Methods 1, 2, and 3 for Hair Thinning

1. 1

   Get a pair of thinning shears. Thinning shears, which resemble scissors with a thick, serrated edge, are frequently used by stylists in salons. They are intended to remove approximately 15% of the hair, resulting in hair that retains its shape and style but has less volume and density. [1]

   • Shears can be purchased at beauty supply stores or in the hair care section of most department stores.

2. 2

   Begin by using clean, dry hair. Shampoo and dry your hair normally before thinning it. If you prefer to let your hair air dry, do so; if you prefer to use a blow dryer, do so. Your hair should have the closest texture to its natural, everyday texture as possible. This keeps your hair from becoming overly thin. [2]

   • Use no styling products on your hair before thinning it. These can clog the shears and alter the appearance of your hair, limiting your ability to thin it properly.

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3. 3

   Collect a 2-3 in (5 cm) 1–7 6 cm) wide hair section to thin It's best to thin one section at a time, and to thin the same amount all the way around your head. Hold the first section away from your head and clip the rest back, focusing only on the ends of the section you've clipped. [3]

   • Because it is difficult to thin hair close to the scalp, you may have fewer sections if your hair is shorter.

4. 4

   Cut your hair down the shaft with thinning shears. [4] Place the scissors about 2-3 inches (5 cm) down with the serrated edge facing down. 1–7 6 cm) from the end of your hair, and angle the shears 45 degrees. Then, close and open the shears over your hair. Lower them by 1 inch (2 5 cm), then re-closing them over the hair. Repeat until you've reached the end of your hair. [5]

   • If you turn the serrated edge down, the hair underneath will be thinner, but it will be hidden by longer pieces of hair.
   • Take care not to start too close to the roots. You want to make 1 inch (2 cm) cuts with thinning shears. 5 cm) from the ends of the hair strands If you cut too close to the roots, your hair may develop an unusual texture. [6]

5. 5

   Comb the hair that has been thinned out. Run a comb through the hair a few times to remove any cut pieces. Then examine the newly thinned section. Check the section against the rest of your hair to see if you've thinned it enough. [7]

   • If you still believe the hair is too thick, go back and make a few more cuts with the thinning shears. If necessary, move slightly further up the shaft of the hair to avoid cutting the same spot too many times.

6. 6

   Repeat with the remainder of your hair. Use the same method to thin out your hair section by section until you've gone all the way around your head. To ensure evenness, try to make the same number of cuts in each section. [8]

   • Remember to compare each section of your hair to the rest of your hair after you thin it. This will assist in keeping the cut even and preventing over-thinning.
   • If you have difficulty seeing the back of your hair, turn away from the mirror and hold a hand-held mirror up to your face to see the reflection of the back of your head. If you can, you could also ask someone to cut the back of your hair for you.

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1. 1

   If your hair is fuller at the ends, go for a longer, layered cut. Thick, bushy ends can rise to a point at the top of your scalp with short cuts, giving your hair an unbalanced appearance, especially if you use thinning shears. Layers help to redistribute volume for a sleeker, less poofy overall look. [9]

   • Inform your stylist that your hair is too full and heavy on the bottom and that you want long layers for a thinned-out look.
   • Avoid blunt cuts, which are less forgiving of areas with more thickness. If you have a blunt cut, ask your stylist to add more layers, especially if you're transitioning from a shorter style.

2. 2

   For a simple everyday look, use a blow dryer to style your hair. Begin drying at the roots and work your way down. Position a round brush underneath the hair and brush it down while applying heat to the top of the hair. To add a small curl, rotate the round brush slightly at the end of the hair, or simply let the hair slide through the brush. [10]

   • Avoid pulling up on the hair with the brush as you dry it because this can add volume to the roots and make the hair appear thicker.
   • Because of the water evaporating from the hair, thick hair can sometimes appear frizzy after drying. A taming product, such as argan hair oil or anti-frizz serum, can help keep the hair looking sleek all day.

3. 3

   For an even thinner appearance, use a flat iron. Flat irons use extremely hot metal plates to flatten and thin hair as much as possible. Make sure your hair is completely dry before passing the iron over 1 inch (2 cm). 5 cm) sections of hair 1-2 times to ensure complete straightness [11]

   • To avoid hair damage when using a flat iron, always apply a heat protector serum to your hair before styling.
   • Avoid straightening sections more than twice because the iron pulling on the hair can cause breakage. If your hair is still not straight after two passes, turn up the heat. If this does not help, you may need to use a flat iron with ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline plates.

4. 4

   For a semi-permanent solution to thick hair, consider chemical straightening. Brazilian Blowout and keratin straightening treatments alter the chemical structure of the hair to keep it looking sleek and thin. A hair stylist will apply the chemical to your hair in a multi-step process that includes heating and styling your hair to be straight and smooth. [12]

   • Although they are sometimes marketed as "permanent," touch-ups and re-applications are required every few months, depending on your hair and the treatment.
   • These treatments are costly, and when applied to the hair, they can emit irritating chemicals into the air. If you have a limited budget or have previously experienced a reaction to chemical treatments, you may want to consider other options.

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1. 1

   To reduce volume and frizz, wash your hair in cold water. When you wash your hair with hot water, the hair shaft opens, resulting in a lot of frizz and extra volume. Using cold water flattens the hair shaft, resulting in sleeker, shinier, and less puffy-looking hair. [13]

   • If you dislike cold showers, opt for lukewarm. Even a slight reduction in temperature will make your hair appear thinner.
   • Instead of washing your entire body in cold or lukewarm water, you could wrap your hair in a shower cap and wash it separately in cold water afterward.

2. 2

   Only shampoo your hair 2-3 times per week. Wash your hair every 3-4 days to take advantage of natural oils that keep your hair healthy and protected. Simply rinse your hair with cool water the rest of the time. It may take some time for your hair to adjust to this new routine, but you can use products like dry shampoo to keep it looking fresh in the meantime. [14] [15]

   • When shampooing, use a quarter-sized amount of non-volumizing shampoo and concentrate on cleaning your scalp rather than your hair.
   • Shampoos that are free of sulfates and parabens are also excellent choices. [16]
   • Shampooing your hair every day removes the natural oils that keep it looking smooth and healthy. [17] This can result in bushy, frizzy, and thick hair.

3. 3

   Instead of conditioner, use apple cider vinegar. To use as a conditioner, combine half vinegar and half water in an old conditioner or spray bottle. After shampooing, apply it to your hair and rinse it out at the end of your shower. Your hair will dry soft and shiny, rather than frizzy and bushy. [18]

   • Conditioner contains ingredients that coat your hair and make it appear thicker. Although apple cider vinegar has many of the same smoothing properties as conditioner, it will not coat your hair.
   • Because apple cider vinegar has a strong odor, you may want to use it sparingly at first to avoid absorbing the scent into your hair and scalp. Applying a scented leave-in product, such as a conditioning spray, after your shower is an excellent way to mask the scent.

4. 4

   Use volumizing hair products. There are numerous gels, creams, and serums available on the market that are intended to straighten or tame unruly hair. You can apply it before or after styling your hair to tame frizz, add shine, or smooth waves, depending on the product. [19]

   • If you have curly or textured hair, look for products designed specifically for it. They can help to control frizz and puffiness without causing damage to natural curls.
   • Avoid using mousse and other products that are designed to add volume.

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