7 Tricks to Make Your Hair Look Thicker--Instantly

Consider Bangs
If your hair is thin at the crown but still thick in front, try bangs to create a fuller look. To go a step further, take a slice of hair underneath the bangs and color it two shades darker than the rest of your hair color, says hairstylist Sam Villa, education artistic director for Redken. When you bring the top layer of fringe down over it, your bangs will look thicker because of the deeper color underneath.
Layer Wisely
Ask your stylist to cut the under-layer of your hair half an inch shorter than the top layer. This will add fullness. Never let anyone use a razor, though, because that can create frayed ends that make your hair look wispier. To give heft to fine or thin hair, keep ends blunt.
Get Highlights
"Peroxide doubles the thickness of each strand," says colorist Michael Canale of Canale Salon in Beverly Hills. "It swells the hair shaft, which makes your hair look and feel fuller." Another reason you might want to highlight: When your hair color has dimension (a mix of shades), it creates the illusion of density. Also, keep in mind that your hair color should match the color of your scalp as closely as possible if you want to camouflage a wide part.
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Keep Your Hair Above Shoulder Length
"Once it hits the tops of your shoulders, your hair breaks up and looks thinner," says hairstylist Nick Stenson, artistic director of Matrix. If it's shorter, it will appear thicker.
Mousse It Up
Mousse gives roots a boost and creates volume without stickiness. Avoid creams and heavy gels, which weigh hair down. (Spray gels can effectively add some height, when used in moderation.) Work the mousse into damp hair and comb through so all of the strands are coated. (We like John Frieda Luxurious Volume Thickening Mousse, $6.)
Blow-Dry Gently
Don't subject your hair to more wear and tear than necessary--let it air-dry 80 percent, then use a round brush to lift the roots and smooth the ends. And don't part your hair where you normally do before you blow-dry, says hairstylist Stacy Ho of Cutler Salon in New York City. "It will wind up flat along the part, which is exactly where you want some height." Instead, part your hair on the opposite side. When you're done blow-drying, flip it back and you'll have gorgeous volume.
Try Extensions
If your hair is full at the crown, but wispy from the mid-length to ends, clip-in hair extensions can give you a lush style in minutes. Today's synthetic versions look completely natural (and cost under $100). Let a pro walk you through the process.