Some people are born with thick hair, but some have naturally thinner hair. Several other factors such as aging, environment, and stress levels can cause your hair to fall out. Thinning hair is unavoidable completely, but there are many strategies you can use to make your hair look fuller. Read on to discover hair care techniques, lifestyle changes, and treatment options that can result in thicker hair.
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Method 1 of 3: Taking care of your hair
Step 1. Avoid using shampoo, conditioner, and chemical styling products
Most of these products contain chemicals that are effective in cleaning your hair but can also damage it. Some people are not affected by these chemicals, but if you are concerned about thinning hair, avoid using these products.
- Sodium laurel and laurel sulfate are cleaning agents found in most shampoos. Both strip the hair of its natural oils and cause hair to weaken and fall out over time.
- Choose organic products or those made with natural oils and soap ingredients. Visit www.thegoodguide.com to learn detailed information on various hair care products and which ones are better for people who don't want to experience hair loss.
Step 2. Don't wash your hair every day
Our scalp produces natural oils that coat the hair and protect it from damage. When this oil is rinsed off every day, the hair will become weaker and weaker gradually.
- Everyone's body is different, but most people usually wash their hair two to three times a week, and this is enough to keep the hair from getting too greasy. If your hair is naturally oily, it may be best to wash it three to four times a week.
- Infrequent washing of hair can also be dangerous. People with thinning hair are more likely to experience dandruff and scalp problems, which should be avoided by washing their hair regularly (though not every day).
- Use "dry shampoo" to treat your hair on the days between shampoos. This shampoo will keep your hair fresh and make your hair look thicker. Dry shampoo is actually a powder that you can run through your hair, especially around the roots, on the days between your washes.
Step 3. Use essential oils to thicken your hair
Chamomile flower oil, lavender, rosemary, thyme, geranium, cedar tree, almond, coconut oil, Indian gooseberry oil and others can help thicken hair follicles.
- Apply 10 to 20 drops of your preferred oil on your scalp, and massage it in with your fingers. Use your fingers to rub the oil all the way to the ends of your hair.
- You can also mix 3 to 5 drops of essential oil into your shampoo or conditioner when you wash your hair.
- Condition your hair further by adding five to 10 drops of essential oil to 85 to 113 grams of castor oil, olive oil, jojoba oil or sunflower oil. Apply this blended oil to your hair, layering each strand. Wrap your hair in a towel and leave it on for 30 minutes, then use your normal shampoo and conditioner.
- You can't use just any oil. Research on hair thickening oils published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science shows that certain oils, such as coconut oil, penetrate better than others.
Step 4. Treat your hair with care to minimize the loss
Use a comb with a wide end instead of a hairbrush, and work out the tangles carefully, not pulling violently.
- Be especially careful when your hair is wet. Do not use a towel to dry it harshly or rub your hair, this can damage your hair. Use a towel to gently wring out your hair and pat it dry.
- Avoid ponytails and other hairstyles such as braids and braids, which can pull and strain your strands. Hairstyles like this can damage or even worse, Traction Alopecia.
Step 5. Avoid using hot energy styling tools
Do not use electronic hair dryers, hair straighteners, and curlers too dry. The use of excessive heat energy styling tools can cause hair to become dry and cracked, making it easier to fall out.
Step 6. Let your hair grow in its natural color and texture
Avoid staining, accenting and chemical treatments. Any type of chemical used on your hair will damage and dry it out. Even natural hair lightening techniques, such as using lemon juice, can cause split ends.
Step 7. Try using volumizing techniques for a fuller look
There are several volume enhancing products available in the market. Look for products that have natural ingredients.
- Wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo to add waves and volume to the crown of your head and make your hair look fuller.
- Apply volumizing conditioner to your hair shafts and roots every time you wash it. Avoid using conditioner on the top of your head near your existing hair roots, this can make your hair look thinner as the conditioner will make the hair heavier and limp.
- Try using a root lift and volumizing spray when you style your hair, to get the thickness you want.
Step 8. Cut your hair
Trimming dry and dead ends of hair can give your hair new life and make it look thicker. Short haircuts like bob make hair look fuller.
Method 2 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Follow a balanced and healthy diet, consuming high amounts of B vitamins and iron
Many people have thin hair because they are deficient in nutrients.
