Ahead full of voluminous and shiny hair is often seen as the beauty ideal, but it’s not a reality for everyone. Some people are born with fine hair and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. But, those wanting fuller locks might find themselves wondering how to make their hair thicker, and how to keep it from thinning even more. With the right products, proper methods, and a healthy diet—you can achieve thicker hair over time.
“The diameter of the hair shaft is what indicates whether you have thin or thick hair,” says Meena Singh, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at KMC Hair Center in Kansas City. “This is dictated by the size of your hair follicles which sits in the dermis layer of the skin (scalp),” she explains. So it is essential to take care of your scalp to grow thicker, healthier hair.
Your scalp is just the starting point. There are a few other ways to get thicker hair, some of which include altering your diet, adding specific OTC products, and looking into nutritional supplements.
Experts note that many people experience thinning hair and hair loss due to various reasons like medical conditions, over-processing color, age, etc. The most important thing to remember is that thin hair is normal, and if you’re searching for ways to make it thicker—we’ve got you covered.
We spoke with a trichologist, dermatologist, and celebrity hairstylist to provide tips on achieving thicker hair, the healthy way.
1. Change your diet
“Healthy, thick hair growth depends largely on nutrition,” says Anabel Kingsley, brand president and consultant trichologist of Philip Kingsley. “This is because the hair is not an essential tissue. It is the last part of the body to receive nutrients and the first to be withheld from,” she explains. Meaning any nutritional deficiency, even a small one, can negatively impact your hair.
“When I get clients looking for ways to get thicker hair, I do a laboratory workup to see if they’re deficient in anything,” says Dr. Singh. “Most times, there are certain vitamins and minerals that patients are not getting enough of in their diets like iron, zinc, vitamin D, and B—which are all essential for growing thicker hair,” she says. The next time you go grocery shopping, aim to add foods and veggies packed with vitamins, minerals, and proteins like nuts, beef, sweet potatoes, poultry, quinoa, and broccoli.
2. Use gentle shampoos
When it comes to taking care of your hair, you’ll need to use specific products and techniques to encourage thicker growth. “Regardless of the hair texture you have, you should wash your hair at least three times a week,” says Kingsley. “Washing your hair only once a week will likely lead to flaking and itching because the dead skin cells will accumulate on your scalp and become visible,” she explains.
“Reach for shampoos that are sulfate-free,” says Dr. Singh. Sulfates are surfactants that cause the sudsy and foamy lather you get while washing your hair with certain shampoos. While the formulas do work to remove dirt, they can also strip the hair of its natural oils and proteins, making the hair thinner.
“There are also volumizing shampoos and conditioners that can increase the perceived volume of the hair strand,” says Dr. Singh. “It works by expanding the hair shaft, but it’s important to note that it’s just a temporary fix,” she explains.
3. Dial back on heat use
This tip may be one you want to skip, but it’s a vital step in your journey to thicker and stronger strands. “If you’re dealing with thinning hair, you do not want to be using excessive heat,” says Ona Diaz-Santin, celebrity hairstylist and CEO of 5 Salon & Spa. Exposure to heat can cause damage to the hair by breaking the bonds in the strands, causing the hair to get weak and brittle. If you have to use heat, “coat your hair with a heat protectant first to prevent damage and opt for hair tools that use intelligent heat technology, which will minimize the damage,” explains Diaz-Santin.
4. Pay attention to your scalp
A healthy scalp translates to healthy hair. For this reason, Kingsley recommends using scalp-friendly hair care products. “Cleanse your scalp regularly and use a targeted mask once a week to address any concerns,” says Kingsley. Scalp masks can be soothing, exfoliating, and offer anti-microbial benefits to the scalp.
“Don’t go for a mask that seems to do everything—targeted is best as it means the active ingredients are found at a greater concentration within the formula,” she explains. “Also, go for a chemical rather than a physical scalp scrub—the latter can be too abrasive,” Kingsley adds.
5. Find the right supplements
When you take an oral supplement, it is absorbed into the bloodstream where it nourishes all cells, including your hair follicles. “There are many nutraceutical supplements that work to decrease shedding hairs. They can also help strengthen some of the building blocks of the hair,” says Dr. Singh. She recommends looking for supplements that include ingredients like amino acids, collagen, vitamins, and minerals. “I like using minoxidil (an FDA-approved ingredient), which prolongs the growing phase of the hair cycle,” says Dr. Singh. It’s available over-the-counter and as a prescription,” she adds.
It’s also important to note that dietary supplements aren’t regulated the same way as drugs are by the Food and Drug Administration, so it’s important to scan the ingredients carefully. And, you should always talk to your doctor before taking one to ensure it won’t interact with any medications you’re taking.
