Long, fine hair

Dear JM, Usually when people speak about "fine" hair they are referring to the actual diameter of the individual strand itself. Some people have individual strands which are so baby fine they are almost transparent. On the other hand some hair is so "coarse" and large in diameter it almost looks like the hair in a horse's tail. Most of us fall somewhere in between. When people speak of their hair being "thin" or "thick" they are referring to the actual number of hair strands, which is determined by the number of follicles on your head. Generally blondes have the most follicles as a group, followed by brunettes. Redheads have the least number of follicles. The bad news is that you can't physically change either one of these characteristics, short of a hair transplant. The good news is that you can give the appearance of fuller hair with the right products. As your hair is getting longer, it probably (unless there is a medical problem) only appears to be thinner because the weight caused by the hairs' length is pulling it down. Blow drying upside down is a great technique, and here are two products that I love that will also help add volume. One is in the Phyto line, called Phytovolume Actif spray. When I want a very full look I use a few spritzes on my damp hair. I also use J.F. Lazartigue's root volumizer. Both of these are fantastic products. I just can't say enough good things about them. Keep in mind however that volumizing products might be drying to your hair. Some are very alkaline, which causes the hair shaft to open and expand. This makes it look thicker, but it also may leave your hair vulnerable, so be sure to condition well when using these products.