Add volume to fine hair

Hair: The Art Team at Brooks+Brooks
Photography: Jenny Hands

Dear Hair Doctor,

I'm nearly 50 years old and I have really fine hair. I like having height but i dont know what sort of style will suit me. I have a small face and I'm pear shaped.

Sandra Barwell, Kent

Hi Sandra,

I would recommend you have a classic page boy cut as it is sharp and heavy. This will give you massive volume and appear to be much thicker. A great timeless cut that will look elegant and sophisticated as well as being much more modern than a round brush blow-dry.

Darren Bain, HOB Salons 

Hi Sandra,

As you have fine hair, try Amplify from the new Matrix Total Results range. Use a styling product before you blow-dry your hair such as Wonder Boost, which will last all day. Make sure you don't cut your hair too short on the top as you need a minimum length to have the volume. Another good idea is to use Velcro rollers whilst you get ready, to achieve the perfect volume.

Anne Veck, Anne Veck Salons

Hi Sandra,

It sounds like we need to give the hair more width as well as height to suit your smaller face, as this gives the appearance of more volume. Many people think that short layers will give volume but this is not the best option because it will lay flatter than if they were kept longer. With longer layers you can get more lift and volume. Also ask your stylist to keep everything quite blunt, as too much texturising will soften the strength of the haircut. Using the correct products are paramount; use a light volumising spray through the roots or ‘flat’ spots around the temples before drying to create the support you’ll need. I recommend L’Oréal tecni.art Volume Architect or Thickening Spray from Bumble and bumble.

John Clark, Brooks+Brooks

Hi Sandra,

You’re not alone here. Clients request this with all sorts of hair types.

The rule here is very vague for lots of stylists, so you may have had many different attempts of shapes applied to your head. My suggestion is a simple one that most of my clients can understand.

Firstly, layering (which many people think gives volume) removes weight from hair – that’s its job, not to give volume! So stay away from this type of haircut. Graduation however is your answer to creating more hair (building up weight in hair). This of course should be based around your face shape, head shape, hair type and texture. Your lifestyle, previous services and growth patterns should be considered, which all good stylists should go through with you to design the right haircut technique for your hair. There also is a myth about conditioner making the hair flat; ten years ago maybe, but not anymore. If you’re using the right product, the conditioner does the plumping/volume.

Nelson Brown, Browns