Bottom line, girls with naturally fine hair usually wish it was thicker and girls with naturally thick hair usually wish it was finer. Sigh. But if you’re on the flat-fighting side and have had a major falling out with your hair recently because it’s too sleek, too fine, too lifeless, too URGH, take a deep breath and step away from the mirror (and razor?) for a minute.
While we can’t change the natural texture of your hair, we can give you some useful tips on how to make it look thicker than it really is. Some might see this as cheating. We like to call it essential information for flat-haired girls on the edge. From how to style it up(wards) to the sneaky snip tricks to ask for at the salon, read on to discover how easy it is to give fine hair a boost and why your natural texture is actually pretty cool.
The Cut
It’s amazing what clever illusions your hair stylist can create with a simple trim; “You want to try and keep as much of the weight as possible to create a full, voluminous look,” says Lauren Benjamin, head of NVQ education at Headmasters. “Ask for a style with a strong base line and clean, sharp edges.” Stay clear of layers: “Some people think that they give the impression of fuller hair but if they are too short, it’s hard to get volume into the blow dry meaning the hair will lie flatter,” Luke Benson, artistic director at D&J Ambrose says. On shorter ‘dos, he advises you should ask for lots of texture. “A finishing product like wax clay will then give the hair more height afterwards.”
Photo: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock.
The Tools
While they may seem old-fashioned, velcro rollers are actually brilliant for lifting up roots; “Blow-dry your hair in sections, without making any partings,” advises Lauren Benjamin. “Wrap each top section around the roller while the hair is still warm. Once it has completely cooled, the hair will set in its elevated position creating more volume when the roller is removed.” Try Boots Essentials Large Sleep Rollers £5.19
Every fine-haired girl should have a styling wand or tong close-by too. “Giving your hair a curl or wave adds width and movement, giving the appearance of thicker hair,” says Lauren. Try Cloud Nine The Waving Wand, £99.95, available at Harvey Nichols
The Colour
Similarly, your hair hue can easily trick people into thinking your hair is naturally thick. “Avoid all over-colour as this doesn’t show off any texture and can look flat,” explains Luke. “Darker panels or low lights will help to add dimension and depth to the hair,” says Jack Howard at Paul Edmonds and L’Oréal Professionnel UK colour spokesperson. “For those who prefer to stay blonde, ask your colourist to add some darker blonde tones throughout your hair for a multi-dimensional, thicker looking finish,” he adds. If you regularly colour your hair, treat it to a weekly hydrating hair mask as brittle ends can make fine hair look even thinner.
Photo: Lovekin/WWD/REX/Shutterstock.
The Products
Get your flat-hair kit in check. “Hair powders are perfect for adding volume at the root and a volumising spray is ideal for fine hair as it’s so light-weight,” says Jamie Stevens, celebrity hairdresser. “A hairspray helps to make volume last as long as possible.” But the secret weapon is dry shampoo – every girl’s best friend, fine hair or not. “The professional ones have moved on so much that they’re no longer just about covering greasy hair,” explains Luke Benson. “They leave a powdery foundation on the root that helps the blow dry last longer, preventing the hair from flattening, plus the gritty texture gives a fuller finish.” Try Unite Expanda Dust, £17.30, Redken Body Full Volume Amplifier, £17, TIGI Bed Head Full Of It Volume Finishing Spray, £14.50 and Colab Extreme Volume Dry Shampoo London £2.50.
The Blow Dry
Did you know that your blow dry starts as early as in the shower? “Try the "reverse shampoo", advises Luke. That means conditioning your hair first, then washing it. “It helps rough up the hair shaft leaving it with more volume, with the added benefit of having been conditioned.” Then once you’ve applied the necessary products, the hard work is down to your blow dry technique. “Take a section of hair and as you dry, pull it directly up at a 90 degree angle from the head, using a large round brush,” explains Jamie. “Roll the brush down from the ends towards your roots, hold it there then blast with cool air before unwrapping and leaving it to cool. Do that all over and the volume will stay at the root because of how you’ve lifted your hair as you’ve dried it.”
Photo: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
7 Weave Ponytails That Don’t Require A Flat Iron