If you have fine hair, you already know how difficult it can be to add volume and body. No matter what you do, your hair wants to lie flat against your head and if it’s naturally straight, it can be almost impossible to hold a curl. While a permanent wave may be the answer for some, permanents can do damage, particularly to fine hair. It’s far easier and healthier to use hair products to add volume. What are the best hair products for fine hair?
Best products for fine hair: Shampoo
Volumizing shampoos were made for the challenges of fine hair. Although shampoos are designed to clean and remove oils and do little to alter the thickness of the hair shaft, volumizing shampoos are less likely to weigh the hair down. Some volumizing shampoos have ingredients that coat the hair shaft, temporarily causing it to look thicker. Use a volumizing shampoo on a routine basis and a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove any buildup that can weigh your hair down. Stay away from shampoos with added conditioning products which can cause your hair to look limp.
Best products for fine hair: Conditioner
The key to conditioning fine hair without weighing it down is to use conditioner only where it’s needed and use the lightest formulation possible. If your fine hair is dry, use conditioner only on the ends of your hair. Most people have a tendency to over condition fine hair which further reduces volume and body. Deep conditioning products and hot oil treatments should be used sparingly unless your hair is extremely dry.
Best products for fine hair: After-Shampoo volumizing products
If you have fine hair, avoid using heavy gels and waxes which can weigh hair down further. Also stay away from silicone sprays which are designed to add shine. These can really make fine hair look limp. The best option is to invest in a good volumizing spray to apply to the roots to add lift. Use a round brush to lift the hair up as you blow dry to add extra volume. Contrary to what you may believe, hair thickening crèmes and gels can weigh the hair down and make it look sticky.
Best products for fine hair: Other hair treatments
Sometimes the application of color can give fine hair added body and volume by coating the hair shaft. The key lies in coloring without damaging the hair shaft since fine hair can be more prone to breakage. The safest way to color hair without damage is to go only a shade or two lighter or darker to minimize damage. If your hair is extremely fine, it’s best to let a professional hair stylist do the job to reduce the risk of damage. Perms are best avoided since they may be too damaging for fine hair.
Other ways to boost the volume of fine hair is to get a good haircut. If your fine hair is also thin, a longer hairstyle may not be flattering. In these cases a bob or other blunt cut hairstyle will make your hair look healthier. If you have fine hair and want to wear it longer, consider adding some layers around the crown to add lift.
Although choosing the right hair products for fine hair won’t change your fundamental hair structure, they can help to give the illusion of more abundant hair when used correctly.
Dr. Kristie