How to make hair look thicker instantly

The pursuit of thicker hair can often mean investing hundreds of dollars in serums and supplements, then waiting months for them to work. And don't get us wrong: these solutions are certainly effective, and can deliver great results over time. But if you're looking to amp up your look now, a quick haircut might be all you need. We asked stylists to weigh in on the looks that will make your hair look instantly thicker—keep scrolling to check them out for yourself, then go ahead and book that appointment for a chop.

Haircuts to make hair look thick

1. Blunt bob

“Going for a blunt cut, such as a bob, really gives a thickening effect to the hair,” shares Amber Maynard, a celebrity hairstylist and K18 Ambassador. “The lower elevation used with creating a blunt bob is what helps to create weight within the hair," adds Serina Battaglini, hairstylist and owner of Serina Styles Studio & Salon<. "As all the hair is being cut at the same length, there's less variance in length when placed back into its natural fall."

“If your hair is thinner around your face, pull some hair forward and cut it into a blunt fringe," says Dyson global styling ambassador Matthew Collins. "When air dried or diffused, you won’t have a part line, which can often make hair look thinner as hair is less dense near the scalp.”

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2. Faux shag with curtain bangs

“A faux shag and curtain bangs style are great for those with curly or wavy hair and those who style their hair regularly,” shares Chaz Dean, celebrity hairstylist and Founder of WEN Hair & Body Care. "This soft shag with a curtain fringe will keep on you on-trend while effortlessly working with your natural hair texture." Use a leave-in conditioner for added moisture and a nourishing mousse to help enhance your natural waves and texture for additional volume and fullness.

3. Butterfly cut

The butterfly cut was popular in the early aughts and—like many Y2K beauty looks—recently had a resurgence on TikTok. “The butterfly cut will alleviate weight in the front of the face but create a look of fullness as the layers are more defined,” says Battaglini. The Sola Salons stylist adds that the butterfly style shares the same concept of the classic round layers. “They give the illusion of fuller hair because it creates dimension and more visible layers.” Pro tip? “For thin hair, you want to be using polymer style products like mousse, texture spray, and volumizers—avoid creams and smoothing products," says Collins.

4. Long layers with a fringe

This one is ideal for those with straight or slightly wavy hair. “A long-layer haircut with a beveled perimeter gives you the illusion of a blunt haircut, with the benefits of added texture and movement,” explains Dean. “To take advantage of this type of haircut, use a styling creme and texturizing treatment spray for added volume and body.”

5. Pixie cut

The pixie cut was first popularized in the 1950s after Audrey Hepburn debuted the look in her film, Roman Holiday. Since then, the likes of Rihanna, Charlize Theron, Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, and Zoe Kravitz, to name a few, have all rocked the style. “A shorter haircut like a pixie, will appear fuller and denser while working with your natural texture,” says Dean. “Be sure to style or finish with a texture paste at the roots to help create more volume and body.”

6. Face-framing layers

While it’s best to stay away from layers if you’re looking for thicker hair, if you do want them, keep them for framing. “Focus on what is around the face to accentuate your face shape, but don’t go heavy,” warns Collins. “The more surface layers you have the more sparse the ends will be so try to avoid layers in the bulk of the cut.”

Considering cutting your hair at home? Don't do it without watching this tutorial, straight from a stylist. 

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