35 Stunning Wedding Hairstyles for Thin Hair

a bride with a twisted low bun — Photo by Sasithon Photography

Whether your hair falls on the thinner end of the spectrum or your locks start to lose density ahead of your wedding day, there are plenty of ways to create the illusion of a voluminous mane when you walk down the aisle. One way to add more thickness to your head of hair, in particular, is to find the right hairstylist who knows how to work with your tresses. “Brides with thin or thinning hair can achieve a hairstyle that looks best on them by finding a stylist that gets their style, their hair type, and the vibe they want for their wedding day,” hair expert Alessandra Bruno of Fekkai says. “Set up trials, bring inspiration photos, and see which stylist makes you feel best.”

Your hairstylist will then recommend some of the best looks for a fuller, denser mane and use styling tools and techniques to up the ante. Hair guru Maria “Mia” Lyn of Mia Farah Beautique says she often uses texturizing spray to lift her clients’ strands, bun stuffers to create a sturdy foundation, and clip-in hair extensions to introduce more length and volume.

If you’re searching for more information and inspiration for your day-of beauty look, we’ve rounded up the best ideas for those with fine locks. Whether you’re looking for a style that will accommodate braids for thin hair or you’re on the hunt for a chic chignon, here are 35 stunning wedding hairstyles for brides with thin hair.

Meet the Expert

Alessandra Bruno is a hairstylist at Fekkai, a hair salon in New York City’s Soho neighborhood.
Maria “Mia” Lyn is the founder and lead artist at Mia Farah Beautique in Philadelphia. She has more than two decades of experience as a hairstylist.

01 of 35

A Sparkly Slicked-Back Bun

Bride in a low bun hairstyle with a beaded hairpiece putting on diamond stud earrings — Photo by David Bastianoni Studio

Pulling your tresses back in a tight bun with a sleek side part is the epitome of elegance. At her fashionable Amalfi Coast wedding, this bride demonstrated that a more demure bun is just as stunning as larger-than-life iterations, so don't worry if your tresses are on the shorter side. Plus, completing your updo with a crystal accessory will conceal any sparseness or lack of volume. For more weighty hairpieces, make sure to tease the strands adequately to provide enough grit.

02 of 35

A Wavy Ponytail

Bride facing the side, showcasing her wavy ponytail with face-framing pieces — Photo by Shannon Moffit Photography

Ponytails work on every type of hair, especially thin hair. To enhance the density and add more bounce to your mane, have your hairstylist twist a few strands with a curling iron or another heated tool. Then, pull out a few face-framing tendrils for a flattering look.

03 of 35

Center-Parted Loose Waves

bride wearing traditional indian wedding attire with long, wavy hair and a center part — Photo by Photo by Julieta

Although you might believe wearing your hair down will enhance your mane's thinness, sometimes, it’s the best option. Usually, hair ties and extra styling create more pulling, friction, and damage, causing more hair loss and breakage. Instead, be gentle with your tresses by adding curls or waves, and parting it either in the middle or to the side for more depth.

04 of 35

Cropped Locs

Contrary to popular belief, locs can totally work for thinner hair. The number of individual pieces depends on the thickness you want to achieve, but this lob length is a sweet option. Since your natural texture will likely be the focal point of your look, styling can be as simple as securing it with a few bobby pins, as this bride did for her botanical wedding in Chicago.

05 of 35

A Twisted Chignon

bride in V neck white silk charmeuse wedding gown standing outside, with updo — Photo by Tracy Burch

Instead of a simple bun, amplify the magnitude of your tresses by creating a twisted effect at the nape of your neck and looping your locks at the bottom. “A twist will give the hair movement and texture while looking styled,” Lyn says. Wrapping your strands will also hold your style in place throughout your special day.

06 of 35

A Pearl-Studded Updo With Natural Curls

A bride with a low bun featuring pearl hair accessories and a feather wedding dress embracing the groom — Photo by Porterhouse Los Angeles

If you have thin hair with a naturally curly texture, embrace it. The individual spirals and waves take up space rather than laying on top of each other, meaning they're able to bring an element of fullness to your mane. The texture is also ideal for holding up hair accessories, like small pearls and a low veil.

