5 ways to add volume to your hair
As a hair stylist, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard guests say their hair looks flat in photos and they want to see more volume. You’re not alone! Who doesn’t want big hair? Whether you want more texture and movement or you just want your hair to look more full, adding volume will always be a hair trend. So how can you achieve that trendy touseled bed head or 90’s blowout volume?
It’s pretty simple! Let’s time-warp back to high school physics class and find solutions for the reason hair falls flat… gravity!
Here are my favorite ways to defy gravity and add volume to your hair, no matter your style!
Volume Tip #1: Choose the Right Product
One way to defy gravity is to add friction. If your hair is silky smooth or baby fine, creating friction is as simple as using a texturizing product. Here are a few of my all-time favorites!
Texture Mist by Afterworld Organics
This product has my heart and then some - I use it on almost everyone! Spritz it in before you dry your hair or when it’s dry. It’s lightweight so you can’t overdo it unless you really try (who else has ruined perfectly clean hair with too much product?) yet it’s buildable depending on how much friction you want to add - totally versatile! Flip your hair over or side to side to get the sea salt all throughout your hair rather than just on top or just on the ends.
Plant and Mineral Refresh Dry Shampoo by Oway (Organic Way)
If your hair is prone to getting greasy quickly, this is your go-to! It gives you longevity between washes and adds grit for lots of volume. I either shake it over my hair or get it all over my hands and massage into my hair. Careful not to over dry your scalp by applying too much right at your roots - too much of a good thing can lead to an irritated scalp and perhaps excess hair shedding.
I Create Lift Volumizing Foam by Innersense
Add hold to your hair with this volumizing foam! Whether you have curly, wavy, or straight hair, scrunch this into your ends to enhance your texture. Or, add it to your roots before blow drying for added root lift.
Volume Tip #2: Use your hands!
Products are great for adding texture, but even with products your hair can fall flat throughout the day. To refresh your volume in seconds, massage your roots to roughen up your roots and reactivate your texture. Focus on the crown of your head and around your part. Just a little fluff will give your hair that perfectly touseled look.
And if you want to be extra effortlessly French, just flip your head upside down and give your hair a good shake and flip back up. Voila - instant volume!
Volume Tip #3: BlowDry your hair - strategically!
Blow drying your hair, even if it’s just your roots, will give you more volume than if you air dry.
The classic upside-down blow dry is the most foolproof way to get tons of volume, but you can also use a round brush or blow dry your hair opposite of the direction it grows out of your hair for more volume. Place some large rollers in your hair as it cools down and you’ll get some serious height!
Volume Tip #4: Get the Right Haircut
One-length haircuts are chic and modern, but certainly won’t help if you’re wanting big hair. Instead, opt for layers and shorter face-framing pieces or bangs. Don’t be afraid of short crown layers - the shorter the hair, the more your hair will defy gravity.
If you're looking for that 90’s blowout style or a modern Rachel haircut, you’ll want to ask for round layers to give your haircut a shape that will support lots of volume.
Pst - book a haircut here!
VOlume Tip #5: Create Illusions with styling and Color
Volume is sometimes an illusion and not actually just a ton of hair.
When it comes to color, those rooted dimensional highlights look super natural and grow out easily, but sometimes adding highlights to the root will add visual height instead of depth at your crown by contouring the round of your head. Are you ready for for some blonde? Let’s make it happen!
To create illusions when styling, gently pull out bits of hair to create expansion or gently backcomb at your crown before putting your hair up. This is super fun with braids - you’ll be shocked at how much fuller your hair looks! Just slightly massage your hair between your fingers while gently pulling your hair loose (you’ll get the hang of it!).
If you still need help, schedule an appointment so we can create a completely custom routine that works for you and your hair. Happy hair styling!
