Voluminous Ponytail
A voluminous ponytail is perfect for thin hair. You can create instant fullness with this simple updo.
Start by teasing the crown area of your hair. This adds height and makes your ponytail look thicker.
Gather your hair loosely and secure it with an elastic. Pull gently at the top sections to create more volume.
For extra fullness, try wrapping a small section of hair around the elastic band to hide it.
5: Hidden Lift Technique
The Hidden Lift is a quick ponytail hack that adds volume to thin hair. You only need one hair tie to create this style.
This technique gives your ponytail base more volume while adding a subtle bounce to the ends. It’s both comfortable and easy to do.
Perfect for daily wear, this simple trick makes thin hair appear fuller with minimal effort.
6: Chic French Twist
The French twist is perfect for thin hair because it creates an illusion of volume. This classic updo works well for both formal events and office settings.
To create this look, start with texturized hair for better grip. Gather your hair at the back, twist it upward, and secure with pins.
For added volume, gently tease your roots before twisting. Pull out a few face-framing pieces for a softer, more modern effect.
7: Textured Messy Bun
A textured messy bun adds volume to thin hair instantly. The secret is creating texture before styling.
Spray your hair with dry shampoo or texturizing spray at the roots. This gives your hair grip and fullness.
Tease sections gently for extra volume. Then loosely gather your hair and twist it into a bun.
Don’t worry about perfection – pull out a few strands around your face. The messier it looks, the fuller your hair appears.
Secure with bobby pins and hairspray. This style works for both casual days and dressier events.
8: Elegant Low Chignon
The low chignon is a perfect updo for thin hair. This classic style creates the illusion of fuller locks while maintaining elegance.
To create this look, gather your hair at the nape of your neck. Gently tease the roots for extra volume.
Twist and pin your hair into a bun shape. For a softer finish, pull out a few face-framing strands.
This versatile style works for formal events or casual outings. It’s particularly flattering for women over 50.
9: Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids create a stylish updo perfect for thin hair. This technique adds volume and texture to fine locks.
Start by dividing your hair into two sections. Create Dutch braids on each side by crossing hair under instead of over.
Secure the ends with small elastics. Then wrap the braids around each other at the nape of your neck to form a bun.
Pin everything in place. You can gently pull on the braids to add more volume and fullness to your thin hair.
10: Half-Up Twists
Half-up twists are perfect for thin hair because they create the illusion of volume.
Start by taking sections from each side of your head and twisting them back.
Secure the twists with bobby pins where they meet at the back of your head. This style works well on both straight and wavy hair textures.
For extra volume, gently tease the crown area before creating your twists.
This simple updo is versatile enough for both casual days and special events.
11: Side Swept Roll
The Side Swept Roll is perfect for thin hair because it creates the illusion of volume.
You begin by making a deep side part and rolling the hair away from your face.
Secure with bobby pins as you roll, hiding them underneath for a seamless look. This style works well for both casual and formal occasions.
A light hairspray will help maintain the style while adding texture.
You can also gently tease the crown area before rolling to create even more volume.
12: Classic Gibson Tuck
The Gibson Tuck is a timeless updo perfect for thin hair.
This elegant style creates the illusion of volume by rolling and tucking hair at the nape of your neck.
You can create this sophisticated look in just 10 minutes. It works well for both formal events and everyday wear, making it incredibly versatile.
To achieve the Gibson Tuck, you’ll need to twist your hair up and tuck it under.
This vintage-inspired hairstyle dates back to the early 1900s but remains popular today.
13: Subtle Bouffant Updo
The subtle bouffant updo adds volume to thin hair without looking overdone.
You can create height at the crown by gently teasing sections with a fine-tooth comb.
Secure the teased hair with bobby pins, then pull remaining strands into a low bun or twist.
This style works beautifully for formal events or when you want a polished everyday look.
For best results, use a volumizing spray at your roots before styling. This simple technique instantly makes thin hair appear fuller and more elegant.
14: Sleek Top Knot
The sleek top knot is a chic updo perfect for thin hair. This style focuses on height rather than width, creating a polished look.
To achieve this look, brush your hair smoothly into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail around its base and secure with bobby pins.
15: Loose Braided Halo
A loose braided halo adds volume to thin hair while creating an elegant updo. This style wraps around your head like a crown.
To create this look, make a loose braid starting behind one ear and wrap it around your head.
Secure with pins and gently pull strands for a fuller appearance.
This style works well for both casual and formal events. It gives thin hair the illusion of thickness and texture.
16: Vintage Roll Updo
The vintage roll updo is a classic style that adds volume to thin hair. Start by rolling your hair up from the nape of your neck toward the crown.
Secure the roll with bobby pins placed in a crisscross pattern for stability. This creates a smooth, elegant look that works well for special events.
For extra flair, try adding a ribbon around the roll. This not only decorates your style but also helps hide any thin spots in your hair.
17: Bohemian Fishtail Braid
The Bohemian fishtail braid is perfect for thin hair as it creates an illusion of volume. This style adds texture while appearing effortlessly chic.
To create this look, start by adding some texturizing spray to your hair.
Then divide your hair and begin the fishtail technique. Make sure to pull pieces loosely for that boho effect.
