How to Get Volume in Hair Naturally

Co-authored by Dedra Allen and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: June 11, 2024 Fact Checked

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We all have challenging hair days, but do you always struggle with flat or limp locks? It might be time to up the volume of your look! While there are tons of volumizing products for sale, you can actually create volume without heading to the store. Keep reading for all of the best ways to add volume to your hair naturally.

1

Change your part.

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Switching the side you part your hair on can provide immediate volume. If you always part your hair in the same spot, you probably notice that your hair just falls into place. Make a point of parting your hair on the opposite side or change the part in some way. Instead of going for a straight part, you could try a zig-zag. Adjusting your part gives instant volume since your hair isn't used to falling in that way.^{[1]
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- If you're feeling like you're losing volume throughout the day, just flip your hair over to the other side to get a quick volume boost.

2

Blow-dry your hair upside-down.

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Flipping your head upside-down helps gravity lift your hair for instant volume. This is a really simple but effective technique. Start with damp hair and flip your head upside-down. Blow-dry the hair near the base of your neck to add volume. Once your hair is almost completely dry, flip your hair back and finish styling.^{[2]
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- For extra volume with soft waves, use a barrel brush while you're drying.
- If you want more volume when you push your hair back, you'll want to blow dry it forward toward your face.

3

Use hair rollers.

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Rolling your damp hair can create a big, bouncy style. Work with your hair once it's about seventy-percent dry. Wrap a segment of hair around a roller and bring it close to your scalp. Roll up all of your hair and finish blow drying it. When you remove the rollers, run your fingers or a comb through your hair so it looks soft and full.^{[3]
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- You might prefer to put your hair in rollers and sleep in them. Then, when you wake up, you just have to remove the rollers and you're good to go!

4

Tease your hair.

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Teased hair won’t lay as flat on your scalp. Hold a section of your hair away from your scalp and brush back down to the roots. You only need to back brush 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) away from the scalp to create instant volume. Then, gently brush your fingers near your scalp to make the style look natural.^{[4]
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- If you're worried that you'll damage your hair by teasing it with a stiff hairbrush, try using a soft toothbrush! The gentle bristles will still add volume to your hair, but they're not harsh like some brushes.

5

Sleep with your hair pinned up.

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Putt your hair up while you sleep gives you lift in the morning. Clip your damp hair onto the top of your head. If you don't have a hair clip, you can put your hair into a bun on the top of your head and secure it with a scrunchie. Let your hair finish drying overnight. When you wake up, run your fingers through it. You'll notice you've got a lot more volume at the crown of your head!^{[5]
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- It's a good idea to put your hair up every night even when it's not damp. By putting it up, your head won't press your hair flat against your pillow while you sleep.

6

Try a curly or wavy hairstyle.

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Straight hair tends to look thinner than hair with texture. To give your hair the appearance of volume, use a curling iron or crimping tool to make your hair wavy or curly. If your hair has got this natural texture, don't bother straightening it. Instead, just let your hair air dry and rock your waves!^{[6]
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- If you prefer straight hair, try this trick: straighten your hair but go back with a crimping iron and crimp the hair near your scalp that's just under your part. It won't be visible, but it will create lift near the crown of your head.
- If you want body without the curls, curl your hair and then brush your hair with a boar-bristle brush. It will soften your look, but keep the volume in your hair.

7

Get a haircut that adds volume.

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Shorter hairstyles or bangs can give you immediate volume. Bangs can make your hair look fuller and strategic layers can add texture to limp hair. If you're feeling more ambitious, get a short cut so your hair isn't weighed down.^{[7]
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- Try a shaggy pixie cut or a textured bob for a low-maintenance style.

8

Massage your scalp.

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Massaging your scalp can actually help stimulate hair growth. Spend about 5 minutes rubbing your fingers along your scalp every day to encourage your hair to grow thicker. Keep in mind that it takes a few months to see results, but you can still enjoy this relaxing habit that can make your hair look thicker and fuller.^{[8]
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- Massaging your scalp can temporarily lift the hair near your roots. For extra staying power, spritz your fingertips with hairspray before you massage so you keep the volume for longer.

9

Choose volumizing hair products.

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Skip serums or oils that weigh down your hair. When you do wash, condition, or style, look for products that say "volumizing" on the label. If in doubt, reach for hair products designed for fine or thin hair since these will try to add volume. When you style, choose mousses and whips instead of creams or gels that are heavy on your hair.^{[9]
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- Even though you’re using great products for your hair, residue can build up, which weighs your hair down. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo once every week or two to completely remove product build-up.

10

Condition only the ends of your hair.

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Applying product to the tips won't weigh down your hair near the roots. You'll have a much harder time getting volume if your hair has a lot of product near the scalp. Since the ends of your hair tend to be dryer anyway, focus on them when you condition your hair.^{[10]
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- When it's time to rinse, use cold water. It does a better job of removing the conditioner and gives your hair a nice shine.^{[11]
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11

Eat a nutritious diet.

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Reach for foods that contain vitamins, minerals, and protein to support hair health. Your hair follicles need healthy food to grow strong. Try to eat a variety in your meals so you're including fresh produce, lean meats, and whole grain. These contain protein, vitamins, and minerals like zinc and iron.^{[12]
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- Although you may have seen advice that taking vitamin supplements can improve your hair’s health, this isn’t really supported by research. Eating a healthy diet is a better long-term strategy for keeping your hair happy and healthy!^{[13]
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