07 of 35

A Blunt Lob With Subtle Waves

Bride with a blunt lob in a floral wedding dress holding a bouquet at a mountain wedding — Photo by Justine Milton Photography

Whether you usually wear your hair short or you’re considering a pre-wedding trim, opt for a blunt cut. The straight-forward style, with a few subtle layers around the face, creates the illusion of fullness at the ends. An expert colorist can even paint dimensional highlights or lowlights that give the appearance of greater hair density.

08 of 35

A Side Fishtail Braid

bride in a custom jumpsuit with removable cape holds a bouquet of coral florals — Photo by Brett Seay

While a classic braid accentuates finer hair, a fishtail braid introduces even more magnitude. At the same time, this hairstyle creates visual intrigue and adds playfulness to your look. You can either start this intricately twisted hairdo at the top of your head or at the base of your neck to achieve the voluminous effect.

09 of 35

A Low Ponytail With Added Waves

Bride in a strapless beaded wedding dress and a wavy ponytail looking at the groom — Photo by Natalie Bray

Ponytails are a chic and sophisticated way to style thin hair for any type of affair, such as this bride’s timeless wedding in Santa Barbara. Gather the hair into a ponytail at the crown of your head for added movement as you sashay around the dance floor. You can even incorporate extensions to make your locks look longer and thicker. Elevate the illusion of fullness by letting a few wispy strands loose in the front.

10 of 35

A Low Bun With Side Bangs

Brunette bride with sweeping low chignon and side bang fixing hair and holding vibrant bouquet while wearing lace wedding dress and standing in front of monument — Photo by Sasithon Photography

A low bun is often a go-to wedding hairstyle for brides, including those with thin hair. “A soft pullback will allow the focus to be more about the face-framing, and it will create maximum volume,” Lyn explains. If your hair is sparse, an updo creates its own volume with the hair on your head. Interweave a few strands and leave a side-swept bang, like this bride did for her vibrant Brooklyn nuptials.

11 of 35

A Half-Up, Half-Down Style

Bride with blonde hair in a half-up with beachy waves and a floral-appliqued wedding dress — Photo by Corbin Gurkin

Half-up, half-down looks are versatile, playful, and flirty bridal hairstyles, and they work for fine hair, too. These styles can translate however you want: Go for a bouncy look with a higher positioning or opt for a formal one with a lower placement, like this bride’s style at her waterfront South Carolina affair. With skillful curls or waves, you’ll transform thin strands into a thicker mane

12 of 35

A Pixie Cut With a Beaded Accessory

brunette bride with short, finger waved hair and a leaf motif headband — Photo by Mon Soliel

For brides who have pixie cuts without the thickness, an oversized beaded hair accessory will cover up meager patches and add a glitzy edge to your big day. This look will be the perfect finishing touch to glamorous nuptials.

13 of 35

Side-Swept Waves

Gathering all of your hair to one side makes thinning hair look full and healthy since it strategically disperses the strands. By adding loose curls throughout, your style will show off your length and create romance.

14 of 35

A High Updo

Just like low buns, high buns are timeless hairstyles that conceal thinness especially well. Keep it simple by piling your tresses on top of your head without overstyling or adding accessories.

15 of 35

An Intricate Braid

The back of a bride, showcasing her braided wedding hairstyle and tulle ribbon sleeves — Photo by Volvoreta / Second shooting by Finch Photography

A braided plait has the ability to strategically fake fullness. Techniques, like backcombing, teasing, and pulling strands out for a relaxed look, can easily fluff up any braid. This bride’s hairstyle, featuring layers of fishtail braids, was the ideal choice for her romantic day at a Barcelona palace.

16 of 35

Barreling Beach Waves

Bride with long blonde hair wears printed floral high-neck gown and holds a bouquet with pink, white, and orange florals and dried foliage — Photo by Hannah Baldwin Photography

If you want to wear your hair down on your big day, consider a wavy style, such as this bride at her retro disco wedding. Pin-straight locks will flatten your tresses, while loose waves will take up more space. To give your mane even more magnitude, use a wave spray followed by a texturizing spray.

17 of 35

A Simple Updo

A bride with bun, veil, and long-sleeved dress kissing her groom in front of white flowers and greenery — Photo by Dani Toscano

Gathering all of your strands at the nape of your neck hides any scanty spots while evoking an elegant look. This updo—which this bride wore at her country club wedding in Santa Barbara—is beautiful on its own, but you can also clip on a cathedral-length veil to generate more dimension.

18 of 35

Effortless Natural Waves

Red-haired bride with long wavy hair in white wedding dressing standing next to brunette bride in beige suit with long wavy hair — Photo by Moni & Adri Weddings

As another alternative to wearing your hair down, embrace your natural texture without any additional frills. If you’re eager to infuse more volume, blow dry your hair upside down or in the opposite direction of your part for maximum thickness at the roots.

19 of 35

A Braided Top Knot

Braids are a fun way to add details to a simple bun, and they also inject thickness into thin hair. A hairstylist can either create a broad braid with extensions or mimic the look of a dense plait with loosening and tugging. Repeat this technique at the crown for soft volume around the face.

20 of 35

A Medium-Length Ponytail

A bride in a ponytail and polka dot strapless dress putting her arms around her groom at sunset — Photo by Larissa Cleveland

Pulling your hair back in a ponytail at the crown of your head is a flirty and playful look for finer hair. If you want to introduce more volume, curl the bottom strands so they separate rather than overlap. This is a practical choice for spring or summer nuptials with scorching temperatures, or if you’ve been on the hunt for an unfussy hairstyle that won’t fall in your face.

21 of 35

A Middle Part With Brushed-Out Curls

A bride with old Hollywood waves putting on her strapless wedding dress with her mother's help — Photo by Alixann Loosle

This old Hollywood hairstyle at this classic fête in Santa Barbara is full of glamour, and it’s also a foolproof way to hide hair loss. The center part is intentionally sleek for those with thinning strands around the face. The rest of the tresses are pinned and set in curls before being brushed out to cascade over the front pieces and give the appearance of fullness.

22 of 35

A Side Part Tucked Beneath Waves

Brunette bride with glossy side-parted hair tucked behind cascading waves wearing lace robe and looking down at engagement ring — Photo by Charla Storey

Although center parts have increased in popularity, side parts are actually an excellent way to imbue density, as showcased by this bride at her rustic-glam wedding in Texas. For a bumped-up look, tease or backcomb the hair at the crown and smooth the top.

23 of 35

A Bouncy Ponytail

Bride in a-line dress and high, bouncy ponytail kissing groom in gray suit in front of floral-lined alter as guests cheer them on — Photo by Janine Licare Photography

You don’t need a thick mane to rock a certain type of hairstyle. Your hairstylist can manufacture thickness and texture by working soft waves and fluffiness into a high ponytail. The end result is a bouncy, effortless style.

24 of 35

A Pinned-Back Half-Up Style

Bride walking down the aisle in a lace long-sleeved wedding dress with a half-up hairstyle and a bouquet — Photo by Justine Milton Photography

Instead of gathering all of your hair back, pin a smaller section at the crown and leave plenty of tresses to frame your face. Then, manufacture waves with the remaining strands for added volume, and seal your look with a beaded accessory that complements your aesthetic.

25 of 35

Curtain Bangs Secured With a Headband

Smiling bride with curtain bangs and curly hair wearing rhinestone tiara and sitting on chair in wedding gown with balloon sleeves and holding pastel-hued bouquet — Photo by Deborah Ann Photography

Curtain bangs are a trendy style that create density around your face. For even more thickness, style the rest of your hair in loose waves. This bride did her own hair with a T3 wand for her garden-inspired wedding in Brooklyn, and she finished off her look with a beaded headband.

26 of 35

A Knotted Sock Bun

Brunette bride with smooth low knotted bun and traditional jewelry getting dressed in ivory and crimson lehenga — Photo by Larissa Cleveland

A knotted low bun adds visual interest and depth to a classic updo. For those with shorter or thinner hair, you can achieve the same effect with a sock bun. The donut-shaped mold fits around the base of a ponytail and gets folded into the hair for a voluptuous updo.

