Best Hair Extensions for Thin Hair: 5 Styles That Mask Thinning Hair, a Receding Hairline and More
There are so many options of products that promise to help with hair growth, but the only downside is that many of them take weeks, if not months, to see any hair-thickening results. And if you’re like us, sometimes you just want instant gratification when it comes to your fine hair. Enter: Hair extensions. They create the illusion of a thicker mane in seconds, and if you think extensions (or a wig) will appear as artificial as they are, think again. Additionally, gone are the days of damaging hair extensions. Today, you can find hair extensions that not only look and feel like natural hair, they’re cost-effective and harm-free too. Read on to see the hair extensions for thin hair — plus, one wig style — that will make your hair look two times thicker in a flash.
To conceal a receding hairline and thinning at the temples: Opt for clip-in bangs
Brow-skimming curtain bangs not only mask thinning at the hairline but since they sweep to the sides, they cover any sparse spots at the temples too. What’s more, this bang style cleverly hides forehead furrows to instantly erase optical years from your appearance. Simply secure the clips on a pair of 5" clip-in bangs ?" back from the hairline, then comb through with fingers to blend the piece in with the rest of your hair (trim as needed if the bangs are too long).
Even though this style is made from synthetic hair, it looks anything but fake. It features three clips that secure the style to the head and built-in layers that help the faux bangs blend in with the rest of the hair. Best of all, these clip-ins come in 14 different shades so there’s a hue for everyone.
Watch the magic of clip in bangs for thin hair in the below TikTok from @beautiful.life.laura.
To mask thinning at the crown: Try a topper
These cap-like wigs are clipped to existing hair to cover just the top of the head, adding volume while masking thinning. “They come in a variety of colors and styles, but the key is to find one made of human hair so you can have it highlighted or trimmed to blend in beautifully with the rest of your own hair,” says Lucinda Ellery, whose salons in England, New York City and Los Angeles specialize in helping women conceal all types of hair loss. She adds that if you’re thinning at the hairline, “try a topper with bangs for the most natural look.”
While this hair topper is a bit more of an investment, if you factor in the cost-per-wear, it’s well worth the price. This style is made from human hair, comes in 12 different shades, has four built-in clips and a slip-proof inner lining. What’s more, the before and after images on the brand’s website are not only amazing but also show how natural the topper is and blends in with hair, proving its high quality.
For a topper that’s under $100 and has bangs, this is a great option to mimic hair health. It has an expansive shade range, 52 to be exact, and three clips to help the style stay in place.
To add volume and fullness throughout: Pick halo extensions
Extensions are a hairstylist’s go-to for adding volume to thinner tresses, but old-school, in-salon options from clip-ins to weave-ins were expensive and notoriously harsh, pulling on delicate hair follicles and leading to fall-out. Thankfully the new “halo” styles feature a thin silicone band you simply slip onto the head like a headband. They’re undetectable and offer natural-looking fullness and length — no tugging and no need for a pricey trip to the salon!
These are the OG halo extensions and reviewers rave about how comfortable and indetectable they are. They come in a range of lengths (from 12” to 24”) and shades (31 to be exact) so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect match to help you achieve thicker-looking tresses.
See exactly how halo extensions work in the video below from TikToker @hairbysarahmascara.
To hide a wide part: Go for filler clip ins
It used to be that only hair makeup or scalp filler could be used to mask a widening part. But the newest variety of hair extensions can actually be placed right along the part line to fill in the gap without looking obvious. They are made specially to lie flat against the scalp and look just like hair that grows in at the scalp.
Luxy Hair is a pioneer in thinning hair solution-oriented hair extensions that help hair appear naturally fuller. This set comes with 4 clip-ins that can be used along the part or any other spot on the head that looks sparse.
To see these extensions in action, watch the below video from @maddy_gutierrez_ on TikTok.
To camouflage all over thinning: Choose a full wig
The secret to ensuring a full wig will look more gorgeous than granny? “Opt for a ‘full lace’ construction,” says hairstylist Ricardo Rojas, who has fashioned wigs for Cher and Jessica Chastain. “This type of wig is lightweight and breathable so it not only blends well with existing hair, but it won’t cause further damage to your scalp or hair.” Plus, he adds, you can see your scalp through it, so it looks very realistic.
Once you’ve chosen the right wig, Rojas suggests taking it to your salon and having it trimmed while it’s on your head to best flatter your face shape. Also, if it’s made of human hair, ask them to dye the roots slightly darker to give the illusion of natural growth and added depth. If it’s a synthetic wig and can’t be color-treated, apply an eyeshadow (three shades darker than the rest of the color of the wig) to roots for the same effect.
Raquel Welch Classic Cut HF Synthetic Wig
This isn’t your grandmother’s wig! Although this shoulder-length style is made from synthetic hair, it doesn’t look so. It comes in 25 different shades (gray ones too) and can be styled with hot tools to help hair look even thicker.
See more strategies that help with thinning hair and hair loss:
12 Best Hair Loss Remedies for Women Over 50 That Can Easily Be Done at Home
5 Best Products That Work Like Minoxidil to Reverse Hair Loss in Women Over 40
How Laser Hair Therapy Reverses Thinning Hair! Plus the Best at-Home Devices to Use
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