11 Best Root Lifters For Fine Hair, Cosmetologist-Reviewed – 2024
Give your limp hair an instant boost of volume by using these incredible root lifters.
Lindsay LooCosmetologist
Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and love... more
kirtana divakarMA (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after read... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
swathi eMA (English Literature)
Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She... more
Image: Shutterstock
Tired of thin tresses on your mane looking limp and listless? This is often and more an after-effect of using the wrong kind of styling products that do not suit your hair type. But not anymore, as you can instantly uplift the appearance of your hair by creating an illusion of increased volume. How is it possible, you ask? You can find the answer in a simple, tried-and-tested solution – root lifter for fine hair.
With the use of this hair styling product, your frail, thinning locks transform into a dense, voluminous mane. A good root lifter helps to conceal bald patches and also does the task of protecting one’s tresses from heat and environmental damage. One can find store shelves stocked up with root lifters in various forms such as gel, mousse, cream or spray. So, spring into action and pick your choice from a narrowed down list of the 11 best root lifters for fine hair in 2024.
In This Article
What Does Root Lifter Do To Your Fine Hair?
A root lifter is a hair styling product that helps you to instantly lend extra volume and body to limp and listless hair. It comes in different forms like sprays, creams, mousse, powder, etc. and is applied on the roots to create an illusion of a thicker, voluminous mane. People with fine hair can use this amazing product to add an amazing fluff to the hair, making them look denser and thicker.
11 Best Root Lifters To Add Body To Fine Hair In 2024
1. Best For Color-Treated Hair:John Frieda Volume Lift Thickening Spray
A fuller, denser mane of hair awaits you as you begin to use the John Freida Volume Lift Thickening Spray. Enhanced with Air-Silk Technology, this root lift spray for fine hair adds instant volume at the roots, resulting in fuller hair. The weightless hair root lifters help to create beautiful blow-out styles all the while keeping the color of the hair from fading. Just direct the nozzle at the desired spot, let out some product, spread it on the roots and give the hair a push upwards for a denser look. This video takes you through the details of this volumizing spray.
Pros
- Adds volume and texture
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Keeps hair soft
- Long-lasting hold
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Might have a few ingredients that are flammable
"This spray thickens each hair strand and transforms my flat hair's look. It does not irritate my scalp or cause redness. My hair looks fluffy and feels soft to the touch. Although it adds texture to my hair, it feels lightweight, which is amazing."
2. Best Instant Lift:SexyHair Big Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder
Dreaming of a head full of voluminous locks? SexyHair Big Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder comes with an advanced technology that converts this dream of yours to reality. This translucent powder root booster for hair is colorless on the scalp as it liquefies upon application. This is one of the best Root lift powders for fine hair because one can attain a bouncy, voluminous, lifted look on the hair coupled with an enhanced hair texture in just one application. One of the best root boosters for fine hair, it is fragrance-free, lightweight, devoid of harsh chemicals and is not tested on animals. Chelsea, a beauty blogger, says that she will never travel without this product. She exclaims, “This Powder Play texturizing powder is so easy to use, and you don’t need much at all! I still have it in my hair 24 hours+ after applying it and I can still work up some volume! It is great stuff (i).” For a more detailed review of this volumizing powder, here’s a video.
