12 Top Root Lifters for Fine Hair to Give You a Volume Boost

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Are you tired of constantly battling with flat, lifeless hair? 

Don’t worry; there are several ways to give your limp locks a much-needed boost!

You can use volumizing shampoo, get layers to add lift to your ‘do, or even sleep with curlers in to give your hair some gorgeous bounce in the morning.

A beautiful woman in a white top posing against a gray wall.

Now while all these tips and tricks can add lift and volume to flat, fine locks, they can be time-consuming. 

So what’s the easiest way to make fine hair look fuller? Use a good root lifter!

This miracle product can be a game-changer when you’re trying to make your mane look voluminous and bouncy all day. 

But with so many root lifter options available, figuring out which one to use can be challenging.

This is why we’ve looked through the endless array of products on the market for you and rounded up the top root lifters for fine hair.

So say goodbye to flat and lifeless hair and hello to gorgeous and fabulous tresses with these root-lifting hair products.

Paul Mitchell Daily Boost Extra-Body Root Lifter
Editor's Choice
  • Adds volume to hair at the roots
  • Lightweight and easy to apply
  • Infused with a sweet fruity and floral scent
Living Proof Full Dry Volume and Texture Spray
Premium Pick
  • Patented volumizing technology
  • Lightweight 
  • Color-safe and paraben-free
Kenra Root Lift Spray - Volumizing Foam
Budget Pick
  • Easy-to-use spray foam formula
  • Heat protection up to 450°F
  • Non-sticky

What is Fine Hair?

Fine hair refers to hair strands or hair fibers that are less thick than normal or dense locks. 

When you have fine hair, your hair strands have a smaller diameter than that of thick strands, making each strand appear thinner. 

Fine hair is often mistaken for thin hair because people with both types of hair have strands that tend to be flat or limp. However, they aren’t the same. 

The term “thin hair” is used to refer to hair density, not hair strand diameter. Hair density, in turn, refers to the the total number of strands or the density of hair on the scalp.

This means that not all thin hair is fine and vice versa. You can have fine hair and high hair density at the same time, making your hair look thick despite individual strands having a small diameter.

Simply put, fine hair equals hair strands with a small diameter per strand, while thin hair equals fewer hair strands on your scalp overall.

Plus, fine hair isn’t an exclusive characteristic of straight hair. Even curly and wavy hair can be categorized as fine if each strand’s diameter is small. 

Why Does Fine Hair Look Flat?

There are several reasons why fine hair might look flat.

One is because of the nature of fine hair. Since these strands are small in diameter, they often lay flat on the head when not styled. This is especially true if your hair is straight. 

Plus, fine hair is often prone to oiliness, as the oil produced by the scalp travels down fine strands easily. 

Over time, the buildup of excess oil weighs the strands down, making them look flat.

Fine hair also has less volume than thicker hair because it has a smaller diameter and weighs less. This means fine strands have less hair mass, which is why they’re less voluminous in appearance.

Lastly, fine hair is usually more susceptible to damage from heat-styling tools and harsh hair products, which can weaken the strands, causing them to break and look even thinner and flatter.

Whatever the reason, it’s quite common for fine hair to look flat. That’s why finding a reliable and easy way to add some bounce to fine, limp locks is essential.

How Do Root Lifters Work?

Root lifters are designed to add life to flat strands. They’re easy to use, and the results they yield are impressive.

Most of these products come in liquid spray, powder spray, or mousse forms. These are all effective; it’s just a matter of finding which type works best for your hair texture and needs.

Regardless of form, the top root-lifting products work by using their primary ingredient, polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate (VP/VA), a safe copolymer for hair products. 

This ingredient is a film former that coats each hair strand and inhibits its ability to absorb moisture, oil, or any other liquid residue that could weigh it down. 

Plus, when a root lifter is applied to the roots at the scalp, it also helps expand the strands, making you look like you have more hair and more volume.

Benefits of Root Lifters for Fine Hair

Root-lifting sprays provide plenty of perks, including the following:

Thickening effect 

Using a root booster can help make fine, limp strands look thicker and fuller, retain their shape, and stay bouncy and oil-free.

