Pump up the VOLUME

Tips and tricks to strengthen and thicken your locks

Lighten up

Colouring your hair a lighter hue is great for adding oomph. A few highlights can give the illusion of depth and peroxide swells each strand, so your hair feels thicker. But be warned – bleach can roughen up strands, leaving hair prone to dryness, breakage and split ends. Ask your hairdresser to use a bonding treatment like Matrix Bond Ultim8 or Olaplex during your service as they protect the health of your hair, resulting in soft and shiny locks, whether you’re having subtle balayage or going for bright white-blonde.

Don’t skip shampoo

Dry shampoo is a godsend, but rely on it too often and oils will build up on your scalp, clogging pores and restricting growth. On the other hand, washing every day can strip the oils your hair needs to remain healthy. Try a gentle shampoo designed to maintain a balanced scalp and wash every other day.

Remember to use conditioner!

Those with fine hair often skip conditioner, fearing it will weigh down locks and make them look flatter. In reality, fine hair requires just as much care and nourishment, and much of that is delivered in the conditioning process. Look out for products designed to deliver volume without weight.

Ditch the crash diet

Follicles need energy to make healthy hair, and low-calorie diets can mean slower growth and weaker strands. Studies have proven a diet too low in healthy fats can affect your scalp and lead to fall out. A healthy, protein-rich diet is also ideal to build keratin in hair fibres, so load up on avocado, almonds, eggs, fish and poultry.

Get a clever cut

Long hair can get weighed down, making it look even thinner, so stick to shoulderlength or above – or try longer layers that will bounce up when styled with a round tong.

Shake up your styling

Switch your part from the centre to one side, doubling its height.

Using a round brush, pull hair up and away from your head while blow-drying for more lift.

Backcomb the top crown section with a teasing brush and secure it in a high ponytail.

Use a powder colour product (like eyeshadow for hair) to fill in your part and disguise fine areas for the illusion of fullness.

Cheat like a celeb

Many stars boost locks with fake hair. Clip-in extensions are a quick fix to boost thin areas without commitment. Pay a bit more for “virgin hair” and have your stylist trim them to the length of your hair and teach you the best placement. Clip-ins usually have a fitment or comb that’s best attached to slightly backcombed hair.

Pop a pill

A supplement can make all the difference when it comes to having stronger hair, and is a huge growth area for haircare and health brands. Typically containing omega-3 acids, B vitamins, iron, collagen or keratin, the idea is to treat the causes of thinning, brittle hair and boost healthy strands from the inside out.