Fine strands often receive a lot of flak in the hair world. In a similar way that curls and coils are always untamed and unruly, fine hair is always flat and limp. Not cool and not true. But, while thinner strands don’t always fall foul of a lifeless look, I have never met a thin-haired girly who doesn’t want volume. From what I can gather from my 13 years in the hair world, voluminous, bouncy-looking hair is something that everyone craves. So, I’ve gathered below five easy styles that work to volumise no matter your hair length…
Layers
Unless you have super fine, short hair, layers will do you good when it comes to creating volume. Yes, a blunt cut adds weight, but layers create movement, so speak with your stylist about how the style could work for you.
A high-top pixie
Thought the pixie was about cutting your hair down? Well, yes, but you can keep volume within the cut. A high top pixie doesn’t have to be that old school, hairsprayed-to-the-gods look; just keeping the bulk of the hair at the crown of your hair a bit longer will give you so much more to play with when creating volume.
A shag
Yes, the shag is making a comeback as predicted but, again not in a retro way. Essentially, think of a shag as a bold layers, and a soft shag is in between the two. Again, these layers give the illusion of thickness and volume thanks to increased movement.
Backcombing
Any hairstylist worth their salt will not recommend this as a hack to be used daily, as it can be so damaging long-term. But for quick and easy styling, you can’t beat a bit of gentle teasing.
Half up, half down
If you have a bit of length, this kind of style works for the illusion of volume through height. Make sure to secure your ponytail at the crown (diagonally from the top of your ears) and tease the hair in your hairband to create fullness.
Volumising hair products
Velcro rollers
“Velcro rollers add body, movement, and shine without frying your hair with constant heat,” explains Elliot Bute, stylist at Hershesons Fitzrovia, “Think of them as the final step after you blow-dry, a way to lock in shape and smoothness while you do your makeup or get dressed.”
Mousse
I promise mousse is not just for nannas, it’s an amazing way to lock in volume. Apply to wet hair and either diffuse dry for curly or wavy hair or use a round brush on straight hair types to increase lift.
Root-lifting spray
If you suffer from flat roots and fluffy ends, a root-lifting spray comes in very clutch for balancing out your volume. Spray on damp roots and dry upside-down for an instant oomph.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
