Flat hair is hard to style.

We’re breaking down the causes of flat hair and sharing the best products and tips for creating volume.

If you regularly ask yourself ‘why is my hair so flat?’, you’re not alone. Flat hair is a common struggle. In fact, it’s one of the top questions our stylists get from clients. If you’re constantly fighting flat hair, don’t fret. Because with the right hacks and products, you can add mega-volume to your hair. We’re telling you how to fix flat hair- plus breaking down the causes of flat hair and sharing our favorite tips for giving your flat strands a boost. And it’s all ahead now.

The key to keeping flat hair at bay is understanding the cause. These are the most common. Keep reading to find out what’s causing yours.

If your hair is looking dull or limp you may have an accumulation of product buildupon your scalp. This build-up happens over time as your styling products leave behind a residue that can weigh your hair down, leaving it looking flat. 

An oily scalp can also cause your strands to fall flat. The sebaceous glands in the scalp can become overactive, leading to a condition called seborrhea (commonly known as an oily scalp). If not treated properly, this buildup on the scalp and roots can lead to flat hair and even dandruff.

The health and appearance of your strands depends largely on your diet. Vitamins and minerals are important for normal cell growth and function, so a deficiency will ultimately lead to problems somewhere. If your hair has lost it’s natural volume you may be deficient in Vitamins C, D, E, Zinc, Iron or Folate, to name a few.

Using the wrong products can also lead to flat hair. Formulas that are too heavy for your hair will weigh it down. You should only ever use hair care and styling products formulated for your hair’s unique needs. So if you’re using curly hair products on straight hair and your strands are falling flat, it’s time to start using the right products.

Another cause of limp, lifeless hair is improper styling techniques. The way you style your hair may emphasize its flatness. Hair that’s pulled back tight, worn super sleek and long, pin-straight or in need of a trim can look flat.

Your genetics also obviously play a role in the health and appearance of your hair. Certain hair types are more predisposed to flatness than others. Fine or thin hair lacks density, making it inherently flat. Straight hair is also more prone to looking flat than more textured types.

These styling tricks will help you add mega-volume to your strands. Ready to go big? This is how to style flat hair.

 A scalp detox can bring flat hair back to life. It can also help balance oil, reduce hair loss, and provide some relief from irritation. Once a week, swap out your regular shampoo with a clarifying formula like the PURIFYING Shampoo from our NATURALTECH line to remove buildup.

If you’ve got flat hair, stock up on volumizing shampoos, conditioners, and mousses specifically designed to lift flat hair. Our Soft Volume Set includes three volumizing favorites, including VOLU Shampoo to gently cleanse with a boost of volume, DEDE Hair Mist to lightly condition for detangling and softness and This is a Volume Boosting Mousse for an airy volume with light hold for long lasting styles.

One of the best ways to “fake” volume in flat strands is with the right haircut. Some cuts add more volume naturally than others, especially if they give texture or height. From thickening blunt lobs to layered shags and chin bobs, these haircuts encourage movement and texture, adding volume and stacking out the hair, making it look fuller and thicker.

There’s nothing quite like the volume created from a blowout- if you get it right. Start with freshly washed hair, that’s been and prepped with a volumizing heat protectant like our Liquid Spell. Remove the nozzle from your blow dryer and rough dry the way you normally would, then flip your head upside down and give it a rough dry from underneath. When your hair is mostly dry, reapply the nozzle and return to right-side-up. Continue drying, dividing your hair into sections, working with a round brush and pulling the hair up from the root. 

Styling tools like rollers, teasing combs, and round brushes are game changers when it comes to creating volume on flat hair. Using too much product can make the scalp greasy or create more weight. That’s why a combination of both volumizing products and styling tools is the best way to add some oomph to flat strands.

These tips will help you create big volume, fast. Keep them on hand when you need a little lift. Read on for our favorite quick fixes for flat hair

Probably the easiest way to add height to flat strands is by switching up your part. Flipping your part to the opposite of where it naturally falls creates instant volume at the crown. Create a deep side part on the opposite side of your natural part.

If you’re looking for some on-the-go products to quickly revive your flat hair, look no further than dry shampoo and texture spray. This is an Invisible Dry Shampoo adds volume without residue, and This Is A Dry Texturizer for an instant full-bodied and tousled look without weighing it down. 

Maybe the oldest trick in the book for faking volume is teasing your roots. Grab a half inch section of hair at the crown and hold the hair straight up, keeping it taut. Use a rat tail comb to gently comb the hair from mid-shaft to the roots. Do this 3 times to create a voluminous tangle. Grab another half inch section of hair underneath the first one and do the same thing, backcombing in sections until you’re happy with the results.

A volumizing hair spray is another must-have for creating volume on flat strands. This is a Dry Wax Finishing Spray adds instant texture and dimension without stiffness or residue. Enjoy undone definition with flexible hold, separation, and a soft, natural look with this reworkable and versatile product for volume.

Getting a haircut that promotes volume is the key to preventing flat hair. Once you and your stylist choose your cut, maintain its shape with regular trims. Be sure you know the maintenance schedule and keep up with your regular appointments.

We discussed how nutrient deficiencies can be a cause of flat hair. So eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet is one of the best ways to keep it away. The best foods for healthy hair include things like eggs, leafy greens, and fatty fish. 

We know volumizing products are the first line of defense against flat hair, but be mindful of how much you use. Remember an accumulation of product buildup can weigh down your strands, leaving them looking flat. Always follow the instructions on styling product labels. 

When it comes to fighting flat hair, understanding the root cause is the key to finding the right solution. Experiment with our tips to find what works best for your hair type and use only quality hair care products like the ones from Davines. Each of our volumizing products is care-crafted in Italy, using high-quality natural ingredients that give your hair the nourishment and volume it deserves. From shampoos to conditioners and styling products, Davines offers a range of formulas to help you embrace your hair’s potential. 

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor