You may often wish you had thick and beautiful hair, whether it's because your hair is thin or it's thinning due to aging. Luckily, there are various ways you can follow to add thickness and volume to your hair, from using a special shampoo to trying out a keratin treatment at the salon!
Step
Method 1 of 5: Hair Care
Step 1. Wash your hair 2-3 times a week
You do have to keep your hair clean, but washing your hair too often can actually thin your hair. Every time you wash your hair, the oil and nutrients produced by the scalp are lifted. Over time, this can make your hair rough and brittle, so try to avoid washing your hair as often as possible.
- If you have very fine hair or you exercise (or sweat a lot), you need to wash your hair every day. Otherwise, you can just wash your hair every two or three days.
- Use conditioner every time you wash your hair to restore moisture to your hair.
Step 2. Look for a shampoo that doesn't contain sulfates
Most shampoos and conditioners contain harsh detergents called sulfates which can dry out your hair and cause breakage. When looking for a shampoo, avoid sulfates by not choosing products that contain ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, or ammonia lauryl sulfate. The names of these materials are sometimes abbreviated as SLS or ALS.
Look for shampoos made from natural ingredients like echinacea, coconut milk, or oils like argan, marula, and jojoba oils. Choose a product formulated for your hair type, whether it's dry, oily, frizzy, or damaged
Step 3. Use dry shampoo when hair looks oily
If it's too oily, your hair will appear thinner. This is actually a negative impact of reducing the frequency of shampooing. To prevent oily hair, buy dry shampoo. Shake the bottle or can of product and hold it within 20-25 centimeters from the head, then spray the shampoo on the roots gradually (a little at a time).
- Just like when you use regular shampoo, you can choose a dry shampoo that is formulated for the right hair type.
- If your hair color is very dark, look for a dry shampoo with a dark color so the product doesn't leave a white chalk coating on your hair.
Step 4. Avoid using hot tools on your hair excessively
If possible, do not use a hairdryer, straightener, or curler. Equipment like this can burn the ends of the hair, causing split ends or breakage. In addition, the hair will appear thinner. If you want to style your hair using a heat source, apply a protective product first and limit the frequency of use to once a week.
- Dry hair naturally by airing it if possible and use styling tools for special occasions only.
- If you don't like the look of your hair when it's naturally blown dry, use a harsh preventative product on wet hair to give your hair a smooth, dry feel.
- Use the lowest heat setting, according to your hair type. For example, for thin hair, you only need to set the appliance to 95°C, while thick hair requires a temperature of around 175°C.
Step 5. Avoid harsh hair dye products
Coloring your hair can be fun and exciting, but some bleaching products and other chemicals can dry out your hair. If followed by the use of styling products, they can cause serious damage to the hair. Therefore, avoid using these harsh chemicals on the hair.
If you want to change your hair color, use natural lightening or dyeing methods, or use vegan or semi-permanent hair dyes as there is less risk of damage to your hair
Step 6. Comb the hair from the ends first to the roots
Regularly brushing your hair has a positive effect on the overall health of your hair, but if you do it the wrong way, it can actually damage your hair. When smoothing tangled hair, use a fine-toothed plastic comb instead of a bristle comb. Start at the ends of your hair and gradually work your way up to the top strands. After smoothing out any tangles, comb your hair from root to tip using a bristle comb to spread the natural oils from your scalp to the ends of your hair.
- Do not comb hair that is still wet because under these conditions, hair is very fragile and breaks easily.
- Try brushing your hair once a day to spread the natural oils and stimulate your scalp.
Method 2 of 5: Using Home Treatments
Step 1. Make a protein mask to strengthen hair
Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. This substance is also contained in eggs. Therefore, this mask is suitable for strengthening hair strands. Mix 1-2 eggs (depending on hair length) with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) aloe vera gel. Cover each strand of hair with a mask and let sit for 10-15 minutes for the mask to absorb. After that, rinse your hair using warm water.
Too often adding protein to the hair can actually weaken the hair. Therefore, limit the frequency of protein treatments to once or twice a month
Step 2. Coat the hair with fenugreek paste to thicken the strands
Fenugreek seeds are not only good for the health of the body, but also can eradicate or reduce dandruff and thicken hair. Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water for 8-10 hours, then mash them using a food processor to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on the hair. Let stand for 30 minutes, then rinse hair using water soaked seeds.
You can get fenugreek seeds (also known as methi seeds) from health food stores or the internet
Step 3. Enjoy a hot oil massage to stimulate the scalp
Natural oils, especially olive, coconut, and jojoba oils can strengthen and promote hair growth. Massage this oil on the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair production. Warm 60-120 ml of your preferred natural oil to a comfortable temperature, then massage the oil into your scalp. You can also leave it in your hair for 30-60 minutes before rinsing it, or leave it on without rinsing if you prefer.
To gradually warm the oil while avoiding the risk of sunburn, place the oil container in a bowl of hot water for 3 minutes
Step 4. Make a fruit mask to nourish hair with vitamins
The nutrients and antioxidants in fruits are not only beneficial to be enjoyed directly. Both substances can also thicken hair and make it look shiny. Make a fresh fruit mask by mixing half an avocado and half a banana (make sure both are mashed) with 1 tablespoon of grated orange peel. Apply the mask all over your hair and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse your hair, then wash your hair and use conditioner as usual.
