3 Easy Ways To Prevent Flat Hair - WikiHow

Home » How To Fix Flat Hair » 3 Easy Ways To Prevent Flat Hair - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Prevent Flat Hair Co-authored by Sarah Kosakowski

Last Updated: February 5, 2026 References

  • Drying and Styling Your Hair
    • |
  • Using Volumizing Products
    • |
  • Choosing a Voluminous Hairstyle
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Sarah Kosakowski. Sarah Kosakowski is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Alba Salon and Spa based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a decade of experience, she specializes in bridal and formal hair, blondes, fine hair, and men’s cuts. Sarah received her training at The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and is proud to be a Kevin Murphy Session stylist amongst other accomplishments. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 43,289 times.

If you dream of transforming your limp, flat hair into a voluminous masterpiece, you’re not alone! Many people struggle with keeping their roots lifted and their hair looking salon-perfect, so it’s no surprise that hairstylists and beauty experts have come up with dozens of ways to add volume and texture to various hairstyles. Whether you decide to try adding a new technique to your drying routine, change the way you wash your hair, or completely overhaul your look with a new cut, you’ll be able to go from flat to fab in just a few days. Read on for pro tips to prevent flat hair and add volume for truly beautiful locks.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Drying and Styling Your Hair

  1. Step 1 Avoid letting your hair air-dry to prevent it from quickly falling flat. 1 Avoid letting your hair air-dry to prevent it from quickly falling flat. If you’re used to letting your hair dry naturally, add in some time after each wash to dry your locks. The weight of your wet hair will pull your roots flatter against your scalp, and it’s hard to combat that look, even with the best styling techniques.[1]
    • Especially in humid conditions, it’s important to completely dry your hair before you leave the house. Otherwise, more and more moisture will get into your hair, causing it to lay flat on your head.
    • If you hate the idea of using heat on your hair, try using the lowest-heat setting on your dryer. It will take a little longer to dry, but it’ll be less damaging to your hair.
  2. Step 2 Blow-dry your hair upside down to lift your hair away from your scalp. 2 Blow-dry your hair upside down to lift your hair away from your scalp. Simply pushing and drying your hair in the opposite direction from which it normally lays will add volume to your roots.[2] Flip your hair upside down and move the blowdryer back and forth, concentrating on drying your roots.[3]
    • You can use a combination of methods to dry your hair for the maximum amount of volume. For example, start by blow-drying your roots while your hair is upside down, then flip your hair back over and dry the rest of your hair in sections.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Use a concentrator nozzle to direct heat at your roots. 3 Use a concentrator nozzle to direct heat at your roots. A concentrator nozzle is an attachment for your hairdryer that forces the air through a smaller opening. Use a brush to lift your hair along the roots and dry the underside of the hair with the concentrator nozzle.
    • Drying the underside of the roots while they’re pulled up helps them hold a more voluminous shape than if you pulled them flat against your scalp and dried them that way.
    • If you’re dealing with curly hair, try drying your roots with the concentrator nozzle and then using a diffuser for the rest of your hair. The diffuser will help dry your curls with minimum frizz.
  4. Step 4 Use a round... 4 Use a round brush and blow-dry your hair in sections for maximum volume. Pin the top half of your hair up so you can dry the bottom layer first; if you have thick hair, you may even want to separate your hair into three layers. Take one section of hair and wrap it around a round brush. As you brush through the hair, direct the blowdryer overtop of the section. Keep repeating until you’ve dried each section of your hair.[4]
    • The round brush helps volumize each section of hair individually, which will make it look lighter and fuller when you’re done.
  5. Step 5 Switch your part to the opposite side for a quick volume lift. 5 Switch your part to the opposite side for a quick volume lift. This is a great trick you can use after your hair dries or even while you’re on-the-go. Simply use a comb or your fingers to create a part on the opposite side of your head, then flip your hair over. Your roots will go in the opposite direction, meaning they’ll have a bit more volume than they did before.[5]
    • This is especially easy to do if you’re rocking a wavy, messy style, as you can repeatedly flip your hair from side to side without having to check that your part is perfectly straight.
  6. Step 6 Tease... 6 Tease your roots with a fine-toothed comb to add volume. This is also often referred to as “backcombing.” After your hair is dry, pick up a 1⁄2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) section of hair. Gently comb from mid-shaft toward your roots 2-3 times. Tease each section of your hair to add volume all over your head.[6]
    • Avoid brushing your hair or running your fingers through it after it has been teased.
    • Always brush your teased hair before getting in the shower. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a wet, tangly mess on your head.
  7. Step 7 Wait a few days between each hair wash to keep essential oils in place. 7 Wait a few days between each hair wash to keep essential oils in place. It may seem counterintuitive—after all, oil tends to weigh down your hair, right? But super-clean hair will naturally lay flatter because there’s nothing left to build up its volume. Try to go 2-3 days between each wash when possible.[7]
    • Put your hair up in a shower cap while you shower or bathe to keep it from getting wet on your no-wash days.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Using Volumizing Products

