Until the age of about 2, I had virtually no hair on my head.  Pictures fill my family photo albums of me as a small bald child (me!) with bows stuck to my scalp by Karo syrup, my parents refusing to accept that their daughter had not a hair on her little head.  So one can imagine that I’ve fought the lifelong battle against my fine, delicate head of hair.  This issue can be a hard one to conquer, but a few pointers should help you map out a plan of action against your number one enemy as it sits lifelessly right there above your brain…attack, and you will be victorious!     

1)    It Starts in the Shower.
Using the correct products for your hair type is essential to ensuring that your hair looks its best at all times.  Try to use products that boast their boosting power; anything asserting “volume” or “thickness” can usually be trusted.  Using a volumizing shampoo with little to no sulfites or detergents will usually cleanse your scalp of build up while allowing you to maintain your color (if you have it dyed), allowing for a clean surface on which your hair can thrive and grow to its full potential.  

2)    A Little Conditioner Goes a Long Way…
Using a gallon of conditioner not only makes your hair look greasy, it also weighs it down a considerable amount.  When you have super fine hair, allowing it to be light as air will give it the illusion of being healthier and fuller.  Avoid putting conditioner directly on your scalp; this not only creates build-up that blocks the hair follicles, but also makes your hair look dirty long before it’s actually time to wash it.  Try to avoid washing every day as well; this not only strips hair of essential oils its needs to stay healthy, but also promotes hair loss with excessive brushing, styling and washing. 

 
3)    …as Does a Little Product.
When I have clean hair, I usually like to stay that way as long as possible.  By gunking it up with extra product, you have effectively canceled out the effects of using minimal conditioner.  Try to keep it to a minimum by investing in a light hold volumizing hair spray.  A daily dose of a multivitamin or a hair and nail vitamin will also improve the look of your hair without directly adding anything to your strands.  If you have a few extra bucks, it might also be wise to invest in a product that asserts its ability to provide a raise to the roots: this really provides extra lift at the hair base while adding texture to your hair, aiding in the successfulness of the following steps.      

4)    Now Flip it, Flip it Good!
The easiest way I’ve found to add body to fine and otherwise lifeless hair involves a quick lesson in gravity: by flipping your head upside down while blow drying, the hairs on your head are forced into a direction they are not used to going, thereby lifting your hair at the root and away from your scalp.  Running a brush through your strands as your head is flipped over also creates a bit of static electricity, separating your tresses from each other to give the appearance of fullness and that bouncy look for which you’re always striving.   

5)    Round it Out.
Using a round brush while blow-drying (the larger in diameter, the better) will make your hair look like it’s seriously pumped up the volume.  I try to use one that does not have a solid core, allowing the heated air to flow through it to reach as much of my hair as possible.  Working with the same idea you used when flipping your hair upside down, use the brush to pull your locks away from your scalp and upward while hitting it with heat from the dryer, providing maximum lift to your look.   

    
6)    Do the Wave.
Do you find yourself constantly jealous of women whose hair seems to flow effortlessly in bouncing, beautiful curls?  Have you also noticed how much larger their hair seems to be?  Hair tends to look flat and dull when it’s been blow-dried straight or flat-ironed to death.  Using a curling iron between 1” and 1 ½” to create waves or even curls instantly adds texture, volume, and life to your hair.  Starting at the ends of your hair, roll the curling iron upwards until it’s almost touching your scalp, then lift away from your head.  Again, if you have the money, purchase ceramic styling products; your hair will thank you in the end.

 
7)    Keep it short.
If your battle with the blah doesn’t seem to be ending, chopping your mane will certainly teach it a lesson.  Having less weight on your head will instantly add lift and bounce to your hair while also rendering steps 4-6 far more effective.  

Hopefully your battle will not be fought in vain.  Good luck in your fight for fullness!     

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