As sexy as your favorite skin-tight dress and heels can be, believe it or not, hair has the same ability to create that certain ooh-la-la feeling. Hair that is healthy, luxurious and voluminous is sexy, so it’s no wonder women are relying on extensions for a little extra thickness.

Of course products promise “instant, thicker hair”, but before you go into debt shelling out money for the newest and latest on the market, check out these tips for our volumizing secrets.

1. Cut layers beneath the crown of a bobbed style or slightly back-comb hair to create a lift and a little extra boost.

2. Use a volumizing shampoo, paying special attention to your roots. Follow up with volumizing conditioner, but be careful to only apply it to your ends to prevent over-conditioning.

3. Switch it up. Wearing your hair in the same style encourages it to lay flat. Lose your part (or switch it if the thought is unbearable) or sweep your hair all the way back. Think Deena or Effie from Dreamgirls.

4. Get the right cut. A one-length cut is when hair appears to look it’s thickest. A bob also creates the illusion of volume. Steer clear of cutting too many layers to avoid looking stringy.

5. Don’t be afraid of the tease. There is a fine line between teasing and over-teasing. Don’t fear it. The trick: remove the teeth of the rattail comb from your hair after each downward stroke.

6. To create fullness and volume, curl hair with a large-barrel iron or try a roller set. The bigger the better. Be sure to let hair dry completely before removing the curlers.

7. Feed your scalp. Applying nutrients and vitamins to your scalp increases hair growth and can often prevent straggly hair.

What products, tips or tricks do you swear by to prevent limp locks?

-Krystal Franklin