This post is intended to be lighthearted and fun — and I hope it’s helpful in some way too!
Until recently, my hair has always been about shoulder length or shorter. It was pretty easy to style — not a ton to work with, easy to achieve volume and hairspray was my best friend. I would do fun updos and be creative in the way I styled it. But then I decided to stop chopping it when it hit my shoulders and see if it would actually grow. You see, I have hair that is as fine as baby hair when I don’t use product. It slips out of ponytail holders — and one time I tried to get a “body wave perm.” Um… it came out stick straight. I just honestly never thought Kacia, “a girl with long blonde hair” would ever be possible. And to be candid, I still sometimes do a double-take when I walk past a mirror because I’m still getting used to it actually being long! There was a point, however, when I felt like I was learning how to use a curling iron again, learning how to apply product…heck, even learning how to correctly wash my hair, dry my hair…. all over again, because of the length. Yes, I could easily throw it into a ponytail, but I wanted to be happy with it down and styled as well. Recently, I think I’ve found my magic formula, and I’ve had a lot of people asking me what products I use, what tools I use and what my tips are….so, get ready for it, here is my …..
You still reading? Uftdah. Okay!
1 // get the right products Now, I tend to fight back tears when I walk into stores like Ulta and Sephora — not tears of happiness, no, but tears of oh-my-goodness-how-do-I-know-or-choose-or-what-is-best-but-oh-I-like-that-packaging-distraction-distraction-distraction. Am I alone in these feelings? Ack. So I definitely picked the brain of a gal who (I think) cries tears of joy when she walks into these types of stores — she is super knowledgable and has helped me a ton in figuring out this whole manage the long hair dilemma. 
I tried a sample of Aquage given to me by Kate, and finally had my “ah ha!” moment after watching her video tutorial on how to apply it to the roots. I couldn’t believe the difference — even in high humidity and hot temperatures. I totally decided to try the KMS product on a whim, and I am so happy with it! It doesn’t dry out my hair, but I find that it helps keep the oil at bay as well. I don’t think it’s advertised as doing so, but I find it does!
The combination of these two products are the perfect foundation for my hair — I’m able to get volume that stays and isn’t just put there by hairspray.
I’ve learned long hair and oodles and oodles of hairspray? Yuck. Ick. One big dread. Don’t do it.
But these products aren’t my only volumizing trick!
2 // throw in some hot rollers!
I was a total showchoir gal. Yup. Guilty as charged. And with showchoir comes BIG HAIR and OH MY CURLS. I also just grew up in a home with 2 sisters. And while they both have naturally wavy hair and actually straighten their hair, I have to work to get any curl to stick. Yeah…that whole “my hair gets frizzy and big when it’s humid? Not me. It looks like I did take a flat-iron to it! Yuck.
Up until recently, I have always used hot rollers in a set of varied sizes — — I still love the beautiful curls you can achieve from tinier curlers, but I was wanting something different. My hairstylist took off a good three inches in my length earlier this year, and about that same time….my hot rollers bit the dust. It was time to buy a new set, and I wanted to see how a larger curler worked in my hair. I wasn’t looking for tons of tiny curls, but rather a bit more volume at my roots and a soft, loose and natural looking curl. 
|||
I was sure to check Ulta’s return policy — and ask as I was purchasing them! — before buying this set of rollers. I was nervous that my curl-rejecting hair would just be completely flat even after using them. Boy was I happy when I found the opposite to be true — the perfect soft curl and volume, volume, volume! If it’s hot and humid, or if I just want the curl at the ends to hold a bit better, I’ll spritz each section of hair with Redken Hot Sets before putting in the curler. I always wait until they are completely cooled before removing. I’ll hit them with the cool air on my hairdryer if I need to.
before ||| after
A few tips:
- Experiment with placement of the hot rollers. I have found I achieve a near perfect “swoopy bang” when I roll away from my face with that curler. You can see in the image above how it is different than the way I’ve curled the rest down, against my head.
