Big Hair: How to Get It

Big hair is something that never really goes away “ just when you think that you can’t stand the sight of your flat iron anymore, we start seeing bouncy, goddess-worthy locks on the runway again. Unfortunately, for those of us less-than-blessed in the hair department, it isn’t always easy to get. If your mane’s been looking a little flat, just try one of these tricks to pump up the volume.

1. Suds up with the right stuff.

If your hair is naturally fine and flat, use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to help add bulk. Keep conditioner away from your roots and rinse everything out for at least 30 seconds to keep product build-up from weighing you down. If you use a lot of product in your hair, you may also want to use a clarifying shampoo once a week to start with a clean slate.

2. Be generous with hair products.

Root thickening or volumizing products seem counter-intuitive, but they really do work to provide structure to the hair on top. Just follow instructions to make sure you’re using the right amount of product. Follow up with a body-enhancing mousse for the rest of your hair.

3. Add some heat.

Blow-drying helps let volumizing products do their job. Start by blow-drying with your fingers and flipping your head over to dry the bottom layers of your hair. Give the roots some extra lift by wrapping the hair at the crown of your head around a round brush. And change your part frequently as you dry so that you’re not smoothing down the hair at the part.

4. Don’t let your hard work go to waste.

Finish off with a flexible hold hair spray to keep your style from falling flat.

5. Need a second-day lift?

If your unwashed hair needs a volume boost, change your part and add some dry shampoo powder (it kills two birds with one stone by soaking up excess oil and adding some texture to slick roots).

6. Don’t write off teasing.

If your hair just refuses to perk up, backcomb hair with a fine-tooth comb and set it with hairspray. It may look crazy at first, but it always deflates within a few minutes for a more natural look. Gently brush over the top layers for a slightly messy, but fuller-looking ‘do.

Image Credit: Demis Maryannakis / Splash News