Paul Mitchell Extra Body Collection: fuller hair, zero weight

Do you have Fine or flat hair that needs oomph but hate heavy, crunchy products? The Extra Body line is Paul Mitchell’s long‑running answer: shampoos, conditioners and styling aids that add lift, shine and soft hold without turning hair into a helmet. Below is a quick intro to why it works, plus the best pieces to build a beginner‑friendly routine.

Why Extra Body gives hair volume that lasts

• The line uses panthenol and wheat‑derived ingredients, which help strengthen and protect strands while still keeping them lightweight. Which is rare in volumizing ranges as they often rely solely on drying, stiff polymers.

• Long‑time users have noted real lift and soft, pliable hold rather than crunchy stiffness. A classic editorial review of the Sculpting Foam from Allure found it adds fullness from root to tip, holds all day without going hard or crunchy, though it can feel slightly dry for some.

So you’re not just getting a gimmicky spray — you’re starting with a foundation that supports real body, then locking it in with styling pieces.

The go‑to picks

Below are the strongest, easiest‑to‑use products from the range. Each one is useful on its own, but together they make a super simple, effective routine for fine, flat, or normal hair that loses volume fast.

1) Extra Body shampoo for everyday volume

What it does: gently cleanses while adding fullness, shine and manageability for fine to normal hair. Panthenol plus wheat‑derived ingredients are the main tech that builds body and helps repair or protect strands, so hair doesn’t feel brittle. 

Little tip: use a small, coin‑sized amount, lather twice if very flat, rinse well, and follow with the lightweight conditioner below to preserve the lift.

2) Extra Body conditioner that keeps the lift

What it does: detangles fine hair, adds bounce and shine, and supports strength so strands aren’t limp or damaged after washing. It’s built for volume, not heavy moisture  exactly what fine/flat hair needs.

Why it’s the perfect partner to the shampoo: many volumizing conditioners either weigh hair down or don’t detangle. This one balances both: you get softness and easier styling while keeping body. 

Use it like this: after shampooing, apply a small amount mid‑length to ends only, leave for about 30 seconds, rinse. Do not apply to roots. 

3) Styling foam for major blow‑dry body

What it does: gives lightweight, flexible control and shiny prep for a blow‑dry or air‑dry when you still want movement. It locks in moisture so hair keeps soft, not crispy.

Why this stands out: it delivers salon‑style fullness without the usual mousse crunch. It provides volume from root to tip with all‑day hold, no hard crunch, just a touch of dryness for some users. That’s still a solid tradeoff given the volume payoff.

How to use: shake well, dispense a small amount upside down, distribute through damp hair, then blow‑dry with a round brush for max lift. For wavy texture, scrunch while drying; for straight, smooth strands upwards at roots.

Quick style tip: if your hair is extremely flat at the crown, add a tiny bit more foam at roots only, not ends, to keep hair from feeling sticky.

4) Finishing spray to lock in volume and shine

What it does: strong hold, volume boost, shine and frizz control that dries instantly without flaking or stickiness. It’s designed for styles that need to stay in place but still look soft and shiny. 

Why this is useful in the Extra Body routine: after a blow‑out or styling with the foam, this spray locks everything in, reduces flyaways, and keeps hair looking polished through the day or night without a crunchy feel.

Best use: mist lightly over finished hair, about 8–12 inches away, then, if needed, use fingers to lift at roots for extra life. Perfect for humid days or long events.

To summarise:

1. Wash with Extra-Body Shampoo

2. Condition mid‑length to ends with Extra-Body Conditioner

3. Prep with a pea‑size to walnut‑size amount of Sculpting Foam on damp hair

4. Blow‑dry or diffuse for volume, use a round brush for maximum root lift

5. Finish with a light mist of Finishing Spray for hold and shine

Who this collection is best for

• People with fine, limp hair that loses shape halfway through the day

• People with normal hair that needs that littlest bit of lift without heavy product buildup

• Someone who dislikes crunchy products and wants touchable movement instead

• Someone with busy mornings where a simple, reliable routine is better than multiple products or long styling

One more tip for extra oomph

If your hair is very soft or tends to go flat at the crown, dry your roots upside down first, then apply foam to lengths only, and finish with a very light spray at roots only. This keeps the root area airy but still controlled, especially when humidity is high.