This one’s for the finer-haired amongst us. The ‘curled my hair seven minutes ago and it’s straight again’ crowd. The wash-it-every-day squad. Sure, some days we’re grateful for our finer hair (less time styling, less money spent on shampoo), but now and then, we’d like a little more volume. Back-combing brushes at the ready gang – here’s what to do to make your finer hair look (and feel) a little fuller.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 Cut back on products
We all love the idea of mousse. It smells great, it has good intentions, and it’s so damn fun to squeeze out, but fine hair-ers, put it down. Less is more when styling your locks. Wash your hair less frequently (every three days if you can), and don’t apply oil or serum to the scalp – greasy warning. If you’re desperate to hydrate your strands, apply only to ends, or massage olive oil into the scalp right before washing. Above all else (and without surprise I’m sure) invest in a really good dry shampoo, and spritz that baby dawn-dusk.
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2 Give it some TLC
Despite our efforts, all that curling and crimping tends to leave finer hair falling flat. Save your arms from the ache, and time spent cross-legged begging for curls to stay put – steer clear from the heated tools all together. The heat will damage your hair’s proteins and protective cuticles (that can cause strands to break and split ends to form). That goes for heat generally; hot showers can dehydrate the cuticles, as can your hair dryer. Switch to a microfiber towel that’s kinder on your locks and rough-dry by hand. Cooler showers and a cheaper electric bill – double whammy.
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3 Put the brush down (and pick up the comb)
Yep, ‘brushwork’ can make finer hair limp. If you really can't bear to leave your locks alone, brush through with a wide-tooth comb at the end of the day. Fine tooth combs are your friend, however. Rely on this one daily to tease hair from the root. Lift up sections of hair and comb backwards for extra height. A spritz of volume boosting spray (or that trusty dry shampoo) straight to the root will make for coarser, fuller hair, and help to lock it in place. Texturising powders are a good idea – sprinkle on the crown, rub in with the your fingers, and enjoy your newborn fuller locks.
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4 Choose your cut wisely
There’s only so much a whole can of Batiste and 75 hair grips can do. Sometimes, we’ve got to cut it. An overly layered chop can make hair appear thinner at the ends, so pixie style or blunt-edged bobs are good cuts to go for. If you’d like to keep the length without the lank, try changing up your part. Combing to one side with a tease just at the root is a no-fuss means to add volume quickly. A slightly angled lob will add body and shape, or go for a ruffled chop with textured ends (a little like Julianne Hough) for a style that’s easy to tousle.
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FAQs
How often should you wash fine hair for more volume?
Washing your hair less frequently, ideally every three days, can help hair appear fuller. Over-washing can make fine hair limp, while spacing out washes keeps strands looking fresher and maintains natural volume.
What styling products should you avoid if you have fine hair?
Skip heavy products like mousse and avoid applying oil or serum directly to the scalp. Too many products can weigh fine hair down, making it look flat and greasy. Hydrate only the ends or massage olive oil into the scalp just before washing if needed.
How can you add more volume to fine hair without heat tools?
Use a wide-tooth or fine-tooth comb to tease hair gently from the roots for extra height. Applying volume boosting spray or dry shampoo to the root area and using texturising powders can also give the appearance of coarser, fuller hair without heat damage.
What haircut makes fine hair look thicker?
Go for pixie cuts or blunt-edged bobs to create the illusion of thicker hair. Avoid overly layered cuts, as they can make the ends look thinner. Changing up your part or choosing a slightly angled lob also adds shape and fullness.
How can you prevent damage to fine hair when drying?
Use a microfiber towel and rough-dry your hair by hand rather than a hot hair dryer. Hot showers and high heat from styling tools can dehydrate cuticles and cause breakage, so sticking to lower temperatures helps protect fine hair.