Skip the Bumpit: Tips and Tricks for Adding Volume to Your Hair

Are you sick of your hair always falling flat

? Do you seethe with jealousy every time you see the cascades of flowing hair on the latest celeb? Achieving star-power volume is easier than you think. Follow these guidelines to add life and lift to your lackluster locks. Related: 33 Best-Kept Hair Secrets

Step 1: Washing
If you want fuller hair, you must begin the volumizing process in the shower with thickening products such as Luxurious Volume Full Splendor Shampoo and Conditioner by John Frieda. If you have thin hair, your follicles may be too far away from each other to create a natural boost. This shampoo will strengthen each hair from the inside out, adding firmness and creating lift from the roots. The conditioner is light and formulated to moisturize only where it's needed, rather than leaving a heavy residue weighing down your 'do. Be sure to condition only the ends of your hair; if you apply the conditioner to your roots, it will add unwanted weight.

Step 2: Drying
Using volumizing products such as Göt2b Collagen Infused Fat-tastic Thickening Mousse and Hairspray is essential when blow-drying. Yes, collagen: What can plump up your lips can do the same for your hair. First, apply the mousse to your roots. If you have curly hair, attach a diffuser to your blow-dryer. Lift your roots with your hands while lightly drying the rest of your hair. To achieve volume - not frizz - you must be gentle with your curls while drying and try to touch them as little as possible. Related: 5 New Frizz Fighters Worth Trying

If you have straight hair, you should also apply mousse to your roots first, but dry it with your head held upside down for a few minutes to help lift your hair. Next, use a directional nozzle and round brush and, starting with the bottom layers of hair, work your way to the top of your head. You should hold the brush and blow-dryer beneath your locks of hair and brush from your scalp outward. You can also lift the roots with your hands and blow a cool shot of air on them after you are finished blowing each section out. To add some final volume and hold your lush look in place, use Göt2b Fat-tastic non-aerosol hairspray or a similar thickening spray. Related: Preventing Blow-Dry Frizz

More from Real Beauty

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.