As someone who spent 30 minutes backcombing her roots every morning before middle school, I am extremely sensitive to the plight of having hair so fine and flat, it won’t do a damn thing. I have been there, and I have come out on the other side, split ends all grown out and only mildly traumatized from being told by a popular boy that my hair looked “like a wig.” True, nobody ever escapes adolescence unscathed, but in my opinion, bouncy hair (assisted by the best products for fine hair) is the best revenge.
These days, my fine hair is anything but flat—and I don’t even own a fine-tooth comb. With the countless volumizing shampoos, conditioners, powders, mousses, foams, sprays, maximizers, and more available on the market, nobody has to go through life with lifeless hair. Here are some of the favorite picks (and more) I wish were around when I was a tween whose self-worth grew directly in proportion to the height of her roots.
R&Co.
R&Co Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo
Every good hairstyle starts with a strong foundation. See: this gentle clarifying shampoo, which rids hair of buildup for a clean canvas without drying out even the finest, most fragile strands. Particularly necessary for the infrequent shampooer who accumulates dry shampoo residue like it’s their job. (I see you.)
Sexy Hair.
Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder
If a powder texturizer has yet to make its way into your hair-expanding routine, now would be a really good time to get involved. This genius product is unique and difficult to describe but to summarize, let’s just say that the powder turns into a liquid when you shake it onto your roots, where it’s then absorbed to create touchable fullness in seconds. Just try it.
IGK.
IGK Beach Club Volume Texture Spray
If volumizing mousse, medium-hold gel, sea salt spray, and a hydrating cream had a baby, this would be it. Still with me? Good, because this new styling product is a serious game-changer for all hair types and textures—but it’s especially excellent for fine hair that falls flat no matter what you try to do with it. Just a quarter-sized amount will enhance natural waves, create plenty of texture and separation, moisturize dry ends, and impart flexible hold, no blowdryer necessary.
Ouai.
Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray
It may sound like sacrilege to suggest that there’s something out there worthy of replacing your favorite dry shampoo, but don’t shoot the messenger: This lightweight hairspray absorbs oil as it builds texture, like a dry shampoo and a styling spray in one. Mist it on dry hair—roots, lengths, front layers, wherever—and work it in with your hands for sky-high volume and no suspicious gray patches to speak of.
Sachajuan.
Sachajuan Volume Cream
Volume, moisture, shine, and heat protection all in one, this nourishing cream is a multitasker for the ages. It adds incredible shape and body and lustrous shine without greasiness, and its heat-defending properties make it perfect as a pre-blowdry styling aid. (Of course, you could also just scrunch and go.)
yarok.
yarok Feed Your Volume Conditioner
Conditioner has kind of a bad rap when it comes to fine hair—the general perception is that it’ll add undesirable weight and make flat hair even flatter than it was to begin with. And then there is this problem-solving formula, which uses weightless oils and aloe vera gel to add shine, increase manageability, and keep hair healthy without making it blah.
Ouai.
Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo
If you’re always stuck on which shampoo to invest in for volume and a clarifying cleanse, look no further than this new well-reviewed shampoo with a more-than-obvious name. Its star ingredients include biotin for encouraging growth and strengthening the hair, hydrolyzed keratin for taming frizz, and chia seed oil for adding volume.
BIOLAGE.
BIOLAGE Thermal Active Spray
For finer hair types who also love using hot tools, this heat protectant spray is formulated with blue agave nectar instead of heavier oils to nourish and protect the hair without weighing it down.
Bumble and bumble.
Bumble and bumble Bb Thickening Spray
Made specifically for hair with fine to medium density, this pre-blowdry spray supports root lift and volume that will stay put all day, thanks to a medium-hold finish.
John Frieda.
John Frieda Volume Lift Weightless Conditioner
Clarifying cleansers are a godsend for finer hair types who tend to go overboard with dry shampoo, but it can also leave your strands ultra-sticky and impossible to comb through. This lightweight conditioner, formulated with volumizers, will soften and detangle the hair without weighing it down so you have a fresh canvas for styling.
Kerastase.
Kerastase V.I.P. Volume in Powder Spray
Expect zero residue after incorporating this fine hair styler into your routine. The powder-like texture smoothes flyaways, while also adding volume and stronghold for a humidity-resistant ‘do.
Verb.
Verb Ghost Oil
Suitable for all hair types including fine, this super lightweight oil promises to restore strength and condition the hair without weighing it down.
Garnier Fructis.
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler + Air Dry + Aloe Extract
If you’re a wash and go type of person who loves saturating their hair in water everyday, this vegan detangler is a must-try. It’s infused with lightweight, but ultra hydrating aloe extract, as well as vitamin E, to handle knots and add shine.
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