There are lots of things that I love in this world, sadly enough big hair is pretty damn high up there. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve always had a strong connection to big, bouncy, full hair. Dallas Texas hair. I kind of want to put the blame on Dolly Parton and Lonnie Anderson, because they mastered the art of huge, sexy hair and were, and are still very well known for it. But alas, being a part of the fine hair group, I could never quite get my hair to reach the heavens. And then………. I learned some tricks. Yes I DO have extensions to add fullness which was half of the battle. But there are certain paths you can take without them that will lead you to big hair heaven.

Towel Dry

If your going to blowdry your hair, towel dry it first until it is slightly damp. If your hair is too wet then you can actually blowdry the volume right out of it. Oh, and its hell on your hair too. Unless your grasping at straws and are willing to achieve thickness through frizz, thence heed my warning.

Get The Right Shampoo And Conditioner

Any shampoo or conditioner that is super moisturizing will weigh your hair down. If you want lots of height, then look for any that say volumizing. Save the super moisturizing for only once a week for a boost of moisture.

Layers

If a bouncy and full style is what your after, there is no easier way to achieve it then with some well placed layers. They create more bounce, thickness and movement. Please go to someone you trust for this though, as I have personally seen a lot of layers go very wrong.

Watch The Product

Too much product will weigh your hair down. Start with a dime size amount of product (preferably thickening or volumizing) and if you need more then work your way up to a quarter size. This one is very hard for me to do because I’m an absolute product whore and for some reason can’t break the “more is better” motto. Just trust me, once you break this nasty habit you will see great results.

Try A Hair Powder

Hair powders are a super thickening agent that you add to your roots before you style your hair. Just add a very small sprinkle, work it in well so you can no longer see it, and back comb for immediate results.

…..Or A Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoos are a milder version of a hair powder. They still help though. Once you spray it on and brush it through your hair, it will look a little bit thicker. Just be sure to invest in one that will match your hair color. Otherwise adding a white dry shampoo to dark brown hair can make it look like you should be haunting an old manor.

Hello Hot Rollers

Now I could tell you to invest in hot rollers, but first things first. Learn how to use hot rollers. I borrowed my hair dressers hot rollers ooooooh about thirty years ago (and still have them. Sorry Ang) and don’t even know how to use them. I look like a bumbling idiot trying to wrestle them onto my head. Maybe if I didn’t have a head full of weave it would be easier for me, but I’m doubtful. However, I know the hot roller trick is true because hairdressers have put them in for me and my hair was amazing after. Well, that and this is how Victoria’s Secret models hair is done for fashion shows. And that’s some damn nice hair they’re sporting.

Vent Brush

While you are blowdrying, use a vent brush. They allow the hot air to circulate through your hair, adding bounce and lift.

Hairspray

Ah hairspray. My love, my sunshine, my soul sister. They say adding too much can take your volume down. But oh ho ho do they have that story wrong. As long as you invest in some Elnett you can spray that hair from sunrise to sunset and not lose an inch. Plus you won’t have to worry about it flattening. It will be locked there until you wash it. WARNING: this will not be sexy in the morning. Trust me.

Mousse

When you add mousse to hair it coats it adding thickness. Throw it on your roots and it gives them lift and hold. Throw a couple of hot rollers in there with the mousse? Well, then your basically unstoppable.

And with that you should have amazing, bouncy, full hair. If I can get my fine hair to maintain some height then lord help you if your starting this process with thick hair. You, my dear, are going to look like a bombshell. I hope these tips work for you. Now go make Dolly proud.

xo Stephanie