Build Volume and Body Into Fine, Thin Hair |
You're not alone. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to bring out the best in your fine hair.
This page will lay out a plan of action, detailing the steps to thicken, lift and pump up the volume on your lackluster locks.
Cleansing and Conditioning - Using the right products is essential for thickening hair! Make sure you've got products formulated for fine hair.
Hairstyle - Check out these great online galleries for "fine friendly" hair styles. Have your hair cut to an appropriate length -- in terms of volume, above the shoulder is generally best for fine hair (but not absolutely necessary). Layering and razor cutting are great for reducing any extra weight on the hair.
Daily Care Considerations - To avoid breakage...
- Be gentle when combing out tangles
- Refrain from excessive heat styling, and...
- Don't comb or brush your hair when it is sticky with dried in products like gel or hairspray--just wash it out
A great trick that actually does thicken the hair is color.
This section will cover the techniques for blow-drying lasting volume into your hair. For even more voluptuous locks, and thicker, fuller looking hair try a roller set.
PRE-DRY PRODUCT CHOICES
- Volumizing Cream or Gel
- Spray Gel
- Mousse
- Thickening Cream
TOOLS
- Blow Dryer (best with Nozzle attached)
- Thermal Round Brush (metal or ceramic barrel) small to medium
- Blowbrush
- Clips
TECHNIQUES
Encouraging volume in your hair starts right from combing! Comb gently from ends to roots to remove tangles first. Lift all top sections (above the temples) 90° from the scalp as you comb. Apply your chosen product taking care to get it underneath those top sections and through to the ends.
Partially dry the hair, using a medium airflow and low to medium heat.
Overheating fine hair can blast any potential for shape or volume right out of it. NOT conducive to our mission of thickening hair.
Direct sections straight upwards or backwards from the roots as you roughdry. Build that volume right from the scalp.
Section the hair into 3 parts, beginning with the top section, which should be 1 - 2 inches wide all the way around your part. The middle section should start at the temples and follow the shape of the head. Voila 3 sections, just like that. Now grab your brush and blow dryer and look out World...It's time for thickening hair!!
Anchor the brush into the root of a piece from the bottom section. Direct the airflow of the blow dryer down along the hair strand, following the brush as you smooth it along the section.
If you want some curl or bend in the ends, wind the brush up so the hair wraps around the barrel. First apply heat, then completely cool the section with your cool shot before removing the brush. If you're using a blow brush, just leave the piece undisturbed until it cools on it's own.
If you're after straight ends, you'll want to use a medium or large barrel brush and be sure the ends of the hair don't wrap around the brush at all. Direct the airflow straight out along the hair strand, first hot air, then cool.
To flick the ends out, dry the root section first, lifting from underneath and drying two-thirds of the hair strand. (Getting that volume dried in there is crucial) Then, place the brush on the upper side of the hair, wrapping the ends upwards around the barrel. Direct the airflow up from underneath the section, using medium to high heat. To give the flip extra strength, be sure to cool the section before removing the brush. The amount of flip you achieve will depend upon the size of your brush and how far you wind the ends up in it.
The middle and top sections are what I refer to as the Volume Zone. In these areas, it is always necessary to pull each section of hair up at least 90° from the scalp, right from the root, when drying. Anchor the brush in with some tension and direct the airflow at the barrel of the brush and away from the scalp. Keep the brush and blow dryer moving together until the section is dry.
Working with small sections is key if you want to create volume, this is most important in the top sections.
Scoop the root section up one last time, severely over directing (pulling it back on itself). Give the root a blast of hot air, then a blast of cold before pulling the brush through to the ends.
FINISHING
The finishing product(s) you choose will depend upon the texture of your hair and the style you want to achieve. Don't sabotage all the volume you've created by smothering your hair in heavy products like clays or waxes.
**VITAL VOLUME TIP**
For a very textured look, rake in a light putty or a very light wax. Not pomade, which has no hold and is more for smoothing than for texturizing or thickening hair. You want a product with a tacky or sticky quality and it's a lot easier to achieve texture if you've got a good hairstylist who can slice, razor, or point cut the ends of your hair for some movement and definition. Get the product underneath and squeeze the ends, even twist them slightly to break up the hair, creating peaks of texture.
If you're after a smoother, more conservative look, try a liquid silicone polisher or spray, or a light pomade. Be sure to completely coat your hands in a thin layer of the product and lightly smooth it over the surface of your hair, around your hairline, anywhere there's a bit of frizz or dryness. While these products won't do much for thickening hair, they will add shine and a bit of definition.
Use an aerosol hairspray as it will dry quickly and is fairly light so it won't weigh down fine hair. Just a quick spray all over will work to hold a finished style. If you feel the need for more volume, lift the top sections of your hair and give a quick spray underneath at the root. This will add to the appearance of thicker hair. Just be sure to smooth the ends of the piece down again to maintain the shape of your style.
If you follow these steps, thickening hair will be easy! Fullness will abound! It is possible!
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