Pros
- Colorless on hair
- Instant lift
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might leave a sticky feeling on the scalp
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 3,177 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
3. Best Vegan:Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Daily Boost Root Lifter
Bid adieu to limp and flat hair as you start using the Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Boost Root Lifter. It has a clean, toxin-free formulation that is not tested on animals and made from plant extracts, such as white ginger, jojoba, aloe, rosemary, etc. This root lifter for fine thin hair is not tested on animals. It is fortified with panthenol, lends protection to hair strands that are weak and helps achieve dense, lifted hair right from the roots. With the target action nozzle, spray this extreme volume and root lifting spray right at the roots and be ready within minutes to bedazzle everyone with voluminous tresses.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Lifts hair from the roots
- Lends protection to weak strands
Cons
- Might leave a greasy, weighed-down feeling in the hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 6,631 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
| John Frieda Volume Lift Thickening Spray Best For Color-Treated Hair | SexyHair Big Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder Best Instant Lift | Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Daily Boost Root Lifter Best Vegan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | Thin | All Hair Types, ideal for Fine Hair |
| Dimensions | 1.38 x 7.68 x 2.17 inches | 1.38 x 1.38 x 3.98 inches | 1.93 x 1.93 x 8.12 inches |
| Weight | 5.92 Ounces | 1.28 Ounces | 8.5 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 3,177 | 6,631 |
| Price | $9.98 | $21.95 | $8.5 |
4. Best For Fine Hair:Garnier Fructis Root Amp Root Lifting Spray Mousse
The Garnier Fructis Root Amp Root Lifting Spray Mousse lends an amplified volume to the hair right from the roots till the tip. This is one of the best root lift mousses for fine hair as it is enriched with nourishing ingredients, including the goodness of cotton flower extracts, which impart moisture to the hair. One of the best root lifter spray for fine hair, it contains dimethicone that adds fullness, shine, and amazing volume to the hair without weighing it down. You can apply this target-action spray mousse on the desired spot for a sky- high volume boost on your tresses. Moreover, the usage of this root lift hair product keeps you guilt-free as the brand refrains from animal testing.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
- All-day lift on fine hair
Cons
- Hair might feel crunchy upon use
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 29 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
5. Best Salon-Quality:BOLDIFY Root Boosting Spray
Make heads turn with a dense looking mane full of voluminous hair as we bring to you the Boldify Root Boosting Spray For Hair. This is a root lifting spray that plumps up lifeless hair in a matter of a few seconds to give a long-lasting volume and lifted look. The precision nozzle on the spray bottle aids in a focussed, mess-free application to achieve the desired volume. One of the best instant root lifters for fine hair, it is devoid of harmful chemicals, refrains from animal testing, uses premium ingredients, is color safe, and suits all types of hair. Know more about this product and the reviewer’s experience in this video.
Pros
- Instant volume boost
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Safe on colored hair
- Salon-quality finish
Cons
- Might leave a clumpy, stiff feeling on the hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 2,998 reviews claiming its efficacy.
6. Best For Full Coverage:MATRIX Total Results High Amplify Wonder Boost Root Lifter Spray
Amp up the volume of your hair by lending an instant lift at the roots with the Matrix Total Results High Amplify Wonder Boost Root Lifter Spray. This professional-grade product comes with a lightweight formula that helps to build a long-lasting natural volume, this root lifter for thin hair helps you create salon-like hair styles. The root lift sprays for fine hair trusted by professionals and lends an extreme lift right from the roots. Moreover, the lightweight spray is an alcohol- and chemical-free formulation that is not tested on animals, making it one of the best root lifter sprays available for use.
Pros
- Gives full coverage
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Alcohol-free
- Silicone-free
Cons
- Contains parabens
- People with straight hair might need more product for desired result.
7. Best Chemical-Free Spray: Giovanni Root66 Max Volume Hair Spray
Add life to your dull and lifeless hair and make them bouncy with the Giovanni Root66 Max Volume Spray hair. The spray lifts the hair from the root, giving them a firm hold and making them voluminous. It is enriched with botanical extracts such as rose fruit, rosemary, nettle, and citrus, which makes your hair strands look strong and shiny. It also contains aloe vera juice, vitamins E and B5, and omega fatty acids, which hydrate the strands, give shine to your hair follicles and strengthen the roots. In addition, it helps you get a variety of styling patterns, from bouncy tresses to appealing straight hair.
Pros
- Repairs damaged hair
- Rich in vitamins
- Color-safe
- Suits all hair types
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Dye-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Strong fragrance
"This formula adds body to my limp hair without making it feel heavy. It also strengthens my brittle tresses and cleanses my scalp naturally. I love its sprayer that applies only the right amount of product at a time to avoid causing buildup. It does not make my hair stiff or flaky like other hair-lifting products."
Quick Tip8. Best Anti-Ageing:Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Styling Mist
Experience a magnificent volume boost right from the roots to the tips of your tresses with the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Styling Mist. With the extracts of caviar that are rich in omega-3 fatty acid, one can be sure that moisture, elasticity, and a lush shine is imparted with the usage of this luxurious hair root lifter. The anti-aging Marine Plumping Complex has proven effective in adding thickness to the mane while protecting it from physical, chemical, and natural aging. Use this root volumizer for fine hair to give your hair a fuller, richer volume boost all the while nourishing, replenishing and preserving them and promoting healthy hair growth.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Provides light hold on hair
- Anti-ageing properties
Cons
- Might leave hair strands dry for some
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 696 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
9. Best Hypoallergenic:Tigi Catwalk Root Boost Spray
Get the maximum volume boost like never before with the Root Boost Spray called Catwalk by Tigi. This mousse spray root lifter for hair helps add immense volume right at the roots with the directional nozzle provided. Fortified with hair-holding polymers that provide fullness and lend support to the hair body, one can easily create different styles and make them last. This is one of the most effective root lifters for fine, flat hair as it adds a magnificent volume right at the roots with one of the best root volumizers for fine hair and gives your hair an amazing, long-lasting lift without the hair feeling weighed down. Alyson, a beauty blogger, loves that this hairspray feels lightweight on her hair and gives it some volume. She says, “To my pleasant surprise, not only does this product work, but it is so lightweight. I spray a little on the roots while my hair is wet, massage it around, and then blow dry with a round brush at my roots, and I have a lift. … Oh, and the best part about most Tigi products is the smell. The product smells fresh and citrusy (ii).”
