Some people are born with a finer, flatter hair type [1]. Others have dry, brittle hair that needs some extra care to regain its healthy texture and natural lift. And many experience hair thinning that can significantly reduce their hair volume and thickness. If you are also wondering how to get volume in your hair, you’ll be happy to know that no matter what is making your hair look flat, there are things you can do to boost its bounce.
Changing your hairdo, adopting more hair-friendly styling practices and choosing the right hair care products are only some of the things that can help you achieve the volume you’ve been missing. Keep reading this article to discover more about:
There are multiple reasons why your hair may not have the fullness and volume you desire. Here are some of the most common:
Here are some of the most useful tips and tricks to give your fine, flat hair the volume, lift and bounce it has been missing:
For many hair-related concerns, the best thing you can do is see a trichologist. That is because a hair specialist has the tools and knowledge to accurately diagnose the cause of your problem and to prescribe a personalised solution.
If your unsatisfactory hair volume is caused by hair thinning, a trichologist will recommend the right hair loss treatment before your condition can advance. And if it is caused by your strands being in poor condition, they can teach you the best ways to treat and repair damaged hair at home.
Some shampoo formulations are specifically designed to increase your hair volume. They contain lightweight ingredients that don’t weigh down your hair, while slightly opening up your cuticles to make the hair fibres appear thicker.
Shampoos that free your scalp from dirt and product buildup while providing your hair with extra lift can create the illusion of fullness and volume. Just be sure to wash your hair with regular shampoo at least once a week, as thickening substances in volumising formulations can also build up on your hair and scalp over time.
You may have been told that washing your hair every day will make it fall out. However, that is not true. Frequently cleaning the debris that weighs down your hair (preferably 5-6 times a week) has been scientifically proven to improve hair quality, reduce thinning and help with common scalp problems such as dandruff [2].
Moreover, reducing oil or product buildup can increase lift beneath your roots and allow for greater volume. This is especially true if your scalp is on the oilier side, as excess sebum can make your strands clump together and weigh them down.
Opting for semi-permanent or natural hair colouring formulations over bleach and permanent hair dyes can be a good option to boost volume. Substances such as hydrogen peroxide and ammonia found in many permanent hair dyes can cause hair loss. They can penetrate your hair fibres, damaging their structure and leaving them looking dry and lifeless [3].
Using gentle shampoos and conditioners that don’t contain harmful substances such as sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate, silicones, parabens or salt can also help preserve your hair’s health and volume.
Regular conditioners can be heavy and weigh down your hair, reducing its volume. However, there are specially designed formulations made with light ingredients that can be safely used for finer, flatter hair.
If you don’t have a very dry scalp, try only applying conditioner to the lengths of your hair to allow for additional lift.
While a scalp massage for hair will not increase the volume of your hair directly, it will stimulate blood flow to your scalp, nourishing your hair.
Moreover, studies show that 10-20 minutes of relaxing head massage every day can increase hair density and thickness, and even help curb hair loss in androgenetic alopecia [4][5]. This can provide significant benefits for your hair health and volume over time.
While blow-drying your hair can have harmful effects if you use very high heat, using a cooler setting is more hair-friendly and can still give you enhanced volume.
Lean forward with your hair hanging towards the floor and use the blowdryer from underneath, so the air jet lifts your strands away from your scalp at the roots. This will help your hair appear fuller and more voluminous when dry.
If you want waves or curls, create the illusion of hair volume by braiding your damp hair or using traditional, no-heat curlers to roll or twist it up. Then leave it to dry (preferably overnight). Depending on the technique you use, this will create anything from gentle waves to tight ringlets. This gives your hair texture and volume, particularly after brushing.
Long hair can weigh down the roots, leading to a flatter appearance. Some people with very long hair even notice that their natural waves become almost straight as their hair grows long.
It is much easier for shorter, lighter hair to achieve lift and maintain its natural curvature, which gives it texture. So getting your hair cut shorter may help improve your hair volume and depth.
Styling tools that use high heat to set your hair in the desired shape can dry it out and cause small air bubbles to form inside the hair fibres, leading to hair breakage [6]. It is difficult to fix heat-damaged hair and, over time, your hair may become flat and dull. So it is best to use high-temperature appliances sparingly and moisturise your hair well afterwards.
Heat damage to your hair doesn’t always come from appliances. Spending prolonged periods in the sunlight is not good for your hair either, as it can make your strands dry, depriving them of their natural bounce and lift [7]. Wearing a light, straw large-brimmed hat or a loose scarf when out in hot weather can help preserve your hair volume without flattening it. And can also protect you from sunburns on your scalp.
Using some of the best essential oils for hair can help keep your hair moisturised and healthy. But if you’re experiencing insufficient volume, not every kind of hair growth oil is the right choice for you. It is best to opt for light, carrier oils, such as jojoba oil, argan oil or rosehip oil for hair. And you may want to avoid heavier options, such as coconut oil or castor oil.
One quick and simple way to get a major volume boost is to tease your hair roots. This technique involves using a fine-tooth comb to gently backcomb your hair down towards your scalp, starting 4-5 cm above your roots. This creates small tangles at the base of your hair, causing your strands to become lifted, rather than remaining flat. This can provide significant volume temporarily, though it can be tedious to untangle your hair at the end of the day and may also lead to hair breakage.
Sometimes, making a small change to your hairstyle can grant you a significant volume boost. Switching from a centre part to a side part can help lift your hair from the roots naturally. That is because your hair creates an arch when combed over to the opposite side of the head, while they simply fall flat when parted in the middle.
