25+ Chic Medium Length Hairstyles for Thin Hair That Add Volume

If you’ve ever struggled with fine hair, you know the challenge: it looks flat by midday, lacks body at the crown, and never seems to hold a curl for long. But here’s the good news—medium length hairstyles for thin hair are the sweet spot between short and long, giving you just enough movement without the weight that drags your strands down.

From chic lobs to textured shags, the right cut can instantly make your hair look thicker, healthier, and more stylish. Think of this length as the Goldilocks zone—it’s not too short to limit your styling options, and not too long to look stringy.

With the right snip, thin hair can look full of life, bounce, and texture. Ahead, we’ve rounded up 25 medium-length hairstyles for thin hair that will inspire your next salon visit.

Why Medium Length Works So Well for Thin Hair

Thin hair can lose volume if it’s grown too long, but chopping it short isn’t the only answer. Medium length cuts—anywhere from chin to collarbone—offer the perfect balance.

They’re long enough to layer, wave, and style, but short enough to keep the ends looking fresh and full. Strategic layers, blunt edges, and soft bangs all play a role in boosting thin strands. Plus, this length is endlessly versatile: you can wear it straight and sleek, tousled and messy, or polished with waves.

And here’s the secret—medium length styles almost always give the illusion of thicker hair because they create movement where you need it most.

Styling & Care Tips for Thin Medium Hair

Before we dive into the hairstyles, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Color placement is magic. Face-framing highlights or balayage can add depth, dimension, and the illusion of density.
• Root-lifting products matter. A lightweight mousse or a texture spray (like Living Proof Full Dry Volume Spray) can double the fullness of your crown.
• Heat with care. Fine strands are fragile. Always use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying or curling.
• Trims are non-negotiable. A sharp edge every 6–8 weeks keeps medium-length hair bouncy instead of limp.

💡 Editor’s Pick: A lightweight spray can change the game for fine, medium-length hair. We love Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray, which adds instant lift without weighing strands down.

25 Medium Length Hairstyles for Thin Hair

1. Blunt Lob with Subtle Layers

A blunt lob that grazes the collarbone is one of the most flattering cuts for thin hair. The blunt ends give your hair weight, while subtle layers add just enough movement. This style is sleek, modern, and versatile—you can wear it straight during the week and tousle it on the weekends.

It works especially well on straight or slightly wavy textures, giving the illusion of denser strands. For extra lift, blow-dry with a round brush and finish with a spritz of volumizing spray.

2. Textured Shoulder-Length Bob

This cut hits right at the shoulders, with light layers to create a soft, airy texture. It’s perfect if your hair tends to fall flat, as the movement keeps it from looking lifeless. Add a bit of wave with a curling wand and shake it out for effortless body.

It flatters most face shapes, particularly round and oval, since it elongates the neckline. A dry texture spray is your best friend here—it adds grip and dimension without weighing strands down.

3. Butterfly Cut

The butterfly cut is trending for a reason: it creates volume in all the right places. With face-framing layers at the front and longer layers underneath, it gives the illusion of fuller, thicker hair. This style works beautifully with a middle part, adding balance and symmetry to your face.

It’s especially flattering for oval and square shapes. If your hair is naturally straight, adding a loose wave will give it that airy, lifted effect.

4. Medium Shag with Curtain Bangs

The modern shag is one of the best volume-boosting cuts for thin hair. Its choppy layers and soft curtain bangs create texture that instantly makes strands look fuller. It’s playful, low-maintenance, and thrives with a bit of natural wave.

If you’re someone who doesn’t want to fuss with styling every day, this is a fantastic option. A dab of sea salt spray enhances the messy-chic vibe without feeling sticky.

5. Angled Lob

An angled lob—slightly shorter in the back and longer in the front—adds structure and dimension to thin hair. The sharp angles give the illusion of thicker ends, while the longer front pieces frame the face beautifully. This cut works especially well for straight hair, giving it a polished, modern feel.

Pair it with side-swept bangs for extra volume at the crown. It’s a versatile choice that transitions easily from office-ready to evening chic.

6. Face-Framing Layers

Medium hair with face-framing layers softens your look while giving the appearance of movement and density. These layers work particularly well for those with thin hair because they prevent a flat, one-length look. They also highlight your cheekbones and jawline, making them a go-to for round or heart-shaped faces.

Curl the front sections away from the face for a romantic, airy finish. A light-hold hairspray will keep them in place without stiffness.

7. Wispy Shoulder-Length Waves

This style uses soft, wispy layers paired with loose waves to add dimension and bounce. It’s great for those who love an undone, carefree look. To achieve it, curl the mid-lengths with a large barrel iron and tousle with your fingers.

Wispy layers also prevent the cut from looking too heavy, keeping it light and flattering. This style works beautifully with balayage highlights, as the color enhances the movement.

8. Asymmetrical Lob

An asymmetrical lob adds a trendy, fashion-forward edge to medium-length thin hair. Slightly longer on one side, it draws attention to your jawline and cheekbones while making your hair appear thicker.

