How to Style Thin, Fine Hair: Tips for Big Volume and Body
If you’ve got thin or fine hair, you know the struggle is real when it comes to creating volume and bounce. It often feels like your hair falls flat before you even leave the house.
But here’s the good news: with the right products and a few pro tips, you can create gorgeous, full-bodied hair that looks anything but thin. And, spoiler alert—we’re not talking about volumising shampoos (we don’t believe in them!).
So if you’re wondering what to do with thin or fine hair, listen up! We’ve put together our best advice for giving your hair the lift it needs to look thicker, healthier, and more voluminous than ever.
Styling Thin, Fine Hair: Here’s How to Do It the Color Wow Way
1. Forget Volumising Shampoos—Go Residue-Free Instead
We’re going to say it straight: volumising shampoos are not your friend. Why? Because many of them contain ingredients that leave a film on your hair, which can actually weigh it down and make it look even flatter over time.
Instead, stick to a residue-free shampoo that gets your hair clean without leaving behind anything that could drag it down. Our favourite? Color Wow Color Security Shampoo.
This sulfate-free, residue-free shampoo cleans your hair completely, leaving it light, fresh, and ready for styling. No buildup, no weight, just a clean slate for volume and bounce.
Pro tip: Apply your shampoo at the scalp then massage to get rid of oils and product buildup, but when it comes to conditioner, apply only on the lengths and ends to avoid weighing down roots and making hair flat.
2. Towel Dry the Right Way
How you handle your hair right after washing it is crucial for getting volume.
Thin hair is fragile, especially when wet, so rubbing it vigorously with a towel can cause breakage, frizz, or create static that can make hair flat.
Instead, gently blot your hair with a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt.
This reduces friction, minimises frizz, and keeps the hair cuticle smooth, which is important for locking in the hydration that keeps strands optimally plump and supple. Trust us—this small change makes a big difference!
3. Apply a Leave-in Thickening Treatment
Color Wow Dream Cocktail Carb-Infused is a great option for creating fuller, more voluminous hair.
This unique leave-in treatment adds body by infusing hair with carb-based ingredients that “bulk up” each strand, giving it a thicker feel without weighing it down. Simply apply to the length of the hair strand when damp, and comb through to distribute evenly.
4. Master the Blow Dry for Maximum Volume
Want to add extra volume? Use a round brush to lift sections of your hair at the crown as you dry.
For even better results, pair your blow dry with Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer. This feather-light, alcohol-free foam gives your hair insane body without any stiffness or stickiness.
5. Apply a Root Lifting Spray for Instant Boost
Thin hair’s best friend? A good root lifter. To give your hair more height and volume at the crown, apply a root-lifting spray to damp hair before blow drying.
This gives your roots the boost they need to stay lifted, not flat. Our go-to? Color Wow Raise the Root Thicken + Lift Spray. It’s lightweight, non-sticky, and gives your roots the ultimate lift without any crunchy or stiff feeling.
Spray onto your roots, then get ready to blow dry your way to major volume.
6. Tease for Extra Lift
Want more volume? A little teasing can go a long way. Use a fine-tooth comb to gently tease sections of hair at the crown, focusing on the roots.
This gives you extra lift and volume, especially for special occasions when you want that wow-factor fullness. But remember: be gentle.
Thin hair is more delicate, so don’t over-tease or you could risk breakage.
7. Switch Up Your Part
Where you part your hair can have a huge impact on how voluminous it looks. If you’ve been parting your hair in the same place forever, it’s time to shake things up.
A deep side part instantly adds height at the roots and makes your hair appear fuller. Or try a zigzag part to give your hair extra texture and movement. Experiment with different partings to find what gives your hair the most lift and volume.
8. Use a Texturising Spray for Added Grip
Thin hair can sometimes look flat and lifeless. To combat that, use a texturising spray to add grip and body to your strands.
Texturising sprays give your hair that slightly messy, tousled look that makes it appear fuller.
For an effortless, voluminous finish, we love Color Wow Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray.
Just spritz it through dry hair for an instantly fuller, thicker look that lasts all day.
@colorwow.hair Get that BIG, bouncy hair with zero stiffness! 🙌 Our Style on Stero!ds texture spray gives volume, and unbeatable hold while keeping color bright and hair soft 💫 Spray, style, and turn heads! 😉 #colorwow #flathair #volumehair #thickhair #bighair #flathairtips #flathairhack ♬ original sound - Color Wow Hair
9. Conceal Thin Spots with Root Cover Up
Thinning or sparse areas at your roots can be frustrating, but they’re also easily fixable.
Color Wow Root Cover Up is a genius way to camouflage thin spots, especially around the hairline or part.
The water-resistant, powder formula blends seamlessly with your hair colour, giving the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.
Bonus? It lasts until you shampoo it out, and it won’t smudge or wear off, even in rain or humidity. A quick touch-up with Root Cover Up can make a world of difference for thin hair that needs a little extra volume and coverage.
Recap: Our Best Treatment & Styling Products for Thin, Fine Hair
When it comes to knowing how to style thin, fine hair, the right products can make all the difference.
Here’s a quick recap of the must-have Color Wow products that will help you create lift, volume, and fullness without weighing your hair down:
1. Color Wow Carb Cocktail
It makes a major difference with just one blow-dry!
2. Color Wow Raise the Root Thicken + Lift Spray
This lightweight root-lifting spray is perfect for adding height and body at the roots.
It gives you volume that lasts all day without making your hair stiff or sticky. Apply to damp hair before blow drying for best results.
3. Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer
This alcohol-free, non-sticky foam gives thin hair a major volume boost.
It adds fullness from root to tip without leaving behind any crunchy or heavy residue. Apply to damp hair before blow drying for soft, bouncy volume.
4. Color Wow Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray
For a piecey, voluminous look, this texturising spray adds grit and grip without any stiffness.
Perfect for creating that effortless, tousled style, it’s a must for adding definition and movement to thin hair.
5. Color Wow Root Cover Up
Need a quick fix for thinning areas? This water-resistant powder seamlessly blends with your natural hair colour, camouflaging sparse spots and making your hair appear thicker.
It’s a perfect tool for touch-ups between colourings or for filling in at the roots.
Styling thin, fine hair can feel tricky, but with the right products and techniques, you can achieve the voluminous, full-bodied look you’ve always wanted. With these tips, your thin hair will look fuller, bouncier, and more fabulous than ever!
Not sure where to start on your Color Wow hair journey? Take our 60-second hair quiz to discover the perfect personalised routine for your hair type.
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