18 Flat Hair Fixes That Add Volume To Fine Hair - Byrdie

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20 Ways to Add Volume and Body to Hair, According to Stylists By Eden Stuart Eden Stuart Eden Stuart is an editor at Byrdie. She covers all beauty and wellness topics, with a special emphasis on makeup, skincare, and haircare. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines and Julyne Derrick Julyne Derrick Julyne Derrick is a contributing writer for Byrdie specializing in haircare. She has over a decade's worth of experience as a writer and editor. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 28, 2025 05:16PM Reviewed by Sky Kim Reviewed by Sky Kim Sky Kim is a hairstylist with over a decade of experience. She currently works at Serge Normant at John Frieda in New York City. About Byrdie's Beauty & Wellness Board Hairstylist

Each hair type comes with its own set of concerns. While those with thick strands may want to achieve definition, those with thin hair may seek more volume. There are plenty of ways to add body to flat strands—from using the appropriate products to finding the right drying technique for you. We’ve reached out to three hairstylists, as well as a trichologist, for their best tips on adding more body to hair. Keep reading for our list of 20 recommendations to boost volume on thin or flat strands—from expert-recommended haircuts and styling techniques to hair product and tool suggestions.

Meet the Experts

• Min Kim is a hairstylist, a colorist specialized in balayage, and a global ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel. She is part of the team of hair colorists at Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City.
• Justine Marjan is a celebrity hairstylist as well as a GHD ambassador and a global stylist for Tresemmé and Fenty Hair.
• Tommy Buckett is a celebrity hairstylist who specializes in editorial, advertising, runway, and red carpet events.
• Michelle Blaisure is a certified trichologist for BosleyMD Professional Strength. She is a product and technical specialist who oversees educational programs that focus on fine, thinning hair, and hair loss.

01 of 20

Use Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner

There is a reason why volumizing shampoo and conditioner exist. They can be a game changer in helping you add more body to your hair. "Look for volumizing or thickening shampoos and conditioners, as well as styling products that are lightweight and won't weigh down the hair," says hairstylist, Min Kim. Try using Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo and Ouai Fine Hair Conditioner.

02 of 20

Make Small Changes to your Wash Routine

• Wash your hair every other day. If you have fine or thin hair, it is recommended you wash it about every other day to avoid your strands from being weighed down. "Oil and debris will weigh down the hair and make it look flat and greasy," says trichologist Michelle Blaisure.
• Don't put conditioner on your scalp. When it comes to conditioner, avoid your scalp and keep your product to the ends of your hair to avoid weighing it down.

03 of 20

Avoid Moisturizing Formulas

Try to prioritize products made for thin or fine hair. Moisturizing formulas are often made for thick or coarse hair, which can lead to heavy and flat strands if it isn't your hair type. "Avoid heavy, moisturizing formulas, as they can make the hair appear greasy and flat," says Kim.

04 of 20

Remove Product Build-Up

If you use hair styling products, you may have product build-up. This can weigh down strands, especially if you have fine or thin hair. Try doing an apple cider vinegar rinse every other week to help break down residue and enhance body. You may also use a clarifying shampoo. We recommend trying Shu Uemura Gentle Radiance Clarifying Shampoo.

05 of 20

Invest in the Right Styling Products

The styling products you use can truly change the amount of volume in your hair. "For a volume boost, people with fine, flat hair should seek out lightweight mousses, root-lifting sprays, or volumizing sprays," recommends Kim. "These products can add texture, lift, and hold without weighing down the hair." More on that below.

06 of 20

Try a Mousse

The right mousse can help enhance body on thin or flat hair. "Gone are the days of mousse being stiff and drying," says celebrity hair stylist, Tommy Buckett. "The new wave of mousse products can fight humidity, give hair shine and definition, and even provide heat defense." Try using Aveda Phomollient™ Styling Foam or Joico Power Whip Whipped Foam.

How to apply mousse. "Mousse application can be done on towel-dried hair or when the moisture has been blown out of the hair," says Kim. "At what stage mousse can be applied depends on the desired result, length of hair, current quality/health of the hair, and the look you're going for."

07 of 20

Use a Salt Spray

Sea salt spray is a great way to bring out your natural texture when air-drying. "Salt sprays can provide texture and create a beachy, tousled look for fine, flat hair," says Kim. "They add volume and texture to the hair, making styling easier and giving the appearance of thicker strands." Try an at-home salt spray recipe or an already formulated option such as Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray.

08 of 20

Air-Dry Your Hair

"Air-drying is generally a good option for fine, flat hair to prevent excessive heat damage and maintain natural texture," says Kim.

• Use hair clips. When air-drying, Moseley recommends using less product and keeping it away from the roots in order to avoid weighing your hair down. You may use hair clips for your hair to set while drying and help you achieve more volume.
• Braid your hair. This can be a good option to achieve lasting beach waves and more body. Braid your hair after showering and leave them to dry overnight if necessary.

