Some Say Creating Voluminous Hair Is Effortless, But IS it?

by Melissa L. White
Certified Hair Extension Artist, Licensed Stylist

On Monday, popular blog StyleList put out a post entitled, "Getting glam voluminous hair like Blake Lively is effortless."  Since creating and maintaining volume has always been one of the more difficult things for my clients, I couldn't resist saying something about this.

Photo credit: Pinterest.com

For those of us with thin hair, thinning hair, or sometimes just heavy long hair, creating volume can sometimes seem impossible. Yes, there are root boosters, root lifters, volumizers and a host of products with dozens of names, all claiming to help us do the impossible. So just what is effortless about this jumble of choices and uncertainty?

Some people are blessed with thick, voluminous hair that doesn't require a lot of work to create full-bodied hairstyles that look fabulous (grrrr!). Others grow tired of spending hours creating a great look that will inevitably fall flat within hours. Others turn to longer lasting solutions to thin hair by investing in hair extensions, which is an excellent solution for many at my San Antonio salon. Even so, many still want to be able to create volume at their roots. Whether you have hair extensions or not, a good product is usually necessary in order to achieve lift and body at the roots.

As a licensed hair stylist, my experience has shown that no single product will work 100% for everyone. Everyone's hair is unique, and needs product that will interact with their own hair. While one particular root booster will work for one, it will fall flat for others who may need something with a bit more substance and holding power. And, let's face it, products that claim to perform the same task often behave quite different. They may apply differently, dry differently, or even change after styling or applying hair spray. Some are messy, sticky, smelly, or are just plain difficult to apply yourself.

It can also become quite expensive to continually try different brands and all of their different products. So, how do you weed through the hundreds, if not thousands of products?

First, find out what is required for the particular hair style that you are trying to create or that you prefer to wear. One hair style may require stiff control, while another may need to remain soft and brushable. When you visit your stylist and they suggest a new style, ask in advance what will be required to maintain the style once you get home and are doing it on your own. A good stylist will always make sure you are able to re-create the look.

Sometimes, reading up on different products and what they are used for can only confuse you and leave you with a cabinet full of unused or unliked product. Learning the difference between gels, lotions, serums, sprays, conditioners, leave-in conditioners, root boosters, volumizers, hair sprays, and other products can be overwhelming. You're better off asking your stylist for his/her recommendations.

If you've heard of a particular product that seems worth trying, ask what their experience is with the product. If it is a product that is not carried by their salon, do they have clients who have tried it? Do they have anything similar? Use the experience that your hair stylist has. Ask for help in selecting products that would be appropriate for you, and that will help you with whatever particular problem you are having with styling your hair. Your hair stylist probably sees hundreds of clients, and many different types of hair. He/she is an excellent source of information and has probably had access to dozens of different brands and types of products.

Effortless, probably not. But possible, yes. Rest assured there are products out there for just about everyone. Knowing what type of hairstyle you're trying to create will help guide you to the best product to achieve it. Getting the help of your stylist will help guide you through the maze of products that all claim they'll give you fabulous hair.

What's your story? Effortless or a struggle?

REFERENCE:
StyleList.com - Getting glam voluminous hair like Blake Lively is effortless

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 14 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams...thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.