How To Increase Hair Volume Naturally & Effectively
Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered why your hair is so flat? It is not just you. Millions of people have flat, dull hair, even after using every product in the market. Low hair volume can make hairstyles dull, lack confidence, and even look like unhealthy strands.
Say goodbye to the filters and fluff, real hair volume begins at the roots. Whether your hair is naturally thin, chemically treated or recently feeling sluggish, you do not need magical potions or salon secrets. What you need is a volume revival plan that actually works.
To make your hair look thick and full, focus on scalp health, nutritious eating, hair styling, and care.
In this article you will learn about the causes of volume loss, how to diagnose it, scalp and nutrition tips, DIY volumizers, styling tricks, and long‑term care strategies.
What Is Hair Volume?

Hair volume is the overall fullness, body, and lift of your hair. It depends on the thickness of each strand, the density of hair follicles on your head, and the hairs ability to work up the volume and bounce.
It also shows the amount of space taken up by the hair on the head and how far the hair strand away from the scalp, giving your hair more lifted, healthy and full look. It depends on:
- Strand Thickness: Fine strands = less body.
- Hair Density: Fewer follicles = flatter appearance.
- Root Lift And Structure: How hair stands from the scalp.
Understanding volume helps you plan solutions that restore fullness without relying solely on styling tricks.
What Are The Causes Of Less Hair Volume?
Flat hair can stem from several causes, both internal and external:

- Excess oil on the scalp weighing strands down.
- Heat damage from styling tools.
- Stress and poor sleep, disrupting growth cycles.
- Hormonal imbalances, especially thyroid or PCOS.
- Genetics, hereditary fine or sparse hair.
- Nutritional deficiencies, e.g. iron, biotin.
- Chemical treatments like dyes and relaxers.
- Product buildup, leading roots to clump.
Most often, multiple causes combine to flatten your hair’s natural body. Tackling volume loss means identifying root causes and then treating hair inside and out.
Different Hair Volume Problems
Understanding your specific volume problem helps you choose the right treatment. This comparison clarifies why general advice may not fit everyone because the effect differs by root cause.
| Type | Description | Best Approach |
| Fine Hair | Thin strands from birth; looks flat instantly | Layered hairstyles, dry shampoos, protein-based treatments |
| Age-Related Thinning | Volume loss due to hormonal or aging factors | Scalp treatments, nutrition, medical evaluation |
| Post-Styling Flatness | Result of over-processing, straightening, or over washing | Gentle styling, limit heat, clarify scalp weekly |
| Hormonal Loss | Volume drop linked to thyroid, menopause, PCOS | Blood tests, endocrine treatment, adaptogens |
| Nutrition-Based Dip | Poor diet causing brittle, limp strands | Balanced meals, supplements, hydration |
How Genetics and Hormones Affect Hair Volume
Hair thickness, follicle size, and growth rate are mostly regulated by genetics. However, hormones may modify what you inherit:

- Androgens (such as DHT) may cause shrinkage of follicles causing hair thinning.
- Estrogen prolongs the growth phase and maintains healthy shafts.
- Thyroid hormone regulates hair cycle, otherwise an imbalance can lead to shedding.
Do not overlook the cause of hormonal factors when your hair has become flatter or thinner, particularly in patches. A healthcare check-up allows you to identify the root cause and recover the body safely.
Common Mistakes That Reduce Hair Volume
Sometimes our habits are more harmful than beneficial. These daily activities have a risk of reducing hair volume unintentionally:

- Washing too often, stripping oils and triggering overproduction.
- Heavy conditioners applied at the roots.
- Sleeping with wet hair, causing breakage at the root
- Skipping trims, letting split ends travel up strands.
- Excessive use of styling products, which accumulate at the roots.
- Rough brushing, breaking fragile strands.
- Tight hairstyles, stretching roots and damaging follicles.
Signs Of Less Volume Hair
Keep an eye out for early clues before hair volume loss becomes severe:

