Tired of Flat Hair? These 11 Hair Salon Tricks Actually Work

Flat hair can be caused by fine texture, oil buildup, humidity, or poor layering. In 2025, professional stylists in hair salon JB use a mix of cutting techniques, targeted products, and scalp-focused treatments to restore bounce and lift.

Some hair looks freshly blown out for days. Yours? It collapses by lunch. In humid weather, the struggle is real: crown volume disappears, roots stick to the scalp, and you find yourself reaching for dry shampoo… again.

But there’s good news. If flat hair is getting in the way of your style, the right salon tricks can lift, separate, and volumise it without wrecking your texture.

In this post, we break down 11 volume-boosting services and tips that work for our clients.

1. Layered Cuts That Build Shape (Not Weight)

Strategic layers create lift without thinning out your ends.

Flat hair often comes from excess weight dragging it down. By adding layers, especially around the crown and face, stylists can introduce natural volume without making the ends look sparse.

• Point-cutting and slide-cutting techniques build movement
• Avoids bulk at the bottom while boosting shape at the top
• Ideal for long or medium hair that sits limp against the scalp

2. Root-Lifting Blowouts

A proper blowout should lift your roots, not just flatten frizz.

Many blow-dry styles focus on sleekness but for volume, technique matters more. REDS stylists use round brushes and angled airflow to direct lift at the base.

• Adds height and movement without teasing
• Lasts longer when paired with lightweight volumisers
• Works well on fine or soft hair textures

Read more: Can Salon Treatment Help with Hair Thinning? Yes, here’s How

3. Invisible Root Perms

Mini perms at the crown can make hair stand taller, without visible curls. Also called “volume perms,” these reshape just the roots using mild solution and controlled heat. The result? Long-lasting lift that looks natural.

• Great for flat crowns or limp part lines
• Doesn’t change your overall hair texture
• Low-maintenance: just wash and air-dry for bounce

4. Scalp Exfoliation Treatments

A clean scalp creates the best foundation for volume.

Grease, product buildup, and dead skin can weigh roots down, even if your strands are healthy. Exfoliating scalp treatments help clear the way for better lift.

• Removes sebum, styling residue, and pollutants
• Boosts follicle oxygenation and natural bounce
• Especially useful for those using dry shampoo or styling sprays frequently

5. Volume-Boosting Colour Placement

Strategic highlights can create the illusion of lift and depth.

Adding brightness at the crown and darker tones underneath gives your hair visual movement. It tricks the eye into seeing more shape, even if your hair is straight or fine.

• Techniques like balayage or root shadowing add contour
• Light-reflecting tones make layers appear fuller
• Works especially well for shoulder-length hair and bobs

6. Texturising Sprays That Don’t Weigh You Down

Not all volume products are created equal.

Thick mousses or oils can flatten fine strands. You should focus on lightweight, root-focused sprays that add lift without grease or grit.

• Best applied on towel-dried or dry hair
• Ideal for hot, humid weather where cream-based stylers collapse
• Can be reapplied between washes to refresh limp roots

How to use it effectively:

• Spray into towel-dried roots before blow-drying
• For day-two hair, reapply at the crown and blast briefly with a warm dryer
• Avoid applying directly on your part to prevent product buildup

Look for terms like “volumising root spray,” “airlift mist,” or “texturising tonic” on the label. Avoid anything that says “shine serum” or “moisturising finish” if you’re prone to flatness.

7. Precision Crown Section Cuts

Cutting the crown area differently adds subtle height where it matters.

Even with long hair, layering only at the top few inches can prevent the dreaded flat crown. This cut technique adds bounce without altering your hair’s overall look.

• Keeps length intact while boosting the profile
• Great for ponytail-wearers or those with centre parts
• Can be adjusted per face shape

8. Lightweight Smoothing + Volume Treatment

Smooth doesn’t have to mean flat.

Some anti-frizz or smoothing services are designed to tame puffiness without removing natural volume. Think of it like weightless shine control, not silk-press flattening.

• Seals flyaways without heaviness
• Ideal post-bleach or colour to restore body
• Often paired with bond-repair or glossing for healthy bounce

9. Dry Cutting for Texture Control

Dry cutting reveals how your hair naturally sits, and fixes it on the spot.

Some volume issues only show after a blow-dry. Dry cutting helps stylists refine weight, remove bulky ends, or add movement exactly where needed.

• Especially helpful for wavy or mixed-texture hair
• Reduces risk of over-layering
• Customisable for cowlicks, crowns, and flat spots

10. Round Layer Blowouts with Setting Clips

Old-school, heat-free lift meets modern styling control.

This method involves lifting each section with a round brush, setting it with a clip while warm, and letting it cool in place. The result is long-lasting volume without backcombing.

• Reduces damage from repeated styling
• Maintains lift for hours in humid climates
• Great for event prep or layered cuts

11. Volume Reset Cuts (Every 3–4 Months)

Hair gets heavier as it grows, regular trims reset volume.

Even the best cut loses its shape over time. A 3–4 month reset trims out weight, refreshes layers, and reshapes volume where it naturally falls flat.

• Prevents buildup of blunt or bulky ends
• Keeps root lift intact without going shorter
• Encourages more manageable styling day-to-day

How to Pick the Right Flat Hair Fix

Still not sure? Use this rule of thumb:

• Flat at the crown or part line? Try a root perm or blowout.
• Hair looks shapeless or heavy? A layered cut can free it up.
• Oily or sticky near roots? A scalp detox clears the way for natural lift.
• Just want a quick fix at home? A lightweight root spray keeps your volume up between washes.

If your flat hair comes and goes depending on weather, stress, or hair cycle, pairing a scalp treatment with a layer haircut gives the most lasting transformation.

At-Home vs Salon Volume Tricks: What Actually Works?

Not all volume tricks deliver equal results at home. Some require tools, precision, or professional products that aren’t easily DIYed. Here’s a quick comparison:

“Salon treatments are ideal for long-term structure, while home products are better for daily maintenance.”

Flat Hair Solutions That Actually Work for Your Hair Type

Flat hair doesn’t always mean flat roots. Sometimes, the real issue lies in the wrong cut, heavy product use, or a scalp that’s been ignored for too long.

At REDS Hair Salon, we don’t just style for volume, we diagnose what’s holding your hair back. Whether your strands are limp from humidity, weighed down by buildup, or simply cut without shape, we tailor every solution to your needs.

Book an appointment with us. We’ll assess your hair’s texture, behaviour, and day-to-day routine to craft a volume plan that fits your life,not just the trend.