One Girl’s Quest for Volume Without Looking Like a Dandelion Puff

I really appreciate you checking out my blog! Just so you know, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you buy something through them, I might earn a little bit of money, at no extra cost to you. There’s absolutely no pressure to buy anything, but if you do, it genuinely helps support the time and love I put into writing these posts.

Let me just say it—I’ve always had a complicated relationship with my hair.

Some days it’s flat and lifeless, like it just gave up. Other days it’s big but not in a cute way—more like I stuck my finger in a socket. I wanted that magical combo: volume without the frizz. You know, that breezy, bouncy look that says “I woke up like this” even though we all know it took a solid 45 minutes.

If you’re anything like me (someone who’s tried everything from pineapple juice rinses to praying to the hair gods), you’ll want to read this.

I finally cracked the code. And I’m going to walk you through exactly how I did it—with real Amazon finds that actually work.

Step 1: It Starts in the Shower (Yep, Volume Begins Before You Blow-Dry)

I used to think shampoo and conditioner didn’t matter. Like, if it smells nice, it’s fine, right? Wrong.

The right base makes all the difference.

Try This Shampoo & Conditioner Combo:

🧴 BIOLAGE Volume Bloom Shampoo and Conditioner Set

This stuff changed the game for me. It’s lightweight but still moisturizing. No heavy residue. My hair felt clean, lifted, and ready for styling—not weighed down.

Funny story: The first time I used this combo, I kept touching my roots all day because I couldn’t believe how light my head felt. My coworker thought I was checking for lice.

Step 2: The Towel Makes a Difference (Yes, Really)

If you’re using a regular terry cloth towel to dry your hair—please stop.

I didn’t believe the hype either until I switched.

My Go-To Towel Now:

🧖‍♀️ YoulerTex Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap

No frizz, no damage, and somehow it gets my hair almost dry while I put on my skincare. It’s gentle but super absorbent. Plus, you don’t have to do that awkward “twist and pray it stays” move—it comes with a loop to hold the wrap in place.

I once bent over to grab my serum and the towel flew off like a helicopter blade. Never again.

Step 3: Use a Volumizing Mousse That Doesn’t Feel Like Crunchy Cheetos

I used to avoid mousse because I thought it would make my hair stiff and crunchy. Then I found this gem.

Best Lightweight Volumizer:

☁️ Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17

It gives my roots a major lift but still leaves my hair soft and touchable. I run a golf-ball sized amount through damp hair and focus it at the crown.

Note: Don’t go full palm-scoop like I did the first time—unless you want a flashback to 7th-grade cheer hair.

Step 4: Flip, Blow-Dry, and Don’t Skip the Brush

Okay, now we’re getting into the technique part. I used to blast my hair with heat and pray for volume. But the trick? Blow-drying upside down with the right brush.

Try This Dryer and Brush Duo:

💨 Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0

This baby is a cult favorite for a reason. It gives salon blowout vibes without needing three arms. The new version is slimmer and easier to use around the roots. I flip my hair forward, section it off, and slowly brush and dry from root to end.

Pro tip: Watch one tutorial, then wing it. The messier the sectioning, the more volume I get. Or maybe that’s just my excuse for being lazy.

Step 5: Finish with a Blast of Texture (But Not Stickiness)

Once I get the volume, I want to keep it. But I don’t want sticky or stiff hair. This spray keeps everything fluffy without the frizz.

Holy Grail Texturizing Spray:

💨 Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Yes, it’s a little pricey. But it lasts forever, and it smells like heaven. I spray it at the roots and scrunch a bit at the ends for that effortlessly big-hair vibe.

I used this on a date once and the guy actually said, “Your hair smells expensive.” I’ll take it.

Bonus: Satin Pillowcases Are Not Just a Princess Thing

I used to roll my eyes at this. Who needs a fancy pillowcase? Turns out… we all do. Satin helps reduce frizz and keep volume overnight. No joke.

Favorite Sleep Saver:

🛏️ Bedsure Satin Pillowcase Set

They’re soft, affordable, and come in tons of colors. I wake up with less bedhead and more “okay I can work with this” hair.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Perfect Hair. It’s About Predictable Hair.

Look, no product or routine is going to make your hair look like a shampoo commercial every day. But I’ve found that this combo—good shampoo, the right tools, and a few small changes—makes my hair more predictable.

I know that if I follow these steps, I’ll get volume. I’ll get movement. I won’t get triangle-shaped puffball hair that makes me cry before work.

And that’s what we really want, right? Hair that feels like us—only slightly more put together.

Quick Recap Shopping List 🛒

Shampoo & Conditioner: BIOLAGE Volume Bloom Set

Hair Towel Wrap: YoulerTex Microfiber Wrap

Volumizing Mousse: Kenra Volume Mousse 17

Blow-Dryer Brush: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0

Texturizing Spray: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Satin Pillowcases: Bedsure Set of 2

If you’ve got your own holy grail for volume without frizz, share it with me. Because honestly, hair advice from real people is way more useful than anything a shampoo bottle says. 💁‍♀️

Until then—big, soft hair and zero frizz to you, my friend.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases, but this does not affect my recommendations.I only suggest products I’ve personally vetted.

If you’re into real talk about life’s messier moments, loneliness, starting over, and figuring it all out. I host a podcast called Alone-ish where I get into all that and more. It’s basically me, some unfiltered thoughts, and a reminder that you’re not the only one feeling a little… alone-ish. https://open.spotify.com/show/0Ju9x9j8Q4RiONDf5XJ0g5?si=LYOFRkenSn-Pg4VTClRoog

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Trending