Fluffy hair | How To Get The On-Trend Look At Home.

Evidence Based

Fact Checked

It seems like everywhere you look these days, someone is rocking the retro ’90s fluffy hair look.

This fun and playful style has taken over TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest, with celebrities, emos and boys and girls alike showing off their puffy cloud-like hair.

We’re here to show you how to get fluffy hair without having to go to a salon. So whether you’re looking to save some money or you just want to try something new, read on for our guide on how to get fluffy hair at home.

Let’s go!

What is fluffy hair?

First thing’s first, what exactly IS Fluffy hair??

Depending on who you ask, you might get a different answer!

For some, fluffy hair is simply hair that has been styled to look fuller and more voluminous.

This can be achieved with the right haircut, products, and styling techniques.

Others might associate fluffy hair with a certain texture or hair type. For example, some people might say that their hair is naturally fluffy, while others might describe their hair as “fluffy” after using a curling iron or hot rollers.

Fluffy looks incredible with alt hairstyles and high fashion colors and suits men as well as women.

Hair stylists everywhere are creating fluffy haircuts that make the most of the shaggy trend. It really suits bangs or a fringe so the fluffiness can frame your face.

Whatever your definition, there’s no doubt that achieving fluffy hair is top of our wish list right now.

It’s definitely worth the effort – after all, who doesn’t love a head of bouncy, beautiful hair?

Check out the latest looks on our Fluffy Hair Pinterest board for ideas and inspiration.

fluffy hair pinterest board
  • Save

How to get fluffy hair step-by-step.

If you’re ready to take the plunge and get your own fluffy hair look at home, here’s what you’ll need to do.

Step One: Start with clean, dry hair.

You want to make sure you start with a clean slate so that your hair is able to absorb the product evenly.

If your hair is particularly dirty or greasy, you may want to shampoo twice to make sure it’s completely clean. Once your hair is clean and dry, comb it out so that there are no knots or tangles.

Step two: Create texture.

First, blow dry your hair upside down. This will help to create more volume and natural texture.

Make sure you blowout your hair in the direction of the roots using a round brush.

Then, add some curls and waves all over your hair. This can be done with a curling iron, flat iron, straightener, hair diffuser or even by braiding your hair and letting it air dry.

The goal is to create natural-looking waves or curly hair that you can then gently brush out for fullness. 

Top Tip!

If you have thin or fine hair, avoid using small hot rollers as they can damage your hair and cause breakage.

Instead, opt for large velcro rollers that will give your hair more volume without damaging it. Don’t forget to use a heat protectant before using any heated styling tools!

Another option is to sleeping with your hair in loose braids overnight. This will give you beachy waves without any heat damage!

Step Three: Brush out your texture with a paddle brush.

Start from the bottom and work your way up, gently brushing through each section of hair until your entire head of hair is soft and fluffy.

Step four: Backcomb like crazy!

Now that you have the perfect foundation, it’s time to style your new do!

To add even more volume, try backcombing or teasing your hair at the roots. Use a dry shampoo or root volumizing spray like a sea salt spray to give extra volume and texture.

Just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with a big mess of frizz (and a headache).

Finally, finish off with a generous amount of hairspray to help keep everything in place all day long. 

Watch and learn: How to get fluffy hair.

Here’s a great video tutorial from the Salon Guy that shows you how to get the fluffy hair trend.

Do you need short or long hair for fluffy hair?

Fluffy hair is all about texture, so you can achieve the look with either length.

If you have short hair, add a little pomade or wax to your ends and use a blow dryer to achieve lift at the roots. Short fluffy hair looks awesome with long bangs over your browline for a moody,, emo look.

For long hair, create loose waves or curls with a curling iron or wand. Finish by spritzing your hair with a light-hold hairspray.

If your hair is on the thinner side, add a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to your routine. You can also try a root-lifting spray or mousse to help give your hair some extra oomph.

And there you have it! Fluffy, beautiful hair that’s sure to turn heads.

Can you have naturally fluffy hair?

Is there really such a thing as “natural” fluffy hair? Well, it depends on how you define “natural.”

If you mean hair that hasn’t been chemically treated or styled with heated tools, then yes, there is such a thing as naturally fluffy hair.

Some people’s natural hair texture is fluffy. If you were blessed with naturally voluminous hair and bounce, consider yourself lucky. The rest of us have to work a little harder to achieve that same level of fluffiness!

But if you’re talking about the kind of perfectly coiffed locks you see in shampoo commercials, well, that’s another story.

In order to achieve fun fuzzy hair, most people have to put in a lot of time and effort – not to mention using some serious styling products.

So while naturally fluffy hair may be somewhat elusive, it’s not impossible to achieve.

With the right products and a little bit of know-how, anyone can have fabulous fluffy hair!

How long does fluffy hair last?

How long does fluffy hair last? That all depends on how you style it and how you take care of it.

If you use a lot of heat and products, you will be more likely to get frizzy hair and poofy hair that will lose its shape.

But if you use heat protectant spray and lightly towel-dry your hair (preferably with a microfiber towel) before using a diffuser, you can help your hair stay bouncy and healthy-looking for dayz.

How to care for fluffy hair.

To keep your hair looking its best, avoid over-washing it. Aim for every other day, or even every third day if you can.

When you do shampoo, use a volumizing or thickening formula to help give your hair some body and fullness.

And be sure to condition regularly to keep your locks hydrated and looking shiny. If your hair becomes dry from the backcombing or products, try a moisturizing shampoo to combat the dryness.

You can also use a leave-in conditioner, serum or hair oil to replenish your hair’s natural oils and moisture.

But be careful not to weigh your strands down with too much product or you’ll lose the puffy hair look.

With the right hair care and a little effort, you can keep your hair looking fluffy and fabulous for days on end.

Parting words

There’s no denying that a head of voluminous, luscious locks look incredible.

Unfortunately, not all of us are blessed with naturally fluffy hair!

But that doesn’t mean we can’t fake it ’til we make it.

There are a variety of products on the market that can help you achieve the same look. From mousse to texturizing spray, there’s something out there for everyone.

And with a little trial and error, you’ll be able to find the perfect combination to give you the level of fluffiness you desire.

So go ahead and get fluffing!

This article was written by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
    • Save
    Creative Director & Content Lead

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!