Whether it’s thick curls or fine, straight hair, we’ve all experienced flat, limp locks at one time or another. It could be the result of having gone one too many days between washes or struggled with a hairstyle that requires more volume. We could all use a little bit more volume and lift, no matter what type of hair we have. Luckily, there are several ways to make hair thicker and fuller. Pump up the volume on flat locks with tips and tricks for every step of your hair routine.
Get a haircut.
If your hair falls flat easily, consider going for a shorter ’do. It may sound counterintuitive, but a longer length can weigh hair down. Certain styles, like bobs, lobs and pixie cuts, will cleverly fake the appearance of more volume. A blunt cut—where hair is cut all one length—is another way to fake fullness. Consult with your hairstylist to see which would work best for you.
Go for a strategic hair colour.
“Colour helps add volume by creating dimension and the illusion of fuller hair,” says Brennen Demelo, L’Oréal Paris Canada Hair Artist & Expert. “It covers the hair strand, so it actually thickens the fibre, making your hair fuller.” Avoid getting one colour all over, which can make locks look one-dimensional and flat. Instead, ask your colourist for subtle highlights or balayage. For example, rather than sticking to a single chocolate-brown hue, go for varying shades of brown for rich colour and volume.
Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner.
Believe it or not, a fuller mane isn’t just about styling hair the right way; it’s also about making sure you’re using the right shampoo and conditioner. Use a system that helps promote volume and thickness and won’t weigh hair down, like L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Conditioner. The formula is sulphate-free and gentle on all hair types, including colour-treated hair.
Cheat with dry shampoo.
Bring limp locks back to life with a dry shampoo like L’Oréal Paris Magic Invisible Shampoo. It not only absorbs oil and sweat but also instantly refreshes your hair by adding volume, thanks to fine rice powder, which is a natural oil-absorbing ingredient. Shaking it first, spray it into your hair about 30 centimetres away from your roots and then massage it through your roots.
Give back-combing a try.
Another way to make hair look thicker is by backcombing, which is exactly what it sounds like: combing your hair backwards. And don’t worry—this won’t make you look like you’re rocking a retro bouffant from the ’60s. This styling trick actually helps create volume exactly where you need it. Lift sections of hair where you want more oomph. Spritz some dry shampoo or hairspray, like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray, to make sure the hair holds without any stiffness. Gently tease the hair back using a fine-tooth comb, and then spritz with hairspray to lock it in place.
Switch up your part.
An easy way to amp up volume is to switch your part. If you always part your hair the same way, it will eventually start lying flatter. If you like parting your hair in the centre, try switching to a side part. (A middle or centre part tends to make hair look flat.) If you already wear a side part, try styling it in the opposite direction. It will add volume to your hair in a cinch. To make sure that the new part stays put, add a spritz of hairspray.
Add texture.
Another hack for achieving a voluminous mane is to style your hair with a texturizing spray. Enlist the help of L’Oréal Paris Stylista #BeachWaves Texturizing Mist to get both volume and texture. Shake well and spritz on damp strands through the lengths. Then, gently scrunch with your fingers for body and a beachy wave. The silicone-free formula won’t weigh your hair down.