Method 3 of 5: Making Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Eat foods rich in protein, vitamins B, C, D, and E, and zinc
The nutrients in the food consumed can strengthen the hair follicles and promote their growth. In general, try to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds to naturally thicken hair.
Several types of foods that can nourish hair, including walnuts, eggs, spinach, flax seeds, lentils, and blueberries
Step 2. Reduce stress
When people say that thinning hair is caused by increased stress levels, it's not just an expression. If you start to see signs of thinning hair, your stress level could be to blame, and you may not even notice it. Take steps to reduce stress levels to make significant changes to the health of your hair. Take the time to find out what stresses you the most, and determine if you need to remove the source of that stress or learn new coping techniques.
- Stress can't always be eliminated, but you can change the way you deal with it. When you're feeling stressed, try doing deep breathing exercises, running, or trying a calming activity like yoga or meditation.
- Practice mindfulness. In this exercise, you are physically focused on what is around you, and don't worry about the things you can't change. This exercise is an effective technique for managing stress.
- Sometimes, you can make changes that can remove stress from your life. For example, if you are constantly under pressure from work, try changing your career. If there is someone in your life who is constantly stressing you out, it's a good idea to distance yourself from them and spend some time without them.
Step 3. Take a hair supplement product if you need more nutrition
You can't always get all the nutrients your hair needs to grow easily. Therefore, help your body by taking supplement products. Take a multivitamin containing iron, B vitamins, zinc, and protein once a day. Even if it takes a few months, your hair will start to look shiny and thick.
Some other supplements that can nourish hair include products based on biotin, niacin, amino acids, and collagen
Step 4. Check for side effects of treatment if you are experiencing hair loss
Some medications that cause hormonal imbalances can trigger hair loss. Usually, the main cause of thinning hair is birth control pills, but prescription drugs that can alter hormone levels can also be a source of trouble. Talk to your doctor and see if there are alternative options to replace hair-damaging medications.
Method 4 of 5: Create the Illusion of Thick Hair
Step 1. Get a layered haircut to make your hair appear thicker
While you can't control the genetic aspect, you can use the power of illusion to make your hair appear thicker. Ask your stylist for the best cut and style that gives your hair thickness and volume. Get a haircut every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair looking fresh and full.
- Add layers to create a full or fluffy effect, especially if your hair is very straight.
- If you dare, try to have bangs. The difference between your bangs and the rest of your hair can accentuate the length of your hair.
Step 2. Color several sections of hair with a light color (highlight) to increase the volume of hair
The lighter colored sections of hair give dimension to the hair so it looks fuller or bouncy. However, bleaching your hair extensively can cause breakage, so choose a color that's still within the natural range, or ask your stylist to use a semi- or semi-permanent dye.
Step 3. Use hair extensions to add volume
When you use hair extensions, you temporarily attach natural or synthetic hair to your head. Extensions can be attached using thread or glue, or clamped where desired. Extensions are a great accessory to add length, volume and color to your hair. However, if your hair is too thin or damaged, using extensions may not be the right choice as they can add to the damage to your hair.
- If you use extensions that are attached using glue or sutures (thread), they will need to be replaced every three months as the hair grows. A set of extensions is sold for around 1-10 million rupiah.
- Extension clips need to be removed at night. Even though they are cheaper, they don't look as realistic as the two types of extensions mentioned earlier.
Method 5 of 5: Taking Serious Steps
Step 1. Get a baldness treatment to stop mild hair loss
If you're experiencing severe hair loss, visit a pharmacy and buy an over-the-counter hair care cream (without a prescription), or talk to your doctor about a prescription cream. When used daily, creams or products like these can promote hair growth on areas of the head that are experiencing baldness or thinning hair.
Make sure you follow all the safety steps on the label. For example, hair loss treatment products for men are very dangerous if used or touched by a pregnant woman
Step 2. Get a hair transplant to treat permanent hair loss
For extreme thinning or baldness, try a hair transplant. This surgical technique can treat hair baldness by transferring hair from other parts of the body to the bald area. Talk to your doctor to determine if this option is safe for you and has long-term effects.
Although most patients undergoing hair transplantation are men, this surgery can also be given to women
Step 3. Purchase a laser comb if you wish to undergo a home treatment
High-tech as the name suggests, the laser comb product is a new innovation that uses a laser to promote hair growth. You just need to turn on the comb, and comb the hair around the scalp. A set of quality laser combs is sold starting from three million rupiah. However, at least you can use it yourself and it's more affordable than the more expensive treatments (eg surgery).
Laser treatments are more effective when combined with other hair treatments
Step 4. Try a keratin treatment to add thickness and promote hair growth
Keratin treatment products are available at expensive salons and can promote hair growth, as well as add thickness and shine to hair. This product also prevents frizz and frizz.
- Keep in mind that keratin care products may contain formaldehyde (formalin).
- This treatment is offered at a cost of up to 600 thousand rupiah per visit, depending on the salon you visit.
Tips
Try not to tie your hair or style it into a ponytail. Hair styling like this puts tension on the scalp that triggers hair breakage
Warning
- If you experience a sudden and dramatic increase in hair loss but the loss is not age related, call your doctor immediately. It is possible this condition is a sign of another health problem.
- Read and pay attention to the side effects of over-the-counter drugs. If you have questions or have any doubts, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
- Talk to your doctor before taking any new medication or vitamin supplements to make sure the medication or product is safe for you to use.
