Flat roots can make even the best haircut feel a little lifeless – and, since Google searches for “how to get volume at roots” are up 80 per cent in the last few months alone, it seems many of us are struggling. The good news? You don't need to spend an hour with a round brush to fake fuller, bouncier hair. From clever styling tricks to the right products, here's how to get lasting lift at the roots.
Volume begins in the salon. If your hair feels heavy and falls flat by lunchtime, your cut could be working against you. Invisible layers remove bulk without sacrificing length, allowing hair to naturally lift away from the scalp. If your hair is particularly fine, a blunt bob or mid-length cut can also create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.
Rather than focusing on the ends, spend most of your drying time at the roots. Lift sections of hair upwards as you dry, directing the airflow against the direction the hair naturally falls before smoothing it back into place. It's a simple trick, but it creates noticeably more lift. Even better, work Zhoosh into your roots before you dry for extra grit and oomph.
One of the quickest ways to add instant volume? Change your parting. If you usually wear your hair in the same place every day, the roots become trained to lie flat. Switching to the opposite side – or even just moving it over by a centimetre – creates natural lift with almost no effort.
Velcro rollers are having a well-deserved comeback. Once your hair is around 80 to 90 per cent dry, wrap the top sections around our large rollers and leave them to cool completely. The result is soft height, movement and an expensive-looking bounce everyone wants.
It's tempting to pile on oils and creams, but they're often the quickest route to flat hair. Keep nourishing products focused on the mid-lengths and ends, while reserving Zhoosh or Air Dry Spray for the roots where they'll give support instead of weight.
Before you call it done, flip your head upside down and give the roots a quick blast with a hairdryer or shake them out with your fingertips. Finish with a light mist of Air Dry Spray to help hold the lift without leaving the hair stiff or crunchy.
