20 Ways to Make Flat Hair Look More Voluminous

Whether you have thick or thin hair, you've probably dealt with flat hair at one point or another. Sure, flat hair has its place in the hairstyling world — we love it for a slicked-back look — but the majority of the time, most of us would rather have hair that looks full and voluminous.

If you’re wondering how to tackle flat hair and revamp it into a mane that speaks volumes (literally and figuratively), we’re sharing the secrets. Ahead, find 20 tips to make flat hair look more voluminous.

Why Is My Hair So Flat With No Volume?

Flat hair is often the result of hair that has been weighed down, as buildup in the form of product residue, dirt, excess oil, and other impurities can pull and flatten your strands over time. That’s why when you go a while without washing your hair, it becomes noticeably flatter at the roots.

How Can I Make My Flat Hair Look Bigger? 

To give your hair a more-lifted look, make sure you’re using the right hair care products. And if you’re in a pinch, there are hair styling products that can also give your flat hair a temporary volume boost. Keep reading for the details on both methods.

Hair Care Tips to Make Flat Hair More Voluminous 

1. Give Your Strands a Detox

As we mentioned, buildup is the main cause of flat hair. To help revive your flat strands, try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Scalp Care + Detox Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Scalp Care + Detox Conditioner, which work together to deeply purify and cleanse the scalp of dirt, product buildup, and oil with menthol and neem leaf extract to leave your scalp and strands feeling fresh.

2. Use a Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner

Alternatively, volumizing shampoo and conditioner can also give your flat hair the boost you desire. Try our L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Volume Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Volume Conditioner. The pair is specifically formulated to revive fine, flat hair by.

3. Use a Pre-Shampoo Scrub

A pre-shampoo scrub is another option to manage flat hair and remove buildup. Use the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Scalp Care + Detox Scrub, which contains apricot seeds, to remove impurities, flakes, and buildup from dirt and excess oils that can cause hair to be weighed down. Apply the scrub to wet hair, massage it in, and rinse it out before following with shampoo and conditioner.

4. Don’t Overdo It With Conditioner

Speaking of conditioner, many people who have flat hair are making one major conditioner mistake: applying conditioner to their roots. Conditioners tend to have thick, hydrating formulas that are meant to nourish hair. While this is great for mid-lengths to ends, which tend to be on the dry side, it can seriously weigh down roots. The result is — you guessed it — the appearance of flat hair. Make sure you’re using the amount of product that your conditioner bottle says to use, or you can stick to the general guideline of using use one or two quarter-sized dollops of conditioner.

5. Go Easy on the Hair Serums

Another product that can do more harm than good to your roots (as far as appearances go) is hair serum. Just like conditioner, hair serums tend to have a thick formula that can weigh down your strands. If you use a hair serum like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Moisture Plump Serum, Paraben-Free in your routine, focus it on your mid-lengths to ends rather than your scalp and roots so it can plump your hair and make it look fuller.

6. Turn to Dry Shampoo

By now, you know that oily and greasy hair can result in a weighed down appearance. For a quick fix, spritz some dry shampoo, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Blonde Hair, throughout your mane. It will soak up any excess oils that may be causing flat hair, giving your strands new life until your next wash.

Hair Styling Tips to Make Flat Hair More Voluminous

1. Tease Your Roots

Oftentimes, flat hair is most noticeable at the roots. For those who don’t have time to hop in the shower with volumizing shampoo, teasing the hair can create more volume at the crown of the head. Grab a fine toothed comb, and take a one-inch section of hair from the front of your head and flip it forward so you can tease the hair behind it. Back comb that hair then smooth the previous section of hair that you flipped forward on top of it so your hair is smooth but voluminous.

2. Rock Voluminous Curls

Flat hair doesn’t always occur solely at the roots. To give your strands an overall volume boost, use a curling iron to create voluminous curls throughout your mane. You can use a large-barrel curling iron to do this on two-inch sections of hair. Once you’ve curled all of your hair, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently brush through your curls and create a looser, more voluminous appearance.

3. Try a Volume Spray

One heat-free option that can help create the appearance of fuller hair is a volume spray to give flat hair instant body and fullness. You can focus it at your roots for a targeted lift, or apply it all-over as needed. If you have curly hair, try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Refresh & Reshape leave-in spray to refresh your curls and keep them from losing bounce and volume.

4. Blow It Out

There’s a reason why your mane looks so voluptuous when you leave the salon — a blowout instantly creates hair that’s full of body and movement. One easy way to give yourself a blowout at home (without having to hold a round brush and blow-dryer simultaneously) is by using a blow-dry brush.

5. Put It Up

If you’re a fan of multitasking, you’ll be happy to know that there are simple ways to lift flat hair. One of those is by pulling your hair up into a high bun. Don’t worry about creating the perfect bun, as you can fine-tune your style later on. 

Create a high, loose bun on the center of your head and secure it with a scrunchie so as not to leave any ridges. Then, spend time doing your skin care and makeup routines. When it’s time to style your strands, you can take out your bun and reveal instantly lifted roots.

6. Use a Hairpiece

You know what they say: fake it ‘til you make it. To instantly create the illusion of lifted hair, you can use a faux hairpiece. There are a plethora of hairpieces on the market that are specifically made for creating volume at the crown of your head. Look for one that has a curved, bump-like appearance that can be clipped to your head and hidden underneath the hair.

7. Try Hair Extensions

Many people are familiar with using hair extensions as a way to achieve longer-looking hair, and they can also be used to add volume. This is an ideal solution for those who find they have fine, flat hair daily, and the hair extensions of today are much easier to blend and pass as your own hair.

8. Rock a Double Ponytail

If your ponytail is falling flat, there’s a simple solution: the double ponytail. part your hair from ear-to-ear, creating a top and bottom section of hair. Clip the top section out of the way. Then, smooth the bottom section of your hair into a ponytail at the back of your head, securing it with an elastic. Release your top section of hair and smooth it into a ponytail directly above the ponytail you just created. Secure the two ponytails together with another elastic for instant volume.

9. Put It Half-Up

If you notice you have flat hair at the top of your head, a half-up hairstyle could be the solution. Create a top knot or party pony with the hair at the crown of your head. Let the rest of your hair fall free. Your partial updo will instantly add height to your flat strands.

10. Add Layers

For a more permanent solution for voluminous hair, ask your hairdresser to add layers to your cut. They can help add volume to fine, flat hair. This style gives hair the illusion of having more body and movement.

11. Use a Volumizing Mousse

Hair mousse is another styling product those with flat hair should always have in their arsenal. Apply the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse to damp hair before styling. The formula is infused with thickening agents to give your hair a long-lasting, bouncy look.

12. Switch Your Part

Something as simple as a part change can give flat hair a boost. When you part your hair the same way for a long time, your hair can become accustomed to the way it falls. By switching your part, your roots will be brushed in a direction they aren’t used to going. This creates an arch effect that will add volume to your roots.

13. Give Rollers a Try

Putting your hair into rollers will instantly add volume by creating bouncy curls. Use hot rollers and let them work their magic about an hour before you’re ready to go out, or use foam rollers or flexi rods overnight when you want to wake up to beautiful voluminous hair.

14. Finish With Volumizing Hairspray

The hairspray you use to set your style can also make a difference when it comes to flat hair. Look for a hairspray that has a volumizing formula, like our L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold & Volume Hairspray. The spray creates effortless volume for a flexible style that will still hold all day.

Next: The Best Shampoos to Give Your Thin Hair Volume

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Paul Yem, Photo Assistant: Matt Licari, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Wardrobe Assistant: Jazmine Alzado, Model: Shann Hitch