If your hair is looking thinner, floppy or flatter than usual, don't panic! There's plenty of things you can do to promote growth, get thicker hair and revive your lacklustre locks. From hair growth products to natural remedies and simple haircare habit changes you can ensure your hair stays healthy.
The fact is, if you've got thin hair it's genetic - it can't be changed, your hair strands are not going to magically get thicker. But there are products that can temporarily plump hair strands, and a lot can be said for adding volume to make your hair look thicker. Many hair growth shampoos work in this way, making your hair look bouncy and healthy and adding volume rather than thickness.
Aesthetics doctor Dr. Barbara Sturm explains, "The hair’s life cycle consists of three phases; the growth phase, Anagen; the regressing phase, Catagen, and the resting phase, Telogen. Normal hair fall typically starts when the hair transitions out of the Anagen and into the Catagen phase but it can also occur prematurely as a result of inflammation.
"Internal or external stressors including aggressive styling and hair product ingredients, environmental pollution, emotional stress and hormonal imbalances such as fluctuating estrogen levels during the menopause can disturb the hair’s life cycle, accelerating the process so that the growth phase is shortened and hair enters the transition phase prematurely."
If your hair is thinning because of hair loss due to age, hormone changes or other factors, the good news is that it is possible to regrow hair that has been lost, or improve the health of the existing thinner hairs.
Your hairdresser will be able to recommend some suitable forms of treatment, shampoos and conditioners to help your hair look and feel thicker, hair masks and silk pillowcases for hair damage control etc. However, ensuring you speak to a reputable trichologist - someone who specialises in hair and scalp health - is incredibly beneficial.
Jacky van Driel-Nguene, who is a Science Educator and Trichologist, as well as an Advisory Board Member of Root Cause Clinical says, "A trichologist will be able to discuss the best course of action and will be able to delve further into whether you may also have any underlying issues.
"A trichologist will not only be able to discuss the best products to use for hair loss but also any supplements that may be appropriate and nutritional recommendations, and they will also be able to discuss with the you any medication you are taking and the side effects this can have on your hair."
Here are our top tips to help your hair regain it's 'Joie de vivre' and once again be your crowning glory.
Invest in a good hairbrush
Fine hair is prone to split ends. Split ends, as we know, make your hair appear less healthy in terms of volume, length, and density. Once the damage is done, it travels up the hair shaft until you cut it off. The best approach? Getting ahead of it. Look out for a gentle detangling brush that is designed for fragile hair, or a brush for thinning hair. A soft bristle brush is best for thinning hair because it's gentle and won't rip out your hair. If you're looking for more volume at the crown, you can use a teasing brush, which is smaller and designed to reach the root of the hair. Avoid brushing your hair when it's wet, instead give it a good brush before you get in the shower to remove the worst tangles. Also don't brush your hair too often, for more delicate hair it's recommended to brush once a day, first thing in the morning.
Avoid direct heat on hair
Always use a protecting spray or serum when blowdrying or styling. Hair loss due to heat damage can easily happen to those who use heat-based stylers regularly – causing hair to break and fall out. Luckily, hair loss due to heat damage is not permanent, and can be reversed by avoiding the overuse of styling equipment. Fine and thin hair is generally more vulnerable to heat damage as it has less natural protection. But thick and coarse hair isn't immune, especially when subjected to high heat frequently or for extended periods.
Wash your hair less
Yes really, it's recommended to wash your hair 2-3 times a week at most. Washing your hair too much dries it out. All hair is different however, and it's worth working out how often you should wash your hair depending on your hair type. Finding the perfect frequency for your shampooing schedule is the key to caring for your scalp and avoiding hair loss.
Scalp massage
When promoting faster hair growth, these exercises stimulate the follicle that helps hair to grow and increase the circulation around the scalp. Using a scalp massager can't cure hair loss, but they do show promise with promoting hair growth. You can also give yourself a scalp massage using your fingertips.
Avoid tight up-dos
If you tend to put your hair up a lot, try looser styles over using tight hair bands and pulling at the follicles of your hair. In time, the continuous pulling can damage your hair follicles. If you damage your hair follicles, your hair cannot grow back, so you develop permanent hair loss. Hairstyles that constantly pull on your hair include: Buns, ponytails, and up-dos that are tightly pulled. Use silk scrunchies or spiral hair ties over harsher elastic hair bands.
Try a new 'do
Although it seems like cutting your hair defeats the whole trying to get your hair to look thicker aim, regular haircuts help your hair grow healthier and fuller. Certain hairstyles for thin hair will also add volume - there are lots of clever ways to make your hair look thicker and fuller, from switching up your parting, to adding blunt layers or even some vintage curls.
Use less product
While it may be tempting to pile on loads of volumising sprays and mousses to give your hair more life, this can actually weigh fine hair down and make it look flatter and limper. With careful and minimal use, gels, mousses, sprays, and balms can work wonders. However, there's such a thing as product buildup. Apply too much or too many products, and they can also secretly weigh your strands down even more, leaving your roots without a chance. The same goes for using too much conditioner in the shower - pile it on and it's going to add unwanted weight to your strands and drag them down. Instead, use a tiny amount on the section of hair from midway down to your ends without going near the roots.
Eat healthily
You are what you eat! Consuming foods for hair growth, such as those that are high in vitamin C, E, D, biotin, and zinc all play a role in hair growth. A healthy diet can help your hair stay strong and shiny. What you eat can also keep you from losing your locks. If you're not getting certain nutrients from food, you might see the effects in your hair. Essential fatty acids, especially omega-3s, play a key role in the health of your skin, hair, and nails.
Try hair thicken products
As mentioned in the point above, avoid overloading your hair with these products - but if used correctly they can help your hair look thicker and healthier.
Ensure that you learn more about your hair type before buying any of the top-rated hair thickening products, so you know what will work best for your hair. There are shampoos, serums, sprays, conditioners, and other hair styling products crafted especially for nourishing and thickening thin, flat, dry, dull, and damaged hair. Avoid investing in products that are not meant for your hair type.
The best hair products to thicken hair usually contain botanical extracts and ingredients like biotin, amino acids, sunflower, avocado oils, peptides, etc. These ingredients enhance the quality, and texture of your hair and thereby give your mane a denser and voluminous appearance.
Gel mousse spray, balm, serum, shampoo, fibres, supplement
Recommended products for thicker hair
Best hair thickening shampoo
www.boots.com
Aussie Shampoo Aussome Volume lightweight formula, with extract of Australian Hops, leaves your fine hair with body and fullness from roots to tips. Australian Hops are a great discovery. It’s believed that the proteins they contain coat your hair and help build it up.
Review: "My hair is really picky and hates any hair coating ingredients like silicones and polyquats, which just make it brittle. This new formula has none of these, so I bought it to try it out. I'm so impressed! It's hydrating and gentle, but lathers nicely, and leaves my hair really soft and in great condition. It also seems more voluminous. I haven't had my hair looking and feeling this good in years! Can't believe I've found such a gem!"
Best hair thickening spray
Get long-lasting volume and thickness with bed Head Superstar Queen For a day Thickening spray. This hair Thickening and texturising spray provides hair with added texture, A light hold and incredible body and lift. The hair styling spray leaves hair smooth, soft and voluminous, for thicker looking hair.
Review: "Since starting perimenopause about 15 years too early, my hair has become incredibly thin. Going from having a lot of hair to much less, is a major confidence hit. I only bought this product a couple of weeks ago and can honestly say that it’s a game changer! I especially like the boost it gives to hair a day or two after washing (spray a bit on dry roots and blast with the hairdryer). Definitely gives body-ody-ody!!! I highly recommend."
Best hair thickening balm
TRESemmé Collagen+ Fullness thickening balm gives you visibly thicker and fuller hair in just one use. The system is infused with collagen has been created with glycerine to penetrate inside the hair, it plumps each strand and instantly help hair look thicker. You want a braid, a twist or a bun, you want texture and looks that last, you want visibly thicker, fuller hair everyday. Get visibly thicker hair so you can work the best looks.
Review: "I really like all the Tresemme products as they work really well with my hair. I only just saw this I thought I would give it a try & I am so glad I did. Works wonders with fine hair creates a lot of volume and lift. I have tried other more expensive products but this is by far the best. Would highly recommend."
Best hair thickening gel
www.boots.com
Provide definition and hold to thinning hair with Nioxin 3D Styling Thickening Gel. As a part of the Nioxin professional hair styling products line, this styling gel gives a noticeable volume boost and a fuller end look. Nioxin thickening hair gel provides strong hold and texture for fuller-looking and smooth feeling hair, without stiffness or stickiness.
Review: "I’ve spent a long time looking for a replacement for Redken 06 thickening gel which has been discontinued. The jury is still out but a think that Nioxin might fit the bill. It does add a good volume to my fine hair before I style it."
Best hair thickening lotion
www.lookfantastic.com
Boost your hair with body and bounce using the Moroccanoil Thickening Lotion. This 2-in-1 volumising and conditioning treatment is enriched with argan oil and vitamins to moisturise and nourish the hair, preventing the dry, sticky texture traditionally associated with volumising products. The thickening lotion envelops the hair in an innovative quinoa protein blend, helping to create a thicker illusion for instant lift and long-lasting body. The unique formula boosts hair from the root to achieve luxurious bouncy locks.
Review: "My hair has recently seemed finer and lost volume probably due to age and thought i would give this a go. It definitely seems to give my hair more body and have already repurchased."
Another tester said: "I had very thin hair from bleach damage for over 15yrs I bought this product to help minimise my thin hair and it made my hair look so much fuller and thicker it's amazing stuff."
Best hair thickening fibres powder
Natural and undetectable, Toppik hair fibers are keratin-based fibers that help you achieve a fuller and thicker look in seconds. This concealer powder fills in thinning spots, intertwining with your hairline and bonding to your hair follicles, giving you an effortlessly enhanced look.
Review: "I'm post menopausal and my hair has been thinning for a while. I have very curly hair and a double crown, which isn't the best combination for trying to hide thin spots. I've found Toppik to be a godsend and have been using it for the last couple of years. I wouldn't be without it."
Best hair thickening serum
en.drsturm.com
Dr Sturm's Anti-Hair Fall Scalp Serum is a gentle scalp treatment that promotes the growth of strong, healthy-looking hair, provides radiant shine, vitality and volume and is fundamentally nourishing to the scalp.
Extracts of Camellia and Larch nourish the hair follicle, strengthen the hair and reduce hair fall, Pro-Vitamin B5 helps nourish and repair the hair shaft and achieves an ‘anti-splitting effect’ by reducing hair breakage.
Many reviewers agreed they could see a difference to their hair health after as little as one use: "I am seriously impressed by this product! My hair is thicker and shinier."
This review agreed: "After one wash, condition and serum use I can already notice a difference in the texture of my hair and condition of my scalp. I look forward to trying more products!"
As for how it works on thinning hair: "My hair suddenly seemed to be thinner. The anti-hair fall scalp serum helped me to give may hair follicles a pampering treat. I simply had a good hair-feeling again, thanks Dr. Sturm!"
Best hair thickening mousse
Hair feels thicker from root to tip in just one use. Enriched with marshmallow flower, this unique technology with strengthening polymers increases hair density by up to 180% leaving the finest of hair looking and feeling fuller.
Review: "The best product ever to make my hair seem thicker. I now have hair that can be managed and blown into shape that stays for several days. Rain and wind don't bother me now, I can just use my hands to keep it looking good."
Another said: "I swear by this product. I have quite thin hair and this is the only product that gives it a bit of volume and allows me to style it without it looking limp."
More natural ways to get thicker hair
Below nutrition and natural wellness expert Mona Vand goes through the causes of hair thinning, plus three ways she recommends to help your hair look thicker and protect your scalp.
How to find a trichologist
Root Cause Clinical is a great portal you can take advantage of if you would like to speak to a reputable tricholgist about any hair loss you are experiencing. Jacky van Driel-Nguene adds, "A consultation can be booked quickly and easily online, and then you will be provided with a diagnostic approach and effective treatment programme that will be delivered to you within 48 hours to ensure unnecessary delays. You can then take this report back to your hairdresser, who will be able to ensure you stay on top of the plan and that your hair is getting back to its original condition."
Hair loss can be a hard topic to discuss, however, it’s made easier by taking to the right experts such as your hairdresser or trichologists, who can help you deal with these sensitive and challenging subjects, discuss your concerns and rectify any hair loss/damage sooner rather than later.
Jacky van Driel-Nguene is CEO at Trichology Europe, a Science Educator and Trichologist, as well as an Advisory Board Member of Root Cause Clinical.
Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German aesthetics doctor, widely renowned for her anti-inflammatory philosophy and her non-surgical anti-aging skin treatments. Dr. Sturm began her medical career in orthopedics as part of the team that developed cutting-edge treatments for inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis.