How to Prevent Flat Hair

If you dream of transforming your limp, flat hair into a voluminous masterpiece, you’re not alone! Many people struggle with keeping their roots lifted and their hair looking salon-perfect, so it’s no surprise that hairstylists and beauty experts have come up with dozens of ways to add volume and texture to various hairstyles. Whether you decide to try adding a new technique to your drying routine, change the way you wash your hair, or completely overhaul your look with a new cut, you’ll be able to go from flat to fab in just a few days. Read on for pro tips to prevent flat hair and add volume for truly beautiful locks.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Drying and Styling Your Hair

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1
Avoid letting your hair air-dry to prevent it from quickly falling flat. If you’re used to letting your hair dry naturally, add in some time after each wash to dry your locks. The weight of your wet hair will pull your roots flatter against your scalp, and it’s hard to combat that look, even with the best styling techniques.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Especially in humid conditions, it’s important to completely dry your hair before you leave the house. Otherwise, more and more moisture will get into your hair, causing it to lay flat on your head.
- If you hate the idea of using heat on your hair, try using the lowest-heat setting on your dryer. It will take a little longer to dry, but it’ll be less damaging to your hair.
2
Blow-dry your hair upside down to lift your hair away from your scalp. Simply pushing and drying your hair in the opposite direction from which it normally lays will add volume to your roots.^{[2]XExpert SourceSarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair StylistExpert Interview. 3 September 2021.} Flip your hair upside down and move the blowdryer back and forth, concentrating on drying your roots.^{[3]XResearch source}
- You can use a combination of methods to dry your hair for the maximum amount of volume. For example, start by blow-drying your roots while your hair is upside down, then flip your hair back over and dry the rest of your hair in sections.
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3
Use a concentrator nozzle to direct heat at your roots. A concentrator nozzle is an attachment for your hairdryer that forces the air through a smaller opening. Use a brush to lift your hair along the roots and dry the underside of the hair with the concentrator nozzle.
- Drying the underside of the roots while they’re pulled up helps them hold a more voluminous shape than if you pulled them flat against your scalp and dried them that way.
- If you’re dealing with curly hair, try drying your roots with the concentrator nozzle and then using a diffuser for the rest of your hair. The diffuser will help dry your curls with minimum frizz.
4
Use a round brush and blow-dry your hair in sections for maximum volume. Pin the top half of your hair up so you can dry the bottom layer first; if you have thick hair, you may even want to separate your hair into three layers. Take one section of hair and wrap it around a round brush. As you brush through the hair, direct the blowdryer overtop of the section. Keep repeating until you’ve dried each section of your hair.^{[4]XResearch source}
- The round brush helps volumize each section of hair individually, which will make it look lighter and fuller when you’re done.
5
Switch your part to the opposite side for a quick volume lift. This is a great trick you can use after your hair dries or even while you’re on-the-go. Simply use a comb or your fingers to create a part on the opposite side of your head, then flip your hair over. Your roots will go in the opposite direction, meaning they’ll have a bit more volume than they did before.^{[5]XResearch source}
- This is especially easy to do if you’re rocking a wavy, messy style, as you can repeatedly flip your hair from side to side without having to check that your part is perfectly straight.
6
Tease your roots with a fine-toothed comb to add volume. This is also often referred to as “backcombing.” After your hair is dry, pick up a ¹⁄₂ to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) section of hair. Gently comb from mid-shaft toward your roots 2-3 times. Tease each section of your hair to add volume all over your head.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Avoid brushing your hair or running your fingers through it after it has been teased.
- Always brush your teased hair before getting in the shower. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a wet, tangly mess on your head.
7
Wait a few days between each hair wash to keep essential oils in place. It may seem counterintuitive—after all, oil tends to weigh down your hair, right? But super-clean hair will naturally lay flatter because there’s nothing left to build up its volume. Try to go 2-3 days between each wash when possible.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Put your hair up in a shower cap while you shower or bathe to keep it from getting wet on your no-wash days.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Volumizing Products

