Does your hair fall flat five minutes after styling it?
Do you find yourself endlessly backcombing, only for it to collapse by lunchtime?
You’re not alone — flat hair is one of the most common hair concerns we hear at Arena Creative Hair. Whether your roots sit limp, your ends look lifeless, or your style won’t hold, the good news is: you can do something about it.
Let’s break down why your hair might be lacking volume, and share 10 ways to bring your hair back to life — with more bounce, body, and staying power.
Why Is My Hair Flat?
Flat or lifeless hair is often caused by a combination of:
Hair type or density (e.g. fine, soft, silky strands)
Product build-up weighing the hair down
Over-conditioning, especially at the root
Heat damage or compromised hair that’s lost its natural structure
Lack of layers or shape in your haircut
Environmental factors (like humidity or wearing hats/scarves)
10 Expert Tips to Fix Flat Hair
1. Use the Right Shampoo for Your Hair Type
Start in the shower. Heavy, moisturising shampoos can coat the hair and weigh it down.
At Arena, we love:
Kevin Murphy – designed for fine hair, it adds density and lifts roots without residue.
MAXI.WASH – a gentle detox shampoo to remove build-up, revive bounce, and let your roots breathe.
We often find clients with flat hair are over-conditioning — so be mindful to apply conditioner only through mid-lengths and ends, not roots.
2. Rinse with Cool Water
A quick blast of cold water seals the cuticle and adds shine — but it also helps prevent oil from building up too quickly on the scalp, giving your roots longer lift between washes.
3. Avoid Heavy Products
Silicones, oils, and some leave-in creams can flatten fine or limp hair. Stick to lightweight sprays, foams, or mousses that build texture without the weight.
Kevin Murphy BODY.BUILDER mousse is a go-to for soft volume that feels touchable — never crispy or sticky.
4. Blow-Dry Upside Down
A simple trick that makes a big difference: flip your head upside down while drying your roots. This lifts the roots away from the scalp and gives you instant volume.
Use a round brush at the crown to give an extra boost, then lock it in with a cool shot.
5. Try a Root-Lifting Spray
One of our salon favourites:
Kevin Murphy BODY MASS — a heat-activated volumising thickening spray that’s applied to damp hair at the roots before styling. It givesserious volume without stiffness and helps your blow-dry last longer.
6. Add Layers or Face-Framing Shape
Flat hair can sometimes be a sign your cut needs refreshing. One-length styles often weigh down fine hair.
Adding some soft layers, face-framing pieces, or even a fringe can remove weight and encourage natural lift and movement. Our stylists can customise the shape based on your face and hair type.
7. Use a Dry Shampoo – Even on Clean Hair
Dry shampoo isn’t just for oily days. Spritzing it onto freshly washed roots adds grip and texture, which gives your hair more structure and hold.
Try Kevin Murphy FRESH.HAIR — it absorbs oil, adds volume, and smells amazing.
8. Avoid Over-Using Straighteners
Excessive straightening can flatten your natural texture and leave your hair looking limp and tired. If you love styling, alternate with volumising waves, rollers, or hot brushes instead.
Tip: Use HEATED.DEFENSE to protect against heat damage and keep your hair healthy.
9. Get Regular Trims and Express Treatments
Flat hair can sometimes mean your ends are tired, split, or weighed down by old colour.
At Arena, we recommend regular trims and EXPRES.TREATMENTS to restore strength and resilience — especially if your hair is fine or chemically processed.
Stronger hair = more natural body and volume.
10. Choose Volume-Boosting Colour Techniques
Believe it or not, colour can help with volume.
Adding multi-dimensional tones, highlights, or balayage gives the illusion of thickness and depth.
A great colourist will tailor your colour to your cut, creating contrast and texture to lift your overall look.
Final Thoughts
Flat hair doesn’t have to be your norm. With the right cut, products, and styling tips, you can build volume, boost movement and enjoy fuller, more confident hair days.
At Arena Creative Hair, we’re here to help you understand your hair — and create a bespoke plan that suits your hair type, lifestyle and goals.
