This article has been updated since its initial publish date to include more expert insight.
Your hair is thinning and it’s filling you with anxiety and dread. Sound like a familiar scenario? You’re not alone. Trying to find colors and hair styles that work for thinning hair can be a real challenge and it’s all-too-easy to make some of the most common hair color mistakes that can make sparse hair look even thinner.
But a few good tips from hair experts who know color and thinning hair is all you need to get back your enthusiasm for hair color. These are the worst colors for thinning hair — as well as a few pointers on shades that work the best (and hair color ingredients to avoid, to boot).
Experts Share The 3 Worst Colors For Thinning Hair
When it comes to colors that have a reputation as being the least flattering for thinning hair, think anything super extreme — specifically, these three shades and color types:
1. Pitch-Black
Black or inky, overly dark colors — Hair color that is dramatically darker than your natural hue can not only wash out your complexion, but it can also making thinning hair look more sparse, says Krysta Rojas, owner and stylist at Base Salon Chicago. “These glossy, shiny shades are very unforgiving on thin hair and make it much easier to see your scalp,” Rojas said.
2. Overly Bleached Blonde
Colors that are too close to your complexion (i.e. fair skin paired with bright or platinum blonde) — Having absolutely no contrast between your skin tone and hair color is also not the best plan. “This will not only leave your looking washed out, but it also gives no depth to your hair, making it look flat,” Rojas said.
3. One Shade without Highlights
All-over colors — “When your hair is thin, doing one all-over color rather than adding dimension with multi-tonal highlights will leave your hair looking dull and flat,” Rojas said.
The Best Shades for Thinning Hair
Now that you know what to stay away from, which colors should you actually consider if you have thinning hair?
Contrary to what you might have been told, there are plenty of gorgeous options from which to choose that will give your hair the appearance of more volume and fullness.
“I love seeing dimension on thinner hair — this could really be done using any shade, with the help of your stylist,” Rojas said. “Balayage, babylights, or even a shadow root can trick the eye to create fuller looking hair.
This can be done with pretty much any shade and ideally blends well with your natural hair color. This look is also lower maintenance than an all-over color, which means when it starts to grow out, you won't have that stark contrast root that's unflattering on thin hair.”
Pro Tip #1: Try Rich Dark Brown Shades To Hide Thinning
Dr. Yoram Harth, board certified dermatologist and medical director of MDhair, provided an in-depth look at a few of these (and other) hair coloring techniques:
Dark shades: Too-dark shades that don’t bring warmth to your complexion may not be the best option, but Dr. Harth says darker shades, such as black or dark brown (as seen on Emily Ratajkowski above), can create the illusion of fuller hair by providing contrast between the hair and scalp.
“This can make the hair appear thicker and less transparent,” Dr. Harth said. Be sure to discuss darker shades with your stylist beforehand so that you can agree on a color that looks natural.
#2: Try Highlights
Jennifer Aniston is a clear fan of highlighits, and they can work wonders for mature beauties looking to revamp their look.
“Adding highlights to the hair can create dimension and depth, which can make the hair appear thicker and fuller,” Dr. Harth said. “Lighter shades, such as blonde or caramel highlights, can be added to dark hair to create a natural-looking contrast.”
#3. Opt For Lowlights
“Similar to highlights, lowlights add dimension and depth to the hair but with darker shades,” Dr. Harth said.
This can be seen here on Beyoncé. "Lowlights can add depth to the hair and make it appear thicker, especially for people with lighter hair.”
#4. Give Balayage A Go
This technique for coloring hair gives a natural-looking gradient effect, like here on Rihanna.
“It involves painting the color on the hair in a sweeping motion, resulting in a gradual blend of colors,” Dr. Harth said. “This can create depth and dimension in the hair, making it appear thicker and fuller.”
#5. Get A Root Touch-Up
“When hair is thinning, the scalp can become more visible,” Dr. Harth said. “A root touch-up can help to conceal the scalp and give the hair a fuller look.”
Worst & Best Hair Coloring Ingredients For Thinning Hair
Caring for thinning hair and making it look its best doesn’t start and end with the shades you avoid or embrace. Choosing the right hair color ingredients is crucial for individuals with thinning hair, Dr. Harth reminds us.
“Certain ingredients can be particularly damaging, making thinning hair appear even more noticeable, while others can benefit hair health,” Dr. Harth said. “Semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair colors are gentler and less harmful to the hair.”
5 Worst Hair Dye Ingredients For Thinning Tresses
1. Ammonia
Ammonia is a common ingredient found in hair color products and is used to open the hair cuticles, allowing the color to penetrate the hair shaft,” Dr. Harth said. “This, however, can cause damage to the hair and increase breakage and thinning.”
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
The use of hydrogen peroxide in hair color products helps to lighten the hair,” Dr. Harth said. “In turn, it can also damage the hair, causing it to break and thin more easily.
3. Parabens
Parabens are a type of preservative found in many hair color products and can cause damage to the hair and scalp, leading to thinning and breakage, according to Dr. Harth.
4. Sulfates
“Sulfates are a type of surfactant found in many hair color products used to create a lather,” Dr. Harth said. “They can, however, strip the hair and the scalp of their natural oils, causing damage and thinning.” Remember to avoid sulfates when shopping for shampoo and conditioner, as well.
5. PPD
“PPD (para-phenylenediamine) is a common ingredient in hair color products that creates long-lasting color,” Dr. Harth said. “However, it can also cause an allergic reaction and damage the scalp, leading to hair loss.
4 Healthy Haircare Ingredients For Anyone Struggling With Thinning
1. Argan Oil
Rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, argan oil nourishes and strengthens hair naturally,” Dr. Harth said. “It can also help to repair damaged hair, making it less prone to breakage and thinning.”
2. Keratin
Keratin is the most common protein in hair strands — adding it to your shampoo and conditioner helps strengthen damaged hair, reducing thinning and breakage,” Dr. Harth said.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is another natural ingredient that keeps the hair moisturized, providing nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants to the scalp and hair strands, Dr. Harth said, adding that it can also help to soothe and moisturize the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.
4. Collagen
As the primary building block of hair, collagen can help strengthen and repair damaged hair, making it less prone to breakage or thinning, according to Dr. Harth.
The Bottom Line
With those tips in mind, go forth and get excited about your next hair salon appointment. Thinning hair doesn’t have to get in the way of having fun with your color and feeling your best.