Protects against heat

Many people with fine hair use heat-styling tools like flat irons to improve the appearance of their hair. However, these tools can damage hair. 

So it’s a good idea to find a root lifter that can also protect your hair against heat damage. Make sure to apply it to your hair before using any hot tools.

Versatile styling

A root lifter can also make fine hair easier to style by providing excellent texture and hold, allowing you to create different hairstyles.

Suitable for all hair types

Most of the top root lifters for fine hair are safe and suitable for different hair types, including straight, curly, and wavy hair.

What to Look for in Root-Lifting Products

Now that you know the basics of how a root lifter works and what its benefits are, you’re ready to start looking for the right one for your needs.

The primary ingredients in most of these products, including VP/VA, are similar, so how do you choose the ideal one for you?

Here are some considerations you should keep in mind when looking for the best root-boosting products:

Lightweight Formula

It’s crucial to look for a root lifter with a lightweight formula. This will prevent your fine hair from getting weighed down by the product and looking limp and greasy as a result. 

Volumizing Ingredients 

Choose a root lifter that contains volumizing ingredients such as keratin or collagen. 

Not only will these ingredients help provide volume, but they will also work to infuse the hair with moisture and protein and prevent split ends and damage.

Heat Protection

Heat styling can damage fine and delicate hair, so choosing a root lifter with heat protection is wise.

Avoid Heavy Oils 

Avoid root lifters that contain heavy oils like coconut or olive oil, as they can weigh down your hair.

Chemical-Free

Choose a product free of harsh chemicals like sulfates, alcohol, or parabens, all of which can compromise your hair’s health and strength.

12 Best Root Lifters for Fine Hair

Now that you know what to look for in a root lifter, let’s look at 12 of the top root lifters for fine hair below. 

All of these products can help you achieve your desired volume and bounce! 

1
Paul Mitchell Daily Boost Extra-Body Root Lifter

Do you want a product that gives your fine hair extra volume? Then this root lifter by Paul Mitchell is what you need!

Key benefits: Adds volume to hair at the roots; works wonders on fine hair; can be used on damp hair before styling

Features:

  • Lightweight and easy to apply
  • Infused with a sweet floral and fruity scent
  • Vegan and paraben-free

This spray helps add lift, texture, and body to hair at the roots!

 

This vegan, paraben-free, and gluten-free volume spray is enriched with natural ingredients like panthenol and hydrolyzed wheat protein, which help strengthen and thicken your hair from the root up. 

This ensures long-lasting, natural-looking volume!

Plus, its refreshing scent infused with lily of the valley and water fruits will leave your hair smelling fresh all day long. 

Best of all, it has a nozzle designed for ultimate precision and ease of use, so you can just spray it on your roots and go! 

Remember to spray it close to the scalp on damp hair and style it as desired for a fuller look. 

2
Moroccanoil Root Boost

This root-lifting spray adds volume to fine hair while at the same time nourishing and protecting the strands.

Key benefits: Boosts volume at the roots; long-lasting; weightless finish

Features:

  • Infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil
  • Alcohol-free formula
  • Suitable for all hair types

Morocconoil Root Boost fortifies hair at the roots while adding full-bodied texture and lift.

 

The Moroccanoil Root Boost is a lightweight root-boosting spray designed to be applied directly to the roots of dry hair, making it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups throughout the day.

Its unique formulation provides effortless lift and volume to fine hair with a weightless, long-lasting hold. It’s also infused with argan oil to protect and nourish your locks.

For those who want to maintain their voluminous look throughout the day, this root-lift spray for fine hair is a great option!

3
Kenra Root Lift Spray - Volumizing Foam

An affordable root-boost spray that protects your strands from heat while giving them more volume and texture.

Key benefits: Increases hair thickness and volume; lightweight; long-lasting

Features:

  • Easy-to-use spray foam formula
  • Heat protection up to 450°F
  • Non-sticky

Bring your style to greater heights with a volumizing spray that beautifully lifts your locks.

 

This revolutionary product gives you the combined ease of spray and mousse in lightweight, easy-to-use foam. It can add gorgeous volume to your hair for an everyday look or a special night out.

