The spiral shaped stands throughout curly, coily, and kinky hair make it naturally more voluminous in shape as our natural hair tends to grow upwards and outwards. However, the density (how closely packed together your hair follicles are) of your hair also plays a role in how much volume your hair can create. Those with low-density or fine hair may not get as much volume with their styles compared to those with high-density, thick hair. Nonetheless, creating more volume in your natural hair can easily be done. If you are trying to go for that big curly hair look, or the signature afro, there are a variety of ways to do so. Here is how to get more volume in your natural hair:
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1) PUT YOUR HAIR IN A PUFF / PINEAPPLE WHILE DRYING
This easy trick works wonders for creating more voluminous natural hair. After you have applied your styling products, simply tie your hair in a puff or pineapple while letting it dry. Since your strands are being stretched, it helps to elongate the curl pattern and reduce shrinkage. After your hair is mostly dry, take your puff down and shake and style as desired. The result is fuller hair that falls into place naturally.
2) START ON STRETCHED HAIR
Another way for how to get more volume in your natural hair is to start on stretched hair. This can mean doing a new twist-out on an already old twist-out. Or, you can let your hair air dry over night for fuller hair in the morning. Either way, since your hair strands are already stretched and not left in a shrunken state, it will create more voluminous hair.
3) USE A PICK-COMB
If you want to get big hair, simply grab a hair pick-comb. After your hair has dried, gently grab at the roots and use your pick comb to lift up the roots. Shape and style as desired, using your pick-comb throughout your hair for even more volume. Be careful not to pick throughout the entirety of the strands, because it can cause frizz.
4) FLIP HAIR OVER AND FLUFF AT ROOTS
Another tip for how to get more volume in natural hair is to flip your hair over and fluff at the roots. This way works on dry hair or hair that is close to being fully dry. Flip your hair over your head and use your fingertips to gently fluff and lift the roots of your hair. It is an easy and effective way to lift the hair creating the appearance of a fuller fro.
5) TRY USING A DIFFUSER
Many naturals have gotten more volume with their hairstyles when using a diffuser. Not only does it speed the drying process, but it can create voluminous hair faster. As you are drying with your diffuser, one way to create more volume is to flip your hair over and dry parts of your hair that way. Another method is to gently stretch your hair and apply the diffuser to that section to reduce shrinkage.
6) DON’T USE PRODUCTS THAT WEIGH YOUR HAIR DOWN
Using too heavy of a product, or using too many, can cause an excess of product to essentially sit on the hair strands and weigh them down. This of course, can create less volume. So, if you trying to go for a more volumized look, try using lightweight products and avoid layering on too many products at once. If the style you are going for requires multiple products, let it air dry overnight so the product can fully absorb.
7) CONSIDER HAIR VOLUMIZING PRODUCTS
If you feel you have tried other methods for adding more volume to your hair and they don’t work, you may want to consider hair volumizing products. There are products available, including shampoos and leave-ins that can create the appearance of thicker hair. Additionally, for those with fine hair strands these products may provide more benefit.
8) PART / SHAPE YOUR HAIR DIFFERENTLY
Another easy fix for how to get more volume in your natural hair is to part your hair differently. Flipping different layers of your hair to the other side can give the appearance of fuller hair. This is where you can also shape your hair differently to create more volume.
Check out some other ways to stretch natural hair and reduce shrinkage: