We’ve all been guilty of skipping the daily shampoo. Whilst some might come clean about a general tendency towards inertia, others might reveal their unorthodox methods to achieving inward desires: they skip the wash in the hopes that their usually lacklustre strands will be temporarily reinvigorated with added bounce from the additional production of…well, the scalp’s natural oils. But in this humidity? We can’t help but hope for a better way to volumise our limp, underwhelming tresses. A girl can dream, and dream she will.
First things first, we need to understand the reasons as to why our mane sometimes falls flat. “Hair that loses its volume quickly after blow-drying can be attributed to several factors. Low hair density—whether due to natural hair thinning, hair loss, or simply being born with fine hair—is often a primary cause for the lack of volume,” explains Micheal Lee, a professional hair specialist and associate director at Chez Vous. He further shares that whilst one’s choice of shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in products is crucial, the way in which these products are used can also contribute to heavy, flat hair in the long run.
Lucky for us however, Lee assures us that the volume we so desire isn’t completely out of reach, as long as one is armed with the right combination of efficacious styling products; proper techniques for blow-drying; and targeted hair treatments. Of course, Vogue Singapore has you covered. Your definitive pro’s guide to giving your limp, flat hair that much-needed volume boost, all below.
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What are some daily shampoo or conditioning products that you would recommend?
Many individuals prefer shampoos that leave their hair feeling smooth and easy to detangle, but these products can often be too rich, leading to heavy hair that quickly falls flat. Instead, rethink your approach: opt for a lightweight shampoo that thoroughly cleanses both the scalp and hair, such as Oribe Signature Shampoo. Follow this with a superb conditioner like Kérastase Discipline Fondant Fluidealiste, which detangles and smoothens the hair without weighing it down, as conditioners are not meant to touch the scalp.
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Are there any styling serums that will help to give our hair that added va-va-voom?
Investing in the right styling products is essential. In Singapore, many women are hesitant to use styling products, but they can truly transform your hair’s volume. I highly recommend Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray. Mist it lightly onto wet hair, comb through to distribute the product evenly, and then blow-dry.
For those more adept with a blow-dry brush, Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse is another excellent option. Apply a tennis ball-sized amount of mousse from roots to ends, comb through to ensure even distribution, and blow-dry your hair into your desired shape. The results will leave you with that coveted va-va-voom volume.
Additionally, when it comes to long-term care for the scalp, the best way to maintain hair density is by using Morimana Pro Hair Anagen Tonic. This tonic leverages high-tech exosomes to promote hair growth and increase thickness over time, ensuring your hair remains voluminous in the long run.
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Are there any easy DIY tips you would recommend for a mid-day fix?
For a quick mid-day volume boost, root lift clips are a godsend. To achieve this, spray something like Oribe’s Dry Texturising Spray onto the clips (not directly on the scalp to avoid excessive product build-up), then clip them onto your roots during a short break. Leave them in place for about five minutes, or as long as your break allows, and when you release them, you’ll notice an instant lift and restored volume.
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How should we blow dry our hair in the morning so that our volume lasts longer?
To ensure your morning blow-dry lasts throughout the day, there are a few key steps to follow. Start by investing in quality styling products. As mentioned earlier, Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray or Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse are excellent choices for adding volume. When blow-drying, focus on the roots first, drying them in the opposite direction of your hair’s natural fall. Alternatively, bend your head forward and blast the roots to lift them. Many people make the mistake of blow-drying their entire head in a downward motion, which can lead to flat roots.
Once the roots are completely dry, use a root lift clip at the parting line while blow-drying the mid-lengths and ends according to your hair’s natural fall. This technique helps maintain the volume at the roots and ensures your hair stays full-bodied throughout the day—minus the frizz.
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Any treatments or perms you would recommend?
For those looking to enhance volume, root perms can be highly effective. However, if you have long curtain fringe, a fringe perm might be even better. A lifted fringe creates the illusion of fuller hair overall, as the fringe frames the face and is the first thing people notice. This subtle lift at the front can make the entire hairstyle appear more voluminous and bouncy.
For a natural, effortless look overall, consider getting a Korean perm, such as the Hush Perm styles offered at Chez Vous. These perms provide soft waves for a relaxed yet voluminous effect that adds texture and movement to the hair, making it a great option for those seeking to enhance their hair’s natural volume.
