Curly Hair with Not Enough Volume

Hi Emily,

a good way to get some movement from the root area is to use clips. After you apply your gel and you have parted your hair the way you want to see it dry, simply take a duck bill clip and slide it into your hair at the base or root area. Make sure you turn your clip on its side like you are cutting it, like a knife. This will help keep the hair up off the scalp while it dries.

Once the hair is dry take the clips out and de-crunch.

If you're in a hurry and like the way the clips work but don't have time to dry your whole head, simply put the clips in and dry the root area until it is dry. Take out the clips and let the rest of your hair air dry.

Remember that in order to get the hair to stay up you need to be using a water soluble gel. The gel is what sets the hair with the new lift and curl. Place the gel up to the scalp but not on the scalp, and then rake through the rest of the hair.

Check out product application on other Q&A on this site for more helpful styling tips.

Best of luck, Nicole

Hello Manny,

to help with the flat hair on top use small single prong clips to help lift the hair. Turn the clips on their side like you are cutting with a knife. Lift a little section of hair, open the clip and slide it in. Close the clip. Now your hair should be lifting off your scalp. In order for the lift to stay, make sure you put some gel in your hair.

Check out other Q&A on this site for product application and gels I like.

Best of luck, Nicole

Hi Sarah,

hair is always changing. Give it some time. Use the Deva Curl product line. It has the most moisture. See if your curls come back.

Do a deep treatment once a month to give your hair the nutrients it needs. I like the Ouidad deep treatment because it has some protein in it. When your hair has the moisture/protein balance it needs it will be the best it can be.

Best of luck, Nicole

There are a couple things to help your fine hair look thicker and the bangs more manageable.

The bangs can be "softened" basically by taking a chemical straightener and pulling the curl out just until it is a soft manageable curl. Have your stylist do this for you. She/he will know when to stop the process. This helps change the texture of the hair too.

The other thing I like to do is use the color to create dimension in curly hair. This gives the illusion of thicker hair. Use 3 colors that complement each other.

Example: apply dark brown underneath in the nape area, then have your stylist foil in medium blonde, light blonde and the dark color throughout the rest of the hair.

I like to use a chunky highlight to give the eye color to bounce off.

Best of luck,

Nicole

Curly Hair

I too have naturally curly hair. It goes to my shoulders and I have my stylist layer it slightly in the back to give it a little more body.

For most of my life I always had bangs too. I found that using a curling iron with a bigger rod worked best. After I dried my hair (or it dried on its own) I would use the curling iron to straighten out the bangs; then I would curl them under with the iron, spraying slightly with hair spray while curling to get the curl to stay. Then I'd use a brush to pull the curl out. It looks very flattering.

Hope this helps.

Candace,

there are a few styling tips that work to create curl around the crown area. Check out tips on using clips to style the hair (on this page).

If you are wanting curly hair with volume all around your head I would start by not straightening it. It sounds like the chemical action is taking out what you want. So try taking a break from that and see how your hair looks.

Best of luck, Nicole

Dear Maricarmen,

Working with thin, fine curly hair can be a challenge.

You have a beautiful curl pattern!

To style your hair, I would start by getting your hair really wet. Then, take a water soluble gel. Section your hair into three sections, take a quarter size gel for each section. Rake the gel in with your fingers and your palms, moving the product evenly through your hair. Hold on to the ends of that section and shake your hair, until you see your natural curl come out. Do the same for all three sections. Then, dry with a diffuser or air dry. De-crunch the gel by taking your hair into a low pony tail and twist out the curl. Like you would wring out a towel, but move all the hair in the same direction. Fluff your curls.

Do not try to de-crunch your hair until it is at least 80% dry or you will get more frizz.

Best of luck,

Nicole

Hello Kara,

to create volume on the top of your hair you will need single prong clips or duck bill clips. Your can pick them up at Sally's Beauty supply or Target.

Once you have applied your gel, make sure you've applied the gel up by the root area as well. This way when you slide the clips into the hair the gel will harden and set the hair in a lifted manner.

To insert the clip turn it on its side, like a knife, open it slightly, then pick up an inch section of hair right at the scalp and slide the clip into the hair - using the side of the clip, like a knife would slice butter. Close the clip and let the hair dry (the clip should be close to the scalp to create lift).

Don't forget to de-crunch once the hair is dry.

Best of luck, Nicole

Hi Julia,

you have great curl!

I can see what you mean about volume. I would suggest using clips and a diffuser when styling your hair.

After you have applied your gel, take a single prong duck bill clip and slide it on its side (like a knife) up through an inch of hair on the crown of your head. Place a clip wherever you want to see height. If you part your hair, straddle the part with either leg of the clip and let it pinch together.

After you have clips where you want to see height, diffuse your hair dry. Once the hair is dry take out the clips and de-crunch.

Check out other Q&A on how to de-crunch on this website.

Best of luck, Nicole

Hi Danielle,

the best way to get volume and curl with fine hair is to use a diffuser and a strong hold gel. The strong hold will set the curl better. It is tricky to find a strong hold gel that is not too heavy. I have had good results with the Arc AnGel by Deva Curl.

Best of luck, Nicole

Hi Dolly,

Two things you can do.

First, have a cut that encourages the more tousled look. Add layers with different lengths around the head - nothing too uniform - but keep it balanced.

Second, after working in the gel and letting your hair dry completely, de-crunch your curl and tip your head over. Gently slide your fingers into your hair at the scalp and shake. This will break up the curl without causing frizz. Remember not to run your fingers through your curls. Simply place your fingers straight in and shake and pull them straight out.

Check out other Q&A on this site for product application and de-crunching curly hair.

Best of luck, Nicole

Hi Alice,

to create volume you can cut more layers. Also check out other questions and answers on this page to find out how to style your hair with clips to create height at the root area.

Best of luck, Nicole

Hi Sonia,

try using clips to lift the root area. After you apply your gel, gently lift the hair at the root area and slide a clip, on its side, into the base of the hair. Slide it along the scalp as if you are using your clip like a knife to cut.

Duckbill clips are best for this technique. You can get these clips at your beauty supply store, like Sallys.

Check out more Q&A on this site for product application and deep treatments.

Best of Luck, Nicole

Hi Whitney,

a great way to get volume at the root is to use long duck bill clips. Turn them on their side (using each like a knife to slice through the hair).

After applying your gel, gently lift the hair (at the root) and slide a clip in. Put as many clips as you need on the crown area of the head in order create height and balance. Let your hair dry, air dry or diffuse, it doesn't matter.

Once the root area is dry, take out the clips and de-crunch the hair. Simply pinch the curl or gently massage the crown area with the palms of your hands to soften the crunch.

Good Luck, Nicole

CURLY CURL

I put on conditioner after shower. Once it's dry I wave it with my hands. And wallllaaaa! So nice!

Hi Kimmy,

have you tried using clips at the root area to help give the straight area some body?

You can find duckbill clips at any beauty supply store. After you have applied your gel use the clips like you are slicing your hair with a knife. Turn the clip on its side, then gently lift an area of curl at the root area and slide the clip in. This will help create lift at the scalp.

Check out other Q&A on this site for styling tips, such as applying the gel and what products I recommend. It would be great to have you wear your hair down to show off your curl!

Best wishes, Nicole

Hi Riya,

check out the FAQ on this site for curly hair products and deep treatments that I like. You will also find some tips there to help with the way you work the gel in your hair to eliminate the frizz.

Use the clip technique for adding some volume at the root area:

Take a duckbill clip, turn it on its side like you are cutting with a knife. Open it slightly and slide it in your hair at the base of the hair. Use about 6 or 7 clips all around the top of your head to create some lift.

Best of luck, Nicole

Tips that may help you.

