beauty addict

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Top hairstylists, makeup artists, and beauty gurus answer your questions.

Q: How can I give my thin, limp hair more volume?

Most people with thin, fine hair want to give their hair more body and fullness, and fortunately, there are a few ways to do that. The first step is getting a layered cut—after all, if hair has no movement, it’s hard to make it appear full. Also ask your stylist to point-cut the ends, since blunt ends won’t give hair movement either. Using the right shampoo, conditioner, and styling products is also important; I would recommend the Biolage Volume line, including the Volume Spray Gel.

When blow-drying, use a large round brush on small sections of the hair, starting at the roots and continuing down the shaft to the ends. Be sure to guide the hair in the opposite direction that you want it to fall. When strands are dry, try curling small sections on the top and sides with a 1 ½-inch-barrel iron. After each section has cooled, backcomb it at the root only; this will create a nice “padded” underlayer for extra volume. After each tease, spray lightly with a professional, firm working hair spray, allow to dry, then proceed to the next section. After you whole head is curled, teased, and sprayed, use a pick or your hands, not a brush, to gently place the hair where you want it to go. If all else fails, however, consider getting hair extensions. When applied by an experienced stylist, the possibilities are endless. Either way, once you’re done, your new full mane is sure to turn heads!

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, hairstylist and salon owner Sandie DuBois (Tangles.org) has been behind the chair for more than 15 years. A certified stylist with Juan Dior and colorist with Redken, she is also trained in several extensions methods, including Hairlocs, Mane Tubes, and Mane Crochet.

Photo credit: Kyle Maass

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