This style looks best worn sleek and straight, but can also be waved for a softer finish. It’s bold without being over the top, making it a perfect balance for those wanting something unique yet wearable.

9. Medium Shag with Crown

Lift If volume at the roots is your struggle, this cut is a lifesaver. The shaggy layers are cut shorter at the crown, which automatically adds lift and body. Pair it with a bit of texturizing spray at the roots, and you’ll have instant fullness.

This style thrives on a messy, tousled finish, so it’s perfect for low-maintenance hair days. It suits oval and round faces particularly well, adding shape and definition.

10. Collarbone Cut with Side Bangs

A collarbone-length cut is universally flattering, and side bangs add the illusion of thickness around the forehead. The bangs also draw attention upward, balancing out fine hair at the ends.

This style works especially well for heart-shaped and square faces, softening sharp features. Blow-dry your bangs with a round brush to keep them bouncy and full. It’s a chic, polished look that never goes out of style.

🎨 Color & Dimension for Medium-Length Thin Hair

A haircut alone can boost your look, but when paired with the right color, thin hair can appear instantly fuller. Strategic coloring techniques like balayage, babylights, and lowlights create shadows and depth, which trick the eye into seeing more volume.

For example, balayage works beautifully on medium-length lobs or shags, as the hand-painted highlights add brightness where you need it most. Babylights are another subtle option—they mimic natural sunlight, giving fine hair a soft, healthy glow.

And for those who want richer dimension, lowlights add darker tones beneath lighter strands, making hair appear thicker at the roots.

Color placement is key: highlights around the face can brighten features, while layering tones throughout adds body and texture. When combined with a medium cut, color truly takes thin hair to the next level—no heavy styling required.

11. Layered Lob with Balayage

A layered lob is a tried-and-true option for fine hair because the layers create natural body without losing structure. Add balayage highlights and suddenly, your hair looks multidimensional and thicker. The combination of strategic layering and soft color placement draws the eye to different points, making strands look fuller.

This cut flatters all face shapes and works beautifully both straight and wavy. To style, apply a lightweight mousse before blow-drying for lift, then curl the mid-lengths for extra texture.

12. Choppy Shoulder-Length Cut

If you love an edgy vibe, a choppy cut is your best friend. The uneven layers give thin hair volume and an effortless cool-girl finish. It’s the kind of style that looks good even when slightly messy, making it ideal for everyday wear. Pair it with a middle or deep side part to add dimension at the crown.

This style is great for oval and round faces, as the choppiness frames the features beautifully. Add a dab of texture cream for a perfectly undone look.

13. Medium Cut with Feathered Ends

Feathered ends can make medium-length thin hair look airy and light while still keeping shape. This style is especially flattering for those with fine hair that tends to fall limp, as the feathering gives the illusion of movement.

Blow-dry with a round brush to flick the ends outward for a bouncy, polished finish. It’s versatile enough for everyday wear but can be elevated with waves for special occasions. The feathered finish also pairs beautifully with soft highlights.

14. Straight Cut with Blunt Ends

For a chic, minimal look, go with a straight cut at medium length. The blunt ends give fine strands a thicker appearance, especially if styled sleek and glossy. This style is modern, sharp, and ideal for those who prefer a polished aesthetic.

It works best with straight textures but can also be curled at the ends for softness. A shine spray or serum will enhance the look, giving your hair a healthy, mirror-like finish.

15. Shoulder-Length Cut with Flipped Ends

The retro-inspired flip is making a comeback, and it’s surprisingly flattering for thin hair. Shoulder-length strands with flipped-out ends add playful volume while keeping the cut modern. It’s a fun, youthful style that works for both casual and dressy occasions.

To achieve it, use a round brush while blow-drying or a flat iron to flick the ends out. This look suits oval and heart-shaped faces, drawing attention to the jawline. It’s chic with a touch of vintage flair.

16. Medium Wavy Lob with Highlights

Adding waves and highlights to a lob creates instant dimension, making thin hair appear much fuller. The waves add body while the highlights create the illusion of thickness. This style works best with a shoulder-grazing length, giving you enough movement without dragging strands down.

It’s particularly flattering on round faces, as the waves elongate the appearance of the face. For styling, use a curling wand to create loose bends and finish with a lightweight hairspray.

17. Medium Cut with Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs are a game-changer for fine hair, and when paired with a medium cut, they create instant softness and volume. The bangs frame your face beautifully while the length gives you styling versatility.

This style looks great with both straight and wavy finishes. To enhance volume, blow-dry the bangs with a round brush and let them sweep naturally to each side. It’s flattering on nearly all face shapes and adds a trendy, effortless vibe.

18. Shoulder-Length Layered Cut with Side Part

Switching to a side part can completely change the game for thin hair. A shoulder-length layered cut with a deep side part adds fullness at the crown while giving the style a dynamic look. The layers prevent the cut from looking flat, while the side part creates instant lift.

