If you’ve ever felt like your thin hair just can’t hold an updo, you’re not alone, but you’ve totally got options. Updos for thin hair are styles designed to add volume, lift, and structure without needing thick strands.
In this article, you’ll find 18 updos that actually work for fine hair, plus smart tips to make them stay longer, look fuller, and avoid common mistakes.
You’ll also learn how to prep your hair the right way, what to skip, and how to fake extra volume in the easiest ways. Get ready to upgrade your hair game with styles that really stick.
Here are the top 18 updos for thin hair are made for volume, grip, and staying power:
Messy Low Bun with Face-Framing Strands
This messy low bun gives your thin hair a boost without trying too hard. You just twist and pin using a teasing comb and a bit of dry shampoo. It hides flat spots, adds volume near your crown, and looks effortless.
This one works best for medium-length layers and flatters oval or heart-shaped faces. It suits straight or soft curls and aging hair, too. Add pearl pins for a charm.
You’ll love how this pairs with a floral sundress or denim jacket. It feels cool, lightweight, and stays in place. If you’re over 50, this is the perfect updo for thin hair.
Twisted Crown Updo
A twisted crown updo makes your fine hair look fuller and totally put-together. This updo for thin hair with medium length works wonders by lifting roots and covering thin spots.
Just twist both sides, pin them at the back, and use a bit of volumizing mousse to give it body. It suits round and oval faces and works well with straight or fine-textured hair.
Pop in a few decorative pins or a padded headband to glam it up. You can rock this with an off-shoulder top or light summer dress. It gives a soft, romantic vibe that’s perfect for hot days.
High Loop Pony with Teased Crown
This high loop pony is one of those easy updos for thin hair that instantly adds lift and sass. You tease the crown, gather the hair high, and fold it halfway through a mini scrunchie to form a loop.
It works great for shoulder-length or long but thin strands. This look flatters square and round faces best. Add a claw clip or fun pin for extra flair.
The style feels fresh and playful and pairs well with rompers or cute summer tees. It’s super quick, feels light, and keeps your neck cool on hot days. Perfect for casual updos for thin hair.
Mini French Twist
This mini French twist keeps things elegant but easy. You just roll the hair up, secure with bobby pins, and finish with a bit of texturizing spray. It’s one of those hairstyles that make thin hair look fuller without much effort.
This one’s ideal for short bobs or fine-textured hair and works best on oval or diamond face shapes. It suits women over 50 who want a soft and lifted updo.
Try it with a pearl comb or decorative clip. Throw on a lightweight skirt and blouse to match. This updo feels super light and stays put through the heat.
Braided Half-Up with Volume Crown
A braided half-up is a fun mix of chic and carefree. It gives you that volume at the crown while keeping the rest down. You tease the top, braid the two side sections, and secure them at the back.
This half-updo for thin hair works great on medium-length layers and flatters heart or oval faces. It suits straight and wavy textures, and clip-in volume boosters help a lot. Add a floral clip or mini scrunchie.
Pair it with a cute tank and light jeans. It gives off a playful vibe, keeps hair off your face, and is a great summer go-to.
Tucked Chignon with Side Part
This tucked chignon gives thin hair a soft and classy boost without needing thick strands. You part your hair to the side, roll it into a low chignon, and secure it with pins and a little hairspray.
This updo works well for long but thin strands and flatters oval and square face shapes. It’s one of those easy wedding updos for thin hair that looks polished yet feels light.
Use a decorative comb or pearl pin to dress it up. Pair it with a simple sundress or an off-shoulder maxi. You’ll stay cool and stylish during any summer wedding or event.
Bubble Bun with Fluffed Sections
The bubble bun is one of the easiest volume-boosting styles you’ll ever try. You just pull your hair into a ponytail, add small elastics down the length, and gently pull each section to fluff it.
This quick updo for thin hair suits shoulder-length or longer strands and gives round or heart-shaped faces a balanced look. Fine-textured or straight hair works best here.
Try a padded headband or scrunchie to add charm. Throw on a denim jacket with shorts, and you’re good to go. This light summer updo keeps your neck breezy and gives thin strands some much-needed drama.
