A Guide to Fluffy Hair

Fluffy hair is the latest 90’s beauty trend to take over. Imperfectly bouncy and full, today's version of fluffy hair is a take on the classic supermodel hair of that decade. Big, voluminous strands that look like they've been slept on; while simultaneously looking runway-ready. And influencers of all hair types are rocking fluffy hair; it’s not just a look that works on straight or curly (or even classically long) hair. We’re telling you how to get fluffy hair ahead — including the best products and tips for adding volume and nailing the trend.

The fluffy hair trend is a modern take on the classic 90’s blowout. Unlike a sleek, defined blowout, fluffy hair embraces imperfections like flyaways and messy parts — think bouncy, airy hair with lots of texture. Not to be confused with frizzy hair can be difficult to manage (and isn’t intentional), fluffy hair is created with a mix of the right products and styling techniques. Frizzy hair occurs naturally, depending on hair type, texture and the level of humidity. The key to keeping your hair fluffy rather than frizzy is hydration, so combat dryness with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Follow up with light leave-in conditioners and hair oils to give your hair the moisture it needs to stay smooth. Especially if you're dealing with hair loss or have fine hair, a fluffy hairstyle is the perfect way to get big volume.

Styling is key when it comes to nailing the fluffy hair trend, but you should also consider your cut if possible. For the quickest route to fluffier hair, ask your stylist for a long layered or a blunt haircut with face-framing layers that begin at your jawline. But regardless of your cut, these styling hacks will help anyone get the fluffy hair of their dreams.

One of the easiest ways to create volume at the roots is to blow dry your hair upside down. Start by rough drying your hair until it's 70 percent dry, then flip your hair upside down and dry it with a boar bristle brush.

A diffuser is a plastic attachment for the blow dryer that changes the way air flows from a straight stream to a more diffused circle of air. This helps distribute the air more evenly around the head, reducing frizz for big-time 90's volume.

Not only does dry shampoo refresh second-day hair, it’s also one of the best products for adding volume to your hair. After shaking well, spray dry shampoo directly into your roots in small amounts. Let it sit for about a minute, then massage it in with your fingers for instantly fluffier hair.

Using a round brush when blow-drying is another way to pump up the volume for fluffy hair. After using a paddle brush to blow dry your wet hair to about 80 percent, flip your head over, and switch to a round brush.

Rollers are great to use in place of a blowout for creating mega volume on fine hair. Plus, they’re easy to use and healthier for your strands than hot tools. Especially If you have color-treated or dry hair, use hair rollers in place of a blow dryer for creating the fluffy hair trend.

Teasing, also known as backcombing, is an age-old technique for creating the illusion of thicker roots for big volume. Divide the crown of your hair into strips of around 1-2 inches in width. Hold each section taut and backcomb the underside down in three short strokes.

Whether it’s grown-out bangs or a face frame, incorporating layers into your hair will instantly amp up the volume. Especially if you’ve got thin strands, adding more layers will help you achieve fluffy hair.

If you have long hair and you want to try the fluffy hair trend, we’re breaking it all down here. And bonus, this technique works just as well on permed hair as it does on poke straight strands.

1. Start by washing your hair and following up with a hydrating conditioner. 
2. Use a microfiber towel to dry your hair until it’s damp. 
3. Spray your hair generously with a heat protectant and finish up with a blow dryer and a round brush. 
4. Once it’s fully dry, it’s time to break out the rollers — for long lasting volume, we like velcro. Section off your hair into four quadrants: the front, the left, the right, and the back. Work with one section of hair at a time, and work in subsections that are roughly the same size. Wrap sections of your hair around the velcro roller. Hold in place with a straight pin, and leave them to set for 30 minutes. 
5. Remove the velcro rollers and finger comb your hair, setting your fluffy hair with hairspray.

Fluffy hair isn’t just for longer strands, or even just for women. The best way to get this look on guys with short hair is to start with damp hair and blow dry upward. But the styling process will differ depending on your natural hair texture. If you have curly hair, blow drying your towel-dried hair from underneath will likely create enough volume. Experiment with different products here. If you prefer something more polished, aim for a styling cream. If you prefer a more casual look, a texture or sea salt spray is a must.

In addition to the right haircut and styling tools, nailing this trend comes down to using high quality products. These are a few of our favorites for styling fluffy hair.

This volumizing leave-in hair primer is perfect for creating big, fluffy volume on all hair types. It volumizes the hair giving support to the base. It leaves the hair soft and shiny, without weighing it down.

This hair serum is great for adding texture to both short and long fluffy hair. It’s the perfect choice for creating body, structure and shape while you blow-dry, without giving up softness or workability.

No matter your texture of hair, this multi-function hair oil adds major shine and nourishment, perfect for finishing touches on your fluffy hairstyle. It works especially well on coarse or dry hair, without weighing it down.

Use this hydrating hair milk regularly to keep your fluffy strands from drying out and looking frizzy. And bonus, this leave-in treatment not only softens, detangles and controls frizz, but it also protects the hair from heat.

We already told you dry shampoo is a must for styling for fluffy hair, and this is the one to do it. Our waterless style extender adds mega volume without any residue. It absorbs oil leaving behind a soft, natural finish.

Fluffy hair is the latest 90’s beauty trend to take over the internet. Big and bouncy with lots of textured movement, today's version of fluffy hair is a take on the classic supermodel hair of the decade. Styling is key when it comes to nailing this 90’s hair trend, but starting with the right haircut helps. Book an appointment with a Davines stylist in your area and ask for a long layered or a blunt haircut with face-framing layers that begin at your jawline. In addition to the right haircut and styling tools, nailing this trend comes down to using high quality products. All of our formulas are free of harmful toxins, use natural ingredients, and are made with renewable energy and packaging that minimizes the environmental impact. Our hair care isn’t just good for your hair, it’s good for the planet. So stock up on the product recommendations above and check out the blog for more of our favorite hair looks to add volume.

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor