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Fine vs Thin Hair: Key Differences + Styling Tips

Updated on July 7, 2025 | 4 min read

Jaclyn LaBadia, Davines Writer

Fine and thin hair are often used interchangeably, but are they the same? Isn’t fine hair thin? And thin hair fine? Not exactly, and understanding why will help you determine the right care, products, and styling techniques for your strands. We’re breaking down the difference between fine hair vs thin hair ahead—including the best ways to care for each type.

Key Takeaways

Fine vs Thin Hair Breakdown

Fine hair refers to the thickness of individual strands,while thin hair refers to the density (number of strands) on the scalp.
You can have fine but dense hair, or fine and thin hair — they are not the same thing.
Fine hair feels soft and is less visible strand-by-strand, while thin hair often shows more scalp and has less volume overall.
Thinning hair can result from stress, aging, hormonal changes, or other factors, and early signs include shedding, visible scalp, and brittle strands.
To style fine or thin hair, focus on volumizing shampoos, conditioners, and lightweight products that won’t weigh your hair down.
Hairstyles like pixies, bobs, and layered cuts can make thin or fine hair appear fuller and healthier.
Blow-drying upside down, using dry shampoo, and teasing at the roots are effective ways to create more volume.
Davines offers specialized products for fine and thinning hair that promote volume, scalp health, and manageability.
While you can’t change strand thickness, healthy care habits and the right styling techniques can make fine and thin hair look thicker and more vibrant

In This Article

Understanding Different Hair Types

Fine and Thick Hair — What’s the Difference?

Causes and Signs of Hair Thinning

How to Style Fine Hair

FAQ

Understanding Different Hair Types

Understanding your hair type and texture is a must for an effective care routine. This is what ultimately dictates the best products, styling techniques and care in general for your best and healthiest hair.

There are four main hair types:

Straight
Wavy
Curly
Coily

And four main textures:

Fine
Medium
Thick
Coarse

Different hair has different needs, and tailoring your routine based on your hair will give you the best results. So what’s the difference between fine hair vs thin hair? Let’s dive a little deeper below.

Fine and Thick Hair- What’s the Difference?

What is fine hair, you ask? Fine hair refers to strand thickness and describes a small diameter. If you can’t feel a strand of your hair when you rub it between your pointer finger and thumb, it’s fine. Thin hair refers to hair density- or how many strands are on the head. Hair that’s thin is low density- meaning there are fewer strands. If your scalp is visible when you part your hair, you have thin hair.

Fine Hair vs Thin Hair

Now let’s get into fine hair vs thin hair. Fine hair describes individual strand thickness, while thin hair describes the amount of hair on the scalp. It’s possible to have fine hair and a lot of it (high density), and fine hair that’s thin (low density). But just because you have fine hair, doesn’t mean it’s thin, and vice-versa.

Thin Hair vs Thick Hair

When it comes to thin vs thick hair, these terms refer to the density and diameter of individual hair strands, respectively. Thick hair has wider, more textured strands, while thin refers to density, or how many strands there are overall on the head. Thick hair has wider strands while fine hair strands are narrower, appearing almost invisible.

Causes and Signs of Hair Thinning

Figuring out if your hair is thinning can be tricky. Most commonly caused by stress, age and hormonal changes, thinning hair might not be so obvious at first. The early signs are subtle, including things like a thinner ponytail, more visible scalp, wispy hairs, brittle and fragile strands and increased shedding. If you’re noticing any of these signs, stimulating hair products, a hair-friendly diet and oral supplements can help.

How to Style Fine Hair

Wondering how to style fine hair? Start with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, avoiding over-washing and air-drying when possible. Style with mousses and texture sprays for body and lift at the root. Consider shorter or layered cuts, and make sure to have dry shampoo and heat protection spray in your arsenal.

Adding Volume to Fine Hair

Our favourite thin hair hacks for adding volume to fine hair include some must-have all-star styling tools. Starting with a blow dryer. Blow-dry your hair upside down for lift at the root. Next up is a round brush. Use it to direct airflow at the roots once you flip your head back right side up. A teasing comb at the roots will help you achieve maximum height. And finally using foam rollers or putting your hair into braids will give you added texture without heat.

Hairstyles and Cuts to Make Thin Hair Look Thicker

Whether it’s density and/or hair loss you’re struggling with, the best haircuts for thin hair are ones that make your hair look fuller. If you’ve got thin or thinning hair, a shorter hairstyle tends to be more flattering. Cuts like a pixie, mullet, layered or blunt bob or shag are all great options. And in some cases, just flipping your part to the opposite side can make your hair look thicker, regardless of the style or cut.

Explore Davines Products

The fine hair vs thin hair debate wouldn’t be complete without talking about products. And while many products claim to boost volume, finding formulas that truly deliver can be challenging. Our fine hair products are formulated to add volume and texture while reducing oil. We offer a range that includes shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments designed to infuse thin, fine hair with new life. Start with a thickening shampoo and conditioner that cleanses and moisturises without weighing down the hair. Then, use a scalp conditioner or purifying shampoo to promote overall hair and skin health. For added dimension, incorporate volumizing mousses or texturizing sprays into your styling routine. Or experience fuller-looking hair with our thin hair styling set, designed to add volume to thin hair without sacrificing its health.

Shop Products for Fine and Thin Hair

FAQ

Is my hair thin or just fine?

Fine hair refers to the diameter of individual hair strands, while thin hair refers to the amount of strands on your scalp. So it's possible to have both fine and thin hair, or just one or the other. Fine hair is small in diameter, and thin hair means you have less hairs on your head.

Can fine hair ever get thicker?

While you can’t do anything to change the actual diameter of your individual hair strands, it's possible to make fine hair appear thicker by promoting healthy growth, minimizing damage and using volumizing styling techniques.

What is the advantage of fine hair?

The advantage of fine hair is that it's easier to style than thicker strands. Fine hair requires less time to comb out, detangle and blow-dry. It can also be easily put up or into a low bun or ponytail in a pinch.

What are the big 3 for thinning hair?

The big 3 for thinning hair refers to the 3 most common treatments to combat hair loss: Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole. These clinically supported medications are used to address androgenetic alopecia, also known as m pattern baldness.

Can thinning hair grow back thick?

Depending on the cause and how it's addressed, yes, in many cases thinning hair can be improved and grow back thicker.

Does thinning hair look better short or long?

Because it creates the illusion of volume, reduces weight and breakage, and highlights thicker areas, thinning hair generally looks most flattering when it's short.

Elevate Your Hair

Boost volume and promote hair growth with a personalized treatment at your local Davines salon.

Find a Davines Salon Near You

Elevate Your Hair

Boost volume and promote hair growth with a personalized treatment at your local Davines salon.

Find a Davines Salon Near You

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