Hi Riya,

you can use a leave-in conditioner every day on the bottom part of your hair after your shower. Do use a deep conditioner every two weeks. You can shampoo your hair every two weeks. Use a serum that has no silicone in it to style your hair.

You can have loose buns without the tendrils. This look is utterly sexy. When applying serum, make sure you are applying by splitting your hair into four divisions. The more appropriately you apply, the better your curls will stay up.

Take care, Insiya

Sounds like a medium length hair style would work nicely for you. Once you get your hair length to where you like it, I would then play with the layers.

You can create "A" line layers that go shorter in the back to longer in the front, or do the reverse. Another option would be to randomly snip curls where your stylist thinks it would most flatter your face shape (I usually do this on dry hair).

To address the combination curl you have, there are a couple options for you. First, you can get a perm to mirror the curl underneath so your curl is more uniform, or do the reverse - slightly chemically soften the tight curl underneath to mirror the top.

One thing to think about when trying a new product: Make sure you give your hair a chance to adjust. Using the same product for a week or two will give you a better idea if it will be a "keeper".

Make sure you are using products made for curly hair. The ingredients should be water soluble to minimize build up. Avoid waxes and oils - these too will weigh down the hair. There is a book called Curl Talk by Ouidad. She talks about ingredients in products to avoid and what to look for. It is a very informative read.

Good luck, I hope things start looking up for you!
Nicole

Thank you for your question about styling fine thin hair. This is a concern for many ladies.

Here is a styling tip to creating volume on the top of your head.

After you have applied your mousse or gel simply insert 3 or more duck bill clips or single prong clips into your hair. Place a clip where you want to see height. Placement should be at the base of the hair, close to the scalp. Make sure you turn the clip on its side first, then slide it in the hair, making sure the clip is lifting the hair and not lying flat on top of the hair.

Leave the clip in place until the hair is at least 80-90% dry.

To take out the crunch of the mousse or gel: take your hands, palms flat, and press firmly on your hair, moving your hands from your forehead to the back of the head. If the gel or mousse has made too much separation in your curls, where you can see your scalp, then try lightly massaging your scalp. (Try to avoid raking your fingers through your curls.) Gently massage in a circular motion where you feel you need to.

Best of luck,
Nicole

Styling curly hair is definitely a day to day experience. Depending on weather, time of year and product, your curl can take on a different curly pattern on a daily basis!

To help with the frizz factor when going curly, make sure you apply a water-soluble styling product, section by section and from root to ends. Use your fingers and rake the product through your hair. Then use long duckbill clips to create a little lift, placing them on their side and sliding them into the root area of your hair. Then diffuse as normal. After your hair is dry take out the clips and de-crunch your curl.

Best of luck!
Nicole

Try this

As it dries slowly, I'm assuming you are using a gel or mousse on the top, keep pushing your fingers into the root area and gently lift the hair about an inch. Do this gently as the hair dries and if necessary, add a little hairspray to hold that lift when it's almost dry. Works for me and doesn't tend to frizz the rest of the hair because you're being gentle.

Blowdry it upside down

When my hair is like half way dry after I have styled it, I blow dry my hair upside down. I know it sounds funny but if you hang you head upside down and blow dry the roots and put on some hair spray it works.

Getting volume at your roots

How often do you cut the layers on the top? I find my hair does this when it gets too long and heavy.

Thanks!

Thank you. I had the same problem with my roots being flat, and I always had to pin them back. Thanks for the suggestions!

Getting More Volume for Your Curly Hair

Haley, can you give Nicole some more information about your hair? It will be easier for her to formulate a reply if she knows some specifics, like how long your hair is, the type of curl you have, whether the texture is uniform, if it's just on the top you need more volume, or all over ... Even the products you're using now would be helpful, and maybe something about your current hair routine. Also whether you straighten your hair a lot, and what straightening methods you use.

Any info you can give Nicole makes it easier for her to help you.

You might not want to send a photo, but pictures can be really helpful too :) If you don't want the photo published we can just send it to Nicole for her to comment.

Good luck. I hope we can help you :)