At this year’s Cheltenham Literature Festival, I had the pleasure of speaking with renowned celebrity hairstylist Sam McKnight, known for his work with icons like Princess Diana and Kate Moss. His insights on achieving voluminous hair were a hit with the audience, eager to discover how to transform their fine, flat locks into big, bouncy styles.
Volume: The Hot Topic
As McKnight took to the stage, it was clear that the topic of volume had everyone’s attention. The room buzzed with excitement as he shared simple yet effective techniques to add fullness and lift to lifeless hair. One of his top tips? Blow-dry your hair upside down to lift the roots. If you have a side part, flip your hair over to the opposite side while drying to create natural bounce.
Dry Shampoo Insights
One of the standout moments came when McKnight shared his surprising take on dry shampoo. Contrary to popular belief, he cautioned against using hot air from a hairdryer after spraying it on, as this can make hair greasy. Instead, he recommended using cool air to set the product, extending the time between washes. For those seeking a reliable dry shampoo that won’t leave a chalky residue, he suggested Olaplex No 4D Dry Shampoo (£28, cultbeauty.co.uk), which is known for its clean finish.
Understanding Hair Products
McKnight also clarified the differences between common hair products that often confuse consumers:
- Hairspray: Holds your hairstyle in place.
- Dry Shampoo: Absorbs oil and freshens up the hair.
- Texturiser: Adds volume and texture.
For fine hair, he advocates using texturisers to provide that extra lift. His go-to product for Kate Moss is the Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist (£27, cultbeauty.co.uk), which should be sprayed through the crown and mid-lengths while the hair is flipped upside down for maximum height.
Rollers and Hot Brushes
McKnight also highlighted the benefits of rollers for achieving volume, despite their sometimes fiddly nature. He recommended the BaByliss Thermo-Ceramic Rollers (£60, boots.com), noting that you don’t need to use them all over—just popping a few around the front sections while you do your makeup can yield fantastic results.
Lastly, he praised hot brushes as a time-saving tool for creating lift. The Shark Beauty SmoothStyle Hot Brush & Smoothing Comb (£80, boots.com) caught his attention for its versatility; it works on both wet and dry hair, allowing you to achieve either big waves or sleek styles.
As we wrapped up the discussion, I could feel the enthusiasm in the room for these practical tips. I left inspired to experiment with my own hair and eager for next year’s festival to share more beauty insights.
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