This style is great for square and round faces, balancing proportions. To style, add mousse at the roots and blow-dry with your head flipped upside down for maximum volume.

19. Medium Cut with Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs paired with a medium cut can make thin hair look softer and more textured. The bangs blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair, preventing harsh lines and adding movement. This style is great for those who want bangs without the heaviness of a blunt fringe.

It works particularly well on straight and slightly wavy textures. To style, blow-dry the bangs forward, then sweep them to the side with your fingers for a natural finish.

20. Medium-Length Cut with Layers and Waves

This style combines the best of both worlds—layers for volume and waves for texture. It’s ideal for thin hair because it creates body without sacrificing length. The waves add softness, while the layers prevent the hair from looking flat. It’s an easy-to-maintain look that can be dressed up or down.

To style, use a curling wand for loose, beachy waves and finish with a sea salt spray for extra grip. It’s chic, effortless, and perfect for everyday wear.

21. Medium Cut with Tousled Texture

Tousled styles are fantastic for fine hair because they give the illusion of natural fullness. A medium cut with tousled texture works especially well if you have a bit of natural wave. To achieve the look, scrunch in some texturizing spray and let your hair air-dry for that perfectly undone vibe.

This style suits most face shapes and is ideal for anyone wanting low-maintenance volume. It’s playful, modern, and always stylish.

22. Medium-Length Bob with Side-Swept Fringe

A bob that hits just above the shoulders, paired with a side-swept fringe, instantly adds drama and depth. The sweeping bangs create movement, while the bob’s clean lines give structure to thin strands. It’s a versatile style that works both sleek and tousled.

To style, blow-dry the bangs in the opposite direction, then flip them over for maximum lift. This style flatters oval and heart-shaped faces beautifully.

23. Wavy Shoulder-Length Cut with Layers

Shoulder-length hair with soft layers and waves is a timeless option for fine hair. The layers keep the cut light, while waves add texture and fullness.

It’s a look that can be styled casually or dressed up for formal occasions. For best results, curl the mid-lengths and leave the ends straight for a natural finish. This style is flattering on all face shapes and never goes out of fashion.

24. Medium Cut with Volume at the Crown

If flat roots are your biggest challenge, ask your stylist for layers that create lift at the crown. This medium cut adds volume exactly where thin hair needs it most. It’s especially flattering for round and oval faces, as the extra height elongates features.

To style, use a root-lifting spray before blow-drying and tease lightly at the crown for added fullness. It’s a chic, everyday style that keeps your hair looking lively and fresh.

25. Textured Collarbone Cut with Highlights

A collarbone-grazing cut with textured ends and highlights is perfect for thin hair that needs a little extra dimension. The highlights create depth, while the textured ends prevent the style from looking heavy. It’s versatile enough to wear straight, wavy, or curled.

This cut is especially flattering on square and heart-shaped faces, as the collarbone length softens strong jawlines. To style, add soft waves and a spritz of shine spray for a healthy, voluminous finish.

Conclusion

Medium-length hairstyles for thin hair are proof that you don’t need long, heavy locks to make a statement. With the right cut, you can build body, create lift, and enjoy effortless movement without spending hours in front of the mirror.

From layered lobs to tousled shags, these styles show that thin hair is incredibly versatile when treated with care. Don’t forget, dimension plays a huge role—adding balayage or soft highlights can instantly make your strands look thicker and more vibrant.

Pair that with lightweight styling products and smart blow-dry tricks, and you’ve got a recipe for everyday volume that lasts. The best part? Medium cuts are endlessly customizable. Whether you’re drawn to sleek and polished looks or textured, playful waves, there’s a style here that will fit your lifestyle and personality.

Thin hair doesn’t have to feel limiting—it’s simply a canvas for creativity. With the right haircut, color, and a little styling magic, your hair can look full, chic, and effortlessly modern.

FAQs

Q1. What length is considered medium for thin hair?

Medium length usually falls between chin and collarbone, around 12–18 inches. It’s ideal for thin hair because it prevents strands from looking stringy but still allows for styling versatility.

Q2. Do layers make thin hair look thinner?

Not if done correctly. Light, well-placed layers actually add movement and fullness, while heavy or choppy layers can make ends look sparse. Ask your stylist for soft, strategic layering.

Q3. Which medium-length hairstyles are best for women over 40 or 50 with thinning hair?

Face-framing lobs, soft curtain bangs, or collarbone cuts with subtle layers are especially flattering. They add lift around the face and are easy to maintain without daily heavy styling.

Q4. How can I stop my medium-length thin hair from falling flat during the day?

Start with a root-lifting spray or mousse before blow-drying. Flip your head upside down for extra volume, and refresh midday with a dry texture spray. Avoid heavy conditioners at the roots.

Q5. Can I style medium-length thin hair without heat?

Yes! Try foam rollers, braiding your hair overnight for waves, or using a texture spray on damp hair and scrunching it dry. These no-heat methods add body without damaging delicate strands.