Fake a fuller look with these foolproof volume-building tricks. Here’s how to cheat your way to more voluminous hair:
* CHANGE YOUR PARTChances are, you have a favourite place to part your hair. It’s where your hair likes to fall naturally (somewhere in the middle or off-centre), or on the side closest to it. Problem is, that’s also where your hair lies the flattest, and you’re training it to stay that way. Flipping your part to the opposite side creates instant volume at the crown; if you’re worried about looking lopsided, then do it while your hair is still wet. To build the most height, try a deep side part on the opposite side in dry hair, misting lightly with hairspray to hold.
* BACK-BRUSH IT Teasing has a bad rep. So don’t tease, but pin up the uppermost layer of the hair and then back-brush the rest, working section by section. Holding each section taut and away from the head, brush in a downward motion at the roots in three quick strokes. To make the volume last, spray each back-brushed area with hairspray. Once you’ve completed all the sections, let down the rest of the hair, leaving it smooth.
* BLOW-DRY UPSIDE DOWN Haven’t perfected your blow-dry technique? No worries — the best shortcut to a voluminous blowout is just flipping your head upside down. The reason this works is because of upside down, your roots are automatically lifting off your scalp, which is how you want them to dry.
* BOOST YOUR ROOTS Root-boosting products are your friends. Think of them as the scaffolding to your hairstyle. They provide structure and support for any lift you manually create near the roots, helping your style last all day (or even several days). Look for a product specifically designed for fine hair, so it won’t weigh you down, and apply it all over the head, right at the scalp. Make sure you use it on damp hair — root-boosters won’t work once hair is dried. And don’t be afraid to layer your volume-building products, adding mousse and/or blow-dry spray through the lengths.
* PUT IN HOT ROLLERSEverybody forgets about hot rollers. But hot rollers are awesome! Unlike curling irons and flat irons, there’s no special technique required; just throw them in while you’re doing your makeup and 20 minutes later, you’ll have sweet volume. This is a great trick if your hair is already dry and it’s too late to build volume into your blow-dry. All you need to do is choose which direction you want your waves. Rolling away from the face gives you glam Hollywood waves, while towards the face creates a more vintage effect. To make your volume last, mist each section with hairspray before rolling, and let the rollers cool completely before taking out. Then brush out and shape your waves for a soft, modern look.