How to Add Volume with a Round Brush (Step-by-Step Guide)

Flat hair is one of the most common frustrations—especially if your hair lacks natural volume.

The good news is: with the right round brush technique, you can easily lift your roots and create soft, long-lasting volume at home.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to add volume with a round brush step by step, plus the most common mistakes to avoid.

 

Why Your Hair Has No Volume

 

Before styling, it’s important to understand why your hair falls flat.

Common reasons include:

• Hair is too heavy or weighed down
• Roots are not lifted during drying
• Using the wrong brush size
• Applying too much tension

The key to volume is not just heat—but direction and technique.

 

What Size Round Brush Is Best for Volume?

The size of your round brush plays a big role in how much volume you get.

• Small brush (1–1.5 inch) → more curl, less lift
• Medium brush (1.5–2 inch) → balanced volume
• Large brush (2+ inch) → maximum volume and smooth blowout

👉 If your goal is volume at the roots, a medium to large brush usually works best.

 

Step-by-Step: How to Add Volume with a Round Brush

Step 1: Start with 70–80% Dry Hair

Hair that is too wet won’t hold shape well.

Let your hair air dry or rough dry first before using a round brush.

Step 2: Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into small sections.

Smaller sections:

• are easier to control
• allow better airflow
• create more volume

Step 3: Lift at the Roots (Most Important Step)

Place the round brush under the roots and lift upward while applying heat.

👉 This is where volume is created.

Focus on lifting—not pulling straight down.

Step 4: Roll and Hold

Wrap the hair slightly around the brush and hold for a few seconds with heat.

Then let it cool before releasing.

Cooling helps lock in the volume.

Step 5: Set with Cool Air

Finish each section with cool air to help the shape last longer.

 

Common Mistakes That Kill Volume

Pulling Hair Down Instead of Up

This flattens the roots and removes volume.

Using the Wrong Brush Type

Heavy or overly stiff brushes can drag hair down.

👉 If you’re not sure which brush to use, explore here:
👉 /collections/round-brush-for-fine-hair

 

Working with Large Sections

Large sections don’t hold volume well.

 

Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Volume

• Always lift at the roots first
• Use medium heat instead of high heat
• Don’t rush the cooling step
• Flip your part slightly for extra lift

 

FAQ

 

Can a round brush really add volume?

Yes. With the right technique, a round brush is one of the most effective tools for creating natural volume.

Why does my volume disappear quickly?

Usually because the hair didn’t cool properly or too much weight pulled it down.

Is a bigger round brush better for volume?

Generally yes, but it depends on your hair length and thickness.

 

Adding volume with a round brush takes a bit of practice, but once you learn the technique, it becomes one of the easiest ways to achieve a salon-style blowout at home.

👉 Find the best round brush for your hair type here:

👉 /collections/round-brush-for-thick-hair

👉 /collections/round-brush-for-fine-hair