Achieving volume at the crown with curly hair involves the right techniques and products to prevent flatness and enhance your natural curl pattern. Here's a breakdown of how to do it:
1. Choose the Right Haircut
- Layers: Incorporate layers into your haircut. Layers remove weight, allowing your curls to bounce and create natural volume at the roots. Talk to your stylist about the best layering technique for your curl type.
- Avoid Blunt Cuts: Blunt, one-length cuts can weigh down your hair, especially at the crown, making it harder to achieve volume.
2. Volumizing Products are Key
- Lightweight Formulas: Heavy products weigh curls down. Opt for lightweight mousses, gels, or foams specifically designed for volume. Look for ingredients like hydrolyzed proteins or polymers that add lift and hold without stiffness.
- Application: Apply your styling products strategically. Focus on the roots and mid-lengths, avoiding excessive product on the ends, which can weigh them down.
3. Root Clipping for Lift
- Technique: While your hair is still damp after washing and applying product, use small hair clips (like duckbill clips or curl clips) to lift sections of hair at the roots. Clip the hair perpendicular to your scalp for maximum lift.
- Drying: Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser on low heat while the clips are in place. Once your hair is dry, remove the clips gently.
4. Blow Drying with a Diffuser (Strategically)
- Technique: Use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer. Flip your head upside down and use the diffuser to lift and dry your roots. This encourages volume and prevents the curls from stretching out.
- Low Heat: Use a low heat setting to avoid damage and frizz.
5. Fluff and Pick (Carefully)
- Root Fluffing: Once your hair is dry, use your fingers to gently lift and separate the curls at the roots. Avoid raking your fingers through your hair, which can cause frizz.
- Pick for Volume: Use a wide-tooth comb or a hair pick to gently lift the hair at the roots. Be careful not to disrupt your curl pattern too much. Focus on lifting from underneath to create volume without frizz.
6. Scalp Massage for Blood Flow
- Technique: Regularly massage your scalp with your fingertips. This increases blood flow to the hair follicles, which can promote healthier, fuller hair growth and naturally lift the roots.
7. Product Recommendations
| Product Type | Recommendation | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Volumizing Mousse | Ouidad VitalCurl+ Soft Defining Mousse | Lightweight hold, curl definition, and added volume. |
| Root Lifting Spray | Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Volume Texture Spray | Adds texture and lift at the roots without stickiness. |
| Curl Defining Gel | DevaCurl Light Defining Gel | Provides hold and definition without weighing down curls. |
By incorporating these techniques and choosing the right products, you can achieve noticeable volume at the crown of your head while maintaining healthy, defined curls.
