How to Give Your Hair Volume (for Men)

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Care, maintenance, & styling tips to increase hair volume for guys
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As a guy, adding volume to your hair helps it look thicker, fuller, and healthier. Whether you have naturally flat hair, are experiencing thinning, or simply want to add more body, there are lots of simple tricks to get more voluminous hair. We spoke with several professional hair stylists to learn the best ways to add volume to your hair, like using a thickening shampoo and applying lightweight styling products. Read on for easy ways to get voluminous hair for guys!

The Best Ways to Get Fluffy, Voluminous Hair for Men

  1. Wash your hair regularly with a thickening shampoo and conditioner.
  2. Style your hair with lightweight products, like a volumizing mousse.
  3. Apply a small amount of product to the ends of your hair, not the roots.
  4. Blow dry your hair in the opposite direction that it grows.
  5. Trim your hair every 2 to 3 months.
  6. Try a new hairstyle, like adding layers or rocking a quiff.
Section 1 of 3:

14 Easy Ways to Add Volume to Men’s Hair

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  1. Your hair looks and feels its best when you wash it regularly, or whenever it is dirty. Washing it removes oil buildup and styling product residue that can weigh down your hair and make it look flat instead of voluminous and full. [1]
    • Focus on your scalp when you wash your hair . Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp to exfoliate it and remove debris. Then, let the shampoo run through the rest of your hair.
    • Tip : Rinse your hair with warm or room-temperature water, as hot water can damage your hair follicles and exacerbate the appearance of thinning hair.
  2. Use a thickening shampoo and conditioner to clean your hair. Thickening or volumizing shampoos and conditioners, like hims Thick Fix , are more lightweight, which helps your hair appear more voluminous. They are also formulated with ingredients that can help increase your hair count and the width of your individual strands. [2]
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  3. Use lightweight and volumizing styling products . Professional hair stylist Sarah Kosakowski says “getting volume is all about the products you use.” She recommends using a “volumizing spray or mousse,” like Paul Mitchell’s Extra-Body Sculpting Foam , and applying it “when your hair is damp.” [4] Professional hair stylist Martin Nepton agrees, saying that a volumizing mousse is one of his favorite ways to add volume. [5]
    • Mousse is generally preferable to wax or gel-based styling products, as it tends to leave less residue in your hair.
    • As a general rule, the less you feel the product in your hair, the better it is at adding volume. You want your hair to feel flexible and lightweight after applying product.
    • Find a product that works well for your particular look. Try out a few mousses, sprays, pomades, and gels to find a product that you like.
    • Tip : Avoid heavy gels, sprays, waxes, and mousses that promise a long-lasting hold. These products can weigh down your hair, cause it to look matted down and greasy, and make it feel crispy or crunchy.
  4. The way you apply the styling product to your hair also helps add volume. Apply a dime-sized amount of product to your hands and run them backward through your hair to add lift and body. Just avoid putting the product directly on your roots, as this can cause your hair to clump together and look less voluminous. [6]
    • Apply more product as needed to achieve the look you want. Just use a small amount at a time, as it’s easier to add more product than it is to remove it.
    • Always follow the instructions on the product to apply it correctly and use the amount recommended on the label.
    • Most manufacturers recommend applying their styling products to damp or moist hair. This helps the product uniformly coat your hair.
  5. Avoid using a comb or brush to apply your styling product, as they can flatten your hair. To add the most volume and texture to your hair, simply use your hands to lift your hair up and style it the way you like. [7]
    • Combs and brushes also tend to pull and tear at the roots of your hair. This pulling can move your hair in an unusual direction and make your scalp more visible.
  6. Nepton says, “If you want the maximum volume, you have to blow dry” your hair “the opposite way that you want the hair to fall.” For instance, “if you want the volume when you push your hair back, you're gonna blow dry it forward toward your face.” Blow drying backward helps to “lift the root more” so you have “maximum lift.” [8]
    • To achieve the most volume, Almona recommends “drying [your] hair upside down.” She says to simply “put your head over and blow dry.” Then, “when you flip [your hair] back, you're creating volume.” [9]
    • Protect your hair from heat damage by applying a heat protectant . Then, hold the blow dryer 12 in (30 cm) away from your head and keep it on low heat.
