Curly hair is naturally full of personality, but sometimes it needs a little boost to reach its full voluminous potential. Whether you’re dealing with flat roots or curls that lose their bounce, these tried-and-true hacks from fellow curly-haired individuals will help you achieve maximum volume.
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1. Flip your hair when drying
Dry your curls upside down with a diffuser or air-dry while flipping your head occasionally. This encourages your roots to lift naturally, preventing them from drying flat against your scalp.
2. Use a root-lifting spray or mousse
Look for lightweight products containing ingredients like hydrolysed proteins or panthenol to give roots an extra boost. Apply at the roots and scrunch for extra lift without weighing curls down.
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3. Plop your hair
Wrap your wet curls in a cotton T-shirt or microfibre towel for 15–30 minutes after washing. The plopping technique helps curls retain their shape, reduces frizz, and encourages natural volume by absorbing excess moisture without disrupting curl formation.
4. Apply products on damp, not wet hair
Adding stylers to damp (not dripping wet) hair allows them to absorb better and prevents flattening. Squeeze excess water out before applying your products to ensure they lock in shape without excess weight.
5. Use clip lifting at the roots
Place small clips at the roots while your hair dries to create natural lift. This method ensures that curls dry with added volume at the scalp rather than lying flat.
6. Experiment with different partings
Switch up your part to prevent hair from settling into a flat shape. Flipping your part to the opposite side can give an instant boost of volume.
7. Try the “pineapple” overnight
Gather your curls loosely at the crown before bed using a silk or satin scrunchie. The ‘pineapple method’ protects your curl pattern and prevents flattening, so you wake up with bouncy, voluminous hair.
8. Use lightweight conditioners
Heavy conditioners can weigh curls down. Look for formulas with proteins and humectants instead of silicones, which can build up and make hair feel limp.
9. Avoid over-saturating hair with oils
While oils are great for moisture, too much can flatten curls. Apply sparingly, focusing on the ends rather than the roots to maintain volume at the scalp.
10. Scrunch out the crunch
If your styling product leaves hair crunchy, gently scrunch it out with dry hands or a tiny bit of lightweight oil. This softens curls while maintaining their structure and volume.
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11. Get layers in your cut
A well-layered cut adds shape and movement, preventing the dreaded triangle effect where hair becomes too heavy at the bottom and flat at the top.
12. Use a pick or wide-tooth comb at the roots
Gently lifting at the roots with a pick or comb helps add volume without frizz. Avoid brushing through the ends, as this can disrupt your curl pattern.
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13. Diffuse on low speed and high heat
This technique enhances volume while minimising frizz. Cup sections of hair with the diffuser and hold it in place rather than moving it around too much.
14. Rinse with cold water
A cold rinse seals the cuticle, helping curls stay bouncy rather than limp. It also reduces frizz and enhances shine.
15. Refresh curls with a water & leave-in mix
Spritz second-day curls with a mix of water and leave-in conditioner to revive volume. Scrunch gently and let air dry or diffuse for a fresh boost.
16. Avoid heavy butters & waxes on fine curls
These ingredients can weigh hair down, making it harder to achieve volume. Opt for lightweight styling products that provide hold without buildup.
17. Fluff with fingers instead of a brush
Using your fingers to separate curls adds fullness without disrupting definition. Avoid combing through dry curls, as this can cause frizz.
18. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase
These materials reduce friction, helping curls retain volume overnight. Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture and flatten curls, leading to limp hair in the morning.
20. Use a volume-boosting shampoo
Look for sulphate-free shampoos with proteins like hydrolysed wheat or rice protein to add structure. Avoid heavy moisturising shampoos if your hair tends to go flat.
Shake out the roots once dry – Once your curls are dry, gently shake them at the roots with your fingers to break up any stiffness and add lift. Flip your head upside down for extra volume.
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