Voluminous strands have stood the test of time – so invest in these go-to products to achieve this sexy look from the comfort of your home.

There is something about big, bodacious hair that can make you feel like the ULTIMATE kween.

Swishing that mane around and flicking your well-coiffed strands with manicured fingers is the ultimate luxury – even on those baked beans for dinner kinda days!

Whether channelling Cindy in the 80s or Kaia G today, the voluminous strands have stood the test of time.

However, with modern life being fast, fun and furious, you got no time to be getting a daily blowout at the salon, and I get that.

That’s why I’ve put together this golden guide of MM-approved products, so you can master this sexy look from the comfort of your bathroom. Just apply and dry. You’re welcome.  

You asked:

“Should I use a volumizing spray, foam or cream?”

Styling products are your best friend when it comes to big hair – but the choice can be overwhelming, If you have thin or fine hair, products can weigh your hair down, while on very thick and heavy hair, the wrong products can make it look greasy.

Knowing the differences between volumizing sprays, foams, mousses and creams (oh my!) can help you decide which product is best for your hair type.

So, what is volumizing spray?

Volumizing sprays not only add volume, but also a lift to the roots and a firm hold to your style. Such sprays tend to have a heavier consistency than foams or mousses. Sprays are also more directional, allowing you to focus heavily on the roots and maximise lift!!

Who is a volumizing spray for?

Volumizing sprays are best for a root lift, on medium or thick hair. There are root lift sprays specifically for fine hair, but it is important to select specific products that are suitable, such as.

Ouai Volumizing Spray

I love this product for getting that maximum root lift – with as little as weight as possible. I also love how many vitamins are in this little beauty, protecting against damage and making the hair shine! How many volumizers can say they do that? I would use this on anyone who has a medium thickness to super thick, dry, curly hair types.

What is a volumizing foam?

Volumizing foams are the most lightweight of the four main types of volumizing products. The foam is best applied directly to the roots for a lift without build-up or heaviness. Volumizing foam is used to give hair more movement and body, whilst maintaining softness.

Who is a volumizing foam for?

Volumizing foam is best for fine or thin hair or for volumizing virgins – a foam is lightweight and has a ‘no-product’ feel.

GHD Total Volume Foam

This terrific product is lighter than a mousse in weight and hold but still adds volume and texture. Foams are great from roots to tips, and this one particularly protects against heat from your irons, dryers and day-to-day wear-and-tear. Foam is for all hair types but is particularly best on fine hair. If your hair is super-fine, try using the mousse on your roots and a foam through the mid-lengths and ends to maximise volume minus the weight.

What is a volumizing mousse?

Volumizing mousses come in varying levels of hold (light, medium and maximum holds) for different hair types. They also vary in finishes – shine, matte or texture.  

In general, mousses offer more control than foams but are more lightweight than sprays!

A mousse should be worked throughout your hair as opposed to just added to the roots – this is important if you want your hair to look right!

Who is a volumizing mousse best for?

Volumizing mousses can suit all hair types, as long as you choose a product that’s neither too heavy nor too light.

Tresemme Extra Control Mousse

This is a weightless, super-soft hold best for all hair types, a foolproof volumizer. Apply generously on wet or dry alike – and blow dry hair afresh… It’s as simple as that! It works because there is more control in a mousse and you can do great things like waves.

What is volumizing cream?

Volumizing creams come in a variety of holds and thicknesses. Like sprays, they can be heavier and have a soft ‘product-y’ feel.

Like the mousse, you apply a cream from roots to ends. They are great for creating texture and chunkiness – minus the frizz.

Who is a volumizing cream for?

Generally, these suit medium thickness stands you want to really pump up the volume of. It’s also great for wavy hair to help with any frizz.

Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Fiber Lift Protect & Volumizer

Get ready for some serious volume, texture and frizz control with this hair-bulking beauty! I find this product is best applied wet, particularly if you have curly or frizzy hair: the product really gets in and seals the bonds down for a smoother voluminous bounce. Thus, it’s best on medium-thick, curly, dry and frizzy hair types. Remember to use from roots to ends!

CREDITS

Words: Alina B | Reviews and make-up: Max May