# How to get volume with a hair dryer or hot air brush

Source: https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/blog/how-to-get-volume-with-a-hair-dryer
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Blow and Barrel

**In short:** Volume comes from drying the roots in the opposite direction to how they fall, then setting the shape with cool air. Rough-dry upside down or lifting roots with your fingers, then use a round brush or hot air brush to lift each section at the root and roll through the ends. Finish every section with the cool shot and leave it to cool before touching.

Flat hair is one of the most common blow-dry complaints, especially for fine hair. The good news is that volume is mostly technique, and any decent dryer can give lift if you use it the right way. A hot air brush or a multi-styler with a volumising brush makes it easier, because you can lift and heat at the same time with one hand. This guide covers the steps that matter, the tools that help and how to make volume last through the day.

## Why hair goes flat

Hair falls flat at the roots when it dries lying against the scalp in its natural parting. Whatever shape hair has as it cools and dries is the shape it keeps, so roots that dry flat stay flat. Fine hair, heavy conditioners, oily roots and long, heavy lengths all make it worse.

To get volume, the roots need to dry and cool while lifted away from the scalp. That is why drying upside down, over-directing sections and using a round brush all work: they hold the roots up while they set.

## Step by step with a hair dryer and round brush

A larger round brush gives smoother, bouncier volume; a smaller one gives more curl at the ends. Ceramic or vented brushes heat up and help the shape set.

1. Towel-dry well and apply a light volumising product to damp roots if you use one.
2. Flip your head upside down and rough-dry the roots first on high airflow and medium heat.
3. When hair is about 80% dry, stand up and clip it into sections.
4. Starting at the nape, place a round brush under a section at the root and lift it straight up.
5. Point the concentrator down the brush and dry the root for a few seconds, then roll the brush through to the ends.
6. Roll the brush back up to the root and hit the cool shot for a few seconds.
7. Work up to the crown, over-directing top sections forward or to the opposite side.

## Step by step with a hot air brush

A hot air brush frees one hand, which makes root lift far easier for most people. Our [hot air brush how-to](https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-a-hot-air-brush) covers more detail, and our [hot air brush vs hair dryer comparison](https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/blog/hot-air-brush-vs-hair-dryer) explains when each tool suits you best.

1. Rough-dry hair to about 80% with a dryer or the styler's dryer attachment.
2. Section the hair.
3. Place the brush under the root of a section and hold it there for a few seconds on heat.
4. Roll slowly through to the ends, keeping tension.
5. Return to the root and use the cool setting before releasing.

## Attachments that help

Multi-stylers like the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle include volumising brushes, and curling barrels add bounce through the lengths. Our guides to [Airwrap-style multi-stylers](https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/best/best-airwrap-style-multi-stylers) and [hair dryers for fine hair](https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/best/best-hair-dryer-for-fine-hair) list tools with these attachments.

| Attachment | What it does for volume |
| --- | --- |
| Concentrator | Directs airflow precisely along a round brush |
| Round volumising brush (multi-stylers) | Lifts at the root while drying, one hand |
| Oval brush (Shark FlexStyle) | Adds lift and smooth body |
| Diffuser | Adds volume to curls and waves without frizz |
| Coanda curling barrels | Body and bounce through curls |

Which attachment does what for volume

## Making volume last

If curls and bounce drop quickly with a multi-styler, the same causes usually apply as for curls: hair too wet, sections too big or not enough cool air. See [why an Airwrap is not curling](https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/blog/dyson-airwrap-not-curling).

- Let each section cool fully before brushing it out. Hair sets as it cools.
- Use a light, heat-friendly volumising product at the roots, not heavy oils.
- Avoid conditioner on the roots on volume days.
- Pin large curls at the crown while you do your make-up, then release.
- Refresh day-two roots with a few seconds of warm air and a round brush, then cool.

## Fine and fragile hair

Fine hair benefits most from volume techniques but is also the most prone to heat damage. Use lower heat with higher airflow, keep the dryer moving and avoid holding heat on the same root area for long. Dryers with gentle air attachments or lower heat steps suit fine hair well.

Our [fine hair guide](https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/best/best-hair-dryer-for-fine-hair) compares dryers with low heat settings, and our guide to [stylers for short hair](https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/best/best-multi-styler-for-short-hair) covers small brushes that lift short cuts.

Note: Keep heat away from the scalp and use a heat protectant on fine, coloured or fragile hair.

## Frequently asked questions

**Does drying hair upside down give volume?** Yes. Drying roots while hair hangs away from the scalp lifts them. Finish with a brush for a smoother result.

**Which brush gives the most volume?** A large round brush or a hot air brush with a round head. Vented and ceramic barrels help the shape set.

**Why does my volume drop by lunchtime?** Usually roots were not fully dry or were not cooled in place. Use the cool shot on every section and avoid heavy products.

**Can a diffuser add volume to straight hair?** It adds some body by drying without flattening, but a round brush or hot air brush gives more lift on straight hair.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/best/best-hair-dryer-for-fine-hair
- https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/best/best-airwrap-style-multi-stylers
- https://blowandbarrel.co.uk/best/best-multi-styler-for-short-hair