8 best hair volumising products for full and bouncy locks

Best: Overall

Rating: 10/10

Mousses sometimes get a bad rep and have struggled to shake off their association with 1980s perms. However, modern formulas are an important tool in any volumising hair routine, and this gem from cult Brooklyn brand Amika offers plenty of body without a hint of crispiness.

It’s rare to find a product that suits so many hair types, but this versatile mousse would suit almost anyone looking for a hit of volume. First, we tried it on wet hair, scrunching it through our lengths and leaving it to dry naturally. The result was defined waves that felt thick without being frizzy. The next time we used it, we spread the mousse through wet hair and blow-dried it straight, creating a smooth style that looked healthy and glossy.

Although not cheap, you don’t need a huge amount of mousse to get results, and the sweet vanilla scent lasts all day, adding an air of luxury. Plus, the pretty patterned packaging that adds a pop of colour to your dressing table doesn’t hurt either.

Best: For fine hair

Rating: 8/10

As you might expect, ghd’s range of styling products are a great companion to heated styling tools, and we loved this easy to use root spray. It’s the ideal prepping product to use on limp hair before blow-drying, and protects the hair from heat while providing a boost at the roots.

We sprayed it all over our roots while our hair was clean and damp, and tipped our head forward as we blasted it with a hairdryer. For even better results, we would recommend using a round brush to pull up your roots as you dry. It’s a bit of a workout for your arm, but the voluminous result will be worth it.

The shorter and finer your hair is, the more effective this product will be, as the hair is lighter and more responsive to being shaped upwards. However, the effect on longer hair is still noticeable, with the added bonus of reducing damage while you style.

Best: For long-lasting hold

Rating: 9/10

Some products are classics for a reason, and this hairspray more than lives up to its stellar reputation. The famous golden can was first created in 1960, and has been a helping hand for both professional and amateur hairstylists ever since.

This edition focuses on volume, and promises up to 24 hours of hold. We tested it in the morning, and found that the super fine mist of product made it easy to ensure even coverage of our up-do. Our hair stayed in place without feeling hard or looking too rigid, and it still maintained its natural texture and movement.

At the end of the day, our hair was still standing pretty tall and was much less frizzy than it usually would be by evening. A quick brush removed the product, leaving hardly a hint of residue. And, at only £5, it’s an affordable buy that’s well-loved for a reason.

Best: For damaged hair

Rating: 9/10

Using a deep conditioning hair mask might seem counterintuitive when you’re on the hunt for volume, but the truth is that the healthier your hair is, the thicker it will look.

This decadent formula from Swedish favourite Maria Nila is not only packed with hydrating ingredients like vitamin B2, but it is also vegan and colour-safe. It doesn’t include any sulphates or parabens, and instead protects the hair against damaging UV rays and free radicals.

We applied it to our hair after shampooing, and left it to work its magic for a few minutes. Once time was up, we rinsed it thoroughly, and carried on with our hair routine. Unlike some moisturising treatments, we found that this mask didn’t overload the hair. Instead we were left with soft strands that felt plump and full of life, without being weighed down – the perfect foundation for creating a wonderfully voluminous look.

Best: For quick volume

Rating: 9/10

This clever product is ideal for keeping in your desk drawer or handbag for an instant lift whenever your hair starts to fall flat. The innovative spray to powder formula makes it super easy to apply – we just gave the bottle a good shake and spritzed it all over our hair before giving it a quick zhoosh with our hands. And, if there’s a specific area you want to focus on then it’s easy to target the product.

Once applied, the liquid magically transforms into a powder. We loved using this formula on our wavy hair to add a bit of grit for an effortlessly cool, undone kind of look. It also worked well as an alternative to backcombing when we wanted to create some grip and extra height in seconds, helping our updos to stay in place for longer. And, as an added bonus, Joico has infused the spray with anti-pollution technology, to help protect your hair from environmental wear and tear.

Best: Low-waste product

Rating: 9/10

Most of us are trying to be a little bit greener, and this shampoo bar from Aussie offers an alternative to plastic bottles. This cute koala-shaped cleanser foams up as you wash your hair, and comes with a small rope so you can hang it up to dry it off after use. It lasts for the same amount of washes as two bottles of shampoo, and the cardboard packaging it comes in is recyclable. Plus, the formula is vegan and cruelty free as certified by Peta – so it’s a truly eco option.

While some solid shampoos can be quite drying on the hair, this one keeps hair feeling hydrated and supple. It foams up well and cleanses the hair without stripping away moisture, and importantly helps the hair to feel weightless and full of life. We think it makes the ideal foundation for a hair routine that focuses on volume, and leaves strands feeling fuller and ready for styling.

Best: Conditioner

Rating: 8/10

The Philip Kingsley brand is known for its expert solutions for hair concerns, and scientific approach to haircare. This conditioner has been carefully crafted to help hair feel thicker, while still adding a healthy dose of hydration. The ultra-lightweight formula contains wheat protein to plump and strengthen individual hairs.

We applied the conditioner after cleansing, and left it to soak in for a few minutes before rinsing off. We noticed that our hair felt lighter than usual, and stayed in place well after styling. It didn’t feel at all greasy and, in fact, our locks had a bit of bounce. This product would work best for finer or shorter hair that doesn’t require deep conditioning – if your tresses are damaged or very dry, you might need to look for something a little stronger.

Best: For everyday luxury

Rating: 8/10

The eponymous Michael Van Clarke heads up a luxury salon in west London, and has put his expert knowledge to good use with his haircare range that focuses on promoting hair health.

This multi-tasking blow-dry spray is a great primer for those craving more voluminous styles. Formulated with cashmere proteins, it works deep within the hair shaft, strengthening and plumping each strand from the inside. We sprayed it through our hair and combed it through before drying with a hairdryer and styling. The spray applicator made it easy to cover every strand, and there was not even a hint of heaviness or stickiness.

We found that our hair was left feeling healthy and voluminous, and we were able to run our hands through it without feeling like there was any product in it at all. For a quick way to add some extra body into your hairstyling routine, you can’t go wrong by starting your morning with a few spritzes of this hero product.