Give your hair more flair
Give fine hair the brush off. Lisa Haynes reveals how to build body with some insider tips and tonics
January is over and so too is most of the diet talk and slimming chat. It’s just as well, because there’s one area that many women are in constant pursuit of fattening up – the top of our heads.
It’s estimated that around 10.9 million women in the UK have fine hair – that’s 40% of the female population, according to Kantar World Panel consumer research.
While the ageing process can result in thinning tresses due to hormonal changes, a dramatic difference in hair texture can strike at any age, with triggers including poor diet, extreme stress, hormonal imbalances or childbirth.
“Big or ‘fat’ hair is the picture of health and can make even the most ordinary of outfits look fabulous,” says Katie Hamburger, creative stylist at Regis Salons.
“It’s thick, healthy and full of life, so it all starts with keeping your hair in great condition.”
Go big on the prep and fling back a fuller mane for spring.
BODY BUILDING
It’s impossible to create more hair, but you can lather up with products that create thicker, healthier locks right from the follicle.
Choose a thickening shampoo, apply into your palms and give your scalp a DIY massage for a couple of minutes. Massaging the scalp can stimulate blood flow, which can strengthen hair roots.
“Apply a light conditioner to ends only, so the strands aren’t weighed down by any extra product,” Hamburger advises.
For an extra volumising boost, she recommends a leave-in treatment specifically for thinning hair: “Nioxin’s Diaboost is ideal for thin hair as it strengthens and improves the density of each hair strand, while creating volume and thickening the hair.”
HEAVYWEIGHT STYLING
How you wear your hair can make all the difference between fine or fabulous. Avoid styles that hang limp around your face and opt for bodyifying layers and clever cuts.
“A shorter cut will help when it comes to thinning hair, as well as adding in layers to create body and movement,” says Norris Ogario, founder and creative director of Ogario.
“Trying a different parting can also work wonders – a sweeping fringe can create the illusion of thicker locks.”
Gentle waves will add extra texture and a fuller appearance. Place inch sections of hair into medium-size rollers all over the head, apply heat with a hairdryer, then let them cool completely.
3D COLOUR BOOST
Hair colour has evolved from simple ‘blonde’, ‘brunette’ or ‘cover grey’ ambitions to transformative textural results.
“Ask for a multi-tonal colour – it’s a bit like a 3D effect,” says Josh Wood, hair colour expert.
“If you have a slightly darker, medium and lighter colour, it will look as though you have almost three times the amount of hair than with a single shade.”
Using different tones on different areas of the hair, a skilled colourist will play on light and dark to create the illusion of thicker looking hair.
“Roots that are a little bit darker and ends that look lighter will generally make your hair look fuller,” Wood advises.
Simply having colour in your hair can also have a physical effect. Hair that’s coloured has been chemically processed, which gives the feeling of slightly bulkier tresses.
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