You look in the mirror, and there it is: hair that seems to have given up on life, lying limp and close to your scalp. No matter what you try, it just won’t hold any volume. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with flat hair, but the good news is that it’s often caused by a few common, fixable issues.
The Weight of Your Hair and Product Buildup
Sometimes, your hair is simply weighed down. If you have fine or long hair, the natural oils from your scalp, combined with heavy conditioners and styling products, can pull your strands down. Over time, these products can also create a stubborn buildup on your scalp and hair, blocking volume at the root. A clarifying shampoo used once a week can help remove this residue and give your hair a fresh start.
How You Wash and Dry Matters
Your routine in the shower and after could be the culprit. Applying conditioner all over your hair, especially near the roots, can saturate them and lead to flatness. Instead, focus the conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends. How you dry your hair is equally important. Rough towel-drying can create frizz without adding volume. Try gently squeezing out water with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt. For an instant lift, flip your head upside down while you blow-dry on a cool setting.
Styling Habits That Steal Volume
Certain everyday habits can contribute to flat hair. Sleeping on cotton pillowcases creates friction that can flatten your style overnight. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase can reduce this friction and help maintain your hair’s body. Also, be mindful of how you style it. Constantly pulling your hair back tightly or wearing it in the same parting trains your hair to lie flat. Changing your part, even just for a day, can create a surprising amount of lift at the roots.
Finding the Right Cut for Your Hair
Your haircut plays a huge role in creating the illusion of volume. If your hair is one length all around, it can appear heavier and flatter. Talk to your stylist about adding layers. Strategic layers remove weight from certain areas, allowing your hair to move more freely and appear fuller from roots to ends.
Flat hair doesn’t have to be your permanent reality. By looking at your products, your routine, and your cut, you can make small changes that add up to big volume.