How To Get Fluffy, Voluminous Hair: 6 Easy Steps, From Top Hairstylists

Call it the '90s effect, but fluffy hair is back in action. It seems every time I open up my TikTok app, I come across some user instructing the masses on how to achieve glossy, voluminous locks.

Nostalgic beauty is certainly on-trend—and with the resurgence of glossy lips, icy shadow, and (gasp!) skinny brows, it's no surprise that the big '90s blowout is making a comeback. 

You know it when you see it: Fluffy hair toes the line between effortless, bouncy volume and smooth, silky shine. "It gives the hair voluminous bounce without the beach waves," says Jennifer Matos, stylist at Rita Hazan. "It's a classic supermodel '90s vibe." 

Fluffy hair refers to the volume, not necessarily the texture—any hair type can master a fluffy look—and you don't necessarily need a blow-out to achieve the bounce (but more on that later).

On that note, fluffy hair looks different from frizzy hair: Frizz is more of a dehydrated hair texture, while fluff is more about layers and volume. "Frizzy hair refers to texture and doesn't necessarily need to be a voluminous look—which I still love to embrace!" says celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, founder of the eponymous hair care brand.

As any hair expert will tell you: A great style starts in the shower. If you're after definition, use curl-enhancing shampoos and conditioners; if you'd like to focus on hydration, grab a moisturizing set. And if you're gunning for a fluffy, bouncy 'do—consider volumizing formulas your new best friends. 

Especially if you have finer hair that tends to appear flat at the root, a volumizing shampoo can lift your strands, create the illusion of fullness, and give your mane much more body.

Next up: "Towel dry and apply a volumizer," says Matos. "This will help lift the roots and add hold to the body of the hair. Spray at least 8 to 10 inches away from the roots."

Depending on your hair's texture, you may want to towel-dry your locks a bit before spritzing. As hairstylist Anthony Dickey once told us about applying stylers post-shower: "If you put product on when it's sopping wet, it's just going to be flatter." (On the flip side, if frizz is a main concern for you, it's best to slide in a styler as soon as you can so you can seal in as much moisture as possible.) 

Now, for the main event, you'll want to use a blow dryer. Before even thinking about picking up a hot tool, make sure to give your damp hair a good spritz with heat protectant (find our favorites here).

Then separate your hair into sections: The specific number of sections will depend on how much hair you have, but if volume is your goal, taking relatively larger sections of hair will offer more bounce (smaller, concentrated sections tend to lie flatter). 

"I like starting with three sections—one on each side at each temple and one in the front," Dickey previously told mbg about blow-drying hair. You can also add a fourth section at the crown and perhaps one or two extra in the back if needed. Matos prefers using a boar bristle round brush for the blow-dry, as it can create more tension (and, therefore, lift) while preventing breakage. 

Consider rollers your secret weapons for fluffy hair. To achieve a bouncy look that lasts, you'll need to set the hair while it's still hot. Reach for Velcro options, as these rollers tend to have a wider diameter, which gives you that fresh, just had a blowout mane (while sponges or flexirods often result in tighter ringlets). 

"Once your hair is set in rollers, spray a light hairspray," says Matos. "Set the blow-dryer on cool and apply to each roller." The shot of cool air will further set the look, especially if you opt for an air-dry. "Once it's cool, take out the rollers, flip your head upside down, and apply more hairspray," adds Matos. "Use your fingers to shake [out] the roots while applying the hairspray. Flip your head back, and you're all set." 

If you've reached this point, you now likely sport a head of fluffy, '90s-inspired hair. Sweet! To maintain the look for as long as possible, both Matos and Fitzsimons recommend investing in a silk or satin pillowcase. "This will help keep the hair intact throughout the night without tugging or damaging your strands," Fitzsimons explains. 

Big, fluffy blowout hair is not so difficult to achieve at home—and you don't even need a blow dryer to nail the look, if you choose. While a layered cut is key to the bouncy, flattering shape, it's really all about healthy, weightless volume.