Image:@alexandra_nx by stylist @pekelariley
You may think that when you see someone with big hair that they have some big secret they use to achieve that volume, or that achieving volume means adding heat. You don’t need to book an appointment for a blowout to get the volume you desire. To get fabulous, voluminous hair that lasts, try adding these simple tips to your hair arsenal.
1. Keep your Roots Clean
To achieve volume, it all starts at the scalp because without the right care, your curls can fall flat. Keep your roots clear of oil and debris that could weigh them down by shampooing with a nutrient-dense, lightweight shampoo.
2. Change Your Part
Chances are, you have a favorite place to part your hair. The problem is, that’s also where your hair lies the flattest, and you’ve trained it to stay that way. The quickest way to cheat volume is to switch partings to the opposite side you would normally do it. If you usually part on the left side of your hair, part it to the right side for an instant boost.
Changing your part to the opposite side creates instant volume at the crown. If you’re worried about your hair looking lopsided, do it while your hair is still wet. To build the most height, mist the new part lightly with an alcohol-free hairspray for hold, which will provide structure and support for any lift you create near the roots, helping your style last all day.
3. Shake it Out
Shake your hair out upside down with your fingers, then flip back up and move your hair where you want it. To set the instant volume, blast it into place with an alcohol-free hairspray or spritz.
4. Condition Mid-shaft and Ends Only
Conditioning the roots can weigh the hair down excessively. If your hair is naturally oily and gets weighed down by moisturizing shampoos, use a volumizing shampoo to boost hair that needs body.
5. Try a Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo helps to expand the body of your hair. Not only does dry shampoo soak up oil, but it also adds volume to your roots. Apply it along the root area then massage it in with your fingertips.
6. Use Jaw Clamps
Clamps give volume exactly where you need it—at the roots. The jaw clamps will allow your curls to stay in their natural form without squishing them down. It will also prevent breakage or snaps as the metal clips can often do. Place the clamps into the crown on wet hair and leave it until hair is dry or use a diffuser.
7. Focus on the Follicle
Hair volume begins at the follicle, Apply a root-lifting mousse or foam close to the scalp on damp hair. Once hair is dry, aim a hairspray at the roots for extra oomph.
8. Use a Lift Me Comb or Pick
A ‘Lift Me Comb’ or pick gently gets rid of separation parts in the root area. You’ll get instant volume. Make sure your hair is thoroughly dry before picking the root area as you will cause major frizz.
9. Blow-Dry Upside Down
A great shortcut is to just flipping your head upside down while diffusing your hair. The reason this works is that your roots are automatically lifting off your scalp, which is how you want them to dry.
10. Sleep in a High Pineapple
Before going to bed, pull hair up into a high, loose pineapple (tight ones may create creases”> then secure it with a satin scrunchie. It’s super-useful for this overnight volume cheat—no heat required. Your hair will dry lifted off the scalp, so when you wake up and take it down, you’ll have instant-volume.
