If you have fine or thinning hair, you know the toll it takes on your confidence. The good news is that with the right techniques and a few clever styling secrets, you can transform fine and shedding hair into fuller, more voluminous strands.
1. Switch to Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner
The first step to voluminous hair is choosing the right shampoo and conditioner. Volumizing formulas are lighter and won’t weigh down your strands like richer, moisturizing products might. They’re designed to lift from the roots, giving you a fuller look right out of the shower. Look for products that promise “volume” or “lift” without heavy oils. This simple swap can help make your hair look naturally thicker before styling.
2. Plump up with a Root Lifting Spray
A root-lifting spray is the secret weapon for creating volume at the roots where you need it most. Spritz it onto damp hair at the scalp, then blow-dry with a round brush to activate the lift. You’ll see an instant boost that gives the illusion of more hair. Root lifters are lightweight and won’t make your hair sticky or heavy. It’s a game-changer for those days when you want to feel extra glam.
3. Blow-Dry Upside Down
One of the oldest tricks in the book, blow-drying your hair upside down, really does add volume. Flipping your head over encourages lift at the roots while keeping your hair from lying flat. Once your hair is nearly dry, flip it back up and use a cool shot of air to lock in the shape. This trick takes almost no extra time but makes a noticeable difference in your hair’s fullness and movement.
4. Use a Round Bristle Brush
A round brush isn’t just for fancy blowouts—it’s a tool for creating major lift at the roots. As you blow-dry, wrap sections of hair around the brush and pull up and out from the scalp. The result? A smooth, voluminous look that adds body and bounce, especially at the crown. Even if you don’t have time for a full blowout, using a round brush just on the top layers can add the illusion of extra thickness.
5. Apply Volumizing Mousse
Mousse is back and here to add volume and texture without weighing down fine hair. Apply a golf-ball-sized amount of mousse to damp hair, focusing on the roots, then blow-dry for added fullness. Mousse is lightweight and creates body, making your hair look thicker and more manageable. Forget the sticky mousses of the past—today’s formulas are soft, touchable, and perfect for building volume that lasts all day.
6. Sprinkle in Volumizing Hair Powder
If you want lasting volume, a volumizing powder is your best friend. Sprinkle a little at the roots, massage it in with your fingers, and watch your hair lift. This powder adds texture and grip, giving your hair that “I woke up like this” fullness. It’s also great for touch-ups on the go, keeping your hair lifted and lively throughout the day. Just a tiny bit goes a long way to create volume where you need it most.
7. Change Your Part
Switching your part might sound simple, but it makes a big difference. If you always part your hair on one side, flip it to the other or go for a deep side part. Changing your part creates an instant lift at the roots where your hair isn’t used to falling. It’s an easy trick that instantly adds volume and refreshes your look without needing any products or extra tools.
8. Use a Texturizing Spray
Texturizing spray creates that tousled, voluminous look without weighing hair down. Spray it through the mid-lengths and ends, then scrunch or tousle your hair with your fingers to add lift. This spray works especially well on fine hair, giving it texture, grip, and a fuller appearance. Texturizing sprays are ideal for adding volume when skipping the heat styling, giving you easy, no-fuss fullness.
9. Skip Heavy Conditioners
Heavy conditioners might be the culprit if your hair tends to go flat. These products can weigh down fine hair, making it look limp and lifeless. Instead, opt for a lightweight, volumizing conditioner and apply it only from the mid-lengths to the ends. This keeps the roots light and allows for more natural volume. Choosing the right conditioner will help your hair look fuller and more vibrant, giving you a better base for styling.
10. Add Layers to Your Hairstyle
Layers can be a game-changer when it comes to thin hair. A layered haircut creates movement and dimension, giving the illusion of thicker, fuller locks. By strategically adding layers, your stylist can help your hair look more voluminous and reduce any “flat” areas. Layers make a noticeable difference without adding extra styling steps, giving you a fuller look that’s easy to maintain.
11. Tease Your Roots
Teasing, or backcombing, is a tried-and-true trick for adding volume at the roots. Using a fine-tooth comb, gently tease sections at the crown for lift, then smooth over the top for a polished finish. Teasing gives hair extra height and texture, making it look instantly fuller. Just be sure to go easy—teasing too aggressively can damage hair. A little teasing in key areas adds noticeable volume for a thicker look.
12. Make Friends with Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a multitasking marvel for thin hair. It refreshes your style and adds texture and volume, making hair look instantly thicker. Spray it at the roots, let it sit for a few seconds, and then massage it in. The dry shampoo will absorb any oil while adding a bit of grit, which helps with lift and volume. It’s perfect for second-day hair or an instant boost of fullness whenever needed.
13. Work in a Volumizing Foam
Volumizing foam adds thickness without weighing hair down. Apply a small amount to damp hair, focusing on the roots, and blow-dry with a round brush for even more volume. Volumizing foams creates a body that lasts all day, making thin hair look fuller and more textured. Today’s formulas are soft and lightweight, so they don’t leave your hair feeling crunchy, just thicker.
14. Avoid Middle Parts for More Lift
Middle parts can sometimes make thin hair look flat, especially if your hair naturally falls straight. Try switching to a side or deep side part for an instant root lift. This shift gives your hair a natural boost and can make it look fuller. It’s a simple trick that takes no time but creates a noticeable difference in volume.
15. Add Highlights or Lowlights for Dimension
Adding highlights or lowlights creates depth and dimension, making hair appear thicker. Blending different shades gives your hair a fuller look that plays with light and shadow. Highlights and lowlights can make a massive difference for fine hair, adding texture and volume without weighing it down. Talk to your stylist about creating a natural-looking blend that will work with your hair type and skin tone.