Two products, a world of difference. When it comes to our natural locks, it seems everyone wants the exact opposite of what the genetic lottery allotted them. I've borne witness to, and partaken in, countless conversations over cocktails with friends where phrases like, "my curls are always so frizzy, I'd kill for straight hair" and "it's so flat, I'd love voluminous curls" are thrown about. But, I've never heard anyone express a desire for fine hair. I'm not talking
about someone wishing their strands were slightly less thick and unruly, I mean genuinely flat, life-less, tangles-at-the-mere-sight-of-a-brush hair—the kind I have. Any fine-haired girls will know the struggle of adding some semblance of volume, texture or movement to their locks. And, don't get us started on our hair's ability to hold a curl. Hint: it's non-existent. When looking for the best way to add volume, the first thing we're told to do is chop it all off. And
while I can attest a chic bob really does give fine hair more body and bounce, we should be resigned to one style for entire existence. After years of trying ever shampoo, vitamin and spray I could get my hands on, my hairdresser two products I'd actively avoided: volumising mousse and a
lifting powder. Mousse had often left my locks crunchy and dry, and a tacky powder seemed like the last thing I should be adding to my quick-to-become-oily roots—you'd never find either in my overflowing beauty cabinet. But, these were different, these were the genius work of hair-whisperer Kevin Murphy. Sensing my hesitation, my hairdresser added just a sprinkle of the
Powder Puff Volumising Powder under a section of hair either side of my part-line, giving just enough texture and grit to lift my roots and keep them lifted all day long. Then came the Body Builder Mousse. A tiny squirt into the palm of the hand doubles in size like a fabulous
foreshadowing. Applied through the ends before drying, the result is weightless volume and body—no crunch or dry ends. After a day of walking around obnoxiously flipping my suddenly luscious locks, I went straight back to the salon to buy both the Powder Puff and Body Builder—and I haven't gone a day without them, since. Shop: Kevin Murphy Body Builder Mousse, $39.95
and Powder Puff Volumising Powder, $39.95 both Adore Beauty LEAD PHOTO: Instagram @kievin.murphy.australiaAfter Years Of Searching, I’ve Found The Holy Grail Of Volumising Products For Fine Hair
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At the root of every great hair day are the brilliant basics: hardworking shampoos, conditioners, treatments, and stylers. We’ve singled out what every hair type needs to reach its crowning glory.
Photo: Courtesy of Companies
Shampoo
(from left to right)
Best for fine hair: Phyto Paris Phytodensia Plumping Shampoo
This gentle cleanser contains deeply moisturizing hyaluronic acid and a plant- derived collagen that coats hair and builds body.
$29; Phyto.com
Best for frizzy hair: Virtue Smooth Shampoo
The smooth operator behind this sulfate- and paraben-free wash? A unique keratin protein—virtually identical to the one found in healthy hair—that helps
repair damage and seal the hair shaft.
$36; VirtueLabs.com
Best for damaged hair: René Furterer 5 Sens Enhancing Shampoo
Formulated with five plant-based oils, this silicone-free cleanser strengthens, softens, and smooths weak strands.
$30; ReneFurtererUSA.com
Best for dry hair: Pantene Gold Series Moisture Boost
Shampoo
This lush paraben-free wash is the most hydrating way to come clean. The argan oil–infused formula removes impurities and buildup without stripping your hair.
$5; drugstores
Photo: Courtesy of Companies
Conditioner
(from left to right)
Best for fine hair: Pureology Clean Volume Conditioner
Give your hair the bump it deserves with this sulfate-, silicone-, and paraben-free mix of moisturizing aloe water and fortifying soy protein.
$30; Pureology.com for salons
Best for frizzy hair: L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner
The new weapon in your fight against frizz: a creamy conditioner formulated with
marula oil (rich in fatty acids and antioxidants) to help increase sleekness, shine, and manageability.
$8; drugstores
Best for damaged hair: H2O+ Beauty Sea Greens Conditioner
Some of the best beauty ingredients (sea kelp, sea lettuce, algae) are found in the sea—and in this conditioner, BFF of shiny, touchable hair.
$20; h2oplus.com for salons
Best for dry hair: Dove DermaCare Scalp
Dryness & Itch Relief Conditioner
A healthy scalp supports hair follicles, helping them produce softer, stronger strands. Get yours in prime condition with this intensely moisturizing mix of shea butter and coconut oil.
$5; drugstores
Photo: Courtesy of Companies
Treatment
(from left to right)
Best for fine hair: L’Oréal Paris Extraordinary Clay Pre-Shampoo Mask
Goodbye, oily roots: Applied before you shower, this silicone-free mask contains three types of natural clay minerals to trap and absorb oil and sweat.
$7; drugstores
Best for frizzy hair: Kérastase Specifique Masque Hydra-Apaisant
Tame unruly hair with this powerhouse trifecta of strengthening L-carnosine (an amino acid compound),
nourishing moringa extract, and protective vitamin E.
$65; Kerastase-USA.com.com
Best for damaged hair: The Mane Choice Ancient Egyptian Split-End Treatment Serum
Temporarily conceal split ends with a pea-size drop of this oil-based serum, spiked with biotin to help prevent future breakage.
$22; TheManeChoice.com
Best for
dry hair: Ouai Rose Hair & Body Oil
First you’ll be captivated by its delicate floral scent. Then you’ll notice that a few drops are all you need to add luminosity and quench dry, dehydrated hair.
$32; TheOuai.com
Photo: Courtesy of Companies
Styling Product
(from left to right)
Best for fine hair: Oribe Swept Up Volume Powder Spray
To take your hair to new heights, apply this superfine powder directly to your roots (or mist in all over), and presto: texture, bounce, and body.
$42; Oribe.com
Best for frizzy hair: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Like a raincoat for your hair, this spray deploys heat-activated polymers
that form a hydrophobic layer around each strand. And the moisture-resistant effect lasts up to three days!
$28; ColorWowHair.com
Best for damaged hair: R+Co High Dive Moisture + Shine Crème
A dime-size amount of this decadent cream makes dull strands lusciously shiny, guards against new damage, and doubles as a leave-in conditioner.
$27;
RandCo.com
Best for dry hair: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream
Though this quickly absorbed cream feels light, it delivers a healthy dose of moisturizing humectants, nourishing natural oils, a smoothing protein, and a protective UV filter.
$26; Ouidad.com
One for All: L’Oréal Paris Root Cover Up
When you’re
overdue for a color touch-up, hide regrowth (or pesky grays) with this pigmented spray— available in eight shades—that stays in place until your next shampoo.
$11; drugstores
One for All: Garnier Fructis Flexible Control Anti-Humidity Hair Spray
Whatever your style— curly, wavy, straight—this superfine, buildable mist provides long-lasting hold without any dreaded crunch or stiffness.
$4.50; drugstores
One for All: Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry
Shampoo
Could your blow-out use a pick-me-up? This invisible spray contains a combo of naturally derived starches and cedar bark to absorb excess oil and add a touch of volume.
$25; SergeNormant.com
From the August 2017 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine