If you have thin hair, hair loss or simply want to boost volume, then the likelihood is you’re looking for ways to thicken your hair. From thickening products and hair-growth supplements to silk pillowcases and dry shampoos, we’ve got all the tips you need on how to get healthy, thicker hair, without breaking the bank. Let’s get started.
What Causes Thin Hair?
There are many different reasons why you might have thin hair. Some of it’s down to genetics, meaning you were born with fine, thin hair and it’s always been that way. Sometimes thin hair is a result of hair loss, whether that be from stress, over-processing or vitamin deficiencies.
If you’re wanting to achieve thicker hair, then the good news is — it’s achievable. To help you get the thick hair of your dreams, we’ve listed all our top tips on how to get thicker hair. Take notes…
1. Supplements For Thick Hair
Often, the root cause of thin hair comes from within, whether that be a hormonal imbalance, unbalanced diet or vitamin deficiencies. That’s where supplements come in as a way to thicken hair. Hair-growth supplements have exploded in popularity in recent years, with many claiming to improve the length, strength and thickness of your hair.
When choosing the right supplements for you, look out for hair-boosting ingredients such as biotin, iron, zinc and B vitamins. For a full list of our favourite hair supplements, check out this article. Or, if you’re after a quick shopping list, shop our faves below.
2. Choose Thickening Products
Thickening products have become a staple in routines for thin hair, with many formulas created to help boost volume and add density to fine hair. From shampoos and conditioners to hair masks and oils, no matter the size of your budget or your routine, it can be packed full of thickening ingredients.
The secret here is to look for thickening formulas, but make sure they’re not so heavy that they weigh down your strands. There are so many weightless, thickening formulas out there, but if you’re not sure where to start, these would be at the top of our list.
3. Style Your Way To Thicker Hair
You know the old saying — fake it ’til you make it. Well, the same can be said as a way to thicken hair. The secret’s in how you style it and the products you use.
First up is your drying routine — try blow drying with a round brush to boost volume and give the illusion of thicker hair (a hot brush can work just as well). Then, apply the products to take it that extra mile. There are thickening styling formulas, root volume products, texturising sprays and everything in between, and here are some ideas to get you started.
4. Reduce Heat Styling
Over-styling and heat damage are one of the biggest causes of thin hair, particularly if you use heat on your hair every day without the right protection. The best way to reduce thin hair through heat damage is to not use heat at all.
Trial out some new styles, whether it be enhancing your natural curl pattern, trying out heatless curls or wearing slick-back styles on days when you need to make your hair last longer between washes. If you can’t quite manage to break up with the heat tools altogether, make sure you’re at least investing in a heat protection spray to prevent future hair loss.
5. Minimise Over-Processing or Dying
Another primary cause of thin hair? Over-processing or dying your hair. Harmful dyes, chemicals and bleach can make your hair extremely brittle and prone to breakage, resulting in hair loss and thinner texture.
Make sure to take extra care of your hair between salon appointments. Bond-restoring treatments, moisture masks and the right products for your hair type will help to mitigate any further damage and hair thinning.
6. Scalp Health Is Crucial
If you’re already promoting thicker hair from within by adding supplements to your routine, then why not take the next natural step and level up your scalp care routine?
Your scalp is the gateway to boosting volume and achieving thicker hair. By caring for your scalp, you’re creating the optimum environment for healthy, thicker hair growth. Massage regularly to increase blood flow, choose exfoliating scalp treatments to clear build-up and dead skin cells, then finish it all off with a nourishing oil to make thin hair a thing of the past.
7. Don't Over-Wash
If you have thin hair, the likelihood is that it can also look greasier faster, leading you to wash your hair more regularly. In reality, this could be doing more harm than good. Excessive hair washing can make thin hair even thinner, which might be the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.
We’d always recommend avoiding washing your hair every day. To help your hair last longer between washes, dry shampoos can be your best friend. The added bonus? Dry shampoos also add volume and texture to your hair, mimicking a fuller, dense hair look. Who doesn’t love a hardworking product?
8. Protection Is Essential
This might surprise you, but something as small as the texture of your pillow could be leading to extra hair loss and thin hair. Cotton pillowcases can be quite abrasive, causing friction on the hair that can lead to strands falling out.
The answer to this problem? Silk hair caps or pillowcases. Both work by protecting the hair with silk — a much softer alternative to cotton, which is kinder to hair. Not only does it stop the friction between your hair and the pillow, but it also helps to prevent frizz and hairstyles to last longer, as well as stopping hair from getting greasy as quickly.
9. Book Regular Dates At The Salon
Last but not least, getting regular haircuts is one of the most effective ways to thicken hair. We all know just how good our hair feels after a fresh cut, when any dead ends or frazzled lengths are removed and you’re left with shiny, bouncy hair.
It’s totally up to you what you choose to go for, but if you’ve got thinner hair, we’d avoid going for too many layers, instead opting for a blunt-edge style. Again, consult with your hairdresser, but getting a refresh once every six weeks can help to boost hair health and thickness, removing any dead ends that can leave fine hair feeling even thinner.