Scalp volume

[Bambi]

Hi guys!

I need your amazing advice/help with something that bugs me on and off...I wear my hair up almost every day and, especially in pictures, my hair looks really flat. I never pull i tightly or anything but it still look the way it does.
Should a try a volumizing mousse?

Thank you!

[neko_kawaii]

I don’t know anything about volumizing products, but when I plop my hair while drying I have root volume I would not otherwise get.

[*Wednesday*]

You have to be careful with mousse, especially if it contains certain types of alcohol. Alcohol can be drying to the hair and rob it of moisture which can make the hair dry out and become brittle. This is especially true if your hair is damaged, colored or don't wash your hair often and leave mousse in the hair for an extended period of time. However, I'm a minimalist and believe in the less harm you can do with chemicals the better for your hair. I myself used hairspray one time in 2017. I'm no fun. I see your hair is virgin. I would say if you use for a special occasion is perfectly fine. Moderation is key.

[Reyn127]

I don't have a comment on any products that are available because I don't really use them.... But when putting your hair up, have you ever tried making a "pouf" with the front hair? Or do accent braids add any/enough interest?

[Cg]

I wash and blow dry inverted, and at night I make a topknot. These don't produce head-turning volume, but every bit helps. If I take a lot of pains on wash day, I can have a tiny bit of volume, but it never lasts. I've decided to like sleek hair.

I don't use products, but on rare occasions cornstarch as a dry shampoo results in also a bit more volume than usual.

[lapushka]

A mousse is not going to give you more volume when wearing an updo, I don't think, but you could always try and see!

I would try first making a half-up and make a "pouf", then wear the rest up. Instant lift!

[my2cats1]

Have you tried the Bump-It and similar tools? They're combs with a bit of foam on the end, so you can insert it as you create an updo and it will give lift. It hides underneith your updo, at the crown.

I haven't tried them, myself, but I'm curious to know if anyone else has had luck with them.

[cathair]

I would try first making a half-up and make a "pouf", then wear the rest up. Instant lift!

^^^ This! If you pull your hair into a half up, then sort of push that hair forwards, then gather up the rest of your hair to meet it, it creates so much volume. I wouldn't have believed until I tried it.

[Groovy Granny]

A mousse is not going to give you more volume when wearing an updo, I don't think, but you could always try and see!

I would try first making a half-up and make a "pouf", then wear the rest up. Instant lift!

I second that mousse can be very drying...so be careful.

And I also do half up poofs....or at least use what would be my fringe.... then style the back.

After putting my hair up I use a rat tail comb and lift the hair around my face to soften the look.

[Zesty]

I agree with the pouf idea as well. It's quicker than braiding the front of your hair and I think also gives better volume. Just be careful about removing bobby pins or whatever you use to secure it, so you don't get breakage.

[Cg]

^^^ This! If you pull your hair into a half up, then sort of push that hair forwards, then gather up the rest of your hair to meet it, it creates so much volume. I wouldn't have believed until I tried it.

This may work with 2 hair, but for 1a it does not. Mine just flops down dispiritedly and screams FAIL.

[school of fish]

This may work with 2 hair, but for 1a it does not. Mine just flops down dispiritedly and screams FAIL.

As a slippy-sleek 1a type I have to agree here. I've tried the poufy thing many a time, and it always flop-slides within the first minute. It looks so sad - it's like one of those foodie pinterest fails... hahaha!!

I'm sure that with a team of specialists, a stylist on retainer and a crew hired to follow me at all times for re-pouf touch-ups on demand, it could happen - but that feels like a lot of work :p I've elected to embrace the sleek as well since that seems to be my hair's natural proclivity - smoother path and all ;)

[cathair]

This may work with 2 hair, but for 1a it does not. Mine just flops down dispiritedly and screams FAIL.

It stands up well on me if my hair is very clean. I'm not talking inches or anything, just an extra centimeter of height makes all the difference.

But it also shows up how sparse my hairline is. You can almost see what I would look like with a shaved head. You win some you loose some. It's not all a bed of roses :rollin:

[leayellena]

Hi guys!

I need your amazing advice/help with something that bugs me on and off...I wear my hair up almost every day and, especially in pictures, my hair looks really flat. I never pull i tightly or anything but it still look the way it does.
Should a try a volumizing mousse?

Thank you!

