How To Get Thicker Hair: The Complete Guide
From thinning patches to a sparse hairline to seemingly endless strands of hair lost — thinning hair can be disheartening.
If this sounds all too familiar, you can rest easy knowing that you're not alone. It's estimated that more than 50 percent of women experience hair loss at some point.
The good news is that you have many options when it comes to getting thicker hair. From smart supplements and styling products to clever cuts to nutrient-rich foods and even small changes to your hair care routine, there are infinite ways to help support proper hair thickness and a fuller hair look.
Interested in learning more? Love Wellness has your back! Read on as we explore the best tips and tricks to combat thinning hair and grow gorgeous, voluminous tresses.
What Should I Know About Hair Thinning?
We all lose hair from time to time. It could happen during your slumber, in the shower, or even while brushing it — and that's perfectly normal. In fact, experts estimate that we lose up to 100 strands of hair a day due to the natural cycle in which hair grows.
That said, if you feel like your hair isn't as thick as it used to be or are finding more strands on your pillow than usual, you might be experiencing hair thinning.
What Causes Hair Thinning?
Thin, weak, or fine hair can be a result of several things. Although there are many, here are some of the top culprits:
- Stress or illness
- Pregnancy
- Too much vitamin A
- Nutrient deficiency
- Genetics
- Fluctuating hormones
- Thyroid problems
- Poor scalp health
- Autoimmune disorders
- Menopause
- Harsh drugs or treatments
- Over-styling
- Compulsive hair pulling (Trichotillomania)
In addition, it's not uncommon to see hair thinning or even hair loss in people as they reach their golden years. This is because hormone levels change (especially in menopausal women), and hair follicle size also diminishes, which contributes to thinning hair.
What Are the Best Ways To Get Thicker Hair?
Here's the truth: Growing thick, healthy hair takes time. In other words, there's no such thing as an overnight solution to thin hair.
This is because your hair is made up of several proteins that grow as the result of the multi-phase hair growth cycle, and no shampoo, conditioner, serum, lotion, or potion — no matter how expensive — can shorten this complex process into a few hours. (We know, *sigh*)
However, with the right approach, a bit of TLC, and a whole lot of patience, it's very possible to thicken your locks and improve their volume, strength, and shine over the course of a few months. So, what's the best way to get thicker hair, you ask?
Here are some of our favorite tips to help you get the healthiest hair of your dreams:
Tip #1: Eat a Balanced Diet
If you're experiencing thinning hair or more hair fall than usual, your eating habits may be to blame. Without the right nourishment, your body can struggle growing healthy hair, which could ultimately lead to fewer hairs on your head.
Yup, it's true — you can have the best hair care routine and the most expensive products on the planet, but if your diet is lacking crucial nutrients, there's a pretty good chance that your hair dreams won't come true.
To achieve thicker hair, eat a well-balanced diet full of foods like avocados, salmon, olive oil, eggs, mangos, berries, and spinach.
Tip #2: Skip the Heat Styling
We get it, curling irons and flatirons are the bee's knees for creating stylish, polished looks, but they can be extremely damaging to your mane.
Why? Because these tools can disrupt the outer protective layer of the hair shaft, allowing the moisture inside to escape — and leaving your strands vulnerable to breakage. And the more your hair breaks, the thinner it looks.
So do your tresses a favor and put the flatiron down, and use a great heat protectant on the off-chance that you need to heat style your hair.
Tip #3: Avoid Harsh Ingredients
Sulfates are the sneaky chemicals behind the super-sudsy lather you get out of most shampoos. The problem is that they are so effective at removing debris from hair that they can also strip it of its natural oils and the important proteins that make it look lustrous and healthy. Unfortunately for your strands, this messes with their thickness.