Knot Bun with Volume Crown
The knot bun creates instant volume and keeps your hair stylish without weighing it down. You make a ponytail, tie the hair into a loose knot, and pin it securely. Teasing the crown adds lift, especially for flat roots.
This updo works well with medium-length hair and flatters square or heart-shaped faces. Use dry shampoo and a teasing comb to build height. Clip in a mini bow or charm for extra cuteness.
Pair it with a flowy summer dress for a fresh, girly vibe. You’ll love this fine hair updo hack when you need something cool and effortless in the heat.
Side Swept Braided Bun
This side-swept braided bun is one of those cute hairstyles for thinner strands that hides sparse areas beautifully. You braid the front section, sweep everything to one side, and form a loose bun.
It works best for medium-length to long hair and suits oval or diamond-shaped faces. Use a little mousse for grip and secure with bobby pins. Add a floral clip or cute scrunchie. It looks adorable with a romper or light skirt.
The entire look exudes a chill and sweet vibe. It’s perfect for summer events when you want a no-fuss style that still feels special.
Twisted Side Roll with Claw Clip
This twisted side roll is great for creating shape and volume in fine hair. Just part your hair to the side, twist each section loosely, and clip them at the nape with a claw clip. It’s one of those casual updos for thin hair that flatter round and heart-shaped faces perfectly.
Straight and aging hair loves this soft and lifted updo. Pair it with a cute off-shoulder top and sandals. The look feels breezy, modern, and light, which is ideal for those hot summer days. You’ll want to wear this on repeat, especially when you need something quick and comfy.
Rolled Headband Updo
The rolled headband updo is perfect for summer days when you want to look cute without much effort. Just pop on a padded headband, tuck the ends of your hair around it, and secure with a few pins.
It gives your thin hair a fuller look and keeps everything off your neck. This style works best on short to medium-length hair and flatters oval or square faces. It suits straight or aging hair well.
Add a few pearl pins for sparkle. Match it with a flowy romper and sandals. It’s one of those easy updos for thin hair that feels breezy.
Loose Braided Crown
A loose braided crown brings soft volume to your roots while giving off major goddess vibes. You just braid two loose sections from each side and pin them across the back. It works beautifully for long but thin strands and looks best on heart or round faces.
Use a teasing comb and dry shampoo to add lift before braiding. This fine hair updo hack suits wavy or straight textures and hides thin spots well.
Try it with a floral sundress or summer maxi. The look feels romantic, light, and pretty. You’ll love how easy it is to style and wear.
Sleek Low Loop with Side Bangs
This sleek, low loop updo keeps things minimal while still giving your thin hair a fuller look. Just gather your hair into a low ponytail, form a loop, and secure it with pins. Add a side bang for extra charm.
It’s one of those updos for thin short hair that suits oval and diamond face shapes. Use a bit of lightweight mousse for sleekness and finish with a decorative pin.
Match it with a light button-up shirt and high-waist shorts. It feels polished yet super chill, and you’ll love it on hot days when you need a clean, put-together vibe.
Double Twisted Low Bun
The double-twisted low bun adds volume and texture with almost no effort. You split your hair into two sections, twist each, and wrap them into a low bun at the nape. It’s perfect for updos for thin hair with medium length and works well on round or square faces.
Straight or fine hair textures love this style, especially when you use a bit of dry shampoo first. Add a mini claw clip or cute barrette. Pair this with a tank top and a denim skirt. The look feels fresh and neat, and it stays put even on those warm summer evenings.
Boho Knotted Half-Up
The boho knotted half-up style gives thin hair a breezy lift while keeping things playful. You take two sections from the front, tie them in a knot at the back, and pin them. Tease the crown for extra height and finish with a spritz of texturizing spray.
This half-updo for thin hair works best on shoulder-length strands and flatters oval or heart-shaped faces. It suits wavy or soft curls perfectly.
Add a decorative clip or scrunchie. It pairs well with off-shoulder tops or floral dresses. This easy updo for thin hair gives you that fun, fresh, light summer updo feeling all day.