- Use the fact that your hair is up and away from your face to your advantage — put on your make up, etc! Or even take one curler out at a time, curling the ends with a curling iron, if you’re wanting to achieve a tighter curl, but have the volume at the roots from the large rollers.
- Those top back curlers on the top of my head? They are the last two I always take out, and I tease each one after removing the curler. It’s the perfect time to have that section of hair separated from the rest to add just a bit of staying power to the volume the curler provides. If I wait until later, I always create quite the bird’s nest in the back trying to separate a section to tease.
3 // finishing products 
I have found three hairsprays that I really like — and way more than that that I can’t stand. My go-to for this summer heat is a new one I just picked up in Chicago: . It’s the first hairspray that I’ve found to be great against humidity, but also still allow for some movement of my hair. Redken QuickDry 18 I really like because it dries super fast — so if you struggle with hairspray weighing down your curls or hair after spraying, this one might be a great option for you! I use the Kenra 25 here and there, but it is always my go-to when putting my hair up in a low chignon or updo of sorts. 
||| |||
4 // prep even when it’s going up
Now that I’ve gotten pretty quick at putting in hot-rollers, I try to put them in even if I know my hair is going up that day. Not only does it get my hair away from my face and neck as I put on my make-up and get dressed, but it also gives my stick-straight hair some movement, which helps it behave when I pull it back. If I don’t have time to put curlers in, I at least put some product in my hair and hit my roots with my hair dryer. If I let my hair air dry, getting any type of lift or volume at the roots is next to impossible.
Lately I’ve been loving just a low bun-chignon-ish-look at the nape of my neck. A few bobby pins and a spritz of hair spray, and I’m good to go.
5 // lastly, plan for the next day I’ll be the first to say that college ruined me. Just kidding, although I definitely used to wash my hair every day prior to it! Especially in the summer, I try to plan when I’m washing my hair to coincide with the day’s activities. If we are going for a morning or midday walk…..and it’s forecast for 85º at 9am, I typically wait until the afternoon or evening to wash the locks. I’ve found that taking a few minutes to prep my hair before bed makes me feel a bit more put together in the morning.
1 // Apply dry shampoo to your roots before going to bed. Even though my hair is super blonde, I still find my hair looking just plain white if I use dry shampoo in the morning. Spraying it in at night allows for it to absorb the oil at my roots — and I find I get nice volume in the morning.
2 // Twist your hair into a top-knot bun. Sometimes I’ll do no-heat headband curls too, but I like the more subtle wave I get from a quick bun. The above photo was a morning after taking out the bun I slept in. I also really struggle with my hair becoming a tangled mess at night if it’s not pulled back in some way, but wearing a hairband scares me because of potential breakage.
3 // I actually just tried this shortcut I’ve seen pinned everywhere, because I wanted to report if it worked or not — and now I’m kind of hooked! Do the dry shampoo thing the night before, sleep with your hair however you’d like, and then in the morning, put your hair in a crazy-high pony tail. Like right on top of your head. Spritz the ends with hot sets or hairspray, give the ends a quick curl with a curling iron, take out the pony…and voila, subtle curled ends — and it goes much quicker than piecing and layering out your hair to curl when down!
I hope my clueless-self finding a bit of success with long hair has given you the confidence to try some new products and make it work as well! While you’ll see me a lot with my hair pulled back in the crazy heat of the summer, I’m definitely still taking time to wear it down too — and it just helps me feel more put together for my day.
What products do you love? Are you the opposite? Working to decrease volume from your naturally curly and thick hair? I love that we are all so different.
xo
Thank you THANK YOU for posting this! I’m going through a hair crisis right now where I keep having the “what are you going to do today and why don’t you ever look right?” conversation with my hair in the morning. I’m so ready to try something new and you have given me some great product ideas to try! Thanks for sharing! :)
YAY!!! please keep me posted on how you like them! and seriously, searching theSmallThingsBlog.com is ALWAYS a great resource!!
I have literally looked at every single post on that site over the past two weeks. Haha! I just need an extreme hair makeover or something! I will keep you posted on the progress. ;)
she’s the best :)
YAY! Another hot rollers advocate! I don’t think my friends believe me when I say once you get the hang of it, it’s so easy – and you can multitask! I have heavy, long hair and a curling iron just doesn’t do it for me. I’ve been wanting to try those ConAir curlers for a bigger curl, I think you may have pushed me over the edge :)
I also love doing your last tip (ponytail high on top of head) and putting in hot rollers just to curl the ends, especially if I’m in a hurry. Loved your advice to tease right after taking the curler out!
let me know how you like them!! sometimes I miss a tighter curl, but then I just bust out the curling iron after, and I still have the volume from the large rollers!!
Where is that floral shirt from? Is it stitch fix? My David Kind box should be here today, too, so Imma need some help soon! ;)
StitchFix!! OooH! can’t wait to see!
I have the opposite problem now, I cut my hair off right before our honeymoon in May and now I’m trying to figure out how to style shorter hair. Glad to get your recommendations for products…and I totally forgot about the awesomeness of hot rollers. I want to dig them out of the closet now and give them a try again with my new ‘do! Thanks!
oh that’s too funny!! I feel like such a pro with shorter hair…but by the time I cut mine again, it’ll probably be like learning to ride a bike again!! I would DEF try rollers with short hair! I definitely did – even if I kind of pulled the curl out at the ends..just to give some volume at the roots!
I have the exact same baby fine low volume falls out of a ponytail with no product hair you have. I too use Kenra and aquage now I want to try the others! Love the tips!! Thanks!! I don’t know if u had ur baby yet but be ready for ur hair to fall out after it’s scary but it stops around 5-6 mos postpartum. But the baby makes it all worth it!!!
ooooooh i remember from my first! I would stand in the shower HORRIFIED at the hairloss!! thankfully it stopped!
I loved this post! Detail is what I need! I will give all of this a whirl. I have some large curlers, but I feel like I don’t know how to put them in properly. Any tips on putting them in or a tutorial?
hmmm! Try to section out with your layers — keeping similar lengths together will help a ton!
I pull mine to about 2 inches from the end, wrap that around and under the hair as I’m rolling it close to my head. It’ll take a few times getting used to it! And you might need to touch up the ends with a curling iron if you get a weird crease!
love this post! I have such love/hate for my hair. I find myself in top knots and ponies all summer long. i’ll def try the large hot rollers thing – the only thing though, my hair is much thicker than yours, kac. you think the volume will still hold?
I think so! But I think you will definitely want to try out something like Aquage at your roots to help it not be too weighed down by the thickness of your hair! {so jealous. :) } And then if humidity makes it go flat – DEFINITELY get the hot sets! from Redken!
Hello! I loved your tips! I was curious… It says you often wash your hair in the afternoon/evening depending on your activities. Then you said you put dry shampoo at the roots before bed. Is that with clean hair or after a day of not washing hair? I’m confused. Thanks!
Whoop! sorry!! So I’ll shower in the afternoon…and then spray some dry shampoo in that evening, if I don’t plan on washing my hair again in the am. My hair can’t go more than really a day without being washed…if I want it to look ANYWHERE near decent, that is :) Does that make sense?
I Have never used hot rollers in my life! Therefore, I seen how pretty your hair was and am going to invest in some. Question the rollers you have in your hair on this post are from your old set or the new one? Also, do you recommend clips or the pins? The one you linked to ulta has clips and some reviews said they didnt like that.
Thanks!
WHOOPS!! i had the link wrong — I’m so sorry!
Here is the current set I have: http://bit.ly/1kdiSmP
I love them! it comes with pink clips and also just the metal pins! I use pins because clips leave a dent in my hair :/ but my sister has ummm CRAZY long and thick hair, and she used the pins too! For a few of them, she put the clip over it. But I use the clips all the time for when I’m curling my hair and need to separate sections! i love that it comes with options!! Sorry about that incorrect link!
Hey girl! How do you do your top-knot? I have become an afternoon/evening hair washer too, and put my hair up at night… but I don’t get those pretty waves! Would love to have some tips :)
Do you apply the KMS spray the same way as the Aquage? I already use Aquage but want to try this KMS!
oh! Good question – i should go update! I apply the KMS all over — mostly focusing on my ends and length, so help hold the curl!! And give my hair a bit of a protecting layer from the heat of the curlers!
ah! Love this! You look fabulous girl- definitely pinning!! xoxo
Love this so much, I have super super fine hair and as such, never want to grow it out very long because it starts to looks stringy! I’m going to buy that mousse and rollers TODAY and give it a shot! Thank you! Also, do you have a tutorial on your makeup? We have very similar coloring and I love your look! ;)
Aw!!! you are so sweet! I honestly am such a “newbie” when it comes to experimenting with make up! I used to love it…got lazy…and just have had fun recently trying out new looks and finding “my staples” — I recommend Kate at theSmallThingsblog.com always :) She is the best!
Would you be willing to do a tutorial on your low bun/chignon? I have super fine blonde hair as well, and can’t ever seem to get it to stay up!
Thanks!
I actually snapped pictures while I was putting it up … I will! I’m definitely not a hair pro, but I have this little chignon thing down to a tee ;)
Kacia! I follow Kate and when she posted about you I came and had a look. I have thin blonde hair too so I was super excited to see what you use to get that GORGEOUS volume! I already have the aquage (tried because Kate uses it), but it didn’t do much for me. I went out and bought the KMS Cali stuff and tried them together this morning. So far I like it! We’ll see if the volume holds up by the end of the day. If not, I’m going to go buy those conair curlers tomorrow! Thanks for the tips!
P.S. those chignons are adorable. Did you ever make a tutorial? :)
hey!! i actually did take some pics and I’ll post a tutorial in the next few weeks!!! I’m so happy you are finding the post helpful!! With this crazy humidity, I’ve been LOVING using redken’s spray starch or hotsets!! It helps the curls stay in even when my hair is wanting to refuse!!
We’re basically hair twins! Super fine, stick straight, boring hair! I’m going to try some of your tricks, but was wondering what type of shampoo do you use? I’ve been trying the no poo thing, but I’m not sure if I like it yet or not… Thanks for all your tips!
Hi! Love these tips! I’m going to try out the mousse and the curlers stat. How would you describe your haircut? My stylist thinks a blunt cut works best with long fine hair (and I do agree that it makes the hair look the fullest), but I’m bored with it and I’m going to try layers again. Curious how your hair is cut! Love how it looks when it’s styled.
Hey Julie! I have pretty “baby” hair — if I don’t put product in it, it’s stick straight and slips out of a ponytail. My stylist cuts layers, but more blunt ones? if that makes any sense at all…probably not, because i’m clueless! But then I am still able to use rollers and it has a bit more movement than just a blunt cut all around!
I say try layers — hair always grows!
Omg I am so happy I came across this on pinterest! I have baby fine, thin, pin straight hair that I’ve hated my entire life. (I’m 26! Too long to live hating your hair)I’ve always wanted long beautiful bouncy curls but was always told it wouldn’twork with my hair type so I’ve always kept it shoulder length or shorter. Recently I’ve decided I’m going to grow it out anyway and just give it a try. It’s currently only collar bonne length, but this post has inspired me to keep up my efforts! I literally thought I was the only person in the world with this hair type, I’m so excited to know there is hope!
Girl! I know I’m late to the party, but we are hair TWINS. Trying those hot rollers STAT.