- B vitamins are important for maintaining the health of your hair, and consuming adequate amounts of B vitamins is necessary to maintain hair thickness and reduce hair loss. Good sources of B vitamins are fruits, vegetables, beans and brown rice.
- A diet lacking in iron can result in poor hair growth. Sources of iron are beef, pork, lamb, poultry, fish, green leafy vegetables, and whole grain products that have been fortified with iron.
- Take prenatal vitamin supplements. These vitamins contain the mix of vitamins needed for healthy hair, and, as an added bonus, healthy nails and skin.
Step 2. Protect hair from chemicals and pollutants
Although it is difficult to avoid daily exposure to pollution, there are several preventative measures you can try:
- Wrap your hair in a scarf or hat when you walk or bike through heavy traffic. The pollution produced by cars can make your hair look dull and flat, making it look limp and unhealthy.
- Use a swim cap in swimming pools where the water contains chlorine. Have you ever had a hairdresser ask you if you were a swimmer? Chlorine will stick to the hair and make the hair look dry and damaged. Protect your hair in the pool, or wash your hair with a good shampoo before the chlorine dries and settles on your hair.
Step 3. Massage your scalp regularly with your fingers
The massage will increase circulation to your scalp and help it grow healthy hair.
Step 4. Check your stress level
Situations that cause stress can lead to hair loss. If you have a source of stress that you can remove from your life, consider doing it.
- Some sources of stress are unavoidable, but these things usually resolve on their own after a while. If your hair is falling out due to a stressful situation, chances are your hair will grow back after the situation has passed.
- Thinning hair can also be a source of your stress. Put your mind at ease by doing what you can to keep your hair healthy, such as by using natural products, having a healthy lifestyle, and taking the necessary vitamins.
Method 3 of 3: Doing Treatments for Thicker Hair
Step 1. Try to use over-the-counter hair growth products
There are several products that are designed for both men and women and have been shown to be effective on many people.
- Some of these products are shampoos that stimulate hair growth, and some are more complicated and require you to leave the product on your head. Do your research to determine which product is right for your needs.
- Test the product on a specific area of your head before you use it for the entire scalp, as you may be allergic to the product.
Step 2. Use hair extensions
Extensions are applied to existing strands of hair, in a way that ensures that they blend naturally with your hair's natural texture and color. You can adjust the length of the hair extensions that you want.
- Hair extensions can be expensive, so do your research before you decide which type to use.
- Visit a hair stylist for information about extensions and fitting them in your hair.
Step 3. Instant hair thickeners are becoming more and more widely available
Coloring sprays and creams can be used to color the scalp and give the hair a thicker appearance. Another option is Nanogen, which are tiny keratin fibers that will blend into your hair making it look thicker, but still washable. These products are a more flexible solution than hair transplants.
Step 4. Consider getting a hair transplant
Commonly known as hair plugs, hair transplants are performed by surgical implants at points where hair is thinning or not growing.
- This method is usually taken by men, but women who experience thinning hair can also do it.
- Hair transplants are performed in a doctor's office. Consult your doctor or ask for a referral for more information about whether you are a good candidate for this procedure.
Tips
- Try your best to untangle the frizzy hair slowly and gently, using a wide-ended comb. Never brush your hair when your hair is wet as this can damage the strands.
- Use olive or coconut oil on your hair, for at least an hour before you shampoo. The recommended intensity is at least once or twice a week for best results.
- Always read the instructions on the packaging that comes with it before you decide to use any product for your hair.
- Do not overuse equipment such as hair straighteners.
- Maintain a healthy diet filled with essential vitamins and nutrients necessary for healthy hair.
- Moroccan oil works well for thickening hair.
- Don't pull or stretch your hair too hard.
- Add drops of oil to the conditioner. Use conditioner at the base of your hair, then apply it gradually until you reach the ends of your hair using your fingers. You will notice a difference in the ends of your normally dry hair.
- Use a shampoo that contains coconut oil and a conditioner that doesn't contain high amounts of sulfates.
- Add conditioner to dry hair and leave it on for 20-40 minutes then rinse your hair so that all the conditioner content is removed and dry naturally; use air.
- Purchase a conditioner for split ends to avoid unnecessary haircuts.
