Fine hair has its perks (it tends to dry faster, it requires less product), but creating volume can definitely be a challenge. Your hair may get greasy quickly, feel weighed down by products and lack the body and bounce you crave.
If flat hair is getting you down, don’t worry—there’s more than one way to achieve that full, lifted look. Whether you’re reaching for styling tools or keeping it simple, read on for 10 easy tips to boost and maintain volume in fine, limp strands.
How to tell if you have fine hair
“Fine” refers to the diameter, or thickness, of your individual hair strands. If you hold up a single strand, is it hard to see? Try rubbing it between your fingers—do you barely feel it? If you answered yes to both, you most likely have fine hair.
Fine hair vs. thin hair
Whereas “fine” hair refers to the diameter of each strand, “thin” hair refers to the overall density of your mane—or how many strands are growing from your scalp. So, you can have fine hair that’s dense (lots of strands) or coarse hair that’s thin (fewer strands). Your hair's density may also change over time due to factors like genetics or hormonal shifts.
How to style fine hair for more volume
If your hair is fine, thin or both, getting your locks to look full and bouncy may take extra effort. But with the right tricks and products up your sleeve (and in your shower), you can easily take your hair to new heights. Try these styling tips for a volume boost.
1. Use volumizing shampoos and conditioners
It may seem obvious, but using volumizing shampoo and conditioner in your regular routine can make all the difference. Ours, for example, are formulated to boost lift and bounce—with a nice, light moisture level so they won’t dry out or weigh down fine strands.
2. Find the right shampoo schedule
Oil and product buildup can be fine hair’s worst enemies. You may need to shampoo more often than your friend with the thick, coarse mane to prevent buildup from flattening your strands (or use a buildup-busting clarifying shampoo for deeper cleansing). Learn how to nail down your ideal schedule.
3. Avoid over-moisturizing
Stick with lightweight shampoos, conditioners and styling products that won’t drag down your strands. When applying conditioner, be sure to concentrate it on your ends and steer clear of your roots and scalp (this is where grease loves to gather).
4. Use foam for major lift.
Foam stylers are perfect for fine hair because their light, airy texture adds volume without weighing your strands down. Try our Volumizing Foam—it gives you tons of natural, touchable lift, minus the stiff, heavy feel of traditional mousses. Simply apply it to damp hair, focusing on your roots, for serious volume whether you air dry or blow dry.
5. Get creative with dry shampoo
This is your secret weapon for keeping the volume up between wash days. Not only does dry shampoo absorb excess oil that can be heavy on the hair, but it’s also a smart hack for creating body and setting styles. Try dusting some onto clean, dry roots for a longer-lasting lift.
6. Play with your roots
Another way to add height? Grab a fine-toothed comb and carefully tease your roots, focusing on the areas where you need a boost. Be sure to set those back-combed spots with a bit of dry shampoo or hairspray to keep them in place.
7. Style upside down
Whether you air dry or blow dry, giving your hair a flip can help lift the roots for a fuller look. (Thanks, gravity!)
8. Try rollers or ribbons
We’re loving the current roller revival. Steal this ‘80s styling trick (after all, it was the defining decade of big hair) for sky-high volume. If you’re trying to minimize heat, heatless curling ribbons and rods are also on the rise. The idea is that you leave these in while you sleep and wake up to full, bouncy waves—no heat necessary.
9. Layer up
If you’re seeking longer-term solutions, adding layers to your haircut can improve dimension and body, making fine, thin strands look fuller.
10. Add body with color
Highlights and lowlights are another smart way to add depth and body to flat hair: the color variation creates the illusion of thicker tresses.
The Drop
If you’re struggling to achieve body in fine or thin hair, take a look at your products, wash routine and styling techniques, then see where you can adjust. Keeping your strands clean, using volumizing products, choosing lightweight stylers and playing with texture can go a long way toward reaching your big hair goals!
