Thinning hair is a very common menopause symptom.
While there are products and practices you can incorporate into your haircare, styling, and wellbeing routines to alleviate it, some thinning and loss of density during menopause cannot be prevented. The journey to regrowth can take time.
In the meantime, you may be looking for methods to conceal your thinning hair. Thankfully, there are many. From wigs and hair extensions to smart styles, your thinning hair doesn’t have to hold you back from feeling your best.
Your hairdresser can also help. As well as offering you advice on dealing with hair thinning, they can conceal your thinning or patchy scalp with the right cut. By working with the hair you have, you’d be surprised at the volume and movement you can create.
In this guide, we describe some of the best haircuts to disguise menopause hair thinning and boost your confidence, so you know what to ask for next time you’re in the salon chair.
1. BLUNT BOB
A short, clean cut can make fine hair look thicker. The blunt and angular ends of this classic bob add the illusion of weight to your hair. It’s also easier to keep shorter hair healthy and damage-free, which can speed up your post-menopausal regrowth journey.
To style a blunt bob, we recommend the CLOUD NINE Original Iron. Its Variable Temperature Controls and Revive Mode™ setting make it the perfect tool for healthy heat styling on fine, delicate menopausal hair. Keep the temperature low and let the Axial Vibration™ do the work.
2. LONG LAYERS
If you’re not ready to give up your hair’s length just because you’re experiencing thinning, you don’t have to. One way to add texture and movement without a big chop is to opt for long layers. This adds the perfect amount of dimension and can make thinning hair look full and luscious again.
To keep your long layers in check, use the Wide Iron. Its wider plates make styling long hair a breeze, while its 11 temperature settings and Sericite-infused plates offer lower heat styling and an extra moisture boost for drier menopausal hair.
3. PIXIE CUT
The pixie cut is the ultimate proof that less is more. This stylish look isn’t just chic and youthful – it also creates the illusion of fullness. Ask your hairdresser for a textured, choppy look to add interest and depth while effortlessly hiding thinner areas.
To style, we recommend the Slim Iron, our technology-packed straightener designed specifically for shorter styles. Its thinner, precision plates come with all the benefits of our other straightener models, including Sericite infusion, Variable Temperature Controls, and our signature Revive Mode™ for uncompromised hair health.
4. SHOULDER LENGTH LOB
The lob is the new bob. Ideal if you can’t decide between going super short or keeping your length, this effortlessly stylish and modern look sits just above shoulder length. Paired with loose waves – either natural or heat-styled – it’s a great choice for concealing menopause thinning thanks to its movement and dimension.
Keep your styling options open. Use the CLOUD NINE 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro to style your lob into bouncy waves, sleek straightness, or textured curls. You can even adapt your approach to suit your menopausal hair needs thanks to 11 temperature settings and Axial Vibration™ which unlocks high-performance, low-temperature styling.
5. SOFT FRINGE
You may not need a full restyle to flatter your thinner hair. The simple addition of a soft and textured fringe might be enough to bring back your spark.
This face-framing style brings more of your hair forward, instantly creating a look of fullness while diverting attention away from thinning areas. Your hairdresser will achieve this through a technique called ‘feathering’ which creates a choppy look – ideal for maximising volume.
Keep your new soft fringe in check with the Slim Iron. Its slimmer plates are ideal for precision styling such as fringe touch-ups, and its temperature is adjustable so you can handle your hair with care through menopause and beyond.
6. CHOPPY TEXTURED BOB
The more layers, the more volume. That’s what makes a choppy textured bob ideal for hiding any thinning you’re experiencing. From messy, shaggy layers to more defined, rounded blow-dried layers, this look can be adapted to suit your style.
The CLOUD NINE Airshot Pro is our go-to recommendation for styling layered looks. If you’re blessed with natural curls, pair it with the Airshot Diffuser for gentle diffusing action. For a straight or voluminous blow-dried textured bob, without the added stress of excess heat on your hair, use the Airshot Pro solo. Don’t forget to spritz your hair with CLOUD NINE’s Quick Dry Magical Potion before drying to ensure faster styling time with enhanced protection and hydration for dry and delicate menopausal hair.
7. ANGLED BOB
Concealing thinning doesn’t always mean adding obvious layers. If ultra-textured isn’t your style, you could add a little edge to your new look with a sharp angled bob. This sleek style is a little longer in the front, smoothly transitioning to shorter towards the neck at the back. Your stylist can create a “stacked” effect which adds volume without the look of layering.
The angled bob looks best when it’s kept seamlessly straight, so having the perfect straightener on hand is essential. We recommend the CLOUD NINE Touch Iron for speedy touch-ups that don’t sacrifice hair health. Just tap to style at the right temperature for you.
8. SHAG CUT
The shag is back. While you may associate this heavily textured style with 1970s rock icons, it’s having a revival, and you don’t have to be a rocker to try it. Channel retro vibes while also benefitting from added body and movement – perfect for covering up patches or volumising thinner hair.
One of the best benefits of the shag cut is that it requires little styling – the messy feel is all part of the look. However, if you like to keep yours in check with a touch-up every now and then, the CLOUD NINE Cordless Iron is your new best friend. Style on the go with full-size plates and wire-free operation. Choose the lowest heat setting – 160°C – for gentle styling on delicate menopausal hair.
9. TWIST-OUTS
Caring for afro hair during menopause requires styling adjustments. Low-manipulation protective styles avoid unnecessary stress on hair that is likely to be drier and more brittle than it used to be. If thinning is also a concern, twist-outs are a great style choice for avoiding damage and disguising the crown of your head.
This simple but gorgeous style is formed by creating two-strand twists while the hair is damp and leaving them to dry naturally. Once set, the twists are unwound by hand, leaving crinkled spirals that are bursting with volume and texture. It’s an easy look that you can create from home – though you may need a little help to reach the back of your head. The best part is, the end result depends on your natural texture and the size of your twists, so your twist-out look will be utterly unique.
We recommend applying a generous slathering of CLOUD NINE Magical Remedy to your damp hair before twisting. It acts as the perfect leave-in conditioner, providing all-day moisture to nourish menopausal afro hair.
10. SOFT GRADUATED BOB
For a less extreme version of the angled bob, opt for a soft graduated bob. This volume-packed style offers more texture and movement and complements highlights well.
It’s defined by a wispy graduation which adds layers without a thinning effect. The elegant round silhouette provides an effortless illusion of fullness, while leaving a little extra length towards the front provides a flattering frame for the face.
Use the CLOUD NINE 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro’s curved plates to maintain the round shape of your soft graduated bob. Don’t forget to spritz with Quick Dry Magical Potion for the heat protection your menopausal hair needs to thrive.
Menopause is the beginning of a new hair journey. Embrace it as an opportunity to mix up your style, invest in extra self-care, and try something new. With so many flattering cuts for thin hair to choose from, you can feel positive at every stage of life.
For more information about menopause, read our guide to menopausal hair. You’ll also find our Healthy Hair Hub jam-packed with tips and advice for caring for and styling your hair. We’d also love to hear from you on our socials – head to TikTok, Instagram or Facebook to connect.