If you have very fine hair, these conditions may be all too familiar: flat, greasy, prone to split ends. Here are a few tips to help you pump up the volume without compromising the health of your hair.
The right cut
Let’s be clear once and for all: no matter how gorgeous your haircut, it (sadly) won’t make your hair thicker. However, hair that is well cared for is stronger and therefore holds more volume than hair that is damaged or neglected, and a well-chosen cut can give your mane a whole new shape. Also regular trims will prevent split ends. So, a trip to your stylist every 5 weeks is vital.
Take time to talk with your stylist. When booking the appointment, mention that you have fine hair. Before your appointment, look for pictures in magazines or a picture of yourself with a haircut that you had before and loved. When you get to the salon, express your preferences but also take the advice offered. Your hair care professional can recommend a hairstyle that is adapted to your hair type (straight, wavy, curly) and the shape of your face (oval, heart shaped, round).
Keep in mind that they have a 360 view of your head and can evaluate your hair’s condition, so it might be wise to listen when they recommend cutting or if they hesitate to apply a treatment like a perm or bleach. Also bear in mind that your hair may have changed texture due to aging, pregnancy, treatments or hormonal fluctuations. So what may have once worked for you may no longer give you the same effect.
The right products
When it comes to products, select them carefully and don’t believe all the popular brands’ instant volume promises. Sure, these products can work well for some time, but they are often full of chemical additives that will damage your hair in the long run. Instead, pick more natural products that will nourish your hair without harming it, like Kevin Murphy products, available at our salon.
Pump up the volume!
First, avoid overdosing on products; it will only weigh your hair down. If you use conditioner, use only a small quantity, and on hair ends only. Choose one texturizing product, cream or spray, and apply a small quantity at the roots before blow-drying. We like Kevin Murphy’s Anti.Gravity, an oil-free serum that you can use on wet or dry hair. To finish, you can complete with a holding hairspray, but save this for special occasions or windy days. Ask your stylist to show you the product selection available in-salon that’s adapted to your hair.
Also, a simple blow-drying technique can make all the difference! When blow-drying, flip your head upside down and lift up the roots. Flip your head back and finish up. Don’t hesitate to ask your stylist to show you how to manage your new haircut in everyday life.
Adieu, greasy hair!
Fine hair becomes greasy quite fast and needs special care, starting with the wash. To avoid overproducing sebum, try washing your hair less often: 3 times a week at the most. Between washes, try Kevin Murphy’s Fresh.Hair dry shampoo or a small quantity of corn starch at the hair base. Leave in for a few minutes, then flip your head upside down and brush vigorously to get the excess product out.
Use conditioner on tips only, and only if you have hair to the shoulders or longer. And resist the temptation to touch your hair during the day! Do you really want to activate your scalp’s sebaceous glands and risk losing all that volume before happy hour?
In the end, learning to care for your fine hair is learning to appreciate it! After all, it is soft and shiny, it allows a great variety of styles, and it dries much faster than everyone else’s. Follow our advice and you’ll see the difference!
Got questions for our experts? What everyday challenges does your hair create for you? We can’t wait to hear from you!
