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If you’re a fine-haired gal like me, you’ll know all too well the trials and tribulations of trying to lift your roots and create that bouncy, voluminous, swishy hair we all dream of.
You’ll also know that volumising hair products are a must to achieve said va-va-voom. While there are plenty of brilliant volume sprays on the market (Larry King Ride or Die, I’m looking at you), my secret weapon has always been volumising powder. When it comes to serious, XXL volume, nothing quite packs the same punch.
I’ll admit, though, when volumising powders first arrived on the scene, they weren’t without their issues. Some were tricky to wash out, others felt far too gritty and, worst of all, plenty left behind that tell-tale white, powdery residue reminiscent of dry shampoo.
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Thankfully, formulations have come on leaps and bounds since then. I’ve put more than 17 to the test and whittled them down to the six that really impressed me. From instant root lift to seriously impressive staying power, here’s everything you need to know.
The Best Volumising Hair Powders
(Image credit: @perditanouril)
1. Moroccanoil Texture & Volume Powder
Moroccanoil
Texture & Volume Powder
Pros
- Gives great volume
- Gives great texture
- Easy to blend
- Doesn’t feel heavy or gritty
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Truthfully none, but if I’m being brutal maybe the tube is small
(Image credit: @perditanouril)
Lightweight, this worked brilliantly at building volume and texture, and I love that I can layer it up without my hair feeling stiff or crunchy. It gave my roots a noticeable boost while the added argan oil helped to nourish strands, alongside a 3D mineral blend that gives real fullness. And, of course, there’s that signature Moroccanoil scent, which leaves hair smelling every bit as gorgeous as it looks.
2. Kevin Murphy Powder Puff
(Image credit: @perditanouril)
If your scalp’s microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to sensitivity and dryness, meaning the last thing you want to do is douse it in styling products. Luckily, I found this formula to be super scalp-friendly while still delivering plenty of volume. Best of all, it works beautifully on both damp and dry roots, so you can use it to build volume from the get-go or give your hair a much-needed lift between washes.
3. VioletteFR Frange Puff
Pros
- Clever brush application
- Great for travel
- Great for greasy roots
Cons
- You need to spend time blending
(Image credit: @perditanouril)
If you don’t like getting your hands all up in your roots, the powder brush means you don’t have to. I love how it instantly refreshes tired, oily strands, stopping them from sticking to my scalp while adding a good dose of volume in the process.
It’s been an absolute godsend after the gym when I’m heading straight out, and did me a solid after stepping off a long-haul flight, too. And then there’s the scent, which is fresh and addictive.
4. Shrine Root Powder
SHRINE
Root Powder for Instant Volume
Pros
- Affordable
- Long-lasting
- Gives great volume
Cons
- Use sparingly, as you can overdo it
(Image credit: @perditanouril)
This works wonders at creating serious volume that lasts for hours and hours. It has a lovely matte quality, too, and while the powder itself feels finely milled, there’s enough oomph to add texture as well as lift. I also found it easy to brush out and restyle my hair the following day, without any stubborn powdery residue left behind. For its price point, I was seriously impressed.
5. Rahua Dry Shampoo
Rahua
Voluminous Dry Shampoo
Pros
- Absorbs oil and dirt
- Gives great lift
- Supports scalp health
- Sustainably formulated
(Image credit: @perditanouril)
I’m a big fan of Rahua in general, not only because they source some of the best botanicals and natural ingredients, but because the brand has a genuinely impressive commitment to the environment. Its founders’ work with Indigenous Amazonian communities, which has helped protect more than 3.2 million acres of rainforest, while profits go towards conservation and philanthropy.
As for the product, this won me over for its application alone. It dispenses as an ultra-fine mist of powder that instantly absorbs excess oil and gives roots a serious lift, without that heavy, gritty Its formula is also impressively pared back, containing just five ingredients.
6. Oribe Swept Up Volume Powder Spray
Oribe
Swept Up Volume Powder Spray
Pros
- Gives buildable grip
- Perfect for up dos
- Blends well
- Doesn’t feel gritty
Cons
- Not the best for long hair
- On the pricier side
(Image credit: @perditanouril)
If you’re partial to an updo, then look no further. This gives the roots instant lift while adding the kind of texture and grip that makes hair much easier to work with. Rather than silky strands slipping straight out of a ponytail, bun or updo, it gives them a little more hold and traction, helping styles stay put. I also love it for creating that fuller, slightly undone finish. A few spritzes through the roots give my hair enough body to tease and shape, while the powder adds texture without making everything feel stiff or sticky. It’s especially handy if, like me, your fine hair tends to fall flat when you’re trying to create volume at the crown.
What Is a Volumising Hair Powder?
The clue is the name, but as Andreas Wild, stylist at Larry King Notting Hill, explains in more detail, “Volumising hair powder is a styling product that you apply directly to the roots to give the hair extra lift and texture. It adds a little more grit to the roots, which helps create volume, particularly when the hair is very soft or tends to fall flat.”
He also adds that it’s a great way to refresh your hair, “on day two, and can make finer or thinner hair look fuller.”
Is Volumising Powder Good for Your Hair?
This is still a myth that tends to permeate, but Wild explains that volumising powder isn’t bad for your hair. However, he adds, “It’s important to wash it out regularly because it adds texture and sits at the roots; using too much or continually layering it onto unwashed hair can lead to product build-up. You may also find the hair becomes difficult to brush through if there’s too much product in it.”
Is Volumising Spray or Powder Better?
“I think it really comes down to personal preference and the finish you’re looking for,” says Wild. “Powder gives the hair more grit, texture and grip, so it’s particularly good if you want to create lots of lift at the roots or your hair is very soft.”
How I Tested
I’ve used a lot of root powders over the years, so I was pretty ruthless when it came to deciding which ones made the cut. I sought out formulas that offered serious volume without compromising on how my hair and scalp felt, and looked at everything from application and texture to how easily they brushed out and whether the volume actually lasted. The powders that have made the cut deliver on the volume without leaving hair feeling gritty, weighed down or coated in residue. Whether you’re after a quick root refresh, XXL volume or extra grip for an up-do, these are the formulas I’d happily reach for again.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
