Root Coverup Isn't Just For Grays - It Could Be The Easiest Hack For Voluminous Hair

The thought of going gray isn't quite so scary when you remember that products like root coverup exist. Designed to match the color of your hair rather than the roots they're covering, this magic-like tool is either sprayed or rubbed onto the roots of your hair, usually along the part line or around the crown, to hide the existence of grays. Of course, it can also be used to cover up your natural color that will inevitably start to poke through a few weeks after you've used semi-permanent hair dye. These perks alone make root coverup a godsend, but as it turns out, the miraculous product has yet another use: volumizing.

Unfortunately, MedlinePlus confirms that nearly everyone experiences at least a little hair loss through the aging process. Beyond that, there may be several other reasons why your hair is thinner than you remember it, from vitamin deficiencies to hormone imbalances to autoimmune disorders to stress (via Healthline). Whatever the case, if your hair is feeling a bit limp and sparse, root coverup can create the illusion of thicker hair.

Celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton, who's known for working with the Kardashian sisters and Jennifer Lopez, among others, swears by root coverup to "fake a fuller hairline," per PopSugar. While the product itself doesn't actually thicken the strands, it can make your hair look more voluminous by hiding patches of especially fine hair.

You would apply root coverup for this purpose in the same way you would to hide grays, as per the instructions on the packaging. However, the difference is you'll be targeting areas that show too much of your scalp rather than areas of discoloration. For many women, this does happen to be along the center part, which may become more prominent with age-related hair loss. Another common area for sparseness or even bald patches is on the crown at the front of the face, usually on either side of the head just above the temples.

To know if this hack is going to work for you, it's important to establish whether your hair is lacking volume because it's thin, or just fine. Contrary to popular belief, the two are not the same. While thin hair involves having fewer strands of hair, which creates scalp visibility and patches of sparseness, fine hair means that the strands themselves are smaller in diameter, but you may have a lot of them. If you're struggling with fine hair, root coverup may not make much of a difference. But there are a few other hacks that will!

An age-old trick for getting bigger hair when your tresses are fine is teasing. As Toppik.com explains, this involves gently backcombing your hair towards your scalp to build density at the roots. Hairspray is essential to hold the tease, and then comb a layer of hair on top to disguise your work.

Alternatively, certain haircuts lend themselves to more volume than others. If you have naturally fine hair, it's best to avoid letting your hair grow to Rapunzel lengths, as this will weigh it down further. Instead, consider cutting it shorter than shoulder-length and chopping off hefty dry, dead ends. You can also try parting your hair on the side to build volume on the crown, while avoiding sleeked-back hairstyles that will make your hair look flatter. While straight hair is having a moment, your hair will always have more body with curls or waves. If you don't want to damage your hair with heat, you can try some of the safer ways of curling and waving, including sleeping in braids.

There's a plethora of products out there to volumize hair, but the trick is knowing when enough is enough. The more product you use, the more weight your hair has to carry. In particular, look for a lightweight volumizing shampoo and conditioner, only applying the conditioner to the ends of your hair. Once your hair is clean, opt for a volumizing mousse or a root-lifting spray, steering clear of heavier products like gels.