The Key to Full-Looking Hair: It’s All in the Prep & Styling
- Deepti Sadhwani
- Mar 4
- 5 min read
This post was inspired by a comment I received on my “How to Start Thinking About Cutting Your Own Hair” video on TikTok. The commenter said:
"My fine thinnish hair could never…"
It made me think—without prep and styling, even my hair can look flat. A good haircut can make a difference, but how you style and prep your hair is what can truly transform it.
Understanding the Difference: Fine vs. Thin Hair
People often use fine and thin interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing.
Fine hair refers to the strand size—each individual hair is smaller in diameter and often feels silky or soft. Fine hair can still be dense, meaning you have a lot of it.
Thin hair refers to the density, meaning there are fewer strands overall, which can make the scalp more visible.
-- I want to acknowledge that for some, thinning hair isn’t just about styling—it can be the result of genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or other factors. I completely understand that in those cases, finding the right approach to hair care and styling may feel different. My goal with this post is to focus on ways to make the most of the hair you have, in a way that feels good to you.
You can have fine but thick hair, coarse but thin hair, or fine and thin hair—they’re all different!
So when people say their “fine/thin” hair could never, it makes me wonder: Are we styling it to its full potential?
Face Shape & Why It Affects Volume
Another factor that plays into how full hair looks? Face shape.
For example, I have a narrow face—so as long as I have some layering, my hair looks more voluminous. But if I grow it out without layers, my face looks even longer and narrower, which throws off the overall balance.
Of course, hair health matters too—I prioritize moisture, scalp care, and avoiding direct heat—but styling can make a significant difference in how hair looks and feels.
Why Prep & Styling Are Everything
A good cut helps, but it’s all in the prep and styling.
For volume, layering products properly makes all the difference. Here’s a simple approach:
Use lightweight volumizing products—too much weight can flatten fine hair.
Apply product from roots to ends, but focus on the areas where you need lift.
Experiment with the amount—sometimes less is more, and sometimes your hair needs a little extra hold.
Blow-dry strategically—lifting at the root while drying creates height.
Embrace waves—whether natural or styled, waves give the illusion of fuller hair.
Styling a Client’s Fine & Thin Hair for Volume
My client, Amy, told me she wanted a hairstyle that was easy to maintain, quick to fix in the morning, and, most of all, helped her look good, smart, and confident.
Since she already had a flat iron, we talked about using it to create waves. I also recommended the Dyson Airwrap because it makes styling effortless and minimizes heat damage. She ended up purchasing one and later confirmed that she loves it.
Her after photo shows her hair with more volume—not because volume was her goal, but because the right tools (here she used her Airwrap) and styling techniques naturally enhanced the fullness of her hair. It’s a great example of how small tweaks in prep and styling can completely change how hair looks and feels, even without altering the cut.
Why Waves Work for Fine Hair
Creating waves is one of the best ways to enhance volume and texture. Here’s why:
Waves lift the hair away from the scalp, adding height.
The wave pattern creates visual fullness, making hair look thicker.
It doesn’t require a drastic change—just styling tweaks make a difference.
You don’t have to cut your hair short to get more volume. A lot of people with fine hair hear that they need to chop it off, but that’s not always true.
Yes, shorter hair can make fine hair look fuller because there’s less weight pulling it down. But if your hair is healthy and you love it long, embrace it!
It’s about learning how to style and prep your hair to get the best results—within the limits of your hair’s texture and density.
Learning to Love Your Natural Texture
For example—I have wavy hair. In the summer, I just let it do its thing. I know I can only enhance my waves so much, and that’s okay. Instead of fighting it, I’ve learned to love my waves and embrace what they can and can’t do.
Extensions: A Little Extra Oomph
If you’re looking for a little more volume or length, extensions are always an option. There are so many brands out there—you can even find some on Amazon.
Halo or fill-in extensions can be a great way to add fullness—if it fits into your budget.
I use Luxy Hair. They’re the only company that make grey extensions that match my grey and salt-and-pepper hair. Plus, their quality is some of the best I’ve worked with. They are expensive but if you take care of them, they’ll last a long time.
The Whole Point: Experimentation
At the end of the day, it’s all about trying things out.
Whether it’s a product, a new technique, or a haircut, you won’t know if it works for you until you give it a shot. And that’s the whole point!
Current Favorite Styling & Volumizing Products
1. Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse – This lightweight mousse adds noticeable volume without stiffness—no crunch, no sticky residue. Unlike heavier mousses, it keeps hair soft and flexible while boosting fullness and body. Infused with hydrating and strengthening ingredients like panthenol (made from vitamin B5) and sunflower seed oil, it helps prevent dryness and breakage. A little goes a long way—too much can make your hair sticky, so start small!
2. Aveda Volumizing Tonic – If you’re looking for weightless volume, this spray is a game-changer—especially for fine to medium hair. A few spritzes at the roots before blow-drying give instant lift and fullness without feeling sticky or heavy. It’s made with organic aloe and wheat amino acids, so it adds volume while keeping hair soft and touchable. Plus, like all Aveda products, it smells amazing.
3. Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair Flexible Texturizing Spray – This is a favorite for texture. It adds soft hold, volume, and just the right amount of grit to make hair look full and lived-in—without feeling crunchy. It keeps styles in place while still allowing for movement, making it great for enhancing waves or adding separation to layers. Whether you’re going for a messy, undone vibe or just want a little extra body, this is the finishing touch that will pull everything together.
4. R & Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo – Dry shampoo that actually refreshes your hair and adds volume? That’s exactly why I love this product. It absorbs oil without leaving a chalky residue and unlike some dry shampoos, this one keeps hair soft and touchable while giving it a little extra lift. Whether you’re stretching your wash days or just need a quick refresh, this is an easy go-to for volume and texture.
5. Bumble & Bumble Heat Shield Thermal Protection Hair Mist – A good heat protectant is non-negotiable and this one does the job without weighing hair down. It protects up to 450°F, helping to prevent damage while keeping hair smooth and soft. It also adds a touch of moisture and shine so your hair feels healthy, not dry or crispy. Whether you’re blow-drying, curling, or straightening, this mist is an easy way to protect your hair without sacrificing volume or style.
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