by Jessica Teas
It seems that 99.9 percent of articles about hair woes deal with frizz. That doesn't help us limp-locked ladies who would give anything for even the slightest hint of frizz if it meant our hair had more volume.
For trendy, sexy, fashionable hair, you generally require some sort of volume. Skull-hugging looks like slicked-back ponytails, top knots and pixie cuts work on only two kinds of people: runway models and children. For those of us who crave hair with body, there are ways you can breathe life into flat hair.
Adding Volume to Clean Hair
Clean hair feels nice and smells wonderful, but it lacks volume. That's why stylists warn brides not to wash their hair the day before the wedding — unwashed hair is easier to style and hold in place.
For those of us with fine and/or greasy hair (and a corresponding terror of going a day without washing it), simply sprinkle or spray on dry shampoo at the roots and rub it in. Your hair will have instant texture and volume that lasts the whole day.
On days when you simply must have clean hair, one option is to use a little thickening spray at the roots when you blow dry your hair. Mist your roots with the product and then let your hair air dry until just a little damp. Then lift a section of hair over a barrel brush and blow dry it from roots to ends. Blast each section with cold air to set it before moving on to the next section. Another option is to use large rollers on the crown of your head. Leave them in while you're getting ready, take them out when they're cold, finger comb through your hair and spray lightly with hair spray.
If you're short on time in the morning, wash your hair before bed and then braid your hair into large, loose braids starting at the roots (loose is key or your hair won't dry). Or sweep it up into a loose topknot on top of your head and keep it in place with a scrunchie, hair band (not too tight) or big bobby pins.
When you're out and about, you can give your hair a quick lift by bending forward, flipping your hair over and standing back up. If you pack a little hairspray, apply it to the roots while your hair is flipped forward and let it dry before standing.
Whichever approach you take, don't pile on hair care products — they weigh down your hair. Use light, airy products — mousse, thickening spray, sea salt spray, dry shampoo — and only at the roots. Avoid heavy products like leave-in conditioner, gel, mousse and pomade. Some shampoos and conditioners claim they add volume to your hair. Most volumizing products work because they leave something in your hair that adds bulk and texture without weighing it down. Shampoos and conditioners rinse out, so they can't do that.
Teasing
Teasing, back combing, whatever you call it — it's your friend. Stylists tell you it's bad for your hair, but then they'll turn around, pick up a paddle brush and tease their client's hair to high heaven before styling it. True, it might be hard on your hair in high doses, but it's not as damaging as using loads of heat treatments and products. It's also a surefire way to add instant, visible volume that stays in place for hours, if not days, if lightly spritzed with hairspray (on the underside) and gently smoothed into place.
Hair Extensions
If you have fine hair, no matter how masterfully you blow dry or tease your mane, it falls eventually. Hair extensions don't.
Salons offer long-lasting extensions that can be woven or glued right into your hair. They come in varying shades and textures (straight, curly, wavy), and can be trimmed the right length. There are even bang extensions clipped to stringy bangs to make them look fuller.
A less expensive option is store-bought extensions, the quality of which is steadily improving. For example, you can buy an extension piece called Bump Up The Volume from Jessica Simpson and Ken Paves for less than $100, which is cheaper than two blowouts and with care can last years, making your cost per wear mere pennies.
Regular Trimming
Have you noticed how light, springy and swingy your hair feels after a good cut? Regular maintenance adds body, while raggedy ends and long hair drag down fine hair. A little off the ends can add a lot of volume.
Beauty writer and consultant Jessica Teas contributes to national and international beauty publications. InStyle Magazine's UK edition named Jessica's website, www.beautywoome.com, one of the 50 best style websites.
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