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Hair Styling

Say Goodbye to Flat Hair: 18 Proven Ways to Add Volume

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Picture a world where you effortlessly alternate between flat and full hair, embracing the versatility of different styles. While flat hair can create sleek looks, there are moments when many of us wish to switch things up with voluminous, textured styles. With the right knowledge, products, and techniques, you can expand your hairstyling toolkit and enjoy the freedom to achieve a range of looks that cater to every mood and occasion.

Explore the scientifically-proven products and techniques that will complement your hair's natural brilliance, providing effective solutions for those days you want to boost your hair volume.

Common Causes of Flat Hair

Ever looked in the mirror and asked yourself, "Why is my hair so flat?" or "Why does my hair have no volume?" Numerous factors can contribute to flat hair, and by understanding the underlying causes, you'll be better equipped to address your hair challenges and achieve the volume you're after. Both external and internal factors can influence the way your hair looks and behaves, so it’s essential to consider all aspects for a comprehensive solution.

Some of the most common causes of flat hair include:

  • Product buildup: An accumulation of heavy hair products on your scalp and hair can weigh it down, leaving it looking flat.
  • Nutrient deficiencies: Hair health is closely linked to the nutrients we consume. Ensuring a balanced diet and addressing any deficiencies could help improve the overall appearance of your hair, including its volume.
  • Less effective styling techniques: Mastering the art of styling can give your hair a new lease on life, whereas improperly executed techniques may not provide the desired lift or volume.
  • Hair type: Your hair's natural characteristics play a vital role in its tendency to be flat or voluminous. Fine and straight hair types tend to be flatter and lack the natural structure that provides volume. On the other hand, curly and wavy hair types usually have more volume, with a structure that allows for more lift.
  • Low-density hair: Refers to having fewer hair strands, even if the individual strands are thick. Lower hair density means there is less hair to create volume, which can contribute to a flatter appearance.
  • Oil/sweat buildup: Excess oil and sweat on your scalp and hair can flatten hair.

Characteristics of Flat Hair

Flat hair, like any hair condition, has its own unique attributes. Some common characteristics and signs of flat hair include:

  • Limp and lifeless strands: Long, flat hair may appear droopy and lack the bounce or movement typically associated with more voluminous hair.
  • Lack of volume at the roots: Hair that lies close to the scalp, without any visible lift or height, can be a clear indication of flat hair.
  • Difficulty holding a hairstyle: Flat hair might struggle to maintain certain hairstyles, especially those that require volume or structure, as it tends to fall back to its natural, flat state.
  • Hair easily weighed down by products: Applying even a small amount of product might cause flat hair to appear even flatter, as it doesn't have the natural structure to support the added weight.

By recognizing the signs of flat hair, you can tailor your haircare routine to address your specific concerns, leading to improved results and a more versatile styling toolkit.

side-by-side image of woman with flat and voluminous hair

18 Tips to Fix Flat Hair & Add Volume

Addressing and preventing flat hair issues can be a breeze with the right tips and techniques. Understanding the unique characteristics of your hair can better enable you to choose and combine methods that work best. Here is a comprehensive list of tips and styling techniques to help you learn how to fix flat hair and add volume:

  1. Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner: Start your haircare routine with products specifically designed to add volume, such as the Living Proof Full Shampoo and Full Conditioner. These products gently cleanse and condition your hair while adding 2x the volume.
  2. Use a hair detox shampoo: A hair detox shampoo can help remove product buildup, dirt, and excess oil, all of which may contribute to flat hair. Regular detoxification can leave your hair feeling lighter and more voluminous.
  3. Don't overdo conditioner and serums: Use these products sparingly, focusing on the ends of your hair to avoid weighing down your roots and causing flatness.
  4. Use the right brush: Choose a brush with wide-set bristles that work well with your hair type and texture for optimal results, helping to detangle and add volume without causing breakage.
  5. Use dry shampoo to add fullness: Dry shampoo can absorb excess oil and refresh your roots, adding fullness and volume between washes.
  6. Tease your roots: Gently backcombing your roots can provide a temporary lift. Use a fine-toothed comb and tease in small sections, being careful not to damage your hair.
  7. Use a curling iron: Adding curls or waves to your hair can create the illusion of volume. Experiment with different barrel sizes and techniques to find the perfect look.
  8. Blowout: A professional blowout can add volume and bounce to your hair. Ask your stylist for tips on how to maintain your blowout at home.
  9. Add texture: Use Living Proof’s Full Dry Volume and Texture Spray to give your hair a voluminous, textured look. This lightweight spray helps to create long-lasting volume without weighing down your hair.
  10. Use a thickening cream: Our Full Thickening Blow-Dry Cream can provide additional volume and light conditioning. Apply to clean, damp hair, avoiding the roots, then comb through and blow dry with a round brush.
  11. Use a root lifting spray: This product can help prep wet hair before styling, adding lift at the roots and providing a strong foundation for fuller styles.
  12. Use a texturizing foam: Living Proof’s Full Texturizing Foam is a unique dry foam that delivers 3x more texture to your hair. Apply to clean, damp hair, style with a blow-dryer and round brush, then finish with a small amount on dry hair to achieve full-bodied styles.
  13. Use a scalp treatment: Our Scalp Care Revitalizing Treatment promotes thicker, fuller, healthier-looking hair, with an immediate 11.5% increase in hair fiber thickness.
  14. Use a hair-strengthening treatment: Living Proof’s Triple Bond Complex can help reduce breakage that could lead to thinner-looking hair. Apply this leave-in treatment weekly to rebuild the structure of your hair, leaving it stronger yet softer.
  15. Try hair rollers: Rollers can add volume and bounce to your hair. Experiment with different sizes and materials to find the best option for your hair type.
  16. Flip your part: Changing the direction of your hair part can instantly add volume. Experiment with different part locations to find the most flattering option for your face shape.
  17. Accessorize: Use hair accessories like headbands, clips, and volumizing inserts to create the appearance of fuller hair and add visual interest to your style.
  18. Ask your stylist to add layers: Layering your hair can create the illusion of volume and movement. Discuss your desired look with your stylist to determine the best layering technique for your hair type.

Scalp care revitalizing treatment for flat hair

Transform Your Flat Hair With Living Proof

Upgrade your flat hair with Living Proof's targeted haircare solutions. These products not only conquer flatness but also cater to diverse hair types and concerns. Let's delve into the specific benefits each product offers:

  • Tackle flat hair with confidence: Living Proof’s Full products provide targeted solutions for those days when you want to add volume to your hair, ensuring you have the right tools to create a fuller, more voluminous appearance.
  • Experience proven benefits: Living Proof products deliver salon-quality, scientifically-proven results that you can achieve at home.
  • Discover the Full Stylers line: Our specially curated line of styling products works in synergy to amplify your hair's natural texture, making it easy to create the desired effect.
  • Personalized haircare: Take the AI Hair Quiz to uncover the ideal combination of Living Proof products tailored to your unique hair needs. From shampoos and conditioners to stylers and treatments, this personalized approach ensures you have the right products to help you achieve the hair of your dreams.

Line of products to help with volume and texture for flat hair

Don't let flat hair hold you back from exploring new styles and techniques. Activate your hair's full potential with Living Proof's transformative haircare inventions, bringing you closer to the styles you’ve always wanted — even those you thought were out of reach. Take our AI Hair Quiz today and discover the best Living Proof products for your haircare journey.

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Author

Living Proof Review Team



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