Nobody wants limp, lacklustre locks. But, if you’re not naturally blessed with big, bouncy hair, how can you fake your way to traffic-stopping volume? Read on for 8 easy-as hacks for hair that’ll turn heads.
#1 – Up your blow dry game
Flip your hair upside down and blast, right? Well… not exactly. Sectioning off hair and drying thoroughly with a round, boar bristle brush is the best way to add volume and prevent damage to your fine strands. Pull upwards from the root, rather than dragging down, and ensure you dry hair fully for maximum staying power.
#2 – Make friends with velcro rollers
For a little va-va-voom before you head out on the town, pop a few velcro rollers in at your crown while you finish your makeup. Give them a quick blast with the hairdryer then leave for ten minutes. Remove and go.
#3 – Master the flip
Wearing a severe part can equal hair that’s flatter than a pancake. For a volume upgrade, try flipping the hair in the opposite direction of where it naturally sits. Add some hair powder of texturiser for added movement, and spritz with hair spray so it plays nice and stays put. Pro-tip: avoid playing with your hair too much, as it will stimulate oil which is the fast-track back to flatsville.
#4 – Consider a chop
Long lustrous locks are gorgeous, but they can be a drag for thin-haired lovelies. As a rule of thumb, shoulder length or shorter works best for fine hair. Blunt ends will also give the appearance of thicker strands.
#5 – Add some layers
Cutting into your hair might seem counter-intuitive if you have baby fine locks, but a few well placed layers will add much needed movement and bounce.
Mousse, texturising sprays and dry shampoos are great for showing fine hair who’s boss, but your volumising regime should begin way back in the shower. First up is good quality shampoo that will strengthen your locks without weighing them down. French brand Klorane has a cult following, for good reason. Their Shampoo with quinine and B vitamins restores hair to health, while gently cleansing, detangling and imparting all the bounce you need. Follow with the Fortifying Conditioner for long-lasting shine, vitality and volume.
#7 – Don’t over process
Too much bleaching will leave strands stressed and prone to thinning, breakage and split ends. Some well placed highlights can create the illusion of more volume and movement, but if you want to stick to the bottle, good home and in-salon maintenance is key to keep hair healthy and gorgeous.
#8 – Use eye shadow in your hair, yes really
This is one of the weirder tricks we’ve tried, but it really does work. Grab a matte shadow that’s a shade or two lighter than your roots and, using a small brush (a blush brush will do), gradually fill in any sparse areas. Apply the shadow to the actual hair and watch your tresses thicken before your very eyes.