09 of 20

Blow-Dry for a Sleek Finish

You don't have to stop using your hair dryer entirely. In some instances, it can help you achieve a sleeker result. "I always think blow drying will give more of a polished finish to the hair, especially because you can work in styling products which can help plump up hair strands," says celebrity hair stylist, Justine Marjan.

10 of 20

Blow-Dry for More Volume

If your goal is more volume, blow-drying your hair can help you get there. The tools and techniques you use can make a difference.

• Use a round brush. "If you're aiming for more volume and lift, blow-drying with a round brush can help create a fuller appearance," says Kim.
• Blow-dry your hair upside down. This technique can help you boost volume and add more natural body to your hair once dry.

Expert-recommended tools and products

Marjan loves using "the ghd Helios Dryer and a Mason Pearson brush for short, blunt cuts, and the ghd Duet Style for sleek, polished results." She also mentions her go-to products. "I love a sea salt spray to give a little support to the hair and a lightweight mousse at the roots, like Tresemme Extra Hold Mousse," she says.

11 of 20

Try Hair Rollers

If you're looking to add more volume or recreate fluffy hair à la Farrah Fawcett, experts recommend trying rollers. "I recommend using hot rollers on fine hair to set the shape and create lasting volume, as well as velcro rollers because they provide a gentle grip without the need for additional pins or clips," says Kim. "Both roller options can add body, texture, and definition to fine hair types."

12 of 20

Tease Your Hair

Although teasing your hair should only be done occasionally in order to preserve hair health, it can be a good option to boost volume. "Teasing can add volume to fine hair, but it should be done sparingly to avoid damage," says Kim. "Use a fine-tooth comb and gently backcomb the hair at the roots, focusing on specific areas where the extra lift is desired. Remember to use hairspray to set the teased sections in place."

13 of 20

Use Dry Shampoo Between Wash Days

Using dry shampoo can be an effective way to add volume to hair that is slicker or oilier than you'd like. Spritz product along your hairline before letting it dry and brushing it out. Not only does it delay wash day but it also soaks up oil and adds more body to the hair. Try using Dae Hair Fairy Duster Dry Shampoo or Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo.

14 of 20

Explore Different Styling Options

Try not to discount the power of a different hairstyle. Although a blowout may be an obvious choice for more body and volume, some styles don't require hot tools or a haircut. Spritz some texturizing spray and pull your hair into a bun, or braid your hair into two French braids for a quick, flat hair fix. You may also want to consider changing the way you part your hair to add more body to your overall look.

15 of 20

Cut Your Hair Short

The shorter the hair, the more body it will have. "The best haircuts for flat, fine hair are usually shorter styles that add volume and movement," says Kim. Marjan suggests opting for a blunt short cut. "The hair can support more volume with this length," she says. Kim recommends haircuts that stop above the collarbone. "Pixie cuts, bobs, one-length haircuts with internal texture, or layered hairstyles can create the illusion of thicker hair and provide a fuller look," she says.

16 of 20

Consider Getting Subtle Layers

Experts say layers can be a good option to consider for those with fine strands—in this case, very few layers will do the trick. "Layers can be a great option for flat, fine hair," says Kim. "Strategic layering adds texture, depth, and movement to the hair, making it look fuller. However, it's important to avoid excessive layering. [This] can lead to thinning and further flatten the hair."

Marjan agrees. "I suggest avoiding overly layered haircuts as there doesn't tend to be enough density to support the layers," she says. "Instead, opt for subtle face framing and a blunt finish through the back."

17 of 20

Avoid Longer Strands

Kim recommends avoiding "hairstyles that are too long or lack shape" or don't contour your face. "These can weigh down fine hair, making it appear even flatter and lacking volume."

If you're committed to length, there are ways to make it work on thinner strands. "Generally, long hair should be avoided as the ends can look sparse," says Marjan. But with extensions or keratin tips, "long hair is definitely achievable for flat, fine hair."

18 of 20

Try Hair Extensions

Hair extensions can help add more length but they can also help you achieve more density. "Adding in a few Great Lengths Tape-In Extensions to a short cut with fine hair, to give a little more of a defined line to the blunt finish and to add more density," says Marjan.

She recommends going to a professional to install hair extensions. Bring pictures for inspiration and keep in mind that extensions require some maintenance. "With this in mind, your stylist should be able to guide you in creating a custom hair extension application that works with your unique hair type and features," Marjan says.

19 of 20

Try Highlights or Lowlights

Some hair coloring techniques can help you enhance volume—especially those that add touches of color throughout your strands. "Highlights or lowlights can add dimension and texture and create the illusion of thicker hair for those with fine hair," says Kim.

20 of 20

Consider Getting a Balayage

Similarly, a balayage is a coloring technique to consider to "provide a natural-looking blend and give the appearance of fuller locks," according to Kim.

Read more:

• Hair
• Hair Type
• Thin & Fine Hair

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