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1
Switch to volumizing shampoos and conditioners to tackle limp hair. Find these products anywhere shampoo and conditioner are sold^{[8]XExpert SourceSarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair StylistExpert Interview. 3 September 2021.}. They have ingredients in them that expand your hair fibers to make them look and feel thicker. They also tackle grease and oil so your hair is left with natural bounce.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Buy a product and use it consistently for 1-2 months to test how effective it is on your hair. If you don’t notice much difference after that time, switch to a different brand.
2
Apply a volumizing mousse before you blow-dry your hair. After you get out of the shower, use a dry towel to pat your hair and absorb excess moisture. While your hair is still damp, spray a large dollop of mousse into your palms and rub your hands together.^{[10]XExpert SourceSarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair StylistExpert Interview. 3 September 2021.} Scrunch it into your hair and work it through from your roots to the tips.^{[11]XResearch source}
- You could also use a wide-toothed comb to brush the mousse through your hair. Though, if you have curly hair, avoid using a comb or brush on your hair after you’ve showered so you don’t disrupt your natural curl pattern.
3
Use a dry volumizing spray to add body to your hair throughout the day. If you’re working with dry hair or need a volume-boost during the day, take a can of dry volumizing spray, lift your hair in sections, and spritz your locks from root to tip. Gently plump your hair with your fingertips to activate the spray.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Especially if you’re going a few days between washes, this type of product can help maintain volume and texture in your hairstyle.
4
Spritz your hair with dry shampoo to absorb oils and add texture. This can be especially helpful if you’re going a few days between washes. When your hair is dry, lift small 1 inch (2.5 cm) sections and spray the underside of your roots. Let the dry shampoo sit for about 5 minutes and then use your fingertips to muss your roots and disperse the dry shampoo. This should instantly add a little volume to your roots.^{[13]XResearch source}
- You can even use dry shampoo overnight to keep your hair from getting too oily.
Warning: Never use dry shampoo on wet hair. It’ll make your hair clumpy and can’t be brushed out, meaning you’ll have to shampoo your hair again.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Choosing a Voluminous Hairstyle

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1
Get a blunt bob to create volume as the ends stack up on each other. This is a great pick if you have wavy or curly hair. Have your hair cut between chin- and shoulder-length and don’t get any layers added to it. The thickness of your same-length locks will naturally have more volume.^{[14]XResearch source}
- This style doesn’t work as well with longer hair, as the weight of longer hair will pull your roots down flatter against your scalp.
2
Opt for a shaggy-chic style to support a fuller, more bohemian style. Instead of straightening your hair when you dry it or using a flatiron, use a curling wand or curling iron to add in whimsical curls and waves over your entire head. Use your fingertips to muss your hair all over your scalp to lift your roots and help those waves fall more naturally.^{[15]XResearch source}
- This look allows you to fuss and muss your hair all day long without worrying about messing up your look.
3
Add in long layers if you have longer hair to create more dimension. Because the weight of longer hair can tend to pull your roots flat against your head, adding layers can help lighten your hair and add texture and volume throughout. Ask for long layers the next time you get your hair cut.^{[16]XResearch source}
- Experiment with straight, wavy, and curly styles to see which works best at adding volume to your hair.
4
Style short hair into a pompadour to instantaneously volumize your locks. Put a small pea-sized amount of hair wax or pomade into your palm and rub it between your hands. Run your hands through your dry hair, pushing it up and back to create volume.^{[17]XResearch source}
- If you have short hair, you can use hair wax to add volume to your roots no matter the style you choose.

Expert Q&A

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Question
What causes flat hair?
Sarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair Stylist
Sarah Kosakowski is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Alba Salon and Spa based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a decade of experience, she specializes in bridal and formal hair, blondes, fine hair, and men’s cuts. Sarah received her training at The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and is proud to be a Kevin Murphy Session stylist amongst other accomplishments.
Sarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Answer
If your hair doesn't have volume, you're probably using the wrong products or applying them the wrong way. Find a good volumizing spray or mousse and apply it when your hair is damp, and not completely wet. Otherwise, you'll dilute the product in question.
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Question
How do I keep my hair volume up?
Sarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair Stylist
Sarah Kosakowski is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Alba Salon and Spa based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a decade of experience, she specializes in bridal and formal hair, blondes, fine hair, and men’s cuts. Sarah received her training at The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and is proud to be a Kevin Murphy Session stylist amongst other accomplishments.
Sarah Kosakowski
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Answer
Use a brush to lift your hair off of your scalp while blow drying. The key here is to let the hair cool completely before moving on. Hold the brush with the dried hair away from the scalp until it is cool. It takes the heating up and cooling down processes to really set your styling.
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Tips

Protect your hair’s natural volume while also preventing frizz by wrapping it in a silk scarf before bed.^{[18]XResearch source}
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Avoid over-brushing your hair. Doing so will pull your hair flatter against your scalp and can spread natural oils amongst your locks, making it look greasy.
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Avoid wearing hats or headbands that may flatten your hair.
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