Buns and volume works on curly and kinky hair. The rest of the other hair types tend to flatness on the crown. Remember that wavy, no matter how much it bends/waves it's still straight; wavy=straight+wavy/curly.
Plus: are You sure your hair is a 2b? A hair cut can make a 1c like mine go freaking 2c down there depending on the layering type.
I am sorry I can't give you advice about how you can enhance your wavy hair as I treat my hair like straight hair; straight hair is manageable for me especially when I want to gather all of my hair in a bun without creating bumps on the crown.

[Beeboo123]

This may work with 2 hair, but for 1a it does not. Mine just flops down dispiritedly and screams FAIL.

Clean or dirty, it doesn’t work on my 2b hair, I have the same problem as you. I use some of my dad’s sculpting lotion, he has baby fine, silky 1a hair. I’ve got to find our where he gets it from, my mom transfers all bathroom products from their original packaging into a set of bottles for a “standard look”.

[OhSuzi]

To get more volume at the root you could try - drying your hair upside down (You can still use cool heat)- but at least make sure the roots are completly dry. Or Drying at the root with a hair brush / gentle comb lifting your hair up & away from the root - agagin at least ensure the roots are totally dry.

If you want to air dry, I've seen people put those slidey clips that you use on pin curls in their roots to lift em more as they dry.

Theres alway back combing but that might reck your hair a bit.

general volume all over especially for curly whurly hair plopping and scrunch drying

What can also help is having 'dirty' hair not washed for a day or two (nicely clean & conditioned hair is too slippery and silky), dry shampoo or basic light hairspray - seems to give hair allover slightly more thickness and tends to hold whatever shape you bung it in.

or shove some kind of a pad / hair rat under a sort of half up front section of your hair for a specifi voluminous shape.

[Bambi]

Hi! I haven’t been able to reply until now:).

Thank you so much for your suggestions!
I don’t like to have any styling products in my hair so mousse would be a last resort so to speak.

I tried to put up the front part in a pony and it worked really well, thank you so much for that suggestion(helps my tender scalp too).

I bought clips and used them on my scalp when my hair air dried - it helped a lot aswell.

Regarding my hair type, it’s not as wavy/wurly as it was before (so sad).

I’m going to insert some pictures of my hairline and please, be honest, if there is a noticable difference or not. I’m on my phone and I don’t really know how to cover it, hope I don’t make anyone uncomfortable.

http://i66.tinypic.com/3492lg6.jpg

As you can see I don’t have much hair on the sides..both of my parents have this pattern so I guess I have to live with it:/.

Is it as noticable here?

http://i67.tinypic.com/2zrn5o8.jpg

From the front:

http://i64.tinypic.com/33a9e2e.jpg

http://i68.tinypic.com/29ygp5v.jpg

TIA :)

[lapushka]

Can I really be honest? :flower: :o It is kind of sparse, I have to admit, on the upper side. If that is *not* how your hairline used to be and is (which, there is NOTHING wrong with it), I'd go see a dermatologist for it, TBH. Or try black castor oil if you want to DIY it.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Well, I think it looks really pretty, and does have more volume the way you did it there. Also, I think the hairline looks fine to me :)

[Bambi]

Can I really be honest? :flower: :o It is kind of sparse, I have to admit, on the upper side. If that is *not* how your hairline used to be and is (which, there is NOTHING wrong with it), I'd go see a dermatologist for it, TBH. Or try black castor oil if you want to DIY it.

Sure, I appreciate it!

It has always been like that, most of the time I wear the front parts down a bit to ”cover” them.
I used to wear bangs but since I have a cows lick it’s painful to style.

[Bambi]

Well, I think it looks really pretty, and does have more volume the way you did it there. Also, I think the hairline looks fine to me :)

Thank you :).
I get a bit anxious sometimes when I think about my hairline...I’m so used to it so maybe it looks much worse than I would like to think it does?

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Thank you :).
I get a bit anxious sometimes when I think about my hairline...I’m so used to it so maybe it looks much worse than I would like to think it does?

I don't think it looks bad, myself. Everyone has differing hairlines. Mine is similar, let me get a photo....

Here it is, mine has always been like this.

https://i.imgur.com/zwMV8zh.jpg

[lapushka]

Sure, I appreciate it!

It has always been like that, most of the time I wear the front parts down a bit to ”cover” them.
I used to wear bangs but since I have a cows lick it’s painful to style.

If it's always been like that, then it is just your natural hairline, and I said it before, nothing wrong with it then. I know what you mean with cowlicks and bangs. And my sides aren't thick either. I mean I have thick hair, but at the front, the hair is *very* delicate for me! So I feel your pain!

