Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Using thinning shears
• Method 2 of 3: Model your hair differently
• Method 3 of 3: Change up your hair care routine
• Necessities
• Tips

It seems that thick hair is the trend these days, but what if you want thinner hair? Full and heavy hair can be difficult to control, but there are techniques you can use to thin it out and make it easier to style. Read on to learn how to thin your hair with thinning scissors, style it to make it appear thinner, and change your routine to create a sleeker, smooth look.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Using thinning shears

1. Buy thinning shears. This tool is often used by hairdressers in salons. Thinning scissors are scissors with a thick, serrated edge. Thinning shears are designed to cut about 15% of the hair, giving your hair its shape and style, but less volume and density. Thinning shears are available at beauty stores and the hair care section of department stores.
2. Start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is cut with normal scissors, wet hair will make it easier to style. When using thinning scissors, however, it is better to start with dry hair, so that you can see exactly how much volume you are removing. This prevents you from thinning your hair too much.
   • Shampoo your hair and let it dry as usual. If you are used to letting your hair dry, do it like this; if you usually blow dry it, do it that way. Your hair should have the normal daily structure as much as possible.
   • Do not use styling products on your hair. These can clog the thinning shears and prevent your hair from appearing as full as it normally is, making it difficult to estimate how much to thin it out.
3. Choose a fist-sized strand of hair to thin out. It is best to thin your hair in sections and grab a similar amount of hair at a time. Hold the first section and clip the rest away.
4. Use the thinning scissors to cut your scalp hair. First, place the thinning scissors about halfway down your hair shaft, just below your ears. Close the scissors in your hair. Open the scissors and reinsert them about half way down the length of your hair and then close them again. Repeat this action until you reach the bottom of your hair.
   • If your hair is fuller at the ends, you can also start lower and thin out only the last few inches of your hair.
   • Be careful not to start too close to the roots of your hair. The thinning scissors actually cut pieces of your hair, so if you start too high, you end up with short lengths of hair at the top of your head. It's best to start the thinning at the bottom of your shortest coat.
5. Comb the thinned section of your hair. Run the comb through it several times to remove all cut parts. Check out the thinned part. Is it thinned enough, or still too thick? If necessary, use the thinning shears again to thin out the section again.
6. Repeat this for the rest of your hair. Use the same way to thin out your hair part by part. Try to thin out exactly the same amount of hair per section to make sure it looks even, rather than thinning a section several times. Comb the cut pieces out of your hair, take a step back and admire your thinned hair.

Method 2 of 3: Model your hair differently

1. Go for a hairstyle with long layers. If you have very full hair that tends to fall into a triangle - thick, bushy ends that run to a point at the top of your skull - consider getting a haircut that will help balance out your hair. Layers distribute your hair volume and create a look that is smoother and less puffy.
   • Tell your stylist that your hair feels too full and heavy at the bottom and that you would like long layers to make your hair appear thinner.
   • Make sure your hair is not cut to one length without layers. If you have thick, voluminous hair, short haircuts are also more difficult, because your hair tends to shoot out of your head like a mushroom until it's long enough to fall flat on your head.
2. Wear your hair straight. Curls, waves and frizz make your hair appear fuller. This is an advantage in some cases, but if you want to reduce your volume, go for a straight look. There are several ways to straighten your hair to make your hair appear thinner, both permanently and temporarily.
   • Dry your hair with a round brush. The heat will make your hair dry straight, smooth and shiny and appear thinner.
   • Use a flat iron. For even flatter and thinner hair, a flat iron does the trick.
   • Have your hair chemically straightened. If you are sure you want permanently thinner hair, a keratin treatment or other chemical styling technique may be the right choice for you. These treatments are expensive (and the chemicals are bad for your hair and skin), so it's better to do some research before opting for such a method.

Method 3 of 3: Change up your hair care routine

1. Wash your hair with cold water. This simple trick is an effective way to reduce hair volume and frizz. Washing your hair with warm water opens up your hair shaft, creating a lot of frizz and extra volume. Washing your hair with cold water will help keep the hair shaft lying flat, leaving your hair smoother, shinier and less puffy.
   • If you hate a cold shower, go for lukewarm water. Even a slightly lower temperature will help make your hair appear thinner.
   • Instead of washing your entire body with cold or lukewarm water, you can also put on a shower cap while showering and wash your hair separately with cold water afterwards.
2. Wash your hair less often. Washing your hair every day removes the natural oils that keep your hair smooth and healthy. This will make your hair brittle, dry and frizzy, especially if you have naturally curly or wavy hair. So try to wash your hair every three to four days to give it time to balance. This way, your hair will soon be smoother and easier to style and control.
3. Instead of conditioner, use apple cider. Conditioner contains substances that leave a film on your hair and make it look thicker than it is. If you want soft, supple hair that doesn't look too thick, use apple cider. Take an old conditioner or a spray bottle and fill it half with apple cider vinegar and half with water. Spray this all over your head after shampooing your hair. Then rinse it out when you are done showering. Once your hair has dried, it will be soft and shiny without looking too thick.
4. Use hair products that reduce hair volume. There are a variety of gels, creams and serums available that are designed to straighten your hair or tame unruly hair. Choose a product that matches the structure of your hair. Smooth it into your hair when it is dry for a smooth, shiny look.
   • Some products work best if you apply them before using the blow dryer to style your hair.
   • Avoid using mousse and other products that add more rather than less volume to your hair.

Necessities

• Thinning shears
• Mirror
• Towel

Tips

• Visit a salon to thin your hair before buying thinning scissors and getting started yourself. Take a good look at the technique the hairdresser uses so that you know how to do it yourself at home.
• Be careful not to cut too much hair. Thick hair is not wanted for nothing! You don't want to cut the thickness completely. This is the reason why it is best to have it done by a hairdresser so that you do not thin it out too much.
• A more dangerous way that can damage your hair over time is to frequently and slowly smooth your hair with a flat iron.
• Consider shaving your hair up the back of your neck! It takes a little dedication but it's super hip and takes a lot of weight off your hair.
• You can also use a safety razor to thin your hair. However, this is not recommended unless you are experienced in cutting hair, as it is easy to cut too much.