  1. Step 1 Switch to volumizing shampoos and conditioners to tackle limp hair. 1 Switch to volumizing shampoos and conditioners to tackle limp hair. Find these products anywhere shampoo and conditioner are sold[8] . They have ingredients in them that expand your hair fibers to make them look and feel thicker. They also tackle grease and oil so your hair is left with natural bounce.[9]
    • Buy a product and use it consistently for 1-2 months to test how effective it is on your hair. If you don’t notice much difference after that time, switch to a different brand.
  2. Step 2 Apply a volumizing mousse before you blow-dry your hair. 2 Apply a volumizing mousse before you blow-dry your hair. After you get out of the shower, use a dry towel to pat your hair and absorb excess moisture. While your hair is still damp, spray a large dollop of mousse into your palms and rub your hands together.[10] Scrunch it into your hair and work it through from your roots to the tips.[11]
    • You could also use a wide-toothed comb to brush the mousse through your hair. Though, if you have curly hair, avoid using a comb or brush on your hair after you’ve showered so you don’t disrupt your natural curl pattern.
  3. Step 3 Use a dry volumizing spray to add body to your hair throughout the day. 3 Use a dry volumizing spray to add body to your hair throughout the day. If you’re working with dry hair or need a volume-boost during the day, take a can of dry volumizing spray, lift your hair in sections, and spritz your locks from root to tip. Gently plump your hair with your fingertips to activate the spray.[12]
    • Especially if you’re going a few days between washes, this type of product can help maintain volume and texture in your hairstyle.
  4. Step 4 Spritz your hair with dry shampoo to absorb oils and add texture. 4 Spritz your hair with dry shampoo to absorb oils and add texture. This can be especially helpful if you’re going a few days between washes. When your hair is dry, lift small 1 inch (2.5 cm) sections and spray the underside of your roots. Let the dry shampoo sit for about 5 minutes and then use your fingertips to muss your roots and disperse the dry shampoo. This should instantly add a little volume to your roots.[13]
    • You can even use dry shampoo overnight to keep your hair from getting too oily.

    Warning: Never use dry shampoo on wet hair. It’ll make your hair clumpy and can’t be brushed out, meaning you’ll have to shampoo your hair again.

    5. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Choosing a Voluminous Hairstyle

