Flat hair is just the best, right? Don’t you spend hours trying to get your curls to be as limp and lifeless as possible?
Nahhh, probably not. When you have curly hair, volume is the name of the game. When your hair is full of volume, it flatters your face and adds more personality. The bigger the hair, the better, I say!
However, creating volume can be tricky if you have type 2 or 3 hair. Often, when you manage to get your type 2 or 3 curls super defined, it also becomes flatter and more limp.
There are lots of ways to add more volume to your hair, and using the right products is key. Here are 10 of the best products for boosting volume, including sprays, mousses, and tools.
1. As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo
Excess products and build-up are an enemy of volume — they weigh down and flatten your hair. Start your big hair day by using a clarifying shampoo first, like this one from As I Am. It’s gentle and sulfate-free, yet thoroughly cleanses your hair and scalp of all that residue.
2. Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo
Another excellent clarifying shampoo, this one from Elucence, clarifies your hair and begins to work on lifting it to create more volume. It features white willow bark, and reviewers say it removes product build-up without stripping your hair.
3. EVOLVh SmartVolume Leave-In Conditioner
For some extra oomph, you can also use a leave-in conditioner that’s specifically formulated to create volume. This EVOLVh SmartVolume Leave-In Conditioner is a bit pricey. Still, it features rice bran, bergamot fruit oil, and red raspberry seed oil to soften, moisturize, and protect your hair while also adding fullness and volume.
4. DevaCurl Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam
For maximum volume, you need a light styling product that also creates a long-lasting hold. The DevaCurl Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam is a consistent favorite at NaturallyCurly. It conditions, adds shine, and promotes volume simultaneously, with its blend of herbs like rosemary and lemon balm.
5. Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Spray
This is a “dual-action” spray: it volumizes your hair right away, but it also promotes thicker, fuller curls in the longer term. Maltodextrin coats each strand of hair to thicken it, while ginseng and biotin promote hair growth.
6. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Volumizing Foam
This gel-like spray from Ouidad is excellent for use on wet hair to add volume. It’s lightweight, moisturizing, and doesn’t feel crunchy at all. You can also use this to refresh and add volume to second-day hair.
7. Diffon DF1 5000 Ceramic – Lightweight Diffuser & Curly Hair Dryer with Argan Oil
Creating volume isn’t just about which products you use. It’s also about how you style and maintain your hair. Diffusers are an attachment for blow dryers that diffuse the hot air over a larger area. They’re useful for many reasons, including being more gentle on your hair, but creating volume is one very useful side effect!
8. Nume Root Werk Root Lifter
Another way to add volume is to create more height at the roots with a root lifter, like Nume Root Werk Root Lifter. This product features hydrolyzed soy, wheat, and corn proteins to add long-lasting height and volume to your roots. You can use it on your roots when they’re wet or dry.
9. Cake Beauty Whipped Curl Defining & Volumizing Mousse
If your curls are starting to feel limp and greasy, reach for this mousse from Cake to add volume, lift your curls, and absorb any excess oil. This product is ideal for second- or third-day hair, especially for type 2s.
10. Afro Pick
Afro picks aren’t just for afros! For type 3 curls and above, an afro pick is essential for fluffing up your curls and creating the biggest hair possible. Focus on picking your roots and crown area. Your curls will soon be lifted to the skies!
What are your favorite tricks and products for adding volume to your hair?!