27 of 35

A Twisted Ponytail

To amplify the volume in a low ponytail, finish off your hairstyle with a soft wave at the finish. Then, brush back and coif the roots at the crown of your head before twisting your locks into a ponytail, like this bride did for her glamorous nuptials in Mexico. The finishing product is sleek and refined yet arguably more eye-catching than the typical style.

28 of 35

Loose Waves With a Flower Crown

Bride in white slip dress wearing loose waves and a flower crown kissing and clinking champagne glasses with groom in navy suit standing on boat deck — Photo by Adriana Rivera

Effortless, beachy waves will convert flat, fine hair into a shapely mane. If you want to detract from the thickness of your tresses, top off your look with a stunning hair accessory, like a flower crown. We love this option for garden soirées or botanical bashes in the spring or summer.

29 of 35

A Minimalist Chignon

Blonde bride with slicked-back low knot, statement earrings, and strapless dress pulling in groom with beard in black tux — Photo by Danilo & Sharon

A sleek hairstyle, like a low bun, is a clean and elegant way to style fine tresses. Plus, it doesn’t need any upkeep. “This is an easy style for thin hair because it will stay put,” Bruno mentions. “You won’t have to worry about your hair falling flat throughout the day.”

30 of 35

A Sleek Low Knot With a Tiara

Bride in a low bun with a gold beaded crown and a lace ball gown smiling and looking to the side — Photo by Juliana Moreira Pessoa of Brett Matthews Gallery

If you’re more of a maximalist, elevate a sophisticated low bun with an attention-grabbing finishing touch: a tiara. While the bun will conceal sparse areas of hair, the crown will draw the focus away from your thickness. This is a suitable choice for enchanting weddings in a garden, forest, ballroom, castle, or chateau.

31 of 35

A Pixie Cut With Graduated Bangs

Bride with a pixie cut and bangs and a tulle veil turned to the side and looking over her shoulder — Photo by Hannah Greenwood

Pixie cuts rejuvenate fine hair by lifting the roots since there isn’t any weight to pull them down, and therefore contribute to more thinning. Choosing a style with structured layers and bangs will amplify fullness and density throughout your mane and across the forehead.

32 of 35

An Opulent Updo With a Waterfall Braid

Bride in a low chignon with a waterfall braid and floral hair pins looking to the side — Photo by Etcetera Photography

Both braids and chignons add depth and dimension to fine hair, so why not combine them both? An intricate updo with a waterfall braid that wraps around the head is a unique and romantic way to elevate your strands. At her backyard summer wedding, this bride wore her hair in the above style for the ceremony, then released the bun and kept the braided piece for the reception.

33 of 35

Full Bangs With Rock-and-Roll Curls

Brunette bride with full bangs and long curly hair sitting on mantel in lace a-line wedding dress — Photo by Hailley Howard Photography

For long tresses, cascading curls will up the ante on a head of thin hair. Bangs across your forehead will likewise create volume around the face. If your locks tend to get frizzy or if you’re heading to a humid climate with hot temperatures, finish off your hairstyle with an anti-frizz spray.

34 of 35

A Center Part With Fluttery Waves

Bride with a center part and wavy hair twirling in wedding dress with flutter sleeves — Photo by Kelly Brown

If your thin hair is usually parted in the middle and naturally falls flat, all you need for more volume is a curling iron or flat iron to generate waves at the end of your locks. You’ll still keep your signature style with some added thickness.

35 of 35

A Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyle With Loose Curls

Bride getting hair done in a half-up style with waves while smiling in a delicate wedding dress — Photo by Jamie Street of St Chelle

Pinning half of your strands back is a romantic choice for any type of bride. For fine hair, a ripple of waves will give more body and life to dull, thin tresses. Harry Potter actress Bonnie Wright embraced this hairstyle at her farm wedding in California, which coordinated with the laid-back vibe and rural landscape.

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