Big, beautiful, and full of life—voluminous hair is more than just a trend; it’s a statement. It speaks of confidence, health, and an undeniable touch of glamour. But let’s be honest, achieving and styling that coveted volume can sometimes feel like a battle against gravity. Whether your hair is fine and flat or thick and unmanageable, the dream of having luscious, voluminous locks is universal.
Fear not! The era of flat, lifeless hair is over. We’ve curated a list of 16 modern, achievable, and stunning ways to style voluminous hair. Forget the overly teased, stiff styles of the past. Today’s volume is all about softness, movement, and effortless chic. Get ready to unlock the potential of your hair and turn heads at every event, from a casual coffee run to a black-tie gala.
1. The Effortless Voluminous Blowout
This is the quintessential voluminous hairstyle, the foundation upon which many great looks are built. The modern blowout isn’t about poker-straight hair; it’s about creating body, bounce, and a smooth, shiny finish. The key is to blow-dry your hair in sections, using a round brush to lift the roots. For an extra boost, try flipping your head upside down while drying the roots first. A light mist of texturizing spray at the roots will lock in that lift all day.
Perfect For: A day at the office, a brunch date, or anytime you want to look polished and put-together.
2. Textured Voluminous Lob with Curtain Bangs
The lob (long bob) is a timeless cut, but when paired with volume and curtain bangs, it becomes incredibly modern. Ask your stylist for long layers to remove weight and add movement. The curtain bangs frame the face beautifully and create an illusion of height at the crown. Style with a large-barrel curling wand to create loose, undone waves, and finish by tousling with your fingers and a sea salt spray for that perfectly imperfect, lived-in texture.
Perfect For: The fashion-forward individual who loves a cool, casual vibe.
3. Modern Voluminous Shag
The shag haircut has made a triumphant return, and it’s all about controlled chaos and volume. This cut is layered to perfection, creating volume and texture from the roots to the ends. It’s a low-maintenance style that looks amazing air-dried with a bit of texturizing product. The modern shag often features wispy bangs and feathered layers that add incredible movement and body without looking dated.
Perfect For: Anyone with wavy or curly hair looking to enhance their natural texture and volume.
4. Glamorous Old Hollywood Waves
For a dose of timeless elegance, nothing beats Old Hollywood waves. This style is the epitome of classic volume. The secret is in the deep, structured waves that cascade down the head, creating a silhouette of pure glamour. Use a large curling iron and pin each wave in place as it cools to set the shape. A strong-hold hairspray is your best friend here to maintain that dramatic volume and sleek finish.
Perfect For: Formal events, weddings, galas, or a night at a fancy cocktail bar.
5. The Voluminous High Ponytail
Move over, basic ponytail. The voluminous high ponytail is an athletic yet sophisticated style that instantly lifts your face and adds a touch of drama. To achieve this, backcomb the hair at the crown slightly before gathering it high on your head. Wrap a small section of hair around the hair tie to conceal it for a seamless look. Gently pull out a few face-framing pieces and loosen the top section to maximize volume.
Perfect For: A workout session, a busy day running errands, or even a chic dinner when you want to look pulled together quickly.
6. Half-Up, Half-Down Voluminous Style
This is the ultimate versatile style. By taking just the top section of your hair, you create instant volume and keep hair out of your face while showing off your length. For a modern twist, try a half-up top knot or a half-up style with a small, textured twist. Tease the hair gently at the crown before securing it to ensure the volume doesn’t fall flat.
Perfect For: Almost any occasion—from casual outings to concerts and festivals.
7. Voluminous Space Buns
Channel your inner festival-goer with playful voluminous space buns. This style is fun, youthful, and packed with personality. The key to modern space buns is texture, not perfection. Tease your hair before splitting it into two high pigtails and twisting them into loose, slightly messy buns. Pull out a few strands around your face and nape of your neck to soften the look.
Perfect For: Festivals, parties, or adding a fun twist to a casual weekend look.
8. Sleek and Voluminous Low Bun
Don’t think that an updo means sacrificing volume. A sleek yet voluminous low bun is the height of sophistication. Create a low ponytail, but instead of pulling it tight, leave some looseness at the crown. Gently backcomb the base of the ponytail before twisting it into a bun. This creates a beautiful, full shape that contrasts elegantly with the sleekness of the rest of the style.
Perfect For: Job interviews, formal dinners, or black-tie events.
9. Braided Voluminous Crown
This romantic style adds volume and intricate detail. Create two braids on either side of your head—Dutch braids work wonderfully for this—and pin them across the crown like a headband. Gently tug on the edges of the braids to loosen them and make them appear thicker and more voluminous. This not only looks beautiful but also acts as a built-in volumizer for the rest of your hair.
Perfect For: Bridal showers, garden parties, or a romantic date night.
10. The “Lived-In” Voluminous Waves
This is the “I woke up like this” look, perfected. It’s all about soft, touchable waves that look natural and effortless. Achieve this by braiding damp hair overnight or using a wide-barrel curling iron to create waves in alternating directions. Once curled, run your fingers through them to break them up, and finish with a texturizing spray for that piecey, voluminous finish.
Perfect For: Everyday wear, casual dates, or when you want to look stylish without trying too hard.
11. Voluminous Pixie Cut with Texture
Volume isn’t just for long hair! A pixie cut can be incredibly voluminous and dynamic. Ask your stylist for a cut with lots of layers and texture on top. Use a lightweight pomade or wax to piece out the layers and create height and definition. You can sweep the front up and back for a dramatic, voluminous quiff or keep it messy and textured for a more casual look.
Perfect For: Making a bold statement, hot summer days, or a low-maintenance but high-impact style.
12. Voluminous Afro or Twist-Out
Celebrate and maximize your natural texture! For those with coily or curly hair, a voluminous afro or twist-out is a stunning display of volume and beauty. The key is proper moisturizing and defining products. For an afro, pick out your hair gently to achieve your desired size and shape. For a twist-out, create defined twists on damp hair, let them dry completely, and then unravel them to reveal bouncy, voluminous curls.
Perfect For: Celebrating natural hair, cultural events, or any day you want to wear your crown with pride.
13. Bubble Ponytail
This playful and modern take on the ponytail is a guaranteed volume-creator. Create a high or mid-height ponytail. Then, at even intervals down the length of the tail, secure it with clear elastics. Gently tug on each section between the elastics to puff it out, creating the “bubble” effect. This style adds incredible visual interest and volume, even if your hair is on the finer side.
Perfect For: A fun night out, a birthday party, or adding a trendy touch to an everyday look.
14. Voluminous Side-Swept Curls
For a red-carpet-worthy look, try voluminous side-swept curls. Part your hair deeply to one side and create large, bouncy curls that all flow in the same direction. This creates a cascading effect that is incredibly glamorous and voluminous. Pin the hair on the heavier side behind your ear to keep the focus on the beautiful, flowing curls.
Perfect For: Anniversary dinners, proms, or any event where you want to feel like a star.
15. The “Undone” Voluminous Updo
This updo is the opposite of stiff and formal. It’s soft, romantic, and full of volume. Simply twist and pin your hair up at the back of your head, but don’t aim for perfection. The goal is to have pieces falling out, a loose structure, and plenty of texture. Tug gently at the sides and crown to create even more volume after you’ve pinned it up.
Perfect For: Weddings (as a guest or bride), romantic dinners, or summer parties.
16. Accessorized Voluminous Hair
Never underestimate the power of accessories. A statement piece like a large, ornate clip, a silk scarf, or a bold headband can instantly add volume and style. For example, clipping back one side of your hair with a large barrette creates asymmetry and lifts the roots on the opposite side. A headband placed over voluminous, styled hair adds a touch of vintage charm and helps maintain volume at the crown.
Perfect For: Adding a quick and easy twist to any of the styles above, or elevating a simple look in seconds.
Unlock Your Hair’s Potential
Voluminous hair is within your reach, no matter your hair type or the occasion. The modern approach is all about enhancing your natural texture, using the right techniques, and having fun with your style. From the effortless blowout to the glamorous Old Hollywood waves, each of these 16 styles offers a unique way to embrace volume and make a stunning impression. So, arm yourself with a good round brush, a reliable texturizing spray, and a dash of confidence. It’s time to let your hair—and your personality—soar to new heights.
