Do you ever feel like your hair just… falls flat? It’s a common complaint, and achieving long-lasting volume can seem like an elusive dream. Whether your hair is naturally fine, prone to oiliness, or just seems to lack that oomph, there are plenty of professional volume tips and product choices that can give your locks the lift they deserve.
Volume Tips for Flat Hair
Say goodbye to flat hair and hello to bouncy with these expert tips!
1. The Right Products are Your Foundation
Building volume starts in the shower.
Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner: Look for formulas specifically designed to add body without weighing hair down. These often contain lightweight polymers that lift the hair shaft. Avoid heavy, intensely moisturising products if volume is your goal.
Root Boosters & Volumising Mousses: These are your secret weapons!
- Root Boosters: Sprays or lotions applied directly to the roots of damp hair. They contain ingredients that swell the hair shaft and provide lift from the scalp.
- Volumising Mousses: Distribute evenly through damp hair (from roots to ends, or just roots if your ends are prone to dryness). Mousse provides hold and body.
Texturising Sprays & Dry Shampoos (for finished styles):
- Texturising Spray: Applied to dry hair, this creates grit and fullness, perfect for adding undone texture and lift.
- Dry Shampoo: Beyond absorbing oil, dry shampoo can add instant volume at the roots. Lift sections of hair and spray underneath for a quick boost.
2. Strategic Blow-Drying Techniques
How you dry your hair makes a huge difference to its volume.
- Rough Dry Upside Down: For maximum root lift, flip your head upside down and rough-dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry. Use your fingers to lift the roots.
- Focus on the Roots: When you start using a brush (like a round brush), concentrate the airflow and tension at the roots. Lift sections straight up and direct heat underneath.
- Cool Shot Setting: Once a section is dry and lifted, hit it with the cool shot button on your hairdryer. This sets the style and locks in volume.
- Directional Drying: Dry the hair against its natural fall. If your hair naturally parts on the left, try drying it forward or to the right for extra lift at the root.
3. Master the Round Brush (or Velcro Rollers)
- Round Brushes: Choose a brush size appropriate for your hair length. Section your hair and, working with damp (not wet) hair, wrap sections around the brush, lifting at the roots and directing heat from your dryer. Slowly pull the brush through, keeping tension.
- Velcro Rollers: For an effortless boost, especially after blow-drying, set large sections of still-warm hair in Velcro rollers at the crown and sides. Allow them to cool completely (or even blast with a cool shot) before gently unwinding. This sets the volume beautifully.
4. Teasing (Backcombing) – The Art of Disguise
While not for everyday, strategic teasing can add instant, dramatic volume.
- Use a Fine-Tooth Comb: Take a small section of hair at the crown.
- Gentle Backcombing: Holding the section straight up, gently push the comb down towards the scalp in short, soft strokes. Don’t go too aggressively, as this can cause damage.
- Smooth Over: Once you’ve created a cushion of volume at the roots, gently comb over the top layer to smooth it out and hide the teasing. Finish with a light hold hairspray.
5. Smart Haircut & Colour Choices
Your haircut and colour can be your biggest allies in the battle against flat hair.
- Layers: Long layers, particularly around the crown and face, can create movement and prevent your hair from lying flat.
- Blunt Cuts (for Fine Hair): Sometimes, fine hair benefits from a blunt cut at the ends, which makes the hair appear thicker and fuller overall.
- Strategic Colouring: Techniques like balayage or subtle highlights can add dimension and the illusion of fullness, as lighter pieces catch the light differently. Unsure what hair colour suits your skin tone best? Check out our article what hair colour suits my skin tone.
6. Don’t Touch It!
Once you’ve styled your hair for volume, try to avoid running your hands through it too often. Oils from your fingers can weigh down your hair and flatten your hard work.
Achieving lasting volume is a combination of the right products, techniques, and a little patience. If you’re struggling to get the lift you desire, book a consultation with one of our stylists at Charlie Brown Hair. We can assess your hair type, recommend the best products, and show you exactly how to get that perfect volume!
Real Hair For Real People
Quality hairdressing for men & women. At Charlie Brown we deliver classic and fashion colouring with precision haircutting which is bespoke to the wearer, along with expert hair care advice to make you look & feel amazing every day.
