How to Use Hair Fibers: Step-by-Step Guide for Natural Results

Hair fibers are one of the quickest ways to make thinning hair look fuller. In a minute or two, they can fill in a wide part, a thin crown or a receding hairline, and they wash out at the end of the day. The difference between a natural result and an obvious one comes down to technique, so here's exactly how to use them.

What are hair fibers?

Hair fibers are very fine, colored fibers, usually made from keratin (the same protein that hair is made of) or from plant-based materials such as cotton. They come in a shaker bottle. When you sprinkle them over thinning areas, they cling to your existing hairs with a static charge, which makes each hair look thicker and reduces how much scalp shows through.

They don't grow hair or treat hair loss. Think of them as cosmetic, like makeup for your hair.

Who hair fibers work best for

Hair fibers work well if you have:

• A widening part or thinning on top
• A thin crown (the spot at the back of the head)
• A mildly receding hairline or thin temples
• Patchy-looking areas after a short haircut

They don't work well on completely bald skin, because there's no hair for the fibers to cling to. In those areas they can look powdery. For larger bald areas, a cut such as a buzz or a textured crop is usually a better choice, or a hairpiece (see hair topper vs. wig). For the back of the head specifically, read how to hide a bald spot on the crown.

How to choose the right shade

Getting the color right is the most important part of a natural look.

• Match your roots, not your ends, especially if your lengths are lighter from the sun or highlights.
• Check in daylight. Bathroom lighting can make shades look very different.
• If you're between two shades, buy both and mix them. Many people use a darker shade at the root area and a lighter one on top.
• For gray or salt-and-pepper hair, look for gray or light-brown shades rather than trying to cover the gray with a dark color.

How to use hair fibers: step by step

1. Start with clean, completely dry hair. Fibers clump on damp hair. Wash and dry your hair as usual.
2. Style your hair first. Do your blow-dry, part and any styling product before the fibers. Restyling afterwards moves them around.
3. Hold the bottle about 4 inches (10 cm) above the thin area. Too close and you'll get clumps; too far and they'll scatter.
4. Shake or tap gently over the area. Work in short bursts, moving around rather than concentrating on one spot.
5. Pat lightly with your fingertips to help the fibers settle onto the hairs. Don't rub.
6. Check from different angles with a hand mirror, including the back and in natural light. Add a little more where needed.
7. Lock them in with a light mist of hairspray or fiber holding spray from about 12 inches (30 cm) away. This helps them stay put in wind and light rain.

Tips for the hairline and part

• For a sharp hairline, hold a piece of card or a hairline template against your forehead, apply fibers above it, then lift the card away. This stops fibers landing on your skin.
• For a wide part, apply along the part, then gently brush a little hair over it with your fingers.
• Use an applicator nozzle (many brands sell a pump-spray attachment) for more precise coverage on small areas.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using too much. Heavy layers look flat and unnatural. You can always add more.
• Applying on wet or freshly oiled hair, which makes fibers clump and smudge.
• Touching the area all day. Running your fingers through it will move the fibers.
• Getting fibers on your forehead. Wipe skin clean with a slightly damp cloth.
• Skipping the holding spray on windy or humid days.

How long do hair fibers last?

Fibers usually stay in place until your next wash, as long as you use a holding spray. They can handle light wind and a little drizzle, but heavy rain, swimming and lots of sweating can wash them out. Pillowcases and hats can also pick up some color, so many people choose darker pillowcases.

They come out with regular shampoo. It's a good idea to wash them out at least every day or two so your scalp stays clean.

Are hair fibers safe?

For most people, hair fibers are a simple cosmetic product that sits on the surface of the hair. There's no good evidence that they cause hair loss. If you have sensitive skin, a scalp condition or allergies, check the ingredient list and do a small patch test first, and stop using them if your scalp becomes itchy or irritated.

What to pair hair fibers with

Fibers look most natural combined with a haircut that suits thinning hair. Short, textured cuts for men and layered or bob cuts for women give fibers more to blend into. See our guides to haircuts for a receding hairline and hairstyles for thinning hair on top.