Super flat hair - any info on volumisers please?

[BoomChicaBoom]

Hi all,

My hair is long (with layers) with a good wave to it and I nearly always wear it down. Problem is, it is quite fine and despite the layers it goes flat on top. As I have no need to volumise the ends of my hair I feel I need something to boost the roots, pref something to put on when hair is damp. Any ideas?

I have tried tigi bed head 'queen for a day' with average results but effect doesn't last long and I get through it quickly as I seem to need a lot. I'm also using a volumising shampoo (redken).

Please share your successful volumisers!

TIA

Well I've not bought the full sized one since I had a mini (as it's expensive in my book!) but Bumble & Bumble's volumising spray is good. And I have pathetically thin & fine hair! At the moment I've got Tresemme volumising/heat defence mousse which is good but only if you use sparingly & use a hair dryer (otherwise it goes crispy!).

Thanks u32 - is the bumble and bumble volumising spray the same as the thickening spray?

Yours sounds very like mine. I haven't found any products that really do the trick (I don't really like using products at all to be honest) but depending on whether you blow dry or leave to dry naturally there are a couple of things that might help.

For blowdrying, make a very low parting on one side and a sort of combover, then blowdry the hair across the top. Then switch to the other side and do the same again. I sometimes do this although I don't blowdry the bulk of my hair at all (except a quick blast in winter).

For drying naturally I find putting it up for a few hours in either a ponytail, bun, or clawclip really lifts the roots. If you don't want to do that, just clip the front part back, that makes it look fuller while it is in place and gives it more volume at the front when you release it.

Dry shampoo works on a temporary basis, but I don't like using it regularly, don't like the powdery feel, appearance or fragrance.

Aveda volumising lotion and blowdrying using a round brush to give a bit of lift at the roots. But go easy, you don't want a bouffant! Use a low heat and low flow setting. Ask your hairdresser for a tutorial?

The Aveda is pricier than the bumble and bumble, but you don't need much and it doesn't generally go crispy which the B and B can if you use too much. The bumble and bumble is good too, I've used both.

The thing that is likely to work the best is a bit of length off, though, to reduce the weight. I'm not a hairdresser but I do have very fine,soft hair.

I stopped conditioning my hair (accidentally) and it made a huge difference to the volume. If it looks a little dry I use a little frizz-ease on the ends.

John Frieda products are good for volumising.

WhoKnows, thanks for the drying tips. I have short, fine hair which is generally flat an hour after drying so will give this a try.

What colour is it? Highlights work wonders for adding volume, as does regular trims.

Can't believe no one mentioned Babyliss Big hair yet - fab for hair with long layers. Rough dry all over then quick 5 mins finishing with bbh. Swishy hair in less than 10 mins. Quick blast of hairspray at the crown roots and good to go!
Keep your receipt though they have a habit of imploding ( on no. 3) but a good 3 year guarantee.

I really like Elnett volumising heat protection spray (in a gold bottle), which I use along with Bumble & Bumble thickening spray. I also use Aussie volumising shampoo or mega shampoo and minimal conditioner, just on the ends.
My hair also seems more volumised since I started using a Denman hairbrush, rather than a 'Tangle Teezer'
Everyone swears by Babylis Big Hair but I can't get the hang of mine; it seems to make my hair really flat and straight. Any tips?!

Thanks all for the tips! My hair is naturally dark brown with henna so is now auburn. Have tried dry shampoo and similar for volume but shows up white really badly in my hair and gives me static! Good suggestion about the highlights Amazing but can't use chemical dyes with henna as they may end up green

I'll give the b & b and aveda a go I think, and possibly look into babyliss big hair - is this quite time consuming though as I usually just blast the roots of my hair dry with head upside down then leave rest to dry naturally in waves? May be worth the extra time though!

I thought someone might suggest cuttng a bit of length off, I know this would make a difference but I can't bring myself to do it!

I've got a BBH too, but it's no use as the only way I can seem to get the crown done with it ends up drying the underneath longer layers too which takes all the curl out of them, I like my curls. The less my hair sees of heated appliances the happier it is. Don't mind my curls smoothed out occasionally for a more sophisticated look but the "just blowdried" look is definitely not really me.

x-posted, think you must be my long lost twin Boom, mine is naturally dark brown and hennaed too.

Who knows, I did wonder if that might happen with the bbh, I like my curls too, although they do seem to be more like waves now since I started the henna (about 4 years ago). Have you found the same?

If you have blond hair, the volumising Batiste dry shampoo. I think it's amazing, and it's only two pounds in Superdrug. I've used lots of more expensive products, and I honestly think the Batiste is better than anything. It's in a pink can.

I second John Frieda's Volumising products. The mousse, root boost and Blow Out stuff real works on me.
The conditioner leaves my hair super soft too.

There is a Batiste for brunettes, but it does still look dull. My hairdresser says dry shampoos should not be used regularly as they are bad for the scalp, blocking the pores, but for occasional use they are fine.

I don't think the henna is affecting my curliness Boom but I have grown my hair longer that it has been for years in the same period that I have been using henna (2-3 years) so that affects the degree of curl as well. I adhere to quite a few of the Curly girl principles for my hair, no silicones, minimal SLS in products, minimal nlow drying, minimal brushing (wide tooth comb for me plus I run the DCs tangle teaser over my scalp for a massage, but never take it through the lengths).

Another vote for Aussie volumising shampoo. I've seen they also do a volume & conditioning mousse which I plan to try.

Regarding batiste, even the brunette one seems to show up on me! And gives me really bad static

John frieda sounds good as it's cheaper than the others mentioned. I popped into local salon this afternoon which stocks b&b and they'd sold their last thickening spray this morning!

Who knows - I think the reason for my hair losing its curl slightly is probably because my hair is in much better condition since henna-ing (sp?). I think I need to research this curly girl thing as I use sulphates and silicones, although I do use a clarifying shampoo regularly.

Thanks all for your help and suggestions

The henna is fabulous for conditioning, even if it is a palaver to do. I have been using a mask from Lush called Jasmine and Henna Fluff Eaze on mine once a week or so for the last few months and that seems to have really helped with flyawayness.