How To Add Volume to Men's Hair: Styling and Grooming Tips

Flat, thinning hair is a common frustration for men. It's probably one of the leading causes of baseball cap sales in the U.S., but it doesn't have to be. There are natural ways to improve men's hair volume with only slight changes to their grooming routines.

This article will cover how men can add volume to their hair, which men's hair styling products help them do that, and how to use them — so they can put away the hat, and start looking their best.

What Makes Your Hair Appear Thin

You've lived with your hair for a while now; you know how it feels, and you may start to notice it thinning. When it might catch your attention is based on three factors:

• Hair density: You only have a certain number of hair follicles on your head, which determines the baseline density you have. The denser your hair is to start, the longer it could take to noticeably thin out.

• Hair type: If you have straight, fine hair, you're going to notice right away when it gets any thinner. But it can sneak on you if you have coarse, curly hair that's always been thick.

• Strand structure: Strands have a core made of keratin and a thin outer shield called a cuticle. As you age, the strands themselves tend to get thinner, which also contributes to the appearance of thinner hair.

Wash and Condition Your Hair the Right Way for Volume

Washing your hair is crucial to keeping it healthy and voluminous, which means cleaning every strand the right way.

Wash Your Hair and Scalp

Excess oils can give your hair a flatter appearance, so make sure to clean your hair well. Soak your scalp in the shower for a few minutes before you wash it. Then, use a natural shampoo, and work it deep into your scalp. Use a scalp scrubber once or twice a week to break down oily buildup and give your hair a reset.

Condition the Ends Only

Natural conditioner replaces some of the oils you wash away, but your scalp is already busy doing that at the base of your hair strands. Just condition the ends to protect them while the oil works its way down to the tips of your hair. You'll have less breakage and fewer split ends, resulting in more voluminous-looking hair.

Work Shampoo in Properly

Spend an extra 30 seconds massaging shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips. Work in the product from hair to neckline and ear to ear. For an extra thorough cleanse, rinse and repeat. These steps help lift product buildup at the roots, which weighs fine hair down.

Choose Volumizing Hair Products That Work for Men

For hair that needs a lift, lightweight products can make men's hair look thicker:

• Mousse: A light, airy styling cream that holds hair in place while adding bounce and volume

• Lightweight gel: A water-based jelly that smooths frizz and keeps shape without being crunchy or weighing down the strands

• Hair wax and balm: Pastes that moisturize dry hair and give your style a natural, voluminous look

• Sea salt and texture sprays: Sprays that give your hairstyle a gritty, matte finish that lifts flat hair

• Dry shampoo: A powder that soaks up excess product and oily buildup that could weigh down your hair between washes

Change Your Haircut for More Volume

If you're still having trouble getting your hair to look right, it might just be your chosen haircut. Talk to your barber to find a cut that uses layers and length to add volume where you need it. A good barber is like having a knowledgeable coach in your corner — they handle men's hair all day, and they can tell you how to combat hair thinning better than most.

Apply Styling Products the Right Way

To get the best volume from your hair products, follow these tips:

• Emulsify the product thoroughly: Rub the product between your hands to thin it out and get rid of the clumps that will stick to your scalp.

• Apply from the crown of your head outward: Start at the top of your head and work outward so you don't weigh down your front hairline and make yourself look like a wet mop.

• Use a small amount at first: Don't go overboard; use just enough product to get the desired effect so there's less to clean out later.

• Choose the right product for your hair type: Find natural products that work with your hair type so you're giving your hair precisely what it needs.

How To Blow Dry Men's Hair the Right Way: 6 Steps

Blow-drying your hair is a great way to add volume and bounce because it sets your hair that way for a while after the strands cool. Here are six steps to get the maximum volume out of blow-drying your hair.

1. Towel-Dry Hair

Pat your head down with a towel to lift out as much water weight as you can without being rough on your scalp. You don't want to tug on strands or knot them up; you just want them a little drier so the blow dryer doesn't have to do all the work.

2. Gently Comb Hair

Comb your hair out very gently — just enough to undo any knots that got tangled up when you were washing or towel-drying it. You want your hair to move freely and easily.

3. Apply Product

Apply your mousse or sea salt spray to lock it into your hair. Don't worry about styling it right now. Just apply a light coating so you can use it after blow-drying.

4. Use Heat Protectant

Heat protectant does what it says on the tin: It helps protect your hair from heat damage, and you're about to blast it with hot air. Spray or comb it through your hair, which should be just barely still damp at this point.

5. Start Blow-Drying

Start with warm air and direct it toward your roots while you run your fingers through your hair. Jostle the roots around a bit to loosen the strands up and give extra lift, and work your way all the way around your head. For max volume, you can begin by blow-drying in the opposite direction of your hair's growth pattern. Then, start shaping your hair into the style you want — but go bigger than you think you need to. You'll tame it down in the next step.

6. Finish With Cool Air

Finally, comb your hair into the style you're going for and use the cold air button on your blow-dryer to cool it down and lock in its shape.

Build a Fuller Look With Dr. Squatch

With the right haircare products, you can make even fine or thinning hair look great, as long as you stay on top of it. You'll have to add a few new steps to your routine, like blow-drying, trying new products, and massaging your scalp, but it's well worth it if it means you can stop hiding your hair under a baseball cap.

The Dr. Squatch store is filled with great hair products for adding volume to men's hair. For example, we have natural shampoos that give your scalp a deep-down cleanse while infusing hair with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and oat protein that give your hair a fuller look. Pick them up, try them out, and you'll be feeling like a champion again in no time.