7 Ways To Get Thicker Hair: Cosmetologist Recommendations

Genetics plays a huge role in why you have thick or thin hair, but there are a few things you can do to get thicker hair!

Nothing is impossible, and it might just take one of these seven simple tips to help you get that full mane you’re after.

If you were born with thick hair but are wondering why it feels a bit thin nowadays, these seven tips can also benefit you!

1. Follow A Well Balanced Diet + Lifestyle

A balanced diet is essential for maintaining thick, healthy hair. The hair shaft is made up of a protein called keratin, so consuming enough protein is essential to support hair growth. Good protein sources include lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and dairy products.

In addition to protein, the hair also needs various vitamins and minerals to stay strong and healthy. Vitamin A, for example, helps the scalp produce sebum, which keeps hair moisturized. B vitamins, such as B12 and biotin, support the formation of red blood cells, which deliver oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Iron is also essential for hair growth, as it helps to carry oxygen to the hair cells. Protein is also critical for keeping your hair healthy, but many people don’t get enough. 

Lean meats like fish and chicken, eggs, and soy products are good sources. Because trace minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc, and biotin also affect hair, it’s a good idea to take a daily multivitamin and to include a greens drink into your morning routine.

Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables can provide the vitamins and minerals your hair needs. Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, are especially rich in iron and vitamins A and C. Berries, oranges, and bell peppers are also good sources of vitamin C, which helps to keep the hair strong and resilient. Your hair gets the nutrients last, so it’s essential to ensure you get enough vitamins, protein, and iron. If you aren’t getting enough from your diet, you can look into getting supplements.

In addition to what we eat, hydration is also essential for hair health. Drinking enough water helps keep the scalp and hair hydrated, improving your hair’s overall appearance and texture.

Overall, a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein, fruits, vegetables, and enough water is essential for maintaining thick, healthy hair. Suppose you are experiencing hair loss or thinning. In that case, it is always recommended to visit a doctor or dermatologist to rule out any underlying medical conditions and get a personalized hair care plan.

Eliminate Stress

Stress affects your hair health and can lead to extra hair shedding, making your hair thinner. If you are in a super stressful time, you might notice your hair will appear lighter than normal.

While stress is part of life, you can help your hair health by practicing healthy ways to help eliminate stress.

2. Take Care Of Your Scalp

A healthy scalp is a foundation for strong and healthy hair growth. It supplies the necessary nutrients, promotes blood circulation, keeps hair follicles clear, and helps maintain the scalp’s pH balance. The hair can grow thicker and more vital when the scalp is healthy. However, if the scalp is damaged or unhealthy, hair growth can be hindered, and hair may become thin and weak.

The scalp is the foundation for hair growth. It is responsible for providing the necessary nutrients, such as oxygen and blood flow, for hair growth to occur. When the scalp is healthy, the hair follicles absorb these nutrients and promote healthy hair growth.

Promoting blood circulation to the hair follicles is also essential for hair growth. Blood carries oxygen and other critical nutrients to the hair follicles, which are needed for hair growth. When the blood flow is restricted or poor, the hair follicles may not receive the necessary nutrients for healthy hair growth.

Keep Scalp Clean

Keeping the hair follicles clear of dirt, oil, and other impurities is also essential for healthy hair growth. When the hair follicles are clogged, it can inhibit hair growth and cause damage to the hair. Regularly washing your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner can help remove these impurities and promote healthy hair growth.

Dandruff, itching, and other scalp conditions can damage hair and inhibit growth. A healthy scalp will help to prevent these conditions and maintain the pH balance of the scalp. Maintaining the pH balance is essential for healthy hair growth as it helps to keep the scalp and hair in their natural state.

When the scalp is healthy, the hair can grow thicker and more robust. However, hair growth can be hindered if the scalp is damaged or unhealthy, and hair may become thin and weak.

Scalp Maintenance Tips

To take care of your scalp for thick hair, it is crucial to maintain a healthy and clean scalp. Here are a few tips to help:

1. Keep your scalp clean by washing your hair regularly with shampoo and conditioner. A clean scalp is a happy scalp.
2. Use a scalp scrub or exfoliant once a week to remove dead skin cells and increase blood flow to the scalp. You can also use a scalp brush before you shower to stimulate your hair follicle, thus producing more hair to make it appear thicker.
3. Use a hair oil or leave-in conditioner to moisturize the scalp and prevent dryness. This is super important in the winter months when the atmosphere is dryer. Year-round hair oil is an absolute must iHowever, if you are going on vacation or live in a super dry climate. You can find different hair oils to match what you need in terms of hair texture, color, and type.
4. Avoid overusing harsh chemicals and heat-styling tools, as these can damage the hair and scalp. If you use heat styling tools daily, you should use a heat protectant spray, or your hair can break off, thus aiding in why your hair may appear thin.
5. Massage your scalp regularly to increase blood flow and promote hair growth. You can do this with your hands or use a scalp brush.
6. Avoid tight hairstyles that can pull on the hair and cause damage to the scalp. It is also best to never sleep in a ponytail, or it can damage your hair follicles from pulling your hair for hours on end. Additionally, if you want to wear a sleek pulled-back look, use the paste to help achieve the look vs. trying to have the ponytail do all the work.

Consult A Dermatologist

Consult a dermatologist or trichologist if you have any concerns about your scalp or hair.

They can help diagnose and treat scalp conditions: Dermatologists are experts in identifying and treating various scalp conditions, such as dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, and fungal infections. They can also diagnose and treat hair loss and thinning hair.

Dermatologists can prescribe medications to help with scalp conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, and hair loss. These can include topical creams, shampoos, and oral medications.

A dermatologist can perform a scalp biopsy to diagnose or rule out certain scalp conditions. This is a quick and simple procedure where a small skin sample is removed and examined under a microscope.

3. Know What Products To Use & Which To Avoid

By using the right hair care products, you can enhance the thickness and appearance of your hair and keep it looking its best. However, it’s also important to remember to use these products as directed and to avoid over-styling and heat damage, which can cause damage to your hair.

Use The Proper Shampoo + Conditioner

Shampoo and Conditioner: Look for products specifically formulated for thick hair. These products can help to cleanse and moisturize the hair without weighing it down. Avoid products that contain sulfates and parabens, as they can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause dryness.

You also want to avoid drugstore hair products as they contain a ton of wax, which can weigh your hair down, making it appear thinner.

Other Volumizing Products

Volumizing products are key for thick hair because they can help create lift and volume at the roots, making thick hair appear less heavy and weighed down. Thick hair can often appear flat and lifeless, and volumizing products can help to add body and fullness to the hair, giving it a more dynamic and attractive appearance.

Volumizing mousses and sprays are specially formulated to add volume to thick hair. They work by coating the hair shaft and providing a lift at the roots, which can create the illusion of more volume. Additionally, volumizing products can help to thicken the appearance of each strand of hair, making it look fuller and thicker overall.

Dry shampoo is also an excellent volumizing tool for thick hair, it can absorb excess oil and provide a lift at the roots, it can also add texture to the hair and make it more manageable. With so many dry shampoos on the market, you can find a dry shampoo that will also help specifically with volume.

Using volumizing products can also help to create a more defined and structured hairstyle for thick hair. They can help add volume and body to the hair, making it easier to style and create different looks.

Avoid Heavy Hair Oils

Hair oils can make the hair appear thin because they can weigh down the hair and make it look greasy and clump together to make it look thinner. When hair is oily, the oils on the scalp can weigh down the hair, making it look greasy and heavy. This can make the hair appear thinner and flatter than it actually is.

Oils are designed to moisturize and protect the hair, but when used in excess, they can make it look limp and lifeless. This is particularly true for thick and coarse hair types, which already have a lot of natural oils so minimal hair oil should be used.

Hair oils can also make the hair appear thin when not distributed evenly throughout it. Oils should be applied to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair rather than the roots, as applying too much oil at the roots can weigh down the hair and make it appear thinner.

Another thing to keep in mind is that not all hair oils are the same; some oils are heavier than others; for example, coconut oil is a very heavy oil and can weigh down hair, while Moroccan oil is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the hair.

Don’t Forget To Use A Hair Protectant Spray

Using a heat protectant spray is essential for maintaining the health of your hair because it can help to protect the hair from damage caused by heat styling tools. When you use tools such as hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons, the heat can cause damage to the hair shaft, leading to breakage, split ends, and dryness thus making your hair literally not just appear thinner but actually does make it thinner.

Heat protectant sprays create a barrier on the hair that protects it from heat. They typically contain ingredients such as silicones and polymers that can coat the hair and protect it from high temperatures. They also often contain vitamins and minerals that nourish and strengthen the hair.

Another tip to keep in mind is to use heat styling tools at the lowest setting possible and to avoid using them too frequently. This can help to reduce the amount of heat exposure and minimize the damage to the hair.

4. Hair Color Is Key

Coloring your hair can be a great way to make it look fuller and thicker. Hair color can create the illusion of volume by adding depth and dimension to the hair. A few different techniques can be used to create the appearance of fuller hair through color.

Highlights and Lowlights

Adding highlights and lowlights to your hair can create the illusion of volume by adding depth and dimension to the hair. Highlights are lighter strands added to the hair, while lowlights are darker strands. This technique can create the illusion of fullness by adding contrast to the hair and making it look thicker.

If you have dark hair, you can get away with just adding highlights, and if your hair is light, you can ask your stylist to add low lights.

Balayage

Balayage is a hair coloring technique that involves hand painting color onto the hair to create a natural-looking gradient of color. This technique can create the illusion of fullness by adding depth and dimension to the hair. Balayage can