There are many professionals to having positive or skinny hair (blowouts that take much less time than an episode of a sitcom, not least amongst them). However in case you’re trying to obtain massive horny hair—and even medium horny hair—skinny strands can really feel like an impediment.
Thankfully, there are many methods to spice up positive, flat hair or to create the phantasm of extra sturdy tresses. We requested professional hairstylists Min Kim and Justine Marjan for his or her greatest suggestions and tips for doing simply that (and added a couple of others we have realized over time). Learn on for 20 methods so as to add quantity to positive, flat strands.
Meet the Skilled
- Min Kim is an expert hairstylist, superstar colorist, and L’Oréal Professionnel world ambassador.
- Justine Marjan is a celeb hairstylist and Nice Lengths ambassador.
01
of 20
Minimize Your Hair
The longer skinny, positive hair will get, the flatter it lays—however the shorter it’s, the extra physique it’s going to have. “The very best haircuts for flat, positive hair are normally shorter types that add quantity and motion,” says Kim.
Marjan suggests blunt brief cuts (“The hair can help extra quantity with this size,” she says), whereas Kim advises usually holding issues above the collarbone: “Pixie cuts, bobs, one-length haircuts with inner texture, or layered hairstyles can create the phantasm of thicker hair and supply a fuller look,” she says.
02
of 20
Strategy Size Rigorously
Kim recommends avoiding “hairstyles which can be too lengthy or lack form” or do not contour your face. “These can overwhelm positive hair, making it seem even flatter and missing quantity.”
However in case you’re dedicated to the inches, there is a approach to make it work. “Usually, lengthy hair needs to be prevented because the ends can look sparse,” says Marjan. However with extensions or keratin suggestions, “lengthy hair is unquestionably achievable for flat, positive hair,” she says.
03
of 20
Get Inventive With Extensions
You might learn extensions and instantly consider Girl Godiva-worthy lengths, however Marjan truly recommends “including in a couple of Nice Lengths Tape-In Extensions to a brief minimize with positive hair, to offer a little bit extra of an outlined line to the blunt end and so as to add extra density.”
Whether or not brief or lengthy, Marjan recommends discovering a professional on your set up, sharing footage of what you want (and what you do not), and contemplating your life-style since extensions require upkeep. “With this in thoughts, your stylist ought to be capable of information you in making a customized hair extension software that works along with your distinctive hair sort and options,” she says.
04
of 20
Be Strategic With Layers
To layer, or to not layer—that’s the query (for these with positive strands). Whereas standard data has lengthy held that slight strands ought to keep away from them, our consultants say layers generally is a strong transfer—however err on the conservative aspect.
“Layers generally is a nice choice for flat, positive hair,” says Kim. “Strategic layering provides texture, depth, and motion to the hair, making it look fuller. Nonetheless, it is vital to keep away from extreme layering. [This] can result in thinning and additional flatten the hair.” Marjan concurs: “I recommend avoiding overly layered haircuts as there would not are usually sufficient density to help the layers,” she says. “As an alternative, go for refined face framing and a blunt end via the again.”
05
of 20
Strive Highlights or Lowlights…
Some hair coloration strategies can even enable you pump up the quantity; name it an optical phantasm. “Highlights or lowlights can add dimension and texture and create the phantasm of thicker hair for these with positive hair,” says Kim.
06
of 20
… Or Contemplate Balayage
Equally, balayage strategies are additionally value making an attempt out, as they’ll “present a natural-looking mix and provides the looks of fuller locks,” in keeping with Kim.
07
of 20
Go for Volumizing Shampoos and Conditioners
This one might sound a bit apparent, however when you’ve got positive, flat hair, shampoos and conditioners formulated for volumizing and thickening are your greatest mates. “Search for volumizing or thickening shampoos and conditioners, in addition to styling merchandise which can be light-weight and will not overwhelm the hair,” Kim tells us.
08
of 20
Keep Away From Moisturizing Formulation
We have all been in a pinch and had to make use of no matter shampoo or conditioner was within the bathe that day. But when it is a product formulated to moisturize thicker or coarser hair, it in all probability is not appropriate on your strands. “Keep away from heavy, moisturizing formulation, as they’ll make the hair seem greasy and flat,” says Kim.
09
of 20
Shampoo and Situation the Proper Means
In case your hair is okay or skinny, you need to in all probability suds up about each different day, “as oil and particles will overwhelm the hair and make it look flat and greasy,” trichologist Michelle Blaisure informed us. And relating to the conditioner, keep away from your scalp and maintain the product to the ends of your hair.