- Pale scalp visibility at the crown.
- Thin-looking ponytail or hair bun.
- Styles falling flat within hours.
- More strands on pillows or in the shower.
- Increased frizz and flyaway from breakage.
- Dry ends combined with greasy roots.
How to Diagnose Loss of Hair Volume
To accurately address volume loss, combine self observation with professional insight:

- Monitor how long your style holds.
- Note changes in texture, shed counts, and scalp exposure.
- Consult a trichologist or a dermatologist and have strand-scalp analysis.
- Run blood tests: iron, B12, Vitamin D, thyroid levels.
- Monitor Life Style: stress, sleep, diet, medications.
Proper diagnosis is the most important factor; having no idea of what is going wrong, one may be treating the symptoms but not the problem.
Does Nutrition Affect Hair Volume?
Yes, nutrition plays a key role in maintaining hair volume. The hair follicles are metabolic engines that require fuel. Poor nutrition can cause hair thinning, brittleness, and slow growth. The main nutrients are:

- Protein (keratin), from eggs, lean meats, legumes.
- Iron, vital for oxygen delivery to follicles.
- Biotin (B7), supports strength and regrowth.
- Zinc, repairs hair tissue and boosts follicle activity.
- Omega‑3s, for scalp hydration and elasticity.
- Vitamin D, activates inactive follicles.
Having a balanced diet consisting of these nutrients and consuming adequate water, not only makes strands healthy but also enhances volume in a natural way.
How Scalp Health Impacts Volume
An unhealthy inflamed scalp is just the counterpoint of a healthy foundation. Blocking follicles with oil, dead skin or production that was not washed off slows down growth and volume of hair.
Signs Of A Compromised Scalp:
- Itching, flaking, redness
- Greasy roots with dry ends
- Unpleasant odor
- Breakage or increased shedding
To Nourish Your Scalp:
- Use clarifying shampoo weekly
- Test scalp scrubs
- Daily massage (e.g. rosemary, peppermint oil)
- Use sulfate free products
- Do not over wash; scalp need natural oils
Which Hairstyles And Haircuts Give You More Volume?
Haircuts and styling can give instant structure and lift. The right shape enhances volume illusion:

- Layered cut reduces weight and boosts movement.
- Feathered or textured ends prevent flat appearance.
- Blunt bob gives fullness to ends and defies limpness.
- Pixie with volume on top lifts the crown area cleanly.
- U-cut or V-cut for long hair prevents flat layering at the bottom.
Styling Tips:
- Blow-dry hair upside down to lift roots.
- Use Velcro or foam rollers while hair cools.
- Gently tease roots, then smooth over top for hidden lift.
- Try heatless overnight styles (braids or buns) for waves full of body.
Can Rosemary Oil Increase Hair Volume?
Yes, rosemary oil can increase hair volume by stimulating scalp circulation. Studies have shown that rosemary oil has the potential of improving the circulation of blood to the follicles, making hair thicker and stimulating hair growth.
To use:
- Apply a few drops of rosemary oil mixed with carrier (coconut or jojoba).
- Rub lightly on the head and massage the head for 5-10 minutes.
- Leave for 30-60 minutes then wash.
- Apply 1-2 times in a week.
Although it is not a miracle solution, rosemary oil contributes to the health of the scalp and this is a crucial factor in ensuring thick and increased hair volume naturally.
Can You Make Thin Hair Thick Again?
Yes, in most cases you can make your hair thick again. Although you cannot do anything to alter the genetics which predetermine the width of strands, but you can improve density and thickness of hair with:

