Whether you were born with it or are just experiencing post-age-50 thinning, limp and flat hair can be a challenge to work with. As anyone who’s walked out of the house on a bad hair day will tell you, hair is just about your most important feature, beauty-wise. But with the right products and the right tricks, you can learn how to take thin hair to thick and fabulous. Check out these fast and easy tips for adding volume.
just say no
A common flat hair myth is that if you want to create volume, a head full of thick hair is just a handful of styling gel away. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Avoid using mousse and styling gels if you have thin hair. They only weigh locks down and make hair look dirty. If you do want to use a product to create a fuller look, try Serge Normant Dream Big Instant Volumizing Spray. It’s a fast-dry spray that can fix flat hair in just a few spritzes.
Serge Normant Dream Big Instant Volumizing Spray, Nordstrom.com, $25
stay dry
Wash your hair often. Just like your thick-haired counterparts, the drier your hair is, the thicker it is. Oil buildup on your scalp only weighs down hair, making it look dirty and thinner than it is. Avoid using conditioner on your roots when you shower, as that will only speed up oil production.
heavy metal
If you comb your hair every day, and chances are you do, do not use a plastic comb on thin, dry hair. Use a metal comb to avoid causing static. Metal is conductive, whereas a plastic comb isn’t—think positive-charged electrons. Check out Chicago Comb’s Model No. 3 Mirror Comb for a high-quality metal comb that’s worth the investment.
Chicago Comb Model No. 3 Mirror Comb, Etsy.com, $37
Blow dry your hair upside down. It will lift your locks from your scalp, and just a spritz of hairspray afterward will give your hair the body you desire. Just remember to hold your head upside down for at least 30 seconds to let the spray settle.
ponytail to the rescue
When in doubt, throw your hair in a ponytail. Thin hair looks great in a sleek ponytail, and nobody will be the wiser if you’re having a bad hair day. Whether your hair is long or short, you’ll never have to worry about breaking the hair tie or getting your hair to stay in place—the envy of all thick-haired women.