Body and bounce are two great qualities in hair  – but unfortunately many women are stuck with fine, lifeless hair, especially as we grow older.

Luckily, thickness can be achieved no matter what your hair type. Try these great tricks for making even the finest hair appear voluminous.

The Cut

A great haircut goes a long way in making your hair look thicker. Ask your hairdresser to add texture and fullness through layers.

“Incorporating additional shape and texture through the right haircut will prevent fine hair from looking flat and lifeless,” advises Goldwell Ambassador Cara Leupuscek, from Christopher Hanna Platinum. “Layered haircuts give fine hair volume and shape.” Try some long layers in front to frame the face, or opt for a solid bob cut for a fuller effect.

The Colour

Adding highlights and lowlights to your hair is a great way to create depth. The colourant thickens each individual strand, and the mix of shades adds the illusion of more hair.

The latest trend in colouring is to use a 3D colour technique. Panels of colour are layered on top of each other and different shades are graduated. “This method of application creates a 3D effect, giving hair the appearance of added depth and dimension,” explains Marie Uva, hairdresser at Rokk Ebony and Wella Professionals Colour Ambassador.

The Fringe

A quick way to add thickness to your hair is with the help of a fringe. “A thick fringe can help create fullness as it gives you a focal point of your style,” says Damien Rinaldo, L’Oréal Professionnel Ambassador. He adds: “The key tip is to make sure you don’t lose too much weight from the sides of your hair.” Redken Artist Kristina Russell also has a secret to a full fringe – dry shampoo. “It keeps hair from separating throughout the day.”

The Styling

A simple blowdry will add instant thickness to your hairstyle. “Scrunch a volumising mousse through your hair after towel-drying,” recommends Barney Martin, Pantene Expert Stylist. “Blowdry using a diffuser –this will encourage natural body and wave, as well as providing an ideal base to work from if you want to add in curls.” Soft waves or a curly style will also add fullness.

The Products

Don’t weigh down fine or thin hair with heavy products. This will only further accentuate any lack of volume. Wash your hair with a volumising shampoo and conditioner, such as Schwarzkopf Extra Care Push-Up Volume Shampoo & Conditioner, RRP$6.99 each (above left), before massaging a root lift mousse into the crown.

Try Redken 5th Avenue NYC Body Full Carbo-Bodifier, $28 (above right) – it delivers lightweight conditioning to fine, limp hair while providing serious volume at the roots and through the lengths.

Next apply a heat protectant and blowdry, pulling hair up and away from the head. Spray a firm hairspray, like Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Body Builder Hair Spray, $6.99 (above centre), over your style for all-day staying power.