When I posted this hairstyle on Instagram, my inbox lit up with one question: How did you do your hair like that? It seems my lifelong love affair with big, voluminous hair struck a chord, so I figured it was time to share my secrets. You can always catch the full tutorial on my IGTV, but I wanted to break it all down here—products, techniques, and the little cheats that help me fake the volume I wasn’t naturally blessed with.
Why I’m Obsessed with Big Hair
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by big, glamorous hair. Maybe it’s the Texas roots (it’s true what they say—the higher the hair, the closer to heaven), or maybe it’s my undying devotion to the bouffants and bombshell looks of the 1960s. Probably both. But give me a beehive, a swoopy flip, or anything that screams Brigitte Bardot, and I’m all in.
Here’s the catch: my natural hair texture is fine and super straight. Not exactly the stuff that dreams of volume are made of. So, over the years, I’ve had to get creative. And after enough trial, error, and a bathroom counter full of half-empty bottles, I’ve landed on a routine that gives me the big hair I’ve always wanted.
The Foundation: Prepping for Volume
The first step to faking big hair is laying the groundwork before you even touch a curling iron.
- Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner: I reach for formulas that are lightweight and avoid anything too moisturizing or heavy. The goal here is to clean without weighing down.
- Root Lifter or Mousse: Once my hair is towel-dried, I go in with a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray. I work it through my roots and mid-lengths—think of it as scaffolding for everything else to come.
Tools of the Trade
Big hair doesn’t happen without a little heat and a lot of strategy.
- Blow Dryer with a Round Brush: This is where the magic really begins. I flip my head upside down while blow-drying for maximum lift, then finish by smoothing sections over a round brush to give shape and movement.
- Velcro Rollers: Old-school, yes, but they work! After blow-drying, I pop a few jumbo rollers at the crown and let them set while I do my makeup. They lock in that “bump” at the top that makes such a difference.
- Curling Iron or Hot Rollers: For the lengths, I’ll use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves, or hot rollers if I’m going full sixties glam. Either way, curls add body, and body equals volume.
My Cheat Sheet Products
This is where fine-haired girls like me need to be strategic. Here are the MVPs in my routine:
- Texturizing Spray: Think of it as instant grit. It roughs up freshly clean hair just enough to hold a style.
- Dry Shampoo: Not just for second-day hair! A little spritz at the roots on day one gives extra lift and keeps everything from falling flat.
- Teasing Comb: I don’t go full beehive every day, but even a little gentle backcombing at the crown can make a huge difference.
- Strong-Hold Hairspray: This is the final step, the invisible net that keeps all that volume locked in place without making it stiff. I look for formulas that hold but still let my hair move.
Tricks I Swear By
Beyond the products and tools, there are a few little tricks that always help me cheat big hair:
- Flip Your Part – If your hair feels flat, flip your part to the opposite side. Instant volume.
- Layer Wisely – Ask your stylist for long layers. They create movement and prevent fine hair from looking limp.
- Don’t Skip the Cool Down – After curling or rolling, let each section cool before brushing it out. That’s how you set the volume.
- Embrace Imperfection – Big hair isn’t meant to look sleek or fussy. A little messiness actually makes it better.
Why It Works Every Time
What I love most about this routine is that it feels versatile. On a casual day, I might just blow-dry with mousse, add a touch of texturizer, and call it a win. But when I’m going out—or feeling especially sixties-inspired—I’ll go all in with rollers, teasing, and the full arsenal. Either way, the confidence boost of seeing my hair big, bouncy, and full of life never gets old.
Big hair isn’t just a style—it’s an attitude. It’s playful, glamorous, and just a little bit defiant. For someone like me, whose natural hair wants to fall flat, learning how to cheat it has been both fun and empowering.
Final Thought
So, if you’ve ever looked at old photos of Bardot, Dolly, or even your favorite ’60s girl group and thought, I wish my hair could do that, let me assure you: it can. It just takes the right products, some trusty tools, and a little patience. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be hooked.
And remember: life may not always be perfect, but your hair can always be bigger.