[Nedertane]

Don't know how much this might help anyone yet, but here's a recent observation I had -

I'm a straight, slippy hair type, so a "poof" done with just my hands doesn't generally work for an updo. BUT! I've noticed when I'm working out, if I do some kind of routine, or a yoga pose where my head lies down on the ground ("The plow" pose, or crunches, etc.), I get a poof from that! Granted, it also creates a lot of whiskies, but I'm fine with that, personally.

Of course, getting down on the floor for a yoga pose isn't always an option (e.g. a dirty floor). In that case though, sit in a chair and crane your head up. Then just kind of gently rub the base of your head up and down and side to side. Gives a slightly poofed, but relaxed look. HTH

[FrayedFire]

Don't know how much this might help anyone yet, but here's a recent observation I had -

I'm a straight, slippy hair type, so a "poof" done with just my hands doesn't generally work for an updo. BUT! I've noticed when I'm working out, if I do some kind of routine, or a yoga pose where my head lies down on the ground ("The plow" pose, or crunches, etc.), I get a poof from that! Granted, it also creates a lot of whiskies, but I'm fine with that, personally.

Of course, getting down on the floor for a yoga pose isn't always an option (e.g. a dirty floor). In that case though, sit in a chair and crane your head up. Then just kind of gently rub the base of your head up and down and side to side. Gives a slightly poofed, but relaxed look. HTH
That's so funny, I actually usually do my inversion detangle massage while I do yoga poses that work well with it!

I found that I have crazy light poofy hair the day after I wash, but it's completely unmanageable, but with my mostly SO routine, once it's past the "greasy" point,, a few days of it being pretty flat it gets volume like there is product in it, especially if I top bun it for a while, but to get a good top bun I have to do it upside-down and then mess with the hair sticks after I'm upright.

Aren't jojoba and argan oils the most similar to sebum? Could they be used as a styling product?

[Cg]

Bambi, I think sparse temple hair is rather more common than you think. I see it quite often even in young girls, so it's just a type of hairline. Since your parents share this trait it seems reasonable to expect that you would too.

[lapushka]

I just checked and if I lift up my short hairs in front, I have that shape to my hairline too. These hairs only grow like 2 to 3 inches at the most. I once lost them (during puberty), but after a few years of hormonal imbalance, they grew back in.

I'd not focus too much on it; with your hair pulled back it is hardly noticeable, Bambi, especially not from the front.

[Bambi]

I don't think it looks bad, myself. Everyone has differing hairlines. Mine is similar, let me get a photo....

Here it is, mine has always been like this.

https://i.imgur.com/zwMV8zh.jpg

Thank you for your encouragement. You and your hair is so gorgeous :).

[Bambi]

Don't know how much this might help anyone yet, but here's a recent observation I had -

I'm a straight, slippy hair type, so a "poof" done with just my hands doesn't generally work for an updo. BUT! I've noticed when I'm working out, if I do some kind of routine, or a yoga pose where my head lies down on the ground ("The plow" pose, or crunches, etc.), I get a poof from that! Granted, it also creates a lot of whiskies, but I'm fine with that, personally.

Of course, getting down on the floor for a yoga pose isn't always an option (e.g. a dirty floor). In that case though, sit in a chair and crane your head up. Then just kind of gently rub the base of your head up and down and side to side. Gives a slightly poofed, but relaxed look. HTH

I will try it next time I’m on the mat :D.



Bambi, I think sparse temple hair is rather more common than you think. I see it quite often even in young girls, so it's just a type of hairline. Since your parents share this trait it seems reasonable to expect that you would too.

Thank you, that means a lot.


I just checked and if I lift up my short hairs in front, I have that shape to my hairline too. These hairs only grow like 2 to 3 inches at the most. I once lost them (during puberty), but after a few years of hormonal imbalance, they grew back in.

I'd not focus too much on it; with your hair pulled back it is hardly noticeable, Bambi, especially not from the front.

It feels good to not be alone :).
When I was younger I used to think that it resembled count Draculas hairline haha.

I checked the date on the first photo I posted (where it is the most noticable) and I was really stressed then...I started to take Biotin daily right after, maybe it helped a tiny bit? The rest of my hair is doing well so I’m grateful for that :).

Your hair looks really beautiful in your signature btw.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Thank you for your encouragement. You and your hair is so gorgeous :).

Thank you :) Don't give up, we are enjoying sharing and helping you with your hair journey.

[lapushka]

It feels good to not be alone :).
When I was younger I used to think that it resembled count Draculas hairline haha.

I checked the date on the first photo I posted (where it is the most noticable) and I was really stressed then...I started to take Biotin daily right after, maybe it helped a tiny bit? The rest of my hair is doing well so I’m grateful for that :).