It’s easy and mess-free to use. Apply it on damp locks at the roots and massage it in before styling. 

The spray also provides thermal protection, so you can apply it to your strands before using your favorite heat-styling tools. 

Once you’re done styling, you’ll notice the added texture and lift that doesn’t leave your strands feeling stiff or heavy.

Plus, the product is humidity-resistant, ensuring your body and lift won’t waver even when exposed to the elements.

4
MATRIX Total Results High Amplify Root Lifter Spray

Unlock luscious, bouncy locks with this healthy root-lifting spray.

Key benefits: Can be used on wet or dry hair; lightweight formula; provides all over-volume 

Features:

  • Extreme root lift
  • Helps prevent hair breakage
  • Flexible hold

This root lifter works beautifully on fine, medium, or even thick hair to give you a long-lasting voluminous hairdo.

 

Maxtrix makes excellent and reliable products for your hair, and this one is no exception. It’s a great choice if you want a spray that lifts and volumizes your fine hair! 

It can be used on damp or dry hair with its direct nozzle applicator, so you can also apply the product close to the scalp or all over your mane before air-drying or blow-drying. 

The result is a textured and gorgeous hairdo that lasts all day.

It’s compact, easy to take on the go, and free of harmful chemicals, making it a gentle option for those with allergies or sensitive scalps.

It also has the delightful scent of natural almonds that leaves your hair sweet-smelling.

5
DESIGNME PUFF.ME Volumizing Powder

This hair powder volumizer provides instant root lift to straight, curly, or wavy strands.

Key benefits: Instant volume and texture; improves frizz; perfect for fine hair types

Features:

  • Weightless formula
  • Easy-to-use
  • Talc-free and color-safe

This powder is the best root lifter for hair that’s flat and lifeless.

If your fine hair looks limp, this lightweight powder product is a great way to create extreme volume.

Plus, it’s the first powder that comes in an easy application pump for targeted, mess-free application. 

A little of it goes a long way! Apply it on dry roots and massage it before styling for instant volume and texture. It even works with heat styling!

This product is excellent for updos, braids, and other hairstyles because it gives you bouncy, locks that are easy to work with. It even helps combat frizz

It’s also talc-free, color-safe, vegan, and free of sulfates and parabens.

6
Keranique Lift and Repair Treatment Spray

This root lifter provides added texture and volume while helping repair damaged and dull strands.

Key benefits: Lifts fine and limp hair; color-safe and gentle; lightweight

Features:

  • Multipurpose lifting and repairing action
  • Keratin amino complex to strengthen strands
  • Paraben and sulfate-free

You can use this root lifter to give your damaged strands a little more volume and some TLC.

 

If your hair needs a little more loving, this spray is perfect for you.

This multipurpose lift and repair spray is infused with a keratin amino complex that strengthens and restores hair health, making it the top root-boost product for fine hair that’s also dry or damaged. 

It works to repair split ends and protect your strands against heat styling and damage while giving them added volume and texture.

Plus, it’s paraben-free and sulfate-free, so you can use it regularly without worries. 

It’s also part of a complete hair care product line.

You use it with other products to get gorgeous, bouncy, and healthy hair, like the Keranique Thickening and Texturizing Mousse and the Keranique Volumizing Hair Growth Stimulating Conditioner.

7
Living proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray

This highly effective texturizing root-boost spray gives your hair enviable, natural-looking volume.

Key benefits: Instant, long-lasting volume; no-slip grip for styling versatility; non-sticky formula

Features:

  • Patented volumizing technology
  • Lightweight 
  • Color-safe and paraben-free

Give your hair maximum volume with this spray that’s safe for all hair types.

 

This is the spray for you if you want that enviable, “just-woke-up-like-this” kind of tousled look. 

Formulated for maximum lift and texture, it provides a perfectly imperfect look for those seeking gorgeous, natural-looking hairstyles.

Plus, its non-sticky, light-hold formula ensures your strands stay soft to the touch.

This spray is also free of harsh chemicals like silicone, phthalates, sulfate, parabens, and formaldehyde, making it gentle enough for sensitive scalps and color-treated tresses.

Best of all, it has a light and intoxicating fruity scent.

