How To Get Full, Fluffy Hair

When it comes to everyday hairstyles, stepping out with a full head of bouncy, fluffy hair is hard to beat. But in order to rock a voluminous mane, it’s important to know how to get fluffy hair without inviting unwanted frizz. It’s a balancing act: You want to give your strands enough body and texture to spotlight that gorgeous movement, but not so much that your hair looks poofy or untamed. If that sounds like a tough balance to strike, don’t worry—we’re here to help. with a few tips and the right techniques, you’ll be well on your way to rocking this high-volume ‘do in no time. Read on as we reveal how to get fluffy hair—with no poof, frizz, or static in sight.

What Is Fluffy Hair?

Fluffy hair is the happy medium between messy texture and a voluminous blowout. Think height, volume, and yes, fluff. Fluffy hair is smooth, shiny, and bouncy but also has a bit of texture to balance out the overall look. It also isn’t too done up or coiffed—instead, it has a lived-in vibe that feels more effortless and casual.

What’s the Difference Between Fluffy Hair and Poofy Hair?

It’s common to think of fluffy hair and poofy hair (or puffy hair) as being one and the same. However, there are actually some key differences that separate the two. Fluffy hair is bouncy and smooth with intentional volume and texture. Meanwhile, poofy hair typically describes a mane that’s frizzy and shapeless. While fluffy hair can be created with various haircare and styling techniques, poofy hair naturally occurs depending on your hair type, hair texture, and the humidity in the air.

12 Ways To Get the Fluffy Hair Look

Get ready to bring your voluminous, fluffy hair dreams to life with these 12 tips and techniques.

1. Blow dry your hair upside down

Since fluffy hair and volume go hand-in-hand, one of the easiest things you can do to achieve a fluffy hairstyle is blow dry your hair upside down. This technique works well for long hair and short hair alike because it helps lift your hair at the roots to enhance volume and add body to your strands. Simply flip your hair upside down and dry it with a boar bristle brush to get the fluffy hair you’ve been wanting.

2. Use hair rollers

One surefire way to simultaneously score heatless curls and fluff up your strands is by using hair rollers. Plus, heatless rollers allow you to add volume to flat strands without having to rely on hot tools. Roll them into your hair when it’s about 80 percent dry (it should still feel slightly damp), or wear them while you sleep to preserve your voluminous ’do. Be sure not to remove the rollers until your hair is completely dry.

3. Reach for a volumizing haircare system

The key to achieving fluffy hair that lasts: Start adding volume in the shower. To add body to your mane, swap your go-to shampoo and conditioner with a volume-boosting haircare system. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Moisture Plump Serum. This hyaluronic acid-infused system helps lock in moisture for up to 72 hours without any weigh-down, leaving the hair shiny, bouncy, and re-plumped.

4. Keep dry shampoo on hand

Reach for dry shampoo to amp up the volume and height for fluffy hair. Dry shampoo helps absorb oils and refresh fluffy hairstyles, especially at the roots, since it helps add volume and height to the top of your head. Keep the fluffed-up look going even longer by applying dry shampoo at night, or by working it into clean hair. Keep in mind that where dry shampoo is concerned, less is more—using it too often could result in weighty build-up.

5. Tease your hair

Teasing your strands may sound retro—but when you’re wondering how to get fluffy hair, this trick definitely comes in handy. After all, this technique is all about backcombing your hair to build volume and height.

Grab a three-inch section of hair at the crown and hold it up. Use a fine-toothed comb and brush the backside of your hair down, toward your scalp. Backcombing works by slightly tangling the hair, which creates the illusion of more volume at the roots. This works especially well for short fluffy hair since you only need a little length to tease your strands and create lush, fluffy hairstyles.

6. Use a hair diffuser

One of the simplest ways to fluff up curly hair is to reach for a hair diffuser. This hair tool disperses air to gently dry and fluff the hair, creating bouncy, healthy-looking curls without unwanted frizz. It can also help speed up drying time, so you can minimize how much heat you expose your hair to. Regardless, when heat styling, be sure to use a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Blow Dry Primer for 48 Hour Frizz Control to shield your strands. This one helps protect against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and tames frizz—all while leaving the hair shiny and smooth.

7. Use the right hair styling products

To keep fluffy hair in shape, it’s important to use the right styling products. A volumizing mousse is ideal for those looking to amp up the body and bounce. Try the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Boost It Volume Inject Mousse, which provides up to 24 hours of bouncy, voluminous texture. If your hair is on the curlier side, we suggest reaching for a hydrating leave-in, like the L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Curls Leave-In Conditioner. It helps lock in moisture and leaves curls looking bouncy and healthy.

8. Use hairspray

Hairspray helps to set your style by locking in volume, curls, and bounce for an extended period of time. For a fluffy hair look—even if your hair has a hard time maintaining volume—spritz your strands with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Strong Hold Hair Spray — Unscented. The extra strong hold formula absorbs into the hair with the stroke of a brush and maintains style all day long without any crunch, residue, or stickiness.

9. Opt for haircuts that add volume

Sometimes, creating the illusion of fluffy hair just comes down to choosing the right haircut. Even if you have flat hair, there are lots of haircuts out there that can make your thin hair look fuller. Pump up the volume with a layered haircut, create the illusion of thicker locks with a lob (AKA a long bob), or amplify thin locks with a pixie cut or wavy bob. If you’re unsure which cut to go for, make an appointment with your stylist and have a frank discussion about how to give your thinner locks a fuller, thicker appearance. They can help recommend the best volume-enhancing fluffy haircut for your hair texture and face shape.

10. Switch your part

Sometimes, all it takes is a different part, and voilà: you’ve got fuller, fluffier-looking hair in a flash. If you usually part in the center, try a side part. If you typically part on the right, try the left. Minor effort, major fluffy hair reward.

11. Embrace mid-day touch-ups

Maintaining fluffy hair all day long doesn’t have to be a challenge. Keeping hair from falling flat really comes down to the types of products you use. If you notice your hair begins to fall flat in the middle of the day, don’t fret—reach for a dry shampoo and spritz it onto your mane to help fluff your hair back up. You can also give added body and texture by working a styling aid, like the the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty, throughout your roots as needed.

12. Protect your hair while you sleep

Keeping your fluffy hairstyle intact may involve adjusting how you sleep. To keep your style from falling flat overnight, protect your mane by tying it up in a head scarf or silk bonnet. Or, consider twisting or braiding your hair before bed—when you wake up, you’ll have fluffy hair and flattering, natural-looking waves.

If you shower before bed, be sure to apply a leave-in to your mane to help hydrate it and protect it from damage. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture 21-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner—it moisturizes, detangles, and helps tame frizz. Then, let your hair air dry before hitting the sheets. Come morning, you’ll be ready to rock whichever fluffy hairstyle you choose.

Next Up: 16 Ways to Give Thin Hair Visible Volume and Body

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris