How to Add Volume to Your Hair

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If you have fine, thin hair, you might be jealous of the sky-high hairstyles you see on runways. Don’t give up hope, though! With the right haircut and a little styling, anyone can have voluminous hair!

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Adding Volume in the Shower

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  1. Some shampoo formulas can weigh your hair down, so choose one that is specifically designed to add lift to your hair. [1]
    • Common volumizing shampoos include Pantene Pro-V Full & Strong, Matrix Biolage Volumebloom, Kiehl's Ultimate Thickening Shampoo, and Head & Shoulders Full & Thick. [2]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Add Volume to Your Hair
    Conditioner is great for detangling your hair and locking in moisture, but it can leave a heavy residue that can weigh down your roots. Use a volumizing conditioner on just the ends of your hair to get moisture where you really need it. [3]
    • If your hair is very short or tends to get oily, skip conditioner altogether.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Add Volume to Your Hair
    If your hair is dry and you need to condition more than just the ends, try applying your conditioner first. Then, use a little shampoo right at the roots to give them extra lift. [4]
    • Try to get the shampoo only on your roots so you don't need to condition again.
  4. If your hair looks limp and oily the day after you wash it, use dry shampoo on your roots to absorb oil and add volume. Spray the dry shampoo on the first 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) of your hair, especially around your hairline and at the crown. [5]
    • Massage the dry shampoo into your roots with your fingers and let it sit for a few minutes, then comb through to the ends of your hair. This will help absorb oil throughout the length of your hair, especially right at the roots where it builds up the most.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Drying Your Hair

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Add Volume to Your Hair
    Whether you use mousse, foam, or gel, you should apply the product to your roots as soon as you get out of the shower, since volumizing products work best on wet hair. [6] This will give you the most control as you dry your hair. [7]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Add Volume to Your Hair
    A round brush gives you more control over each section of hair since it grips from all sides. Hold the brush under your hair and push it upwards to lift your roots as you dry them to give them the most volume. You should also use a nozzle attachment on your hairdryer so you can focus the air on the brush.
    • After you dry your roots, slowly move both the brush and hair dryer down each section of hair to dry it.
    • If you have short hair, use a smaller round brush. Hold the brush at your roots instead of moving it through your hair to avoid adding too much curl.
    • Flip your head upside-down and blow dry your hair without the brush until it’s about 70% dry, then turn upright to finish styling.
    • For longer hair, you can play around with different round brushes and styling techniques.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Add Volume to Your Hair
    [8] If you normally wear your hair parted so it falls to the left, brush it over to the right, or vice-versa. Use a high heat setting on your roots for about 10 seconds, then use the cool-air nozzle on your hair to set the style in place. [9]
    • After your hair has cooled, brush your hair back in the direction you normally part it.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Add Volume to Your Hair
    If you’re in a hurry, pull your hair as far forward into a bun as you can get it. As it dries, the roots will hold their shape, so when you pull it down, you’ll have extra volume.
    • This is a great method to air-dry your hair if you like to shower before bed at night.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Styling Your Hair

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  1. If your hair is long enough for rollers, this is a great way to add volume at your roots. Depending on the size of the rollers, section the center part of your hair — the part where a mohawk would be — into 3-4 sections. Wrap each one around a roller while you finish getting dressed or do your makeup. [10]
    • If you use hot rollers, leave them in until they cool.
    • If you use foam rollers or other rollers that aren’t heated, blast the roots of your hair with your blowdryer, then leave them in until your hair cools.
    • Gently unroll your hair when it’s cool and style with your fingers.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Add Volume to Your Hair
    Teasing, or backcombing, is the process of combing your hair backwards to give it more volume. You can tease your hair using a fine-tooth comb or even a toothbrush. Hold a section of hair straight up, then comb downwards starting about 2 inches (5.1 cm) away from your scalp. [11]
    • When you get your hair to its desired volume, gently smooth the top layer of your hair over the teased section to hide it.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Add Volume to Your Hair
    Larger curling irons create soft curls that are perfect for adding volume. You can style the curls with your fingers or brush them out with a soft brush for a glamorous Old Hollywood style. [12]
  4. Hair extensions aren’t always just for creating length. Extensions cut to the same length as your hair can give you a huge volume boost. Tease your hair a little to hide the clips, then attach the extensions a few inches away from your roots. [13]
    • Make sure your hair is thick enough to cover the extensions. Clip-in extensions are usually placed fairly close to the roots, so even if your hair is on the thinner side, they wouldn't be as noticeable. If you place them a few inches away from the roots, then thin hair may not fully hide them.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Add Volume to Your Hair
    By parting your hair further to one side, you bring more hair onto the top of your head. This will create the illusion that your hair has more volume. [14]
    • Comb your hair to the side if your hair is too short for a traditional part.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Add Volume to Your Hair
    Place a comb at your hairline right where your part normally starts. Comb backwards at an angle for about 2 inches (5.1 cm), then abruptly change the direction of your part to create a zig-zag pattern. This will create a lot of volume on either side of your part.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Cutting Your Hair for Volume

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  1. Once your hair is shoulder-length, it starts to look weighed down. Opt for a cut that hits between your chin and collarbone — or even shorter, if you prefer! [15]
    • Fake a voluminous look on super-short hair by cutting the sides closer to your head and leaving the top a little longer. Style the top with a volumizing product and a round brush to give it lift.
  2. Layers can make your hair look thinner, especially if you opt for a style with a lot of layering. Instead, choose a bob or similar style with a strong, blunt line across the bottom to make your hair look fuller. [16]
    • Avoid blunt cuts that are done with a razor. These can cause your hair to look frizzy and can make it appear even thinner. [17]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Add Volume to Your Hair
    Spray your hair with a lightweight hairspray or apply a little styling gel, then comb the front of your hair so it stands up or falls backwards. This will give you extra volume right above your face, which is where most people are looking. [18]
  4. If you don’t mind coloring your hair, highlights can create a 3D effect, making your hair seem fuller. Lighter highlights should be closer to the top, while lowlights and your natural color should fall towards the bottom. [19]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I add volume to my hair 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
    Massaging your scalp while your hair is drying will stimulate the follicles and add volume. Switching up your part is also a great way to get instant volume.
    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
    Massaging your scalp every day for a few minutes will increase blood flow and stimulate growth. Biotin supplements are also effective.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 3
  • Question
    What are the best hair products for fine, thin hair?
    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
    If you have fine, thin hair look for products that say "volumizing" and "plumping." Lightweight products are essential, so avoid heavy or "moisturizing" shampoos and conditioners.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/new-moms
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/new-moms
      3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage
      4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage
      5. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/selfcare-instructions/bathing-a-patient-in-bed
      6. ↑ Martin Nepton. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1rWdZP_fcI
      8. ↑ Martin Nepton. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1rWdZP_fcI
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ny0YwEx_GGs
      2. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/hygiene-basics.html
      3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VOg5_68N7o
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/raging-grace/201905/change-your-hair-change-your-life
      6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNzZqVUl28E
      8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips
      9. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/hair-products
      10. ↑ https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/hair-treatments-during-pregnancy/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To add volume to your hair, wash it with a volumizing shampoo and condition only the ends. While your hair is still wet, apply a volumizing product like mousse to the roots. Then, blow-dry your hair in 2 inch sections using a round brush. For even more volume, try brushing your hair in the opposite direction of your natural part and blow-drying it at the roots for 10 seconds. After your hair has cooled, return your part to where it usually is. For tips on getting more volume even if you don’t have time to blow-dry, read on!

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