  1. Step 1 Get a blunt bob to create volume as the ends stack up on each other. 1 Get a blunt bob to create volume as the ends stack up on each other. This is a great pick if you have wavy or curly hair. Have your hair cut between chin- and shoulder-length and don’t get any layers added to it. The thickness of your same-length locks will naturally have more volume.[14]
    • This style doesn’t work as well with longer hair, as the weight of longer hair will pull your roots down flatter against your scalp.
  2. Step 2 Opt for a shaggy-chic style to support a fuller, more bohemian style. 2 Opt for a shaggy-chic style to support a fuller, more bohemian style. Instead of straightening your hair when you dry it or using a flatiron, use a curling wand or curling iron to add in whimsical curls and waves over your entire head. Use your fingertips to muss your hair all over your scalp to lift your roots and help those waves fall more naturally.[15]
    • This look allows you to fuss and muss your hair all day long without worrying about messing up your look.
  3. Step 3 Add in long layers if you have longer hair to create more dimension. 3 Add in long layers if you have longer hair to create more dimension. Because the weight of longer hair can tend to pull your roots flat against your head, adding layers can help lighten your hair and add texture and volume throughout. Ask for long layers the next time you get your hair cut.[16]
    • Experiment with straight, wavy, and curly styles to see which works best at adding volume to your hair.
  4. Step 4 Style short hair into a pompadour to instantaneously volumize your locks. 4 Style short hair into a pompadour to instantaneously volumize your locks. Put a small pea-sized amount of hair wax or pomade into your palm and rub it between your hands. Run your hands through your dry hair, pushing it up and back to create volume.[17]
    • If you have short hair, you can use hair wax to add volume to your roots no matter the style you choose.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What causes flat hair? Sarah Kosakowski Sarah Kosakowski Professional Hair Stylist Sarah Kosakowski is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Alba Salon and Spa based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a decade of experience, she specializes in bridal and formal hair, blondes, fine hair, and men’s cuts. Sarah received her training at The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and is proud to be a Kevin Murphy Session stylist amongst other accomplishments. Sarah Kosakowski Sarah Kosakowski Professional Hair Stylist Expert Answer If your hair doesn't have volume, you're probably using the wrong products or applying them the wrong way. Find a good volumizing spray or mousse and apply it when your hair is damp, and not completely wet. Otherwise, you'll dilute the product in question. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question How do I keep my hair volume up? Sarah Kosakowski Sarah Kosakowski Professional Hair Stylist Sarah Kosakowski is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Alba Salon and Spa based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a decade of experience, she specializes in bridal and formal hair, blondes, fine hair, and men’s cuts. Sarah received her training at The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and is proud to be a Kevin Murphy Session stylist amongst other accomplishments. Sarah Kosakowski Sarah Kosakowski Professional Hair Stylist Expert Answer Use a brush to lift your hair off of your scalp while blow drying. The key here is to let the hair cool completely before moving on. Hold the brush with the dried hair away from the scalp until it is cool. It takes the heating up and cooling down processes to really set your styling. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 1
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Protect your hair’s natural volume while also preventing frizz by wrapping it in a silk scarf before bed.[18] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Avoid over-brushing your hair. Doing so will pull your hair flatter against your scalp and can spread natural oils amongst your locks, making it look greasy. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Avoid wearing hats or headbands that may flatten your hair. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You’ll Need

Drying and Styling Your Hair

  • Hairdryer
  • Hairdryer attachments
  • Round brush
  • Fine-toothed comb

Using Volumizing Products

  • Volumizing shampoo
  • Volumizing conditioner
  • Volumizing mousse
  • Dry volumizing spray
  • Dry shampoo

You Might Also Like

Add Volume to Your HairHow toAdd Volume to Your Hair Get Volume in Hair NaturallyHow toGet Volume in Hair Naturally Get Volume at the Roots of Your HairHow toGet Volume at the Roots of Your Hair Add Volume to Hair (for Men)How to Give Your Hair Volume (for Men) Style Thin Flat HairHow toStyle Thin Flat Hair Style Straight HairHow toStyle Straight Hair Style Curly Hair for VolumeHow toStyle Curly Hair for Volume Blow Dry HairThe Best Way to Achieve a Salon Quality Blowout Make Thin Hair Look ThickerHow toMake Thin Hair Look Thicker Back CombHow toBack Comb Blow Dry Short HairHow toBlow Dry Short Hair Increase Your Height Using Your HairHow toIncrease Your Height Using Your Hair Make Your Hair PoofyHow toMake Your Hair Poofy Make Your Hair Stand UpHow toMake Your Hair Stand Up Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/Rpp-dKiksoY?t=309
  2. ↑ Sarah Kosakowski. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/KwnLjCrRgJU?t=303
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/HPljaNBFm7o?t=45
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/x2qhTjWHiVU?t=61
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/UkTdvnalwK4?t=74
  7. ↑ https://www.functionofbeauty.com/blog/new/curly-hair-tips/
  8. ↑ Sarah Kosakowski. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://www.purewow.com/beauty/best-volumizing-shampoos
More References (9)
  1. ↑ Sarah Kosakowski. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/HPljaNBFm7o?t=5
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/ov5qxrkP9VM?t=233
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/UkTdvnalwK4?t=33
  5. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/hairstyles/volume-haircuts
  6. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/hairstyles/volume-haircuts
  7. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/hairstyles/volume-haircuts
  8. ↑ https://haircutinspiration.com/hairstyles-for-men-with-thin-hair/
  9. ↑ https://www.functionofbeauty.com/blog/new/curly-hair-tips/

