Fosters, my hair is so shit.

It never seems to shine or bounce. It's fine, and lank, and I don't expect huge bouncy waves or anything, but I am sick of it's boringness and  flatness. I use volume shampoo and conditioner every day, but it's not really helping. It's just so heavy and… blergh.

Could it be the dry shampoo I just started to use? It's the little red one that is a weird, wet texture, my hairdresser said to use it to give my fine hair some oomph.

– Marly

This could be a few things, Tom Lanks. Here's my thoughts, and be kind: I went to a wedding yesterday, and you know what that means: some people got married.

Also: alcohol.

1. That is not dry shampoo you are using. That is, I am almost certain, Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Dust It hair powder, or as I call these things, magic dust. It is a styling product, not a refreshing product, and it certainly won't give your hair the lightness and body an actual dry shampoo, such as Klorane or Batiste, does. I love hair dust, use it every time I style my hair, adore the grit and texture and messiness it creates on clean, dull, pedestrian hair. But it's very…. thick and serious about not shifting. Builds up quick. Use a little not a lot, and never on the top of the hair, because it can look lank – always use it underneath, hold up the top layer of hair and rub it in real good.

Hair Powder. Not Dry Shampoo.

2. If you are using this hair dust each day, dear GOD do you need to use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week. I use the Pantene one. Ditto those who are using dry shampoo… or mousse, argan oil, heat protectant spray, hairspray, serums, any styling product (or several in a row as I am prone to do, from wet hair to the frizz-proofed, heat-styled finale) every day. All this shit we put on our hair is heavy on the hair and scalp, and it needs to be thoroughly removed. Just as you exfoliate your skin at least 1-2 times a week…. Right?

3. Confusingly, volume building shamps and condy can be too heavy for fine hair (ditto for those using volume-exploding-mega mascaras on fine lashes; hence the drop down you're getting.) They can coat the hair too much. Go for something specifically designed to boost your hair without so much as a sniff of a whisper of weight, like Nioxin's for thin hair, or Living Proof's Full range. Also: only condition the mid-lengths to ends of your hair. You can add the volume-boosting stuff at the damp stage (mousse is terrific). Better.

4. Find some actual dry shampoo, and use it on the second day instead of washing. Be sure to use a fair amount of it, all over the scalp, and massage it in for 30 seconds. Blow dry it through with a barrel brush: even better.

Dry shampoo. Not hair powder.

Marley, I hope the shine in your halo is restored forthwith or henceforth or whichever is more Shakespearically accurate.