Thick, voluminous hair is the stuff beauty dreams are made of, but for so many of us, adding volume and fullness can be a struggle. But luckily, we have the scoop on how to make your hair look thicker with just a few simple hacks.
Shampoo Matters
Believe it or not, the shampoo you choose really does matter. If you want to add volume and thickness to your hair, choose a formula that promises to do just that.
Our Pick: Living Proof Full Shampoo ($34, shop here)
Switch Up Your Part
While they’re super in right now, middle parts will always make your hair appear flatter; flipping that part to the side (millennials rejoice!) can give hair an instant boost.
Careful With the Conditioner
Ensure your conditioner only touches the mid-lengths of your hair down to the ends. Applying conditioner to the roots will weigh hair down. Another way to avoid this is to opt for a lightweight formula to get all the benefits of a conditioner without sacrificing volume.
Our Pick: Nexxus Hydra-Light Conditioner ($16, shop here)
Think About Low Lights
Low lights are darker ribbons of color that add depth and dimension, giving the illusion of a thicker mane. If you’ve been considering changing up your ’do, this may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Use Mousse
Applying mousse to damp hair can help your hair appear thicker after you dry and style. Comb through the mid-lengths so it’s evenly dispersed to avoid excessive crunchy spots.
Our Pick: Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam ($15, shop here)
Incorporate a Thickening Hair Paste
If mousse isn’t your dream product, a thickening hair paste goes on like a pomade to create a thicker, fuller look. We love that it doesn’t make your hair look or feel crunchy.
Our Pick: L’Oreal Professional Architexture Matte Defining Paste ($31, shop here)
Let Big Rollers Do the Job
Big rollers are the perfect option if you’re looking for a heat-free way to get the look of a blowout. And the best part? You don’t even have to bother with your whole head. Simply roll the front pieces to keep your hair out of your face and give the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.
Our Pick: Selizo Jumbo Rollers ($13.99, shop here)
Chop It Off
Don’t freak out! We don’t mean all of it, but some haircuts are designed with thin strands in mind. Talk to your stylist about the best cut for your locks to maximize volume.
Just Teasing
Teasing or combing back hair is an age-old technique for giving yourself thick roots. Divide the crown of your hair into strips, and hold each firmly as you backcomb the underside in about three strokes. Afterward, smooth out and style as usual.
Blow Up
Ensure you’re blow drying your hair upward, meaning the airflow is underneath the roots versus blowing down on top of the head.
Incorporate Dry Sprays
Dry shampoo and dry texturizing spray are game changers that refresh hair and give it instant body. Simply lift small sections of dry hair, spritz the product, then tousle the roots so the product doesn’t just sit in one spot. Then, style as usual.
Our Picks:
Batiste Volumizing Dry Shampoo ($12.35, shop here)
Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Boost Volumizing Spray ($20, shop here)