If your hair is naturally fine, smooth and straight, you may not be able to get the kind of volume you are hoping for naturally. This is also true if you are also experiencing hair thinning. So you can simply enhance your hair volume with some good-quality extensions.
However, make sure they’re lightweight and that you don’t wear them for prolonged amounts of time, as heavy extensions can cause hair loss by triggering traction alopecia [8].
A good hairstylist always has a few tricks up their sleeve for making your hair appear more voluminous. The best example is getting a layered cut which can give depth and texture to your hair and make it seem fuller. Certain shorter styles, such as bobs or pixie cuts, can create the same effect. The best option depends on your face shape, style and preferences, so be sure to ask your stylist about what might suit you best.
You may not need to completely change your hairstyle to make it appear fuller and more texturised. Clever use of highlights and/or lowlights can trick the eye into the illusion of depth.
There are multiple techniques which use creative colouring to your advantage (such as balayage, herringbone highlights, and baby lights), depending on your hair colour and the effect you are hoping to achieve.
If your hair is oilier, using a sea salt spray can help create some volume by giving it texture and accentuating your existing waves or curls. It can also help absorb some of the excess sebum. However, if your hair is on the dry side, it is best to only use this remedy on special occasions, as the salt can absorb moisture and make it even drier. Since it is still unclear whether salt water is good for your hair or can damage it with overexposure, it is best not to take unnecessary chances.
Not all effective ways to get volume in your hair can happen within days. Some take lifestyle changes that require time to take effect. However, when they do, the results will be worth it, as you will get fuller, healthier, more voluminous hair.
Being under a lot of pressure will not directly make your hair flat. However, periods of intense stress and anxiety can trigger a temporary type of alopecia called telogen effluvium [9]. This condition causes diffuse hair thinning, making your hair sparser and reducing its volume.
Fortunately, it typically resolves itself in 3-4 months after the stressor is treated or removed. The best thing you can do to prevent anxiety-induced hair loss is to reduce your stress levels through relaxation and self-care.
Your hair needs plenty of moisture to stay healthy and avoid becoming dry and limp. However, if it is on the fine side, using moisturisers may drag it down. So it is good to get as much hydration as you can by drinking plenty of water, especially in hot weather.
What you drink also matters. Water will always be the best option. You may want to avoid alcohol and sugary drinks, as they can actually have a dehydrating effect.
Your body needs a variety of nutrients to grow thick, healthy, beautiful hair. Being on a strict diet and not supplementing the vitamins and minerals you are missing may lead to nutritional deficiencies that can make your hair fall out (among other health problems).
Conditions such as iron deficiency anaemia can damage your hair texture as well. This can have a negative impact on your hair volume and appearance. So be sure to get all the right minerals and vitamins for hair growth.
Sometimes, underlying health conditions like systemic illness or hormonal imbalances can affect the quality, texture and volume of your hair. So it is best to keep up with your wellness checks to ensure you are in good health.
If you notice sudden changes in hair texture or you start to lose excessive amounts of hair, your doctor may order some hair loss blood tests. They can help determine if you are experiencing a nutrient deficiency or hormonal problems (e.g. thyroid disorders can cause hair loss).
If you only have a short time to get fabulous, full-bodied hair, hope is not lost. Wash your hair with a volumising shampoo and then braid it or use heat-free hair rollers on it while it’s damp for beautiful, voluminous curls.
For added volume without changing your natural texture, simply blow dry your hair upside-down or let it air-dry. Then, before going out, you can tease your roots and use some sea salt spray or a light hairspray to give your locks a bit of a lift. Hairspray does not cause hair loss, so you can use it as needed, as long as you wash the buildup out of your hair regularly.
If you have noticed a pronounced decrease in your hair volume, it could be a sign that your hair may be damaged or thinning. In that case, you will need expert help to identify and treat the underlying problem. Book a consultation with one of our experienced trichologists at your most convenient clinic location.
They will diagnose the cause of your hair’s flatness and offer you personalised care advice and treatment recommendations tailored to the problems they identify. And if you are experiencing the first signs of hair thinning and balding, they can prescribe the best hair growth treatment to prevent the alopecia from progressing. So don’t hesitate to leave your hair health in expert hands, for long-lasting volume, fullness and beauty.
There are no substantial differences between the hair structure of men and that of women. This means that the advice offered in this article can work for men just as well as it does for women.
However, if you are experiencing male pattern baldness and would like to achieve regrowth for more voluminous hair, it is important to see a hair doctor. Depending on the stage of your hair thinning, the best hair loss treatment for men can range from topical medication to a hair transplant.
The only long-lasting ways to add volume to your hair are improving your haircare practices and making hair-friendly lifestyle choices. If your lack of volume is caused by hair shedding, you may also need to see a hair doctor to treat your alopecia. However, most hair loss medications are only effective while you are using them. The only treatment that allows you to get fuller hair permanently is a hair transplant.
Certain hair types (especially type 1) are naturally finer and straighter. This means that while they are soft, silky and smooth, their texture will not naturally create volume, making them flatter than the others.
Hair types 3 and 4 are curly or coily, which makes them naturally voluminous, to the point where special hair products may be needed to tame them. Each hair type has its own advantages, disadvantages and its unique form of beauty. And even if your hair is genetically less voluminous, there are many products and hairstyles that can help you achieve your desired look.
Yes, hair thickening sprays can increase the appearance of hair fullness, making it seem more voluminous. However, they don’t really make your hair thicker.
They are made of microfibres that bind to your hair strands, giving them a fuller appearance. This helps cover up sparser patches on your scalp and gives the illusion of greater hair volume. But this type of cosmetic only works until you wash it out of your hair.
Simply fill in your details in the form below and we'll get in touch with you shortly.
Δ