8
Redken Root Lifter Volumizing Spray Foam

Get long-lasting volume and keep frizz at bay with the Redken Root Lifter Volumizing Spray Foam.

Key benefits: Anti-frizz protection for smooth hair; flexible finish; vegan

Features:

  • Provides heat protection
  • Lightweight formula for easy use
  • Formulate with wheat protein and vitamin E

This effective, easy-to-use volumizing spray provides a touchable and flexible hold that is perfect for hairstyling.

 

Redken’s Volume Collection is composed of products that give hair gorgeous volume and style, and their Root Lifter Volumizing Spray Foam belongs to this product line!

The lightweight foam turns limp hair into luscious, volumized locks. It provides flexible volume and texture to fine hair — whether straight, curly, or wavy — and keeps your strands in place without making them feel stiff.

It also boasts anti-frizz properties that ensure your hair stays smooth and sleek. Moreover, its heat-protectant formula helps keep your strands safe from the damage caused by heat styling.

Its spray foam form also makes application quick and easy. If you massage it straight into wet or damp roots and blow-dry afterward, you’ll get a full, gorgeously textured blowout.

9
Catwalk by TIGI Root Boost Spray

Get gorgeous volume with this lightweight and easy-to-use root-boosting mousse.

Key benefits: Adds lift without heaviness; easy-to-use directional nozzle; long-lasting results

Features:

  • Provides lift and support
  • Lightweight mousse
  • Paraben-free and vegan

This sweet-smelling product helps you create stunning, voluminous hairstyles.

 

This mousse from TIGI Catwalk is a versatile root-boost spray that helps add volume right at the roots. 

The product’s formula is fortified with hair-holding polymers that provide fullness and grip to the strands to help create various long-lasting styles.

Plus, this product has a natural intoxicating scent that lasts throughout the day, leaving your hair full-bodied and sweet-smelling.

To use this mousse, just spray it onto the roots and massage it in thoroughly before drying your locks.

10
Color Wow Raise the Root Thicken and Lift Spray

This root-lifting spray provides heat protection and works on all hair types, especially fine, flat hair.

Key benefits: Mineral oil-free formula; provides heat protection; lightweight and non-sticky

Features:

  • Provides incredible lift and volume
  • Infused with healthy hair growth ingredients
  • Creates volume at the root

Start your day on a high note with the Raise the Root Thickening and Lifting Spray.

 

This lightweight root-thickening and lifting product helps create volume at the roots with a unique aerosol formula that is precise and easy to apply.

It contains clear, flexible resins that provide a weightless hold to give you beautiful, touchably soft strands and leave your hair looking fuller without weighing it down.

It’s also formulated to provide heat protection and promote healthy hair growth. 

Plus, it can be used on wet and dry locks, making this an incredibly versatile product suitable for daily use.

11
SexyHair Big Powder Play Lite Volumizing and Texturizing Powder

Create the sexy hair of your dreams with this lightweight volumizing powder.

Key benefits: Provides twice the soft volume and texture; long-lasting 48 hours of hold; lightweight formula

Features:

  • Colorless on the hair
  • Instant lift
  • Talcum-free

An excellent powder that leaves no residue and provides long-lasting volumized style.

 

The SexyHair line is all about volume! Along with this volumizing powder, they also have their Blow Dry Volumizing Gel and Spray and Play Volumizing Hair Spray for a complete range of products that helps you achieve beautifully lush hairstyles.

It’s translucent and colorless, which means you won’t get white residue all over your scalp after using it. Plus, it can help you attain bounce and volume even after just one application.

It is specially formulated to lift fine locks and add texture and separation to every style. Add it to dry hair at the roots and massage it in.

It’s also lightweight and fragrance-free with no harsh chemicals, so it’s ideal for those with sensitive scalps. 

12
BIOLAGE Volume Bloom Full-Lift Volumizer Spray

This paraben-free, vegan spray gives your hair added volume and bounce while protecting it from damage.

Key benefits: Provides long-lasting volume; leave-in spray for easy application; protects hair from heat damage 

Features:

  • Plumps hair from root to tip
  • Infused with nourishing ingredients
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

This long-lasting root-lifting product plumps fine hair with a lightweight formula while promoting hair growth.

