We all need a bit of body! That’s “root lift” to you and me: the one thing that lifts the face and makes hair look bouncy and youthful.
Here’s how to get thicker hair:
Shampoo right
“Always use a volume shampoo and treatment to help build body,” says Luke Hersheson, Kérastase ambassador. “They actually swell the hair, giving the appearance of thicker, fuller locks.”
Nioxin Cleanser 2 for Fine Hair, R299 for 300ml at Everything Hair
Our beauty editor matched shampoos to different hair types, find out which shampoo you should be using:
Snip in a bit more body
“Fine hair really needs to have structure built into it,” says Harry Josh, John Frieda creative consultant and stylist to Hollywood A-Listers like Gwyneth Paltrow.
“Go for a haircut that has super soft layering around the areas that tend to sit flat; this will help with movement. Graduating fine hair into a short bob will also help to lift flat, limp hair.”
Follow this hair trend and find out if short hair is the waay to go.
Dry it high
“Apply a blow-dry spray to the roots, then start blow-drying the hair, loving the roots from side to side and against the natural fall of the hair. This helps build a foundation into the root area,” says Harry.
“After lifting the roots, create your parting and blow-dry using a large, round natural-bristle brush. When the hair is completely dry, add Velcro rollers to the crown area for extra lift, and leave them in for 10 minutes. This will add a touch of natural volume and glamour to the end style.”
Denman rollers, R79 at Dis-Chem
Style it right
Don’t overload your hair with too much product. “Try not to create too much texture for fine hair as this will weigh it down,” says celebrity hairdresser Lee Stafford.
“One of the most common hairstyling mistakes is using too much product, which can make hair look flat or even greasy. It’s all about keeping your hair light to add height and volume, so read the label and follow the instructions.”
Pro Tip: Backcombing is really great for pumping instant volume into limp, lifeless hair, creating the illusion that it’s thicker. But, you also need a base. “Spray a root-lift product directly onto roots while hair is damp to create volume that lasts,” says Lee.
“Apply to towel-dried hair, lifting a section and spraying directly onto the roots in all the areas where you want to create big volume. Blow-dry to set.”
John Frieda Luxurious Volume Hairspray, R115.95 for 250ml at Clicks