- Diet and supplement (iron, biotin, protein).
- Exfoliation and scalp treatments.
- Medical intervention if hormonal or thyroid-related.
- Low-level laser therapy devices approved for hair growth.
- Regular trimming, heat coverage, and careful handling.
How Hydration Levels Affect Hair Volume and Bounce
Just like your skin, your hair needs good moisture too. Dry hair loses lift, becomes brittle, and easily breaks. Dryness of the scalp restrains follicular activity.
Hydration tips:
- Consume around 2-3 liters of water a day.
- Use mid-length to end light serums or leave-in moisturizer.
- Apply heat guards during styling.
- Do not over wash, use natural oils to moisturize roots.
- Apply a small amount of argan or coconut oil to seal moisture.
Well hydrated hair retains styles longer, and has more bounce and body.
How Age Impacts Hair Volume & What You Can Do
Aging naturally changes hair. The follicular activity slows down, the collagen decreases, and the strands become thin. By their 40s, a lot of people start to lose hair volume. However, you can retaliate:
- Collagen supplement or peptide to strengthen follicles.
- Focus on scalp health via exfoliation and massage.
- Get bloodwork to check and correct hormone levels.
- Avoid hard chemicals and heat styling which enhances aging.
- Choose thickening products with proteins and volume polymers.
Age doesn’t mean flatness, you can sustain volume with proper support and care.
How to Increase Hair Volume Naturally (DIY Remedies)
Homemade volumizers can be effective in increasing hair volume without the use of any harsh chemical product:

- Egg And Honey Wash (protein + conditioning): 1 egg beaten, 1 tbsp honey, apply the roots to ends, wait 20 mins and wash with cold water.
- Aloe Vera And Castor Oil combination for nourishment and lift.
- Rice Water Rinse – ferment rice, dilute and rinse after shampooing to add strength.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse 1:3 ACV to water to clarify scalp, add bounce.
- Fenugreek Paste soaked seeds blended into a mask for stronger follicles.
Use these once or twice per week, then follow with a gentle volumizing shampoo and conditioner.
See Also: Is Salt Water Good for Your Hair?
How to Keep Volume in Hair All Day
Getting lift is one thing, maintaining it is another. Try these holding strategies:
- Use a lightweight volumizing mousse at roots on damp hair.
- Dry hair upside down with cool air to lock root lift.
- Finish with a light-hold finish spray, focusing at roots, don’t weigh down lengths.
- Avoid humid conditions or seal hair with frizz-control serum on ends.
- Use a silk pillow case to minimize friction and flattening,
How To Get More Volume In Hair Permanently?
Although no treatment can guarantee permanent results, some treatments have a long-term effect:

- Medication (minoxidil) can be used to thicken hair follicles, however, it must be applied regularly.
- PRP injections help follicles to regenerate.
- Microneedling of the scalp increases collagen and strengthens follicles.
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) devices to promote thicker hair.
- Hair transplantation in treating specific density spots.
When combined with weight management, proper nutrition, and care, they offer long-term results.
Conclusion
Increasing the hair volume is a complicated process depending on the status of the skin and scalp condition, healthy nutrition, use of correct styling and avoiding any unhealthy hair habits.
To transform the look and texture of the hair, use scalp therapy, the right nutrition, gentle hair products and voluminous hairstyles. With effective treatment and proper diagnosis, healthier volume can be maintained.

This article is medically reviewed by Head Physician & Aesthetic Dr. Bulent
See Our Doctors & Surgeons
How can l make my hair thick in 7 days?
You can’t create real thickness in just a week, but you can improve texture with a protein mask or clarifying rinse, enhanced by proper styling to lift roots.
Does oiling increase volume?
Yes, using oil (e.g. rosemary oil or coconut oil) on your scalp can contribute to thick hair. Over the long run your hair will look fuller when you use oil on a regular basis and in moderation.
Why does my top hair lie so flat?
Flatness on the crown can occur as a result of ponytails, product build-ups, ineffective root cleaning or reduced follicle activity in that portion
What is the best volumizer for hair?
Look for mousses or root sprays that have lightweight formulations, polymers or proteins, and are sulfate-free. The volumizer should also contain ingredients such as biotin or caffeine to encourage bounce.