Pros
- Lends strength to the roots
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Suits all hair types
Cons
- Might make the hair feel greasy for those with oily hair
"This product makes my hair look voluminous. I love how lightweight my hair feels yet it looks fuller. The formula also sets the hairstyle for hours without making my strands sticky. It is very easy to apply as well and has a mild scent, which does not bother me."
10. Best UV Protection:L’ANZA Healing Volume Root Effects Hair Styling Mousse
Voluminous locks are yours to flaunt with the usage of L’ANZA Healing Volume Root Effects Hair Styling Mousse. With a bamboo bodifying complex rich in natural silica, this root lifter with UV protection also helps add noticeable volume and fullness to hair by boosting the diameter of each hair strand. In addition to this, the Keratin Healing System acts as an intensive treatment as it improves the strength and rigidity of the hair follicles, thus keeping them from falling flat and looking limp. One of the best non-sticky root lifters for fine hair, it is also infused with cactus flower, meadowfoam flower, and pea sprout extracts to impart moisture and sheen to the hair. It revitalizes fine hair and has proven to reduce hair loss with consistent use.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Lasting volume
- Protects from UV damage
Cons
- May dry out hair strands after prolonged use
"This formula adds body to my hair. It soothes my irritated scalp and boosts its shine for a healthy look. The formula smells amazing and never irritates my scalp. It also does not leave greasy residues on my scalp. Another good thing is that a small amount of product is enough to transform my flat tresses."
11. Best Long-Lasting:Monat Volume Reshape Root Lifter
Boost up the volume of hair with the Monat Volume Reshape Root Lifter. This Root lifter with heat protection is perfect for fine hair and helps add a high-impact volume to the hair strands and hold them in place for a really long time. It also safeguards the hair from heat damage due to hair styling and hot tools, keeping its luster intact while promoting neural hair growth. With a non-sticky formulation this is one of the best long-lasting root lifters for fine hair that enhances the strength of hair follicles to keep them from falling off, this root lift spray also keeps the hair color from fading.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Alcohol-free
- Long-lasting hold
Cons
- Might make the hair crunchy and stiff for some
"This formula adds a healthy volume to my hair. It has a non-sticky texture. The product provides full coverage and strengthens my hair from the roots. My hair feels soft and looks bouncy. I love that it is free of strong odors, which usually makes me nauseous."
No more back-combing for a volume boost in a head full of fine hair. The task of achieving fuller, thicker hair is made easy, all thanks to volumizing root lifters for fine hair. Just use them at the roots of the hair and body to the tresses almost instantaneously. But there are some points to keep in mind while buying a root lifter for yourself. Let’s have a look at what they are.
How To Choose The Best Root Lifter For Fine Hair
- Ingredients
Achieving a voluminous mane depends upon the ingredients that we apply on the scalp through different hair products. There are a host of ingredients that help boost the volume of one’s limp tresses. Some of them are listed below:
- Polymers and copolymers- Polymers and copolymers such as VP/VA copolymer and xanthan gum, etc. are synthetic derivatives of petroleum. These ingredients are usually added in lift-enhancing products for fine hair mainly to help the hair strands from absorbing too much moisture and therefore help to hold the volume achieved upon product application.
- Humectants- Humectants are moisture imparting agents that are mostly sugar-based or plant-based. Natural ingredients, such as glycerin, glucose, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, etc. are some humectants found in hair sprays. Humectants mainly help to prevent dryness and frizz, making limp strands supple and soft.
- Scalp supporting ingredients- Healthy ingredients in hair care products ensure a healthy scalp. When a hair volume boosting product contains healthy ingredients like the extracts of aloe vera, spearmint, acai, etc., it is sure to keep the scalp healthy apart from providing density to the hair.
- Product type
The marketplace is abundant with hair styling and volume boosting products galore. There are different types of volumizers available in different consistencies and textures that offer visible results. Let us look at the different forms of fine hair root boosters available:
- Foam- A foam volumizer comes in a spray can and changes from liquid to foam upon spraying. One can apply the product directly on the roots or spray some onto the hands to work it up and apply on the hair. It is however more efficient if it is applied straight onto the roots and tousled slightly to spread it evenly for the desired volume boost.
- Mousse- A volumizing mousse should be used by taking a small amount of it and rubbing in between the palms and then applying on towel dried hair. For a denser and fuller look, the hair should be blow dried upside down.
- Serum- Contrary to beliefs, serums can help create a shiny, healthy-looking voluminous look on your mane. A serum helps impart moisture to the dry hair, transforming it from limp to lush in minutes and as a result making the hair look bouncier and fuller.
Lindsay Loo, an expert cosmetologist says, “A spray applicator is going to spread the product out farther and provide effortless saturation. If using a foam or mousse based product, make sure you evenly distribute the product with your hands and/or a wide tooth comb.”
A root lifter is a hair styling product that is versatile. Limp, thin hair woes will be a thing of the past once you start using a root lifter for fine hair. Now that you have seen our must-buy list of root lifters for fine hair, here are several other benefits that come from using one.
Benefits Of Using The Best Root Lifter For Fine Hair
- A root lifter helps to add instant volume and fluff right at the roots.
- It adds body to the length, creating an illusion of denser, voluminous hair.
- A root lifter helps to protect the hair from heat and environmental damage.
- One can create different hair styles by using a root lifter as it imparts proper texture and hold.
- It creates a barrier from harmful UV rays, hence protecting from any damage.
- It transforms limp hair to lustrous and shiny in just a matter of minutes.
Infographic: Buying Root Lifters For Fine Hair
Check out the following infographic which will help you understand the key factors to consider before buying root fillers. It will aid in your research and help you determine the kind of formulation to use on dry and damp hair, and choose products that are volumizing for your hair and safe for your scalp. This infographic also lists some tips to volumize fine hair. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Gone are the days of thin and frail hair sitting on your head. Crank up the volume of your mane on-the-spot by using a good root lifter for fine hair. A good root lifter can transform your fine and thin hair into a Rapunzel-like mane of thick hair as if someone has just waved a magic wand at them. The John Frieda Volume Lift Thickening Spray is perfect for color-treated hair. Those looking for a lightweight and cruelty-free product that enhances your hair texture may try the SexyHair Big Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder, while the Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Daily Boost Root Lifter protects weak hair strands from breakage. Moreover, forget the woes of heat and environmental damage as a good root lifter helps to keep your locks safe from them. Go ahead and grab the best root lifter for fine hair and unleash the Rapunzel in you as you make that mane of yours look denser and fuller.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get a root lift on fine hair?
Using a root lifter on the roots followed by tousling the roots help in lifting up fine hair right from the roots. Additionally, blow dry the roots after product usage to ensure the hair strands are moisture-free to lend a proper lift to thin and fine hair.
How do you increase volume in fine hair?
Using products that offer restorative care, like volumizing shampoos and dry shampoos, conditioners, mousse, sprays, etc. helps in boosting the volume of fine hair. In addition to that, towel drying the hair, changing the way you part the hair, blow drying in the opposite direction, back combing, etc. can also help produce visible results and come in handy to ensure a volume boost in fine hair.
Can you use a root lifter on dry fine hair?
Yes, root lifting sprays work best on dry fine hair. You can opt for the John Freida Volume Lift Thickening Spray to add some volume to dry, fine strands.
Can you use hairspray as a root lifter?
Yes, you can use hairspray as a root lifter to give your hair some more lift and volume and also to give it some frizz-less bounce.
Does root lifter damage hair?
No, root lifters usually focus on the first inch of your hair that is growing from the scalp and create volume without damaging your hair or scalp.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author here, is a skincare enthusiast who loves experimenting with products and finding improvised solutions for common skin and hair concerns. Aware of the challenges of fine, thinning hair, she has done an in-depth review of several customers’ experiences and feedback to especially curate this list of the best 11 root lifters right here for you. These root lifters add that body and volume to fine hair to help it style and look better.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
(i) Chasing Chelsea
https://chasing-chelsea.com/2020/09/big-sexy-hair-powder-play-texturizing-powder-review
(ii) Alyson Is Neat
https://alysonisneat.blogspot.com/2009/06/product-review-tigi-catwalk-root-boost.html
