Big Hair: Want To Get It Back?

If you want luscious hair full of body, your haircut may need to be altered.

Working With Short Hair:

Short hair can be given instant body by layering the hair strategically. Tell your stylist that you want to get more volume in your locks, and he/she can cut it in a way that will make it look fuller almost instantly.

Working With Long Hair:

Long hair can get heavy (and is harder to keep big). If you have long hair and plan to go for big hair frequently, know that you will have to deal with some substantial breakage. Make sure to keep your haircut fresh; big hair does not look good with split ends.

Products That Work:

Consider starting with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Make sure to use just a bit of conditioner -- as it weighs hair down -- or opt for a lightweight detangling mist.

Once you're out of the shower, there are many great products that can help boost your locks.

Big Sexy Hair, What A Tease ($19.75) Product adds massive lift.

• Make sure hair is completely dry.
• Spray onto roots of 1-inch sections, starting at crown of hair.
• Make sure not to go overboard, as too much can leave a white residue.

AVEDA Volumizing Tonic ($14) Adds shine and volume.

• Spray onto roots while hair is damp.
• Blow dry hair upside down or use round brush to pull hair away from scalp as it dries.
• Make sure not to overbrush hair.

Pantene Pro-V, Body Builder Mousse ($3.99) Lifts flat hair and adds support.

• Begin with damp hair.
• Press desired amount into palm of hand, work into hair, starting at roots.
• Blow dry, lifting hair away from scalp with round brush.

Tips For Creating Big Hair:

Ever wonder how big hair defies gravity? Check out these tips that can help pump up even fine hair.

1. Whether you use product or not, make sure your hair is completely dry and not warm (from blow dry). Wet or hot hair can be traumatized by the action of backcombing.
2. Gather a small 1-inch section of hair at the crown (top of your head, near the back).
3. Using a fine-tooth comb (a rattail comb from a beauty supply store works wonders), start at the middle of your hair and comb toward your scalp (reverse of how you'd normally comb). Once you get to the scalp, remove comb and start in the middle of hair again. Repeat. Spray section with hairspray.
4. Gather other 1" sections of hair near crown and continue technique on those sections.
5. Once you have the height you crave, make sure to use your comb to lightly pick through the top layer of your hair, to ensure it doesn't look like a tangled mess.
6. Finish with more hairspray.

Remember, backcombing your hair isn't something you should do every day, unless you're willing to deal with a lot of breakage.