Last Updated on October 29, 2022 by Verna Meachum

We know all too well that having curly hair can be a love-hate relationship. A common problem we want to tackle is how to add volume to curly hair roots without weighing down our locks.

No matter how you style your hair, it can sometimes fall flat. Flat waves, curls, and coils are the worst thing that can happen to a great hair day. Sure, you get to rock enviable ringlets, but sometimes your hair just doesn’t want to cooperate. Especially when it comes to adding volume.

I know how it feels when your curly hair is flat on top and you just can’t seem to do anything to make it look full and voluminous.

The good news is that we’ve compiled some helpful tips on how to give your curly hair roots some extra oomph! You’ll want to add these tips to your growing list of hacks for curly hair.

So, are you ready to say goodbye to flat roots? Let’s get started!

How To Add Volume To Curly Hair Roots: It’s Easy With These Techniques

Volume at the roots is key to achieving a bouncy, full look. Unfortunately, many people with curly hair find that they don’t have much volume at the roots, no matter how much they style their hair.

Thankfully, there are some easy techniques that you can use to achieve height and dimension to your curls.

1. Get A Haircut

One of the best ways to add volume to your hair is to get a haircut. This may seem counterintuitive, but hear me out.

As your hair gets longer, it will start to lay flatter, and can actually weigh your hair down. Even just a few inches off might be enough to make a difference to create a natural lift.

Adding layers or getting a shorter haircut can help to add volume and give your hair a lift. If your hair is finer, a single-length cut has advantages. Hair appears to be thicker after receiving a one-length haircut. But use caution, as too many layers can make it appear shapeless and stringy.

If you have concerns about losing length or finding the right shape for your hair type, discuss them with your curly hair stylist. They’ll be able to provide professional advise based on what you want and what’s best for your curls.

2. Style Your Hair When It’s Wet

Styling your hair when it’s wet is one of the best ways to add volume at the roots. When your hair is wet, it is much easier to shape and manipulate into the style you desire.

3. Don’t Use A lot Of Product

When it comes to adding volume to your hair, less is definitely more. Too much product can weigh down your hair and make it appear greasy and flat.

If you must use product, opt for a lightweight mousse or foam. Apply it to your roots and then use a diffuser to dry your hair. This will help to add volume and lift at the roots.

Tip: when using gel, don’t rake it in, instead scrunch it in as this will help you achieve maximum volume.

4. Don’t Apply Product To The Roots!

When you’re applying product to your hair, avoid the roots. This will help to prevent your hair from looking weighed down. Start mid length and ends and work the product through your hair.

5. Style with a Denman brush

Adding a Denman brush to your routine can help add volume and definition to your hair. Start by brushing small sections of your hair upwards and outwards away from your scalp. (see tutorial under air dry).

Do not brush downward because this will only do the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve. Finish by scrunching your hair with your hands.

6. Air Dry

Yep, you read that correctly. One of the best ways to achieve volume is to simply air dry your hair. The best way to explain this technique is just to watch the tutorial below.

7. Root Clipping

It’s important that your roots match the rest of your hair in volume. Otherwise, you’ll have big hair with flat roots.

One way to add volume to your roots is by clipping them. This will give the appearance of fuller, thicker hair. You can use alligator styling clips or duck bill clips for this process.

Root clipping is a simple and easy technique to get volume in this area, and all you need are some clips and a good hairspray. Just clip the roots of your hair in sections and then apply some hairspray. You can then style your hair as usual.

8. Be Strategic With Your Products

When you’re adding products to your hair, be strategic about it. Choose products that will add volume and lift at the roots. Read the labels on products to see if they’re meant for adding volume.

You can also try a root booster spray. These are products that are specifically designed to add volume at the roots. Just spray it on damp or dry hair and then style as usual.

Here are a few product suggestions:

• Tigi Bed Head Candy Fixations Sugar Root Powder – Use this hair styling putty to create looks with a firm yet flexible hold and natural finish. Perfect for styling short to medium hair -builds texture, body and definition. The product will allow you to manipulate your hair into any style you desire while providing a long lasting, strong hold. A little goes a long way with this one!

• Bumble and bumble Surf Spray – Did you know that salt spray not only expands the hair fibre but also plumps it? This gives your hair the appearance of being thicker and more voluminous. This product adds texture to hair and creates a natural, tossed wavy/curly look.

• Innersense Inner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer – This product will help you to create separation and textures. If you like that piecey look, then this is for you. It will create hold like a pomade, but with a lighter feel.

