First of all, an Internet search on how to add volume to hair shows up results including how to blow dry and style it, curl it for volume or back comb it. While all of these things certainly thicken up the look of your hair (and the article will focus on some of these things later), the first thing you need to sort out is the condition of your hair itself – before even thinking about using heating appliances and other techniques for added oomph.
Hair TLC
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Give you hair some Tender Loving Care. Head to a salon for regular trims (every 6-8 weeks to keep split ends away). Hair breakages can leave it looking thin and damaged and is detrimental to achieving a hair style with lots of volume.
It is not necessarily true that more hair (i.e. long) equals thick hair. In fact, a short bob is one of the best styles to give the illusion of volume and is easy to keep well-trimmed and conditioned. A quick search of celeb hairstyles shows some great cuts to copy.
What you put into your body shows in the condition of your hair. So ensure that you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and eat good, nutritious foods – especially those high in vitamins and minerals (fruit and vegetables), as well as omega 3 or good fats.
Some things to include in your next food shop are nuts (Brazil nuts, almonds and walnuts), lean red meats, avocado and spinach. If the saying is true and you are what you eat, get your meals packed full of good nutritious value to improve the condition of your hair follicles, making sure the hair grows thick and strong.
When looking after your hair, do not over wash it (every other day should do the trick), so as not to strip the hair of all of its essential oils. Use a shampoo and conditioner with hair protectant minerals that help avoid hair breakage. Pay a little more for a good quality conditioner to get the best results.
Heat is a no-no for your hair whenever possible, so aim to dry it off naturally and always use a heat protectant spray before you do straighten it or curl it. The more you can keep away from the heat appliances, the better the chance that your hair will grow thick, strong and full of volume.
The main reason hair lacks volume is overuse and build-up of products. Do not bombard your hair with sprays and serums – let it ‘breathe’ and go natural occasionally.
Now that you have got to grips with how to achieve a natural good condition for your hair and help it grow thicker, there are a number of other ways to give the illusion of hair volume. These are all in the way you cut, style, and finish your hair.
Cut and style
Some styles can help hair appear thicker. Ask your stylist which is best for your face shape and hair type. A blunt fringe can usually do the trick or some clever layering techniques. Shorter hair also puts less weight on the roots and avoids weighing it down, meaning it has more ‘bounce,’ so a trendy bob is an effective hair style.
When you’ve got the desired cut and look, have a play with styling it to add volume. Some ways to do this include working out the direction your hair falls naturally and styling it the opposite way to lift the roots, brushing it with a round brush upwards or using a side parting rather than a center parting.
Finish
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Blow-dry your hair with your head upside down for extra volume and use a wide barrel brush to tease the hair in circular motions. Pay attention to the crown of your head to work some extra volume, and use volumizing spray on this section.
When styling your hair, use strategically placed hair clips to add volume and gently back comb the sections before clipping. Always finish off with a light spray of hair spray to keep styles in place and ensure that the volume lasts.
Tips
- Curling or crimping your hair is a great way to add volume for a party or function, but remember not to use heat on your hair too much.
- The same applies for back combing – while it can give much added volume for a one-off party, it is best not to do this too often as it can damage the hair.
- Before you go to bed, braid your hair. The next morning, when you unravel the braid, your hair will have a natural wave to it (without needing any heat), and giving it a natural bounce.
- Extensions are a great way to ‘cheat’ the volume look! Simply clip in good quality hair extensions around the hair line or into your ponytail to add length or/and volume.
- Use specific volume enhancing shampoos and conditioners, made to help thicken fine hair.
While the straight and sleek look can be a great one for your hair, from time to time it is nice to add some volume. If you are like me and a fan of the 50s, but have fine hair, it can be pretty frustrating.
This article shows that there are a number of ways to add volume to your locks – both naturally aiding the improved condition of the hair itself and styling it to give the illusion of thicker hair. Experiment with techniques and figure out the best ways to give your hair some volume.