If you’re rocking a bob hairstyle, you understand the importance of volume. While a sleek and straight bob is undeniably gorgeous, there’s a certain allure to a fluffy, voluminous style. This holds true for pixie cuts and any shoulder-length haircut as well. Short hair craves bouncy layers, big curls, and full waves. And the best part? Achieving volume is much simpler when you have less hair to work with. All you need are the right tools and expert tips.
We’ve consulted with two seasoned stylists to demystify the process. Below, you’ll find their tried-and-true methods for adding volume to short hair, along with product recommendations to incorporate into your routine.
Featured Experts
- Ebony Bomani: Hairstylist, Trichologist, and PATTERN Brand Educator
- Priscilla Valles: Celebrity Hairstylist and Founder of Perlino Hair
Start With the Right Cut
“For short styles like bobs or pixies, volume begins with the haircut and technique,” explains Ebony Bomani, a hairstylist, trichologist, and PATTERN brand educator. Layers are a popular choice because, as she points out, they do more than just create visual interest. “For straight and wavy hair, layers add texture, which helps elevate the hair from the roots,” she elaborates.
While coily textures naturally appear fuller, intentional volume may require a different approach. Bomani suggests focusing on shape rather than adding layers for curly and tighter textures. “For curly, tighter textures, shaping the silhouette and defining the curl pattern to make the hair expand upwards and outwards is crucial for creating volume,” she advises.
Prioritize Products
The right products play a pivotal role in enhancing volume. Not only do they nourish the hair with essential nutrients and supportive ingredients, but they also influence the final look as your hair dries. To maximize volume, experts recommend applying products directly to damp hair. “This allows the products to penetrate deeply into the follicles and gives you more control during styling,” Bomani notes.
The application technique varies depending on the product type. Lightweight formulas like serums can be gently smoothed through the strands, while mousses and foams should be focused closer to the crown to create lift at the roots.
Be Picky About Your Tools
How you style your hair at home is just as crucial as the cut itself. “For styling short hair with added volume, a flawless blow-dry is key,” emphasizes Priscilla Valles, a celebrity hairstylist and the mastermind behind Perlino Hair. The classic blow-dry technique involving a blow dryer and a round brush is favored by most stylists for good reason. The rounded shape of the brush, coupled with gentle tension, lifts the hair and injects volume directly at the roots.
If wielding a brush and dryer simultaneously feels daunting, a blow-dryer brush can simplify the process. “I swear by the T3 Airebrush One-Step Volumizing Dryer Brush for adding lift and shape. It works wonders on shorter styles like a bob, from root to tip,” Valles recommends.
For those sporting curly locks, a diffuser is the tool of choice. “Diffusers are perfect for maintaining the curl pattern while allowing for root stretching to add fullness without compromising definition,” notes Bomani. She suggests Pattern’s Blow Dryer for curly textures, as it includes a diffuser and attachments designed to boost volume while preserving curl definition.
Products to Try
Round One-Step Volumizing Hair Dryer Brush
Mending Infusion Styling Hair Serum
Curl Mousse for Curls & Coils
Try Using Extensions
If you’re seeking to boost volume without relying on heat styling, consider hair extensions. “Extensions are often associated with length, but they truly excel in adding volume,” notes Valles. Clip-ins, in particular, can enhance fullness and help you steer clear of excessive heat usage or potentially damaging techniques like teasing.
If you’re new to using extensions, Valles recommends working in small sections on freshly washed hair. “The clips grip best when the hair is freshly blow-dried and has a smooth surface to adhere to,” she suggests. This approach ensures a seamless blend, resulting in a more natural-looking volume.
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