• Ouidad Ouidad Going Up Volumizing Texture Spray  – This spray-gel is blended with a polymer to ensure your hair isn’t sticky or stiff, and it also gives volume and definition to fine hair. It can also be used as a curl refresher.

• Living Proof Full Root Lifting Spray- This is a heat activated spray, and is a combination of three polymers that provides heat protection and lift to the roots without feeling sticky or tacky. Your hair will have soft and natural lift from the root.

• Jessicurl Celebration Spray – This spray is made specifically for fine-hair. This curl-enhancing formula is combined with other ingredients, such as flaxseed extract and glycerin, to give fine hair more volume and body.

• Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Boost Volumizing Spray, Lifts + Volumizes – This is a vegan volumizing spray that give fine hair a boost of volume at the roots. Use it on the roots by holding your hair up when wet or damp and spraying it close to the scalp. Proceed to dry as usual.

9. Pick it out

Everyone knows that the best tool to lift your curly hair roots and create height is a good old-fashioned pick. This time-honored method will give you the volume you desire without any fuss.

To do this, start by lifting a curl section with your hand and picking the under layers of your hair, keeping close to the scalp. Try not to touch the top layers of your curls to keep it looking smooth.

10. Fluff It

This technique is super simple. Do this by using your fingers to lift and separate the hair at the roots to make your hair bigger. You can also use a wide-toothed comb to help with this.

Both of these techniques will help give your hair a boost of volume at the roots without damaging your delicate curls.

11. Wear It In A Pineapple

Wearing your hair in a pineapple style can help maintain volume. To do this, gather your hair on top of your head with your hand and secure it with a scrunchie or TELETIES hair ties (love these!). This will help keep your roots from getting squished down during the night.

12. Clarify Your Hair

When product builds up on your hair, it can make your scalp look oily and cause your locks to appear heavy and flat. This can then impact how much volume you’re able to achieve with your style. That’s why clarifying is an important step in any hair care routine.

Clarifying simply means removing all the dirt, oil, debris, and product build-up from your hair. Just as a reset button clears all prior settings and data, clarifying does the same for your hair. By doing this, your curls will be more manageable, voluminous, and responsive to styling products.

You can use a clarifying shampoo or doing an Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinse to remove build-up from your scalp and hair.

13. Take A Look At Mousse

Mousse is a product that many people forget about. It’s a great way to add volume to curly hair, especially at the roots.

Mousse will help your hair to hold its shape and can be a good option if you want to achieve big, bouncy curls.

To use mousse, apply it to damp hair and then style as usual. You can also use a diffuser to help add volume and definition to your curls.

If a mousse is too heavy, try a foam, which is lighter in consistency.

14. Use A Diffuser

If you want to achieve bouncy, voluminous curls, then diffusing your hair is a great option. Diffusers help to dry your hair gently and can also add volume and definition to your curls.

If you have fine, curly hair, then using a diffuser on a low heat setting and gradually increase the heat as needed.

While there are different techniques for diffusing your curls, one easy way is to start at the roots and then work your way down. You can also use your fingers to lift your hair as you diffuse it to help add volume.

Another way is to flip your hair over and hold the diffuser close to your scalp while moving it in a small circular motion. In addition, try occasionally switching your part from side to side so that it doesn’t stay permanently set in one direction.

Do what works best for your hair!

14. Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a great way to add volume to your hair, especially if it’s starting to feel flat. It can also help to absorb excess oil and give your hair a fresh scent.

To use dry shampoo, hold the can about six inches away from your head and spray it onto your roots. Let it sit for a few minutes and then brush it through your hair. You can also use your fingers to massage it into your scalp.

For the best results, make sure to follow the instructions on the label as every dry shampoo is not created equal.

16. Add Hairspray To Your Roots!

Hairspray can help to add volume and hold to your roots. To use hairspray, hold the can about eight to 10 inches away from your head and spray it evenly onto your roots.

For extra volume, you can also try using a root lifter or mousse before you spray your roots with hairspray.

17. Section Your Curls

If you want to add volume to your curly hair, then you should start by sectioning it. This will help you to target specific areas and add volume where you need it most. With this technique, you can define your curls and enhance your natural texture.

To begin, start by applying products at the nape of your neck. When you divide your curls into smaller pieces, it will dry quicker and appear voluminous because it’s not weighed down.

Conclusion

Curly hair is already amazing, but on some days it just needs a boost. By using the right products and techniques, you can achieve bouncy, gorgeous curls that are full of life.

By following these tips, you will know how to add volume to curly hair roots and achieve voluminous, bouncy curls that will turn heads.

Not every product or technique is a one-size-fits-all solution, so experiment until you find what works best for your hair.

Always remember to let your hair be your guide!