How to get fluffy hair in 7 easy steps
In this article:
- Fluffy Hair vs. Frizzy Hair: What’s the Difference?
- How to Achieve Fluffy Hair: My 7 Go-To Techniques
- Final Thoughts
As a stylist, I’ve always been an advocate for hair that looks and feels naturally healthy – hair with softness, movement, and an effortless elegance. One of the styles I’m often asked about at the Rossano Ferretti HairSpa in Cheval Blanc Paris is “fluffy” hair – that airy, voluminous texture that looks full yet soft, polished but never stiff.
The good news is that this look is achievable on most hair types with the right techniques and a bit of expert care. But before we get into how to create it, let’s clarify an important distinction.
Fluffy Hair vs. Frizzy Hair: What’s the Difference?
In the salon, I often hear clients confuse fluffiness with frizz – but the two are quite different. Fluffy hair is intentional. It’s a controlled volume: soft, full-bodied, and often with a natural wave or bend that feels lived-in and light.
Frizz, by contrast, is usually the result of a disrupted hair cuticle – often due to dryness, damage, or humidity – and it can leave the hair looking rough, uneven, or lacking definition.
Many of my clients in Paris have fine hair and worry that fluffy means frizzy – but with the right routine, we can achieve that airy softness without losing structure.
Understanding the difference is key, because our approach to styling fluffy hair is all about preserving the hair’s condition while enhancing its natural texture. To learn more about hair textures check out our dedicated article: Understanding hair type and textures.
How to Achieve Fluffy Hair: My 7 Go-To Techniques
Whether I’m working with clients in the Hair Spa or preparing hair for special occasions, these are the methods I rely on to create soft, voluminous, and touchable hair.
1. Choose the Right Cleanse: Volumising and Lightweight
Fluffy styles begin in the shower. A volumising shampoo and conditioner duo should cleanse and condition without leaving residue that weighs the hair down. Massage the scalp gently while washing to stimulate circulation and help lift the roots. Rinse thoroughly and avoid applying conditioner too close to the scalp.
I always remind clients that achieving volume starts well before styling – the products you use in the shower lay the foundation. In the hair spa, I often recommend lightweight, sulphate-free formulas that don’t compromise on hydration.
2. Blow-Dry Upside Down to Lift the Roots
Flipping the head upside down while drying helps to naturally lift the roots and encourage airflow directly at the scalp – creating volume where it counts.
Use your hands or a wide-tooth brush to gently separate the hair as you dry, focusing on movement rather than precision. I often finish with a cool shot at the roots to set the shape.
3. Use Hot Rollers to Add Body
Hot rollers remain one of the most effective tools for building volume with softness. I recommend them especially for fine or medium hair that needs long-lasting body.
Apply a lightweight heat protectant beforehand and always allow the rollers to cool completely before removing. This sets the shape and avoids flattening the root lift.
4. Use Dry Shampoo to Maintain Lift
Dry shampoo is more than a refresher – it’s a volume tool. It helps absorb excess oil that can flatten the roots and adds subtle texture. Used thoughtfully, it offers innovative possibilities far beyond its traditional purpose—supporting both styling and healthy hair maintenance.
I recommend applying dry shampoo to clean hair as a preventative step, especially on the second day after washing. Look for a formula that won’t leave a visible residue or overly mattify the hair.
5. Select Styling Products That Enhance Texture Without Weight
Your final result depends on what you finish with. I always advise choosing products based on your hair type and the texture you’re aiming to enhance.
For fine or flat hair, a lightweight volumising spray at the roots can provide lift without stiffness. Alternatively, a texturising spray can help add movement to all hair types and encourage bounce while keeping the feel light and touchable.
6. Use a Diffuser to Enhance Natural Texture
A diffuser is one of my favourite tools, especially for clients with natural waves or curls. It allows you to dry the hair while maintaining and enhancing its shape.
Scrunch the hair gently into the diffuser, using low to medium heat. This encourages natural bounce and creates the softness associated with fluffy hair.
In Paris, I work with many clients who embrace their natural curls and waves. Using a diffuser with care helps us elevate their texture without creating frizz – it’s all about patience and the right technique.
7. Flip and Set Your Parting for Volume
One of the simplest tricks I use to add natural volume is adjusting the parting. If you usually wear your part on one side, try flipping it to the opposite side once your hair is dry. This creates instant lift at the roots without any teasing or extra heat.
For a more defined look, I recommend blow-drying your hair with a deep side part and then flipping it back to center or to the other side once styled. It’s a subtle technique, but it makes a noticeable difference in the overall fullness and shape of your hairstyle.
Final Thoughts
Fluffy hair is less about perfection and more about creating a soft, voluminous silhouette that feels fresh and lived-in. With the right techniques and a personalised approach, almost any hair type can achieve it.
Ready for a hair revival? Visit a Rossano Ferretti HairSpa, located in the world’s most luxurious destinations.
