Limp Roots Are My Arch-Nemesis—Here’s How to Achieve Long-Lasting Volume in Flat Hair

Limp Roots Are My Arch-Nemesis—Here’s How to Achieve Long-Lasting Volume in Flat Hair

      As a person with thick, textured hair, I've never seen volume as a significant concern. The natural, somewhat unruly waves of my hair provide ample body and movement through the mid-lengths and ends, sometimes even too much. I usually look for products that tackle frizz and enhance shine rather than volumizing or texturizing products. Recently, however, I've observed that as my hair grows longer, it tends to fall flatter at the roots, especially during the recent heatwave, leaving my hair noticeably limp by the end of the day. While I don’t struggle with fine hair, flat hair is definitely an issue for me. Therefore, I am determined to tackle this frustrating lack of lift by discovering the best products for flat hair. As a beauty editor, one of the most common questions I receive about hair is how to achieve lasting volume (volumizing sprays are quite effective, by the way). Unfortunately, quality products can be surprisingly difficult to find, particularly if you, like me, dislike the sensation of product in your hair. To remedy this, I sought advice from experts on the most effective root-lifting solutions. Below, I share their candid recommendations on what truly works to elevate roots and give flat hair lasting shape, particularly for hair like mine that requires volume at the crown but is already dense at the ends. This includes root-boosting sprays, thickening foams, featherlight mousses, and clever texturizers. Consider this your curated selection of the best expert-approved products and tips for achieving fullness without added weight.

      **Shampoo & Conditioner**

      Before diving into styling, I was curious if changing my usual shampoo and conditioner could help lift my roots. “They are crucial in managing flat hair,” hairstylist Charley McEwen confirms. “Volumizing shampoos help eliminate excess oil and residue that can weigh the hair down, while lightweight conditioners provide necessary moisture without adding heaviness. The right shampoo and conditioner can establish a strong base by enhancing the hair's natural texture and volume.”

      **Living Proof**

      **Full Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle**

      Living Proof produces some of the best shampoos and conditioners available, and typically, I gravitate towards the No Frizz range. However, to enhance lift at my roots, I plan to switch to the Full range, specifically designed to add body to flat hair—offering twice the volume, in fact. Additionally, if you dislike the sensation of silicones in your hair (which can coat strands and contribute to heaviness), this line uses Sili-CLONE™ HairTech to improve hair texture, detangle, and provide a wealth of shine.

      **Texturizers**

      Now that your hair is clean, choosing the right styling products is essential for optimal root-lifting results. “Long-lasting volume comes from smart layering and preparation,” explains celebrity hairstylist and BaByliss ambassador Syd Hayes. “I love using a root volumizing spray, which provides impressive lift compared to mousses. One of my secret tools for adding root volume is a Velcro roller, which works wonders for lifting hair at the crown or fringe area.”

      **Hair by Sam McKnight**

      **Cool Girl Superlift Volumizing Spray**

      Hayes considers this lightweight volumizing spray one of the best in the industry and suggests “applying it to the roots before blow-drying.” It’s particularly excellent for those who dislike heavy volumizers; this spray is incredibly light yet remarkably effective at boosting lift at the roots of flat hair. Additionally, during the summer heat, it helps protect hair from humidity, minimizing frizz and keeping your style intact without any crispness or stickiness.

      Due to some unpleasant experiences with heavy mousses in my teenage years, which left my curls crunchy and sticky, I avoided them for nearly twenty years. However, McEwen swears by them for adding lift. “Volume always starts at the roots, so apply a volumizing mousse to towel-dried hair, flip your head upside down, and rough-dry using your fingers,” he instructs. This mousse from Hershesons has changed my perspective; it is completely lightweight and adds lift without making hair stiff. Plus, it enhances natural texture while adding bounce.

      **L'Oréal Professionnel**

      **Tecni.ART Flex Pli Thermo Modelling, Volumizing Hair Styling Spray**

      Hayes prefers texture sprays for dealing with flatness and recommends this one from L'Oréal Professionnel. “I usually opt for sprays like this over mousse because they are cleaner to work with and provide targeted volume. This professional-grade root spray offers genuine lift without crunchiness or stickiness,” he explains. It is an effective memory spray that activates with heat to lock in body and bounce while keeping the natural texture of your hair soft and flexible.

      **Amika**

      **Un.done Volume & Texture Spray**

      Many effective products for flat hair focus on building lift on freshly washed

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Limp Roots Are My Arch-Nemesis—Here’s How to Achieve Long-Lasting Volume in Flat Hair

This way for the lightweight lift.