To promote healthy hair growth, opt for sulfate-free shampoos and hair care products made with ingredients that nourish your locks. Other offenders commonly found in hair products that you may want to steer clear from include:
- Parabens
- Retinyl palmitate
- Formaldehyde
- Polyethylene glycols
- Diethanolamine (DEA)
- Triethanolamine (TEA)
- Synthetic fragrances and colors
Tip #4: Get Your Stress Levels in Check
Believe it or not, stress is a major culprit behind thinning hair and hair loss. Yup, increased stress causes the body to release the stress hormone called cortisol, which can affect how your hair follicles function and reduce new hair growth.
Stress can also trigger scalp problems like dandruff, disrupt normal eating habits and mess with your gut — all of which can have a negative impact on your hair.
Tip #5: Don't Over Wash
If you shampoo your hair daily — stop. Shampooing removes the protective layer of natural oils from the hair strands, which can quickly lead to frizz and breakage. And as mentioned a little earlier, the more your hair breaks, the thinner it will appear.
Tip #6: Add Some Highlights
Is your thin hair struggling to obtain volume? Consider making an appointment with a hairstylist to add some highlights to your locks. This will help to add depth to strands, giving your hair dimension, which creates the illusion of a fuller mane.
Tip #7: Show Your Scalp Some Love
When it comes to hair growth and regrowth, caring for the scalp is key. This is because it has a rich microbiome of bacteria necessary to keep the skin — and the hair it grows — healthy.
To give your scalp's microbiome the support it needs to grow thick, healthy hair, we recommend taking Healthy Hair Probiotics — a powerful blend of full-spectrum probiotic strains and nutrients that support fuller, shinier, and thicker-looking hair.*
Tip #8: Get the Right Cut
Did your mama bless you with thin hair? Don't worry; your stylist can help you with a clever cut that creates the illusion of thicker hair. Some of the best hairstyles include:
- Choppy pixie
- The shag
- Angled lob
- Blunt cut
- Textured bob
- Razor cut
Tip #9: Take Hair Supplements
While it's almost always better to get your nutrients from healthy whole foods, the truth is that it can be difficult to eat certain foods in high enough quantities. Thankfully, there are many great supplements that can help ensure you're getting the nourishment needed to combat thinning hair.
Some of the nutrients that are most beneficial to healthy hair growth include:
- Collagen (like Call Me Collagen)
- Keratin
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Iron
- Folic acid
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Not sure where to find a great supplement with all the vitamins and minerals needed to boost your hair health? Check out Daily Love Multivitamin— a multivitamin for women packed with vitamin D, B12, B6, C, zinc, calcium, iron, biotin, magnesium, fatty acids, and so much more.*
Tip #10: Use the Right Shampoo
Thickening shampoos are great, but they have a tendency to build up on the scalp and strands, which can weigh your locks down, ultimately causing them to look thin and flat. While a thickening shampoo or volumizing treatment is OK every once in a while, it's best to use these products sparingly.
To promote thicker hair, opt for a weekly deep cleanse with an exfoliating shampoo to gently scrub away any product residue, excess oil that can clog follicles, and other impurities like dirt and environmental pollutants. Remember, healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp!
A Final Word
And there you have it — our complete guide to help you on your quest for a thick, gorgeous mane. From avoiding harsh ingredients and using the right shampoo to eating a balanced diet and taking hair supplements like Healthy Hair Probiotics, there are a number of things that can help you prevail over thinning hair.
Just keep in mind that it won't happen overnight — healthy hair growth takes time. But with our tips listed above and a little patience, your locks will thicken up in no time!
At Love Wellness, we specialize in developing top-notch products curated for personal hygiene, sexual, gut, and vaginal health. Whether you're on a mission to obtain fuller hair or simply looking to improve your overall health, we've got you covered.
Check us out and see how we can help you to feel good in the skin you're in today!
Sources:
Scientists discover why our hair thins as we age | Statnews
Hair loss: Tips for managing | AAD
Do you have hair loss or hair shedding? | AAD
Hair Loss in Women: Causes, Treatment & Prevention | Cleveland Clinic