I agree with those who said splurging on a high end shampoo/conditioner is very worth it. I consider myself a frugal person, but I’ve seen the difference good products can make. I like really high end stuff like Aquage or Bumble & Bumble, but also adore Redkin and Joico. (If you won’t go high end, try Neutrogena, John Frieda or even Aussie. Just steer clear of Pantene!) Ulta is great — lots of coupons and sales! Also, get yourself a clarifying shampoo to use 1x every week or so — Neutrogena’s is great.

As far as products, serums –> grease and flatness. I use John Frieda’s Satin Shine Creme on my ends after styling.

I also love-love-love my super expensive hair dryer. It dries faster than cheap ones I’ve had, and makes my hair feel much better.

And of course, whenever you can, shower and style in the morning. I’m sure sleeping in is more enjoyable, but I think the freshness will help your hair problems.

PS Let me know if you get anywhere on that static issue. Mine’s AWFUL this year!

Also, when I notice my hair getting dull or flat, I switch shampoos. Word on the street is that your hair can build up a tolerance to shampoos, or they can leave buildup in your hair. Now, I keep two shampoos in my shower all the time and switch them up every few days. I immediately noticed a difference after I did that.

And yea, big round brush and blow dry to increase body!!

Good luck!

I just got my bangs trimmed the other day and the stylist told me that my “fine hair” (aka THIN HAIR) is too long and therefore really dried out because it’s not getting enough moisture?

I’m impressed with the great lengths you go through daily to fix your hair though. I usually just throw mine back into a ponytail or bun.

I towel dry my hair very minimally after washing it and then comb it out and spritz with Paul Mitchell Spray Wax. Only a few spritzes per section. Then I bend over so that my head (and hair) are upside down and blow-dry my hair that way, scrunching it to make it wavier and to add volume. I quit blow drying before the hair is completely dry and let it air dry the rest of the way. It works pretty well, I must say and I have very fine limp hair that has a real tendency to be flat otherwise. Also, really check out the spray wax–it’s the one hair product I’ve found that actually does add volume (and believe me, I’ve tried dozens).

But, that being said, Garnier has a good line of styling products. Look into a creme or a wax or a paste.

And sleeping on it does do that as well. I can’t do that with my hair because it’ll be a rat’s nest in the morning.

By the way I read nothing anyone wrote.

Also, I second the no serum recommendation in favor of a light mousse. My favorite is Jason volumizing mousse (http://www.jason-natural.com/products/natural_salon.php#volumizing). Surprisingly, it’s not expensive. And it also works well even when you don’t blow dry. Aveda’s Phomollient is my second choice, but it costs more and isn’t quite as good.

Good luck! And be sure to let us know what works for you.

1.) Sleeping on hair mashes it down are creates all sorts of odd configurations (they don’t call it bed-head for nothing). Don’t try to fix what the night’s sleep has done — wash and style in the morning.

2.) Use good shampoo and conditioner. I know shampoo alone at a salon (or any hair cutting place for that matter) costs $12, but it is worth it! Slurge once, and by the time the contents of your shampoo and conditioner bottles are gone, you will have definitely noticed the difference. Stuff you buy on the shelves at Walmart or Meijer just don’t do the trick (at least for me). (Go for shampoos and conditioners that say “lite” or “lift” or “volume”.)

3.) No serum. Use mousse, if anything. (While your hair is still wet/damp, flip head upside-down and work in a small amount.)

4.) Nothing eliminates volume and creates static like flat irons (I bet you apply direct heat to your hair without applying a heat protectant first, don’t you?)! Do without the flat iron entirely (it may seem crazy at first, but you can/will learn to do without it). Blow dry instead (if anything). Also, I haven’t combed my hair in years. Use a big-toothed brush (less breakage).

5.) If you’d like, before you head out the door for work in the morning, flip your head upside-down and spray a couple times with a pump action hairspray (pump is better than aerosol for the environment). You could actually do this as many times as needed throughout the day.

That’s really all I have. Hope you find what works for you!