Soft Twisted Pony Bun
This soft twisted pony bun gives your hair a gentle lift while keeping things elegant and effortless. Twist the sides, gather into a ponytail, and wrap it into a low bun. This works great for thin hair over 50 and flatters oval or square faces.
Fine, straight, or aging hair holds this shape beautifully. Use a teasing comb at the crown and secure with a pretty clip. Add a lightweight scarf for flair.
Match it with a breezy blouse and a midi skirt. It’s one of those updos for thin hair that keeps you cool while looking graceful on warm days.
Messy Top Knot with Volume Boost
The messy top knot brings fun and volume to even the thinnest strands. Tease the crown, gather your hair high, and twist into a loose knot using a mini scrunchie. This light summer updo suits round and heart-shaped faces and works best for medium to long, thin hair.
Straight or fine textures hold this look perfectly. Spray some dry shampoo beforehand for grip. Try a few decorative pins or a claw clip for a charm.
This updo pairs well with tanks and denim shorts. It feels playful and keeps your neck cool. It’s a quick updo for thin hair that always wins.
Braided Bun with Hidden Pins
This braided bun hides sparse spots while adding instant style. Braid your ponytail, then twist it into a bun and pin it down. It’s a go-to for updos for thin hair for wedding events or date nights.
It suits oval and diamond-shaped faces and works best for medium-length layers. Wavy or straight textures hold the braid well. Use clip-in boosters if needed for fullness. Add pearl pins or a glitter comb to elevate the look.
Pair it with a summer dress or sleek jumpsuit. This fine hair updo hack keeps things elegant without weighing you down during summer heat.
How to Make an Updo Stay Longer in Thin Hair?
If you want your updo to stay put in thin hair, here’s what you need to do. First, use dry shampoo before you start styling. It gives your hair grip and makes it easier to shape.
Then, spray some texture spray after every layer you pin; it adds hold without making your hair feel stiff. Don’t forget to anchor sections with bobby pins in a crisscross pattern. This trick locks everything in place way better than just sliding them in straight.
And skip the conditioner at your roots before styling. It makes hair too soft and slippery for updos to hold.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Styling Thin Hair
When you’re styling thin hair into an updo, a few simple mistakes can totally mess with your look.
- First, avoid over-conditioning your hair; it makes it way too slippery, and nothing stays in place.
- Also, never skip prep products like dry shampoo or volumizing spray. Without them, your hair has zero grip and just falls flat.
- Don’t pull your hair too tight either; it only makes those scalp gaps more obvious.
- And ditch the heavy hair ties, they drag your hair down and make the updo sag.
Keep things light, prepped, and gently secured, and you’ll love how your updo turns out.
How Can You Make Thin Hair Look Thicker in Updos?
If you want your thin hair to look thicker in an updo, a few easy tricks can change the game. Start by adding clip-in extensions or a hair weft; they blend in and give your style that extra fullness.
When parting your hair, go for a zigzag instead of a straight line to hide your scalp and create more volume. Choose updos that have a layered texture rather than slick styles, as they naturally look fuller.
And don’t pull everything back too tightly. Leaving a few soft, face-framing pieces out gives the illusion of thickness and adds a super flattering, airy vibe.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve seen these 16 updos for thin hair, you’ve got tons of fresh, easy styles to try next time you want volume without stress.
Personally, the messy low bun and the twisted crown updo are my absolute favorites, as they never fail to feel light, stylish, and cute!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest updo for fine hair?
A low, messy bun with a teased crown is super easy. It hides flat spots, adds lift, and takes just a few pins and some texture spray.
How can I hide scalp gaps in updos?
Use a zigzag part to disguise thin areas. Spray dry shampoo at the roots and tap in some volumizing powder to boost texture and cover any visible scalp.
Do claw clips work for thin hair?
Yes! Mini claw clips work great when you tease the roots first. They help grip fine strands better and create a quick, cute hold without slipping.
How do I make my updo last all day?
Spray each section with strong-hold spray as you go, anchor your bobby pins in a crisscross pattern, and avoid oily roots that make hair too slippery.
