Flat hair can drag down your whole look, but adding lift changes the game entirely. A little boost at the roots or some added texture through the lengths creates a vibrant, healthy appearance. It frames your face beautifully and gives off an air of effortless chic that flat strands often miss.
If you want to shake up your routine, we have you covered. We compiled a list of 7 hairstyles that look better with extra volume to help you find your next go-to look.
1. The Effortless Messy Bun
A messy bun is versatile for errands, coffee dates, or casual nights out, but thin, flat hair can make it look more like a tight knob than a stylish choice. Adding volume at the roots and texture in the bun transforms it into a fuller, more intentional look.
Skip brushing your hair tightly back; instead, rake it with your fingers for natural texture. Tease the ponytail before wrapping it and pull out a few face-framing pieces for a soft, effortless finish.
2. The Textured High Ponytail
A flat high ponytail can look severe and lifeless. Adding volume at the crown and texture through the tail creates a more fun, youthful look that lifts your features.
To achieve this, apply a texturizing spray to your roots and lengths. Gather your hair high on your head, securing it with an elastic without pulling it too tight. Gently tug the hair at the crown to create height. You can also tease the base of the ponytail to give it more body and a perky, energetic appearance.
3. Soft Hollywood Waves
Old Hollywood glamour relies heavily on body and bounce. This style screams luxury and elegance. If you try this with flat hair, the waves look limp and sad, lacking the drama that defines the aesthetic.
You need volume to support the shape of the wave. The hair needs to lift away from the face and curve voluminously to catch the light. This style creates a beautiful frame that highlights your cheekbones and eyes.
Preparation is everything here. You might want to use hot rollers or a large-barrel curling iron. Pinning the curls while they cool sets the shape and volume. Once you brush them out, the hair retains that bouncy structure. If you struggle to get that initial lift before you start curling, use your blow dryer skills to add volume and help your waves hold their shape all night long.
4. The Half-Up Top Knot
The half-up top knot is a great way to keep hair out of your face while still showing off your length. To avoid an awkward, disconnected look, add volume to the loose section of your hair. This balances the height of the knot and creates a fun, cohesive style.
Start by sectioning off the top part of your hair, from ear to ear. Lightly tease the roots where the bun will sit to create a solid base. Twist the hair into a bun and secure it. For the loose section, add loose waves with a curling wand or scrunch in some mousse for texture. The combination of a structured knot and voluminous, flowing hair makes this an easy, stylish choice for any casual occasion—perfect for second-day hair!
5. The Layered Shag
The shag cut has made a big comeback lately, defined by its choppy layers and loads of texture. But if a shag falls flat, it loses its charm and can look messy in all the wrong ways.
Volume defines the layers. It separates the strands, so you can see the movement and choppiness that make the cut unique. The lift at the root prevents the shorter layers from blending too much into the longer ones.
To style a shag, lean into the messiness. Use a diffuser on your blow-dryer to encourage natural waves and lift. Flip your head over while drying to maximize root volume. A sea salt spray works wonders here, giving that gritty, rock-and-roll texture that defines the style. You want the hair to look lived-in and full of movement, so avoid smoothing it down too much.
6. The Thick Fishtail Braid
While braids are always a beautiful choice, thin and tight styles can sometimes get lost in photos or lack the impact you’re going for. For example, a fishtail braid has an intricate and impressive pattern, but it needs a bit of volume to show it off.
Pancaking—the technique of pulling apart the braid—requires volume to work. You need enough hair density and texture to expand the braid without it falling apart. A thick, voluminous braid looks romantic and bohemian.
Start by creating a fishtail braid and securing the end with a small elastic. Next, gently tug on the outer loops of the braid, starting at the bottom and pulling them outward to make the braid look wider. Work your way up to the top for a fuller appearance. For best results, use a texturizing powder before braiding, which makes it easier to loosen the braid without it falling apart.
7. The Tousled Bob
While a sleek bob is chic, a tousled, voluminous bob can feel more fun and approachable. Without a bit of texture, bobs can sometimes look severe or helmet-like, especially on fine hair.
Adding volume will soften the edges of the cut. The movement also prevents the hair from clinging too tightly to the face, which can be harsh on some face shapes. Ultimately, a voluminous bob just feels fresh and energetic.
To get this look, focus on the roots and ends. When blow-drying, use a round brush to lift the roots. Then, take a flat iron to the ends to create subtle bends or waves—not tight curls. For a natural finish, alternate the direction of the bends. Finally, flip your hair into a deep side part. This will instantly stack the hair and give you a massive root lift.
Changing your hair doesn’t always mean a new cut or color. Try one of these hairstyles this week and give it a little extra volume to experiment with your new look. Grab your texturizing spray, tease those roots, and watch how your confidence grows. You deserve to feel fabulous every time you walk out the door.
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