3 DIY ways to amp up hair volume (without a blow dry, back combing or hairspray!)

There is nothing more morale-boosting than pretty, bouncy hair that’s got an extra pep in every swish. Unfortunately, my tresses run more towards the horribly limp and lifeless, despite all the backcombing and volumizers that I throw at it on a regular basis. And speaking of the latter, anyone else HATES that crunchy, flaky feeling brought on by volumizers and those new hair powders? I can’t wash them out off my hair fast enough! Time then, to turn to the hair experts who treat flat and dull hair right at the root and dig out their secret recipes for hair that’s full of volume all day, every day.

Hair volume DIY #1: Body & bounce beer shampoo

There are few things that give hair as much body, bounce and shine as plain old beer. I am constantly swiping half-full bottles from my husband (being more of a Champagne and cocktails person myself), leading to many Sunday afternoon battles. Especially if Formula 1 is in motion… but that’s a different story altogether.

Ingredients

How-to

1. Boil the beer in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s reduced to 1/4 the quantity.
2. Add the reduced beer to the shampoo and stir well.
3. Pour the shampoo into a clean bottle; there is no need to refrigerate.
4. Shampoo as normal and rinse well.

Hair volume DIY #2: Egg & brandy revitalizer

Brandy (or cognac) stimulates hair roots and improve circulation in the scalp, thus making your hair look fuller and stronger. The eggs nourish strands with proteins and fats to keep them smooth and shiny. And the essential oils help mask the smell of brandy – which is a personal choice.

Ingredients

How-to

1. Whisk egg yolks with cognac, adding just enough caster sugar to make a thick paste.
2. If using essential oils add them and stir well.
3. Apply the mask to dry, unwashed hair. Cover your head with a shower cap and wrap it with a towel. Leave for 20 minutes or more.
4. Rinse off and follow with a mild shampoo.

Hair volume DIY #3: Grape & clay volumizer

Clay helps remove the excess oils that make hair look limp and dull. Grapes feed the scalp with antioxidants, while helping to gently polish away dead skin cells. Result: healthy, shiny, bouncy hair.

Ingredients

How-to

1. Combine all ingredients in a glass bottle and shake well.
2. Shampoo your hair as usual.
3. Pour this mixture liberally over wet hair, then massage lightly into scalp and along your hair length.
4. Allow to remain on your hair for a minute, then rinse off with cool water. Towel dry your hair and style as usual.

Have you tried any of these recipes for amping up the volume of your hair? What’s your secret tip for va va voom locks?