    • Run your fingers through your hair while it’s drying to help it dry more quickly.
    • Dry hair tends to appear more voluminous than wet hair or hair that has been oversaturated with product.
  7. Tease your hair with dry shampoo or a sea salt spray . Professional hair stylist Arthur Sebastian says dry shampoos and salt sprays create “a very natural dry finish on the roots, almost as if the hair is teased.” He recommends “first coating the root of the hair with [the] product.” Then, gently tease your hair by pulling a section of hair straight up and running a comb downward through the back of your hair. [10]
  8. Getting your hair regularly trimmed and shaped up helps keep your tresses healthy . Sebastian recommends getting regular trims to prevent your hair from reaching the “split end stage,” where “the ends split…into two” strands. He says this helps “the hair to grow a little bit longer” and keeps the ends nourished. [12]
    • Split ends can also lead to hair breakage and damage, which can prevent your hair from looking healthy and full.
  9. For example, style your hair into a quiff or faux hawk . Or, add volumizing layers to your hair. Even consider growing out your hair, as the extra length gives you more hair to style and volumize. [13]
    • If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, try breaking up the curls and waves with your fingers to give your hair as much volume as possible. Separate each curl 2 to 4 times to make your hair appear fuller.
    • If you’re experiencing hairline recession, there are lots of stylish haircuts that can help conceal thinning and make your hair appear fuller.
  10. Heat from hot tools like dryers, flat irons, and curlers can damage your hair. Heat damage can cause your hair to look less healthy and promote more breakage and hair loss. The harsh chemicals used in bleaches, perms, and keratin treatments can also lead to hair damage and make your hair appear less healthy, full, and voluminous. [14]
  11. Sleep on a silk pillowcase . Silk is a finer, smoother fabric than cotton and other textiles. These qualities help to reduce friction and tugging on your hair as you sleep, lessening potential damage. As a bonus, silk pillowcases also help reduce frizziness. [17]
  12. Pulling your hair into tight ponytails or braids can lead to breakage and hair loss, making your hair appear less full and voluminous. Wearing a tight baseball cap or hat on a daily basis can also compress your hair and reduce its volume. In some cases, it can even damage your hair follicles and reduce circulation to your scalp, impacting your hair thickness and health. [18]
    • If you’re going to put your hair up, make your ponytail or braid very loose. Sebastian also recommends using soft hair ties instead of rubber bands, as “hair gets broken by the tightness or the pressure of the rubber band.” [19]
    • Tip : In general, be very gentle with your hair. Do not harshly brush, pull, scrub, or dry your hair to help minimize damage and breakage.
  13. The sun’s harsh rays can damage your hair and scalp, causing dryness, split ends, breakage, and even thinning. If you’re going to be out in the sun, apply regular sunscreen on your scalp and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Protect the ends of your hair with hair sunscreen , too. [20]
    • Sebastian says that “hair is keratin, just like your skin and your nails. So your hair will be weathered just like your face if you're spending a lot of time in the sun.” He explains that “you want to keep [your hair] nourished” and “away from the sun” to maintain its volume and health. [21]
  14. Consider using a hair-growth product, like minoxidil . If your hair is losing volume due to thinning, a hair growth medication may be the most effective way to restore fullness . Talk to your doctor to see what is causing your hair loss and what products can help you. For instance, your doctor might recommend you use minoxidil (Rogaine) or finasteride (Propecia), both of which can help treat male-pattern baldness. [22]
    • Minoxidil is a topical treatment, and finasteride comes in pill form.
    • It is important to note that both of these products have better success rates at stopping hair loss than they do at regrowing lost hair. Be proactive and consult your doctor as soon as you notice your hair is starting to thin.
    • To improve your general hair health, professional hair stylist Jenny Tran recommends taking biotin supplements , eating a healthy, balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water. [23]
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Section 2 of 3:

What is hair volume?

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  1. The more hair you have on your head, the more voluminous your hair looks. The diameter of each hair strand also impacts volume, with wider strands helping your hair appear fuller. Your hair texture and hair health also influence volume:
    • Thick, curly hair naturally has more volume and bounce than fine, straight hair.
    • Hair that is more resistant to breakage and split ends typically appears more voluminous and healthy.
Section 3 of 3:

Causes of Flat Hair in Men

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  1. Guys who are experiencing hair thinning or loss often appear to have less volume because they have less hair on their heads. Hair that’s oily and full of product residue can also weigh down hair, making it look flat. Additionally, fine, straight hair tends to appear more flat compared to curly and wavy hair. [24]
    • Some people naturally have more oily hair than others, so they may need to wash their hair more often so it appears voluminous. Your hair type, age, and ethnicity influence whether your hair is more oily or dry. [25]
    • Touching your hair often can make it appear greasy, too.
    • Heavy products can also weigh down your hair, so ensure you’re using lightweight, volumizing products to style your hair.
    • Eating well can also influence volume, as eating a balanced diet helps improve hair health. [26]
    • Luckily, the tips above can help you add volume and body to your hair!
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I add more volume to my hair naturally?
    Martin Nepton
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Martin Nepton is a Professional Hair Stylist and Colorist at Bang Bang LA in Los Angeles, California. With over 11 years of experience, Martin specializes in helping clients express their Queer identity through hair. Martin offers personalized haircuts and color and style services with non-gender prices based on hair length. Martin holds a BA from the University of Québec at Montréal and is a Licensed Hair Stylist in California.
    Martin Nepton
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Use a blow-dryer in the opposite direction of what your hair grows to make it stand up more.
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  • Question
    How can I increase my hair volume naturally?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Getting a layered haircut can increase volume in your hair. Massaging the scalp also helps hair look fuller. Try switching up your part for instant volume. Using a volumizing shampoo can also be very effective.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How can I increase my hair growth?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Taking biotin supplements can improve the efficiency of your follicles. Eating a high-protein diet is also essential.
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      • Thinning hair may be hereditary or it may be a sign of a developing health issue. Talk to your general practitioner or dermatologist to ensure no health problems are causing the hair loss. [27]
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      • Combine the above tips to help your hair appear as voluminous as possible. For example, wash your hair with volumizing shampoo, apply lightweight styling products, and blow dry it upwards to create body and lift.
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      • If you're experiencing hair loss, consider wearing a hairpiece, toupee, or wig to help you feel confident and get voluminous hair.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.menshealth.co.uk/style/hair-care/10-clever-ways-to-thicken-your-hair-9591
      2. ↑ http://www.menshealth.co.uk/style/hair-care/10-clever-ways-to-thicken-your-hair-9591
      3. ↑ Gina Almona. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 12 December 2019.
      4. ↑ Sarah Kosakowski. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
      5. ↑ Martin Nepton. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.
      6. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a35797/ways-youre-applying-hair-products-wrong/
      7. ↑ http://www.menshealth.co.uk/style/hair-care/10-clever-ways-to-thicken-your-hair-9591
      8. ↑ Martin Nepton. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.
      9. ↑ Gina Almona. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 12 December 2019.
      1. ↑ Arthur Sebastian. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 29 April 2019.
      2. ↑ Arthur Sebastian. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 29 April 2019.
      3. ↑ Arthur Sebastian. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 29 April 2019.
      4. ↑ https://www.menshealth.com/uk/style/grooming/a744872/thicken-your-hair/
      5. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3229938/
      6. ↑ Gina Almona. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 12 December 2019.
      7. ↑ https://www.vogue.in/beauty/content/how-to-avoid-heat-damaged-hair-when-heat-styling-your-hair
      8. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/health/why-you-should-sleep-on-a-silk-pillowcase-a2058719992/
      9. ↑ https://www.askmen.com/grooming/appearance/fuller-looking-hair.html
      10. ↑ Arthur Sebastian. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 29 April 2019.
      11. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/best-ways-to-protect-your-hair-from-sun-damage
      12. ↑ Arthur Sebastian. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 29 April 2019.
      13. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001177.htm
      14. ↑ Jenny Tran. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.
      15. ↑ https://www.hair.com/flat-hair.html
      16. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-dirty-truth-about-washing-your-hair
      17. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/get-radiant-hair-skin-and-nails-naturally
      18. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926
      19. Videos provided by James Welsh

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you are a man and want to add more volume to your hair, make sure to wash it at least every other day, since unwashed hair can look flat and deflated. When you wash your hair, be careful not to use hot water that could damage your hair follicles, and opt for warm or room-temperature water, instead. Also, consider using a thickening or volumizing shampoo and conditioner, which can coat your hair follicles and widen individual strands of hair. To style your hair, use light, volumizing mousse products, and avoid gel products that leave your hair feeling crispy, instead of flexible and voluminous. Put a dime-sized amount of product onto your fingertips, and lightly run your hands through your hair. Repeat until you're happy with how it looks. For more tips from our co-author, including how to care for your hair and scalp to add volume, scroll down!

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