Hair Volume

What is long-lasting hair volume?

Long-lasting volume can be defined as hair that is lifted and held away from the scalp and defies gravity and humidity over time.

Specifically, consumers who are styling their hair for volume tell us they are looking for:*

When consumers have volume style failure, they typically see:

* Internet Survey, April, 2002.

Factors Influencing Hair Volume

Why is it so hard for some people to keep great volume? Why are some of us struggling with lank, limp head-hugging hair while others seem to have full, bouncy hair all the time? The answer is physiological in nature - we inherited a genetic tendency toward fine or limp hair.

Several physiological factors affect volume. Click on any key factor below to learn more.

The key physiological factors affecting volume are:*

Hair Diameter - the size of each hair strand
Hair Density - how much hair you have all over your head
Hair Stiffness - ability of hair to hold itself away from the scalp
Hair Curvature - the level of natural bend/wave in the hair
Hair Friction - the roughness of each strand of hair
Hair Cohesion - the degree to which strands of hair stick to each other

*Clarence R. Robbins, Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair. 4th Edition, 2002 (New York), 462.

How To Get Long-Lasting Volume

The primary challenge in creating volume is creating a space, or air pocket, between the hair and the scalp. The most common areas where volume is desired are:

R - Root lift (increases apparent height and length of head)
B - Bang lift (keeps hair up and off face)
S - Side volume (hair doesn't cling to scalp)
E - End volume (hair looks free flowing or shaped without stringiness)

There are several techniques to "pump it up." Click on each technique below to learn more.

Reshape the Hair Strand
Create Frictional Interactions
Bond Hair Strands in Place