How To
How to Get Thicker, Fuller Hair [+ 8 Styling Tips from Hair Experts]
The information provided in this article is not intended as medical advice. For any medical concerns or conditions, always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.
Achieving thicker, fuller hair is a common goal for many people, especially those who feel their hair lacks volume or is thinning over time, whether due to aging, lifestyle, or environmental factors. Understanding how to get thicker hair and implementing effective solutions can significantly improve hair appearance and health.
This guide offers practical advice and expert styling tips on how to get thick hair. From best practices in haircare to recommended products from Living Proof’s Full collection, you’ll find comprehensive strategies to enhance your hair’s volume and vitality.
Why does hair lose thickness?
Understanding the causes of hair thinning is crucial to finding effective solutions. According to Harvard Health, numerous problems can trigger female hair loss, ranging from external factors like certain medications and tight hairstyles to internal issues such as thyroid problems, hormonal shifts, and inflammatory conditions.
Here are some common reasons why hair loses its thickness:
- Aging: As we age, our hair follicles shrink, leading to thinner hair strands and slower hair growth.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during menopause or pregnancy, can cause hair thinning.
- Dietary changes: Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamins and minerals essential for hair health, can lead to hair loss.
- Medical conditions: Conditions such as thyroid disorders, anemia, and autoimmune diseases can contribute to thinning hair.
- Excessive use of heat-styling tools: Frequent use of blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can weaken hair, making it prone to breakage.
- Excessive chemical processing: Repeated coloring, perming, and relaxing can damage the hair shaft, causing it to thin.
- Tight hairstyles: Constantly wearing tight ponytails, braids, or buns can pull on hair and cause it to fall out over time.
- Environmental factors: Pollution, UV radiation, and hard water can damage the hair and scalp, leading to thinning.
Additionally, humidity, product buildup, excessive oil, and hair length can make your hair appear flatter. To combat humidity and frizz, Living Proof’s Anti-Frizz collection smoothness and control without weighing hair down. For issues related to scalp health and buildup, consider products from Living Proof’s Scalp Care collection, designed to maintain a clean and healthy scalp environment.
How to get thicker, fuller hair in 8 different ways
Addressing thinning hair involves a combination of proper haircare, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. Here are some practical tips to help you achieve the look of thicker, fuller hair:
1. Use a Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner
While shampoos and conditioners can't permanently thicken hair, they can give the appearance of thicker, fuller hair. Living Proof’s Full shampoo and conditioner thoroughly cleanse and condition hair, removing excess oil and buildup that can contribute to the appearance of thin hair and reducing the effects of environmental damage.
2. Add Moisture with a Hair Mask
Dryness and damage from environmental factors, excessive heat-styling, or chemical processing can cause hair to thin. Regularly using a moisturizing hair mask, such as the Restore repair mask, can add much-needed moisture to your hair, improving its overall health and appearance.
3. Prioritize Scalp Health
A healthy scalp promotes hair growth, so it’s important to keep your scalp free from buildup and to massage it routinely to stimulate hair follicles. A scalp serum, like Living Proof’s Scalp Care density serum, can support scalp health.
4. Use Thickening Products
Dry shampoos, texturizing sprays, and blow-dry creams can help hair appear thicker. While these effects are temporary, they can enhance the fullness of your hair. Living Proof’s Full thickening blow-dry cream is a great option to add texture and volume.
5. Reevaluate Your Diet
Certain foods, especially those rich in protein, biotin, and vitamins, can promote healthy hair growth. Eggs, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens are excellent choices. Always consult a doctor before making significant dietary changes.
6. Stay Hydrated
Adequate hydration is crucial for scalp health, nutrient absorption, and toxin removal, all of which support hair growth and thickness. Aim to drink at least half your weight in ounces of water. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs., aim for 75 ounces of water per day.
7. Consider Hair Supplements
Biotin, vitamins A and E, iron, and zinc can support healthy hair growth. Consult a doctor before taking any supplements to ensure they don’t interfere with your medications.
8. Avoid Overwashing Your Hair
Overwashing can dry out and damage hair, leading to excessive shedding and thinning. Washing your hair less frequently and using dry shampoo in between washes can help maintain its health.
8 styling tips to make your thin hair look thicker
Boosting hair volume isn't just about the products you use. According to Vogue UK, achieving thicker-looking hair often involves creating the illusion of thickness through strategic styling techniques.
Here are some expert tips to help you enhance your hair's volume and body:
1. Wash Your Hair in the Morning
Morning washes remove oil and buildup, allowing your hair to regain natural volume and bounce. Massaging the scalp during washing stimulates blood flow to hair follicles, promoting thicker-looking hair.
2. Try Air-Drying
Heat styling tools can damage your hair, causing it to break and fall out. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant. Air-drying minimizes heat damage, preserving hair thickness.
3. Use the Cool Setting on Your Blow-Dryer
Excessive heat can damage hair, so using the cool setting can mitigate this damage while still drying your hair effectively.
4. Brush from Ends to Roots
Brushing your hair from the ends and gradually working your way up to the roots can add volume and lift, making your hair appear fuller and healthier.
5. Use Root-Lifting Products
Apply root-lifting products, such as Living Proof’s Full volume & root-lifting spray, directly to the roots before blow-drying to add lift and volume.
6. Get a Blowout
A blowout can add volume and bounce to your hair. Use a round brush to lift the roots and Living Proof’s Full thickening blow-dry cream to enhance the effect.
7. Flip Your Part
Changing your hair part to the opposite side can instantly create lift at the roots, adding volume and giving the illusion of thicker hair.
Achieving the appearance of thicker, fuller hair involves a combination of mitigating the causes of hair thinning and adopting effective haircare and styling practices. Living Proof’s Full collection offers a range of products designed to enhance hair volume and texture, making your hair look and feel its best.
Not sure where to start in your haircare journey? Take our personalized haircare quiz to discover the perfect products for your unique hair type and needs.
Frequently asked questions
How can I get thicker hair naturally?
To naturally thicken hair, focus on a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins (especially biotin and vitamin E), and minerals like iron and zinc. Regular scalp massages and nourishing treatments, such as Living Proof’s Scalp Care density serum, can also promote hair growth.
What are the best ways to make thin hair thicker?
Make thin hair thicker by using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, avoiding heavy styling products, opting for layered haircuts to add texture and volume, and incorporating styling techniques such as blow-drying with a round brush for lift.
What haircare routines help in making thinning hair look thicker?
Wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo, use a lightweight conditioner, apply volumizing mousses or sprays at the roots, and minimize heat styling to prevent damage.
Are there specific hair products recommended for how to thicken fine hair?
Volumizing shampoos and conditioners, lightweight styling products (such as mousses or root-lifting sprays), and treatments with keratin or collagen can add lift and fullness to fine hair.