About This Article

Sarah Kosakowski Co-authored by: Sarah Kosakowski Professional Hair Stylist This article was co-authored by Sarah Kosakowski. Sarah Kosakowski is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Alba Salon and Spa based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a decade of experience, she specializes in bridal and formal hair, blondes, fine hair, and men’s cuts. Sarah received her training at The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and is proud to be a Kevin Murphy Session stylist amongst other accomplishments. This article has been viewed 43,289 times. 6 votes - 83% Co-authors: 5 Updated: February 5, 2026 Views: 43,289 Categories: Looking Good
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43,289 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Sarah Kosakowski Co-authored by: Sarah Kosakowski Professional Hair Stylist Co-authors: 5 Updated: February 5, 2026 Views: 43,289 83% of readers found this article helpful. 6 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote

Quizzes & Games

What’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?What’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizHair Curl Type QuizHair Curl Type QuizTake QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizAm I Balding QuizAm I Balding QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Add Volume to Your HairHow toAdd Volume to Your HairGet Volume in Hair NaturallyHow toGet Volume in Hair NaturallyGet Volume at the Roots of Your HairHow toGet Volume at the Roots of Your HairAdd Volume to Hair (for Men)How to Give Your Hair Volume (for Men)

Featured Articles

Make a Paper AirplaneHow toMake a Paper AirplaneLearn Morse CodeHow toLearn Morse CodeFold an Origami Star (Shuriken)How toFold an Origami Star (Shuriken) Fold and Use a Paper Fortune TellerHow to Fold and Use a Paper Fortune Teller

Trending Articles

Do I Have Main Character Energy?Do I Have Main Character Energy?Do I Have Brainrot QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to You28 Best Excuses for Getting Out of School28 Best Excuses for Getting Out of School Practice Thumb Pulling (And If You Should)How to Practice Thumb Pulling (And If You Should)Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?

Featured Articles

What Animal Am I QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizAm I Gay QuizAm I Gay QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizAm I an Alpha, Beta, or Omega QuizAm I an Alpha, Beta, or Omega Quiz

Featured Articles

160+ Good Roasts to Burn Your Friends & Family Members160+ Good Roasts to Burn Your Friends & Family Members Play the Snaps Guessing GameHow to Play the Snaps Guessing Game140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your Play140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your PlayThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesVirtual Truth or Dare Questions to Keep Things InterestingVirtual Truth or Dare Questions to Keep Things Interesting180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument

Watch Articles

Eat GuavaHow toEat Guava Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesHow to Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye TwitchingLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye Twitching50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a Connection50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a Connection Make a Mask Out of Paper (for Kids or Adults)How to Make a Mask Out of Paper (for Kids or Adults) Put Jibbitz on CrocsHow to Put Jibbitz on Crocs

Trending Articles

Finish the Lyrics QuizFinish the Lyrics QuizWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursThe Ultimate Guide to Fingerprint Patterns & How to Analyze ThemThe Ultimate Guide to Fingerprint Patterns & How to Analyze ThemDo I Belong In Camp Half-Blood or Camp Jupiter?Do I Belong In Camp Half-Blood or Camp Jupiter?Psychopath TestPsychopath TestCan Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Quizzes & Games

What Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat Color Should I Dye My Hair QuizWhat Color Should I Dye My Hair QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizAm I a Bouba or Kiki QuizAm I a Bouba or Kiki QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Personal Care and Style
  • Looking Good
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --610

Tag » How To Fix Flat Hair