Volume in hairstyles is all about creating lift, body, and movement so that hair doesn’t lie flat against the scalp.
Whether your hair is fine, medium, or thick, there are cuts and styling techniques you can use to “pump up” the look.
Here’s a guide to volume hairstyles — what works, what to consider, and how to style for lift.
Table of Contents
What Gives Hair Volume?
Some of the key elements that contribute to hair volume:
- Cut & shape: The way hair is cut (layers, texture, graduation) has a huge impact on how much lift it can hold.
- Hair texture & density: Fine or low-density hair tends to show volume more easily (or struggle more to maintain it), so its “canvas” is more responsive to styling.
- Root lift / root volume: If the roots lie flat, the hair overall looks flat. Creating lift at the base near the scalp is crucial.
- Weight & product choices: Heavy oils, thick conditioners, or products with a lot of silicone can drag hair down. You want light, air-loving formulas.
- Blow-drying / heat styling technique: Direction, tension, and heat timing all matter.
- Texture & “grip”: Curls, waves, or textured finishes help break up flatness and give body. Dry shampoo, texturizing spray, salt sprays, or powders can give hair that “grip” so it holds volume better.
Flattering Volume Hairstyles
Here are cuts and styles that are well suited to getting (and keeping) volume:
| Style / Cut | Why It Helps Volume | Tips / Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Layered cuts | By reducing weight in strategic places and introducing varied lengths, layers allow hair to lift more freely. | Use soft, blended layers (not too choppy) to avoid making fine hair look thinner. |
| Shag / textured cuts | The “shag” (with lots of layers, feathering, and texture) adds dimension and keeps hair from looking flat. | Add curtain bangs or face-framing bits to enhance movement. |
| Layered bob (or lob) | Shorter lengths help reduce the weight pulling hair down, and layering adds shape and fullness. | Use a round brush to flip the ends under or out to encourage outward body. |
| Pixie cuts with texture | Very short cuts are more manageable to lift, and choppy texturing adds volume. | Ask your stylist for razor texturing or point cutting to avoid flatness. |
| Butterfly / multi-layer cuts | The “butterfly haircut” mixes shorter layers above longer ones, helping create fullness throughout. | Works best when hair is at least shoulder length. |
| Voluminous vintage / “big hair” styles | Styles like pompadours or beehives emphasize vertical lift. | These are more “statement” styles, and may require padding, teasing, or structure support. |
Styling Techniques for Maximum Lift in Volume Hairstyles
Even with a good cut, how you style can make or break the volume.
Try these approaches:
- Use volumizing shampoo & light conditioner
Start on the right foot. Use cleansing formulas that don’t weigh hair down; condition only mid-length to ends (avoid heavy conditioner at the scalp). - Apply root lift / mousse / volumizing spray on damp hair
While hair is damp (not dripping), apply a volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, focusing on the crown and root area. - Blow-dry upside down or from underneath
Flip your hair over and dry roots first (this lifts hair away from the scalp). Once roots are set, flip back and dry the rest. - Use a round brush and lift at the roots
As you dry, use a round brush to lift hair upward (toward the ceiling) from the scalp, setting that lift with heat briefly before letting it cool. This helps “lock” bounce. - Teasing / backcombing (carefully)
For extra root boost, small sections at the crown can be gently teased, then smoothed over. But overdoing this can damage hair, so keep it minimal.
Photo credits: Fab Mood