If you have thin, sparse hair, you might be envious of the voluminous hairstyles of the models on the runway. Do not lose hope: with the appropriate cut and some targeted measures it is easy to give volume to your hair.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Give Your Hair More Volume in the Shower
Step 1. Wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo
Some formulas can weigh down your hair, so look for a product specifically formulated to add volume.
Almost every hair product brand offers a line designed to give volume, for example Pantene, Matrix, Kiehl's, Garnier, Head & Shoulders and L'Oréal
Step 2. Use conditioner only on the tips
In many cases it is a must-have product that helps you eliminate knots and moisturize your hair, but unfortunately it can leave residues that weigh down the roots. Look for a volumizing conditioner and apply it only on the tips and only on occasions when you feel they really need hydration.
If you have very short hair or hair that tends to get greasy quickly, don't use conditioner at all
Step 3. Use conditioner before shampoo if you want your hair to be even more voluminous
If they are dry and you need to moisturize the lengths as well as the ends, try applying conditioner before washing them. Afterwards use only very little shampoo focusing on the roots, so that they have more volume.
Try to apply the shampoo only to the roots so you don't have to use the conditioner again
Step 4. Add volume to your hair with dry shampoo on days you don't wash it
If you notice that they are greasy and heavy in the morning after washing them, apply a dry shampoo to the roots so that it absorbs excess sebum and restores volume. Spray the product on the first 2-5 cm of hair, especially in the parting area and on the top of the head.
Massage the dry shampoo into the roots using your fingers, then leave it on for a few minutes. Then comb or brush the hair from the roots to the ends. In this way the product will be able to absorb excess sebum not only on the roots where it accumulates most, but also on the lengths
Method 2 of 4: Blow Dry Your Hair
Step 1. Apply a volumizing product to the roots
Whatever the product category, gel, serum or mousse, you should use it on the roots immediately after showering, as volumizing agents work best on wet hair. This way you will have more control while drying them.
Step 2. Dry one section of hair at a time
Take a 2-5 cm wide section and style it with a round brush. Compared to flat brushes, round brushes allow you to better control your hair because they have bristles on all sides. Hold the brush under the strand and push it up to lift the roots as you dry them for maximum volume. Apply a narrow nozzle to the hair dryer to be able to direct the air directly onto the brush.
- When the roots are dry, slowly move the brush and blow dryer along the strand to dry the lengths and ends as well.
- If you have short hair, use a round brush with a small diameter. Keep it at the height of the roots without moving it along the strands to prevent them from curling too much.
- Turn upside down and blow-dry your hair without the brush until it is 70% dry, then return to an upright position to complete the styling.
- If you have long hair, you can use different round brushes and various styling techniques.
Step 3. Increase the volume of your hair by brushing it in the opposite direction to the parting
For example, if you have the habit of making the line to the right, letting them fall to the left, brush them to the right (or vice versa). Raise the temperature of the hair dryer and direct the jet of hot air on the roots for about ten seconds, then use the blow of cold air to fix the style.
When the hair has cooled, brush it in the opposite direction and rearrange the parting
Step 4. Gather your hair in a bun if you don't have time to dry it
If you are in a hurry, pull them up as far as possible and gather them in an overhead bun. The hair at the root will dry naturally facing up, so when you untie it it will have a lot of volume.
This is a great way to let your hair dry naturally if you like to shower before bed
Method 3 of 4: Styling the Hair
Step 1. Use curlers to give more volume to the roots on the top half of the head
If you have long enough hair to use curlers, this is a great way to get more volume at the root. Depending on the size of the curlers, separate the middle section of the hair into 3-4 strands (where the strip of the mohawk would be located). Wrap each strand around a curler before you start dressing and putting on makeup.
- If you use thermal curlers, leave them on until they have cooled.
- If you use sponge or other curlers, heat your hair at the roots with a blow dryer, then leave it on until it has cooled down.
- Gently remove the curlers when they have cooled, then smooth your hair with your hands.
Step 2. Backcomb your hair for a more voluminous hairstyle
Divide them into small locks, hold them by the tips and comb them backwards, towards the roots, to make them more puffy and voluminous. You can backcomb your hair with a fine-toothed comb or even a brush. Lift a section straight up, then start combing it backwards, stopping about 5cm away from the scalp.
When the volume suits you, arrange the upper strands on top of the teased ones to hide them
Step 3. Create soft waves with a medium to large curling iron
The larger diameter curling irons allow you to create waves that look natural and are perfect for adding volume. When finished, fix the curls with your fingers or use a loosely-toothed brush for an “old Hollywood” glamorous look.
Step 4. Use clip-on extensions for thicker and more voluminous hair
Extensions aren't just for adding length, if they are the same size as your hair they can add good volume. Tease your hair lightly to hide the clips, then attach the extensions a few inches away from the roots.
Check that the clips are not showing. Generally, the extensions are attached a short distance from the roots, so even if you have thin or not very thick hair they should not show up. If they are very thin and sparse, place the clips even closer to the roots to be able to hide them
Step 5. Part the part aside to create more volume at the top of the head
By directing your hair to the side you can make it look thicker and fuller at the top of the head.
Simply comb your hair to the side if it's too short for you to part the traditional way
Step 6. Draw the zigzag line to get volume on both sides
Place the tip of the comb where the line normally begins, then move it backwards diagonally for about 5 cm, then change direction to create a zigzag line. This will give you more volume on both sides of the row.
Method 4 of 4: Cut the Hair for More Volume
Step 1. Choose a short or medium cut to make your hair lighter and more supple
Once past the shoulders they tend to be heavy, so the volume inevitably drops. Choose a length that goes beyond the chin but not beyond the collarbones, or even cut it shorter if you prefer.
If you have very short hair, create an illusion of volume by shortening it further only on the sides. Leave the ones at the top of the head slightly longer and style them with a round brush to lift the roots after applying a volumizing product
Step 2. Choose a cut with clean and geometric lines
The so-called "blunt cut" seen on all the catwalks is certainly more appropriate if you have thin or sparse hair than a layered cut that could make it appear even less thick. The recommended length is that of the "bob" and it is important that the tips are even to obtain greater volume.
Ask the hairdresser not to use the razor, otherwise the hair may become frizzy and look even flatter and more sparse
Step 3. If you have short hair, comb it back
Spray a light hairspray or apply a small amount of gel to the hair around the forehead and then comb it back or up. This way you will get more volume around the upper half of the face, where people's eyes are concentrated.
Step 4. Make the streaks to give an illusion of volume and movement to the hairstyle
If you don't mind dyeing your hair, streaks can create a 3D effect that will make your hair look thicker. In particular, the lighter tones should focus on the top of the garment, while the medium ones and your natural color should characterize the lower part.