Your hair looks really beautiful in your signature btw.

Just like Sarahlabyrinth, and just like you, the front of my hair is more delicate - I guess we all have that issue to some extent!

Thank you so much, Bambi!

[Nyrak]

OP I think you have a lovely forehead and a striking hairline. Have you tried dry shampoo? I haven’t tried it myself but a lot of YouTube gals have tried it. Also look at some vintage hair tutorials to see if you can get ideas about styling and pinning things into place. I have straight fine hair as well and when you use Bobby pins, make sure you pin them over one another in “X” shapes to help hold them.

[Lady Stardust]

I think you look lovely. Yes there is more volume in the second photo but I don't think you need to worry about it. I have a similar hairline to you, it wasn't the most popular shape when I was at school in the 80s but since then I haven't given it a second thought. I made the Dracula comparison too, I was always quite happy about that :-)

It helps that I love old films and the amazingly glamorous actresses often had similar hairlines. For example, Marilyn Monroe, she had an iconic look and not one mention of her hairline.

[Arctic]

Hi! I haven’t been able to reply until now:).

Thank you so much for your suggestions!
I don’t like to have any styling products in my hair so mousse would be a last resort so to speak.

I tried to put up the front part in a pony and it worked really well, thank you so much for that suggestion(helps my tender scalp too).

I bought clips and used them on my scalp when my hair air dried - it helped a lot aswell.

Regarding my hair type, it’s not as wavy/wurly as it was before (so sad).

I’m going to insert some pictures of my hairline and please, be honest, if there is a noticable difference or not. I’m on my phone and I don’t really know how to cover it, hope I don’t make anyone uncomfortable.

<snip>

As you can see I don’t have much hair on the sides..both of my parents have this pattern so I guess I have to live with it:/.

Is it as noticable here?

<snip>

From the front:

<snip>

TIA :)

Hi there, like others have said having sparser temples is very common.

I tend to tug the hair growing from the top of my head down veeery gently, so it swoops a bit over the sparser temple area. This camouflages those areas well and is also flattering from the front.

Some people have found a medication called Rogaine can help a bit growing new hair, but it only works to my understanding for hair loss cases, that is, there needs to be pre-existing hair follicles the medication can wake up. But as with all medications, this one can have side effects and should not be started lightly and without reading a LOT about it at first.

These being said, you have such gorgeous eyes that I doubt anyone will pay any attention to your temples!

[lapushka]

These being said, you have such gorgeous eyes that I doubt anyone will pay any attention to your temples!

Yes, you have to look at the total picture. And you look gorgeous BTW!

If you'd look at my temples I think people would be horrified to see the difference with the back of my head and the sparser bits in front. I think everybody has their issues with their sides and hairline being very contrasting to the rest of the hair. :flower:

[Bambi]

OP I think you have a lovely forehead and a striking hairline. Have you tried dry shampoo? I haven’t tried it myself but a lot of YouTube gals have tried it. Also look at some vintage hair tutorials to see if you can get ideas about styling and pinning things into place. I have straight fine hair as well and when you use Bobby pins, make sure you pin them over one another in “X” shapes to help hold them.

Thank you, I will try to cross Bobby pins :).


I think you look lovely. Yes there is more volume in the second photo but I don't think you need to worry about it. I have a similar hairline to you, it wasn't the most popular shape when I was at school in the 80s but since then I haven't given it a second thought. I made the Dracula comparison too, I was always quite happy about that :-)

It helps that I love old films and the amazingly glamorous actresses often had similar hairlines. For example, Marilyn Monroe, she had an iconic look and not one mention of her hairline.

I must thank you for reminding me of old movies and the actresses that stared in them.


Hi there, like others have said having sparser temples is very common.

I tend to tug the hair growing from the top of my head down veeery gently, so it swoops a bit over the sparser temple area. This camouflages those areas well and is also flattering from the front.

Some people have found a medication called Rogaine can help a bit growing new hair, but it only works to my understanding for hair loss cases, that is, there needs to be pre-existing hair follicles the medication can wake up. But as with all medications, this one can have side effects and should not be started lightly and without reading a LOT about it at first.

These being said, you have such gorgeous eyes that I doubt anyone will pay any attention to your temples!

Thank you so much for your kindness!


Yes, you have to look at the total picture. And you look gorgeous BTW!

If you'd look at my temples I think people would be horrified to see the difference with the back of my head and the sparser bits in front. I think everybody has their issues with their sides and hairline being very contrasting to the rest of the hair. :flower:

Thank you Lapushka!