After each section is dry, “roll the hair up and secure with a duck clip or Velcro roller,” she says. Make sure to roll from the ends up to the roots. “Let the hair cool in that lifted shape to lock in volume.”
In a pinch at home, you can also use a blow dryer brush if you’re not as comfortable with the hair dryer-and-round-brush combination.
Ibiza Hair Round Boar-Bristle Brush (B Series)
Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb & Blow-Dryer Brush
If you want to use any styling products, Ocando first recommends a root lifter. “Because root lifter can dry quickly and cause stiffness if not styled fast enough, apply section by section until you’re comfortable,” she says. “Finish with a texture spray and light hairspray.”
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
John Frieda Volume Lift Hairspray
An extra tip: Use your hair dryer with a nozzle attachment, recommends Boozer, as it “directs air precisely for better root lift.”
Get a haircut.
It may seem counterintuitive, but long hair can sometimes look flatter and less voluminous than short hair. “Shorter haircuts naturally appear fuller, especially when layered properly,” says Boozer. Thin or fine hair that’s also long can look stringy, but if you’re willing to part with your long locks, then shorter cuts (or at least some strategically-placed layers) will be a game-changer for you.
“Shags can add more volume by releasing the weight at the top,” says Dueñas. The choppy, layered hairstyle gives a messy, undone look that has tons of movement and delivers natural-looking volume.
If you want to keep your hair long, Boozer has a trick: “Cut subtle, shorter layers at the crown (almost like a hidden under layer),” she says. “These shorter pieces act like a kickstand, lifting the longer hair above them for built-in volume without adding frizz or flyaways.” Genius!
Though layers are a great way to give movement and volume to your blowout, you may be wondering where to start. “There’s a wide range of haircuts that can complement your texture and length, so if you’re looking to elevate your next haircut, I always suggest bringing inspiration photos to your stylist,” says Ocando.
Invest in styling products.
With so many volumizing styling products out there, these will make a real difference in your blowout. “Apply a lightweight volumizing mousse like the Dippity-Do Girls with Curls Curl Enhancing Mousse or a root-lifting spray to the crown and mid-lengths of your hair,” advises Boozer. The most important part: “Avoid heavy products that can weigh hair down,” she adds, as this is what causes hair to fall flat in the first place. You want to find a product that adds body without weight.
When applying a root-lifting spray, “target the roots and create lift right where you need it,” she suggests.
You can also buy texture or volume powder: “These powders add instant grip and lift at the roots, making them great for reviving day-two hair,” Boozer adds.
Of course, hairspray and texturizing spray are must-haves as well. If you already use them and feel like they’re not doing enough, try spritzing them on wet hair at the roots, Dueñas advises. Doing this will “give tons of volume and a light, workable texture,” he adds. “You won’t feel it when your hair is dry, but you will see the volume.”
Nexxus Root Lift Thickening Spray Unbreakable Care
Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25
Best for Fine Hair: SexyHair Big Powder Play Volumizing and Texturizing Powder
Sexy Hair Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray
Try a volumizing shampoo and conditioner.
When washing your hair, “use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner if possible,” says Boozer.