 

Biolage has over 30 years of professional hair care experience and creates products infused with natural ingredients to help nourish and protect hair while styling.

So if you want the top root-lift product for fine hair that gives you long-lasting volume while promoting hair health and growth, you can trust this brand’s volumizing spray.

It has a lightweight leave-in formula that creates space between hair fibers for long-lasting volume that won’t go flat. 

It’s also infused with cotton flowers, orchid extracts, and aloe to nourish and moisturize your hair. 

Vegan and cruelty-free, it’s a great choice if you want a product that’s also an effective plant-based product that’s not tested on animals.

How to Use Root Lifting Products

Now that you’re familiar with some of the top root boosters for fine hair, you’re probably excited to try them.

But to make sure you get the most out of these products, here are tips on how to use them properly:

1. Know when to use your root lifter

While you can use a root lifting spray or mousse on dry hair, for best results, it’s advisable you use it on wet or towel-dried damp hair. 

These products are formulated to work with the moisture in your hair, so they can help create volume at the roots as your hair dries.

On the other hand, root lift powders are typically used on dry hair. These powder sprays are designed to be lightweight, providing a quick lift to the roots without weighing down the hair. 

Plus, they can help separate locks and add texture to the hair without adding excess moisture.

If you’re unsure about your product, read the instructions on your chosen root lifter to determine the best application method for your hair type and desired results.

2. Apply your root lifter properly

Knowing when to apply your product is a good first step. The next step is using it properly.

The application technique is the same whether you apply a liquid spray, powder, or mousse.

Part your hair into sections and apply the product directly to your roots. 

If you’re using a powder or mousse product, apply it to the top of each section of your hair at the roots and scrunch it into your strands.

If you’re using a liquid spray, spray it onto the roots on top and underneath the strands of each section of hair before scrunching the product in.

Once you work the product in, you’ll notice a huge difference in the appearance of your hair. You can enhance this by styling your hair with a hair dryer and a big round brush.

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Lifters

How often can you use root lifting products?

Usually, the top root-boost products for fine hair are gentle and made with plant-based ingredients, which makes them safe for daily use.

However, discontinue use if you notice any irritation or itchiness on your scalp after using your root lifter.

Are root-boost sprays the same as dry shampoos?

Many people can get confused with these two because both help absorb excess oil and product buildup in the hair and scalp. 

However, they have distinct differences.

Dry shampoo is focused primarily on refreshing oily or dirty hair between washes and extending the life of blowouts. 

Depending on your brand, dry shampoo can also leave a powdery residue on your scalp.

On the other hand, root lifters and texturizing sprays focus mainly on adding volume and texture to your locks. 

They typically work as a hairstyling primer; simply put, they’re used on wet or dry locks before styling. 

Root-lifting products are heavier than dry shampoo, but because they’re typically clear, they leave no residue on your hair.

A good rule of thumb is to use dry shampoo between washes to look and feel clean and fresh and use root lifters before styling to add grip and texture.

Use A Root Lifter for Fine Hair to Create Gorgeous Volume and Style

If you struggle with fine hair that lacks volume and body, using a root lifter can be a game changer, giving you the full, voluminous locks you’ve always wanted.

When choosing a root lifter, it’s vital to take its ingredients, product type, and brand reputation into consideration. 

But to take the guesswork out of making your decision, feel free to choose a product from our list of the top root lifters for fine hair above! Each one of our picks can help you get the long-lasting volume of your dreams.

With a little trial and error, you’ll soon find that these products make achieving fuller-looking roots easier than ever.  

So try one out today to rock amazingly voluminous hair!

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Author

  • Michelle Alejandro

    Michelle has had a lifelong love affair with makeup. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Communications /Journalism, she began an illustrious career as a writer. Michelle penned a beauty and lifestyle national newspaper column for over a decade and became the Beauty Editor for Chalk Magazine and Editor-in-Chief for Metro Weddings for over nine years, working with some of the biggest makeup artists and trusted beauty brands in the business. During this time, she also completed a course in Creative Artistic Makeup Design and worked as a freelance makeup artist, beauty editor, and writer.

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