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Full, bouncy hair looks younger and healthier. But you don't have to wake up with hair worthy of a shampoo commercial to get the look. We narrowed down the best products and most effective hair care tips to fake head-turning body, no matter how stubbornly flat your 'do usually is. Use each tip on its own or try them all together to really pump up the volume.
1. In the shower
Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. They contain lightweight polymers—agents that cling to hair and plump strands. Try a 2-in-1 version like Pantene Fine Hair Solutions Flat to Volume 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner ($5, drugstore.com) to limit product buildup, which can weigh hair down.
2. Before you blow dry
Spritz a volumizing styler onto damp roots (where fullness starts) and then distribute evenly by combing through to your ends. Try John Frieda Luxurious Volume Root Booster ($8, ulta.com).
3. While you blow dry
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Use a big, round brush. Lift hair at the roots and wrap 1-to 2-inch sections around a brush; lift the brush upward as you dry, aiming the dryer nozzle upward as you work too. We like Goody Nature Advanced Medium Hot Round Brush ($7, walmart.com).
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4. After you're done drying
Lock in lift with rollers. At your crown, wrap 1-to 2-inch pieces of hair around a few self-adhering Velcro rollers. Blast them with your blow dryer for 1 minute, then let cool to help hold the shape. Gently unroll and shake out with your fingers (brushing will flatten the volume you just created).
5. To finish
Apply a thin layer of hairspray for hold. The secret for control without the stiffness? Mist the hairspray into the air and walk into it, instead of applying directly to your hair. This will cut down on product buildup and maintain bounce. Try Big Sexy Hair Get Layered Flash Dry Thickening Spray ($18, sexyhair.com).
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