10
of 20
Spend money on the Appropriate Styling Merchandise
What you add to your hair exterior the bathe issues, too. “For a quantity enhance, folks with positive, flat hair ought to hunt down light-weight mousses, root-lifting sprays, or volumizing sprays,” Kim tells us. “These merchandise can add texture, carry, and maintain with out weighing down the hair.”
11
of 20
Revisit Mousse
Talking of mousse: In case you simply heard the crunch of ’90s hair once you learn the phrase, know that these days are over. “Gone are the times of mousse being stiff and drying,” superstar hairstylist Tommy Buckett informed us. “The brand new wave of mousse merchandise can combat humidity, give hair shine and definition, and even present warmth protection.”
“Mousse software will be achieved on towel-dried hair or when the moisture has been blown out of the hair,” Kim beforehand shared. “At what stage mousse will be utilized relies on the specified end result, size of hair, present high quality/well being of the hair, and the look you are going for.”
12
of 20
Contemplate Air Drying
“Air drying is mostly a very good choice for positive, flat hair to stop extreme warmth harm and keep pure texture,” says Kim. When air drying, trichologist Rochelle Hunter Moseley recommends utilizing much less product and holding it away from the roots to keep away from weighing down your hair.
13
of 20
Create Physique With a Salt Spray
Sea salt spray is an effective way to deliver out your pure texture when air drying. “Salt sprays can present texture and create a beachy, tousled search for positive, flat hair,” explains Kim. “They add quantity and texture to the hair, making styling simpler and giving the looks of thicker strands.” Do not have one available? Whip up one at residence with this recipe.
14
of 20
Blow-Dry for a Sleeker Look…
That stated, blow-drying is a greater choice in case you’re searching for sleeker outcomes. “I all the time suppose blow drying will give extra of a elegant end to the hair, particularly as a result of you may work in styling merchandise which can assist plump up hair strands,” says Marjan.
15
of 20
… and a Quantity Enhance
When blow-drying with quantity because the aim, your strategies and instruments shall be essential. “In case you’re aiming for extra quantity and carry, blow-drying with a spherical brush can assist create a fuller look,” says Kim.
By way of product, Marjan loves “the ghd Helios Dryer ($279) and a Mason Pearson brush for brief, blunt cuts, and the ghd Duet Fashion ($400) for glossy, polished outcomes.” She’s additionally a fan of two merchandise we have already talked about: “I like a sea salt spray to offer a little bit help to the hair and a light-weight mousse on the roots, like Tresemme Further Maintain Mousse ($8),” she says.
16
of 20
Make Use of Scorching Rollers
In case you’re searching for a Farrah Fawcett second, rollers are additionally an choice. “I like to recommend utilizing scorching rollers on positive hair to set the form and create lasting quantity, in addition to velcro rollers as a result of they supply a mild grip with out the necessity for added pins or clips,” says Kim. “Each curler choices can add physique, texture, and definition to positive hair sorts.”
17
of 20
Get Acquainted With Dry Shampoo
At the moment’s dry shampoos are miracle staff for including quantity to hair that is too slick, too comfortable, or too oily. Simply spritz or sprinkle dry shampoo alongside your hairline, let it dry, then brush it out. Not solely does it purchase you a day or two between washings, however it additionally soaks up oils and provides physique.
18
of 20
Rinse With Apple Cider Vinegar
In case you use hairspray, styling gel, or mousse commonly, your hair may expertise some product build-up. Product build-up poses a novel downside for positive hair as a result of it weighs down strands that already lack physique. To banish it, attempt an apple cider vinegar rinse each different week. The vinegar can assist break down residue and add physique.
19
of 20
Tease For a Enhance
A (conservative) teasing second can also be an effective way to pump up your quantity. “Teasing can add quantity to positive hair, however it needs to be achieved sparingly to keep away from harm,” says Kim. “Use a fine-tooth comb and gently backcomb the hair on the roots, specializing in particular areas the place the additional carry is desired. Keep in mind to make use of hairspray to set the teased sections in place.”
20
of 20
Contemplate Your Styling Choices
In case you’re studying this text searching for an instantaneous plump-up, you’ve gotten choices that do not require a blow dryer or shears. Spritz some texturizing spray and pull your hair right into a bun, add top with a aspect half, or whip up two French braids for a fast flat hair repair.
