How to Add Volume to Hair: The Multi-Dimensional Routine for Thicker, Fuller, Higher Hair

Flat, limp, no-lift hair? We’ve all been there. Whether your strands are fine, thin, oily, or just style-fatigued, figuring out how to add volume to hair—and make it last requires more than a single product or trick. It’s a strategy.

At Color Wow, we’ve built an entire science around volume that actually performs: a multi-layered, multi-dimensional approach that targets every stage of your styling routine—from cleanse to finish.

These award-winning volumising heroes are designed to lift, plump, and expand every inch of your hair. Because when it comes to volume, it’s not just what you use—it’s how you layer it in.

First, Why Does Hair Go Flat?

Before we dive into tips, let’s talk why. Volume loss is typically caused by:

• Oily roots that weigh hair down
• Fine or thinning strands that lack protein mass, plumping hydration or internal structure
• Heavy products that coat the hair
• Humidity that causes collapse
• Damage that compromises strands, reducing density and mass
  

So if you want to learn how to volumise hair, the key is a multi-dimensional, layered approach  to lift roots, bulk up strands, and support structure—without weighing hair down or overloading it with product.

 The Best Volumising Hair Products (and How to Use Them)

Want fuller, thicker, higher hair that actually stays up? These are the products you need in your corner.

From root-lifting sprays to strand-plumping treatments, this is the complete Color Wow volume routine that stylists swear by—and the one that delivers real, weightless, touchable body without buildup, crunch, or dehydration.

STEP 1: Set the Stage for Volume

Cleanse with ZERO Buildup

Volume starts in the shower with shampoos that actually cleanse your hair, leaving it fresh and residue free.

Often shampoos contain ingredients (thickening agents, conditioners, silicones) that leave behind filmy residues that instantly weigh hair down—especially at the roots.

Look for residue-free cleansers like Color Wow Color Security Shampoo and Curl Wow Hooked Shampoo.

Why these formulas work:

• 100% clean, no-residue cleansing technology
• Sulfate-free, silicone-free, and safe for colour

STEP 2: Add Mass + Density

Fatten Each Strand Instantly

Fine hair lacks internal bulk—so you need a formula that literally “fattens” strands without coating or crunch. 

Color Wow’s Carb-Infused Cocktail is a leave-in treatment that works with your blow-dryer heat to bind to weightless carbs to strands, adding mass and making them remarkably thicker and fuller after just one blow-dry.

Why pros love it:

• Effortlessly Builds visible thickness
• Lightweight + non-sticky
• Heat protectant formula 

How to use:

Apply evenly to damp hair, mid-lengths to ends. Comb through and blow-dry.

STEP 3: Build Luxe, Expansive Volume

Plump, Lift and Amplify Without Stiffness (or Dehydration) 

There are lots of volumisers that can help you achieve big, full sexy hairstyles... but at a cost!

Many traditional volumisers use dehydrating salts, resins and alcohol to “blow out” your cuticle and push hair apart to create fullness. 

Want bombshell body without dehydration, brittleness and stiff crunch? Color Wow Xtra Large is a breakthrough volumising foam formula that gives you massive, soft, touchable volume with zero stiffness or dulling residue. 

Why it works:

• Weightless polymer tech plumps strands 
• Triple heat protection
• No drying alcohols or resins

STEP 4: Elevate Your Roots

Sky-High Lift That Won’t Fall Flat

Want to take your hair from limp and lifeless in seconds?  Take aim at the root of your flat hair problem with a no-fail, no fall root lifter. 

Pros' favorite? Color Wow Raise the Root acts like scaffolding to support hair where it counts to create that airy, bouncy “off the scalp” finish. Raise the Root is powered by clear, flexible polymers that keep roots aloft—without stickiness or stiffness. 

Why it’s the cure for flat hair: 

• Flexible, clear polymers support root structure
• Can be used on wet or dry hair
• No crunch, stiffness, or colour dulling

Bonus: Works on dry hair too, if you need a root refresh between washes.

STEP 5. Add texture and “guts” for volume + grip 

Creating curls, volume and lift when you have thin, fine hair can be super frustrating: styles just seem to slip away.... go limp and link. The key is to give hair texture and guts with a texturising  product like Color Wow Style on Steroids. 

Made with weightless polymers that don’t leave chalky residue or dull finish, this advanced formula with heat protectant is perfect as a setting spray, or on-the-spot body / volume booster.

Just spray into mid-lengths and ends, rake through with fingers, and let the body build.

When to use it:

• Before using hot tools (for long-lasting waves or curls)
• After blow-drying (to build separation + soft lift)
• Anytime you want second-day fullness without washing

Bonus: Unlike old-school texturisers, Style on Steroids is safe for color and contains heat protection.

Step 6. Lock in big volume for the long haul 

Strong hold doesn’t have to mean sticky, stiff, or dull. Texas Hold ‘Em is a next-gen hairspray designed to freeze volume in place while keeping hair touchable and soft.

With powerful anti-humidity properties, this firm-hold formula fights gravity AND moisture for big, bold volume that stays strong and lasts long. 

Why it’s WOW:

• 82% style retention in high humidity
• Deposits 50% less alcohol than leading sprays (so it won’t dry or damage)
• Crystal-clear formula that won’t cloud or yellow colour-treated hair
• Two types of heat protection + UV defense

How to use:

• Shake well
• Spray from 10 inches away to set finished styles
• Flip hair over and spray under-layers for extra volume

Final Thoughts: Volume that Lasts, Without Sacrifice

Getting, and keeping big volume doesn’t have to mean big buildup, dehydrated, damaged or stiff strands. With the right combination of super-clean clean prep, thickening tech, and strategic styling, even the finest, flattest hair can rise to the occasion.

This lineup delivers everything you need to go thicker, fuller, and higher— it’s the pro’s secret stash to volumise, without compromise!

Read other hair care tips and tricks on the Blog:

• What Is "Hair Volume"?
• How Can I Add Texture to My Hair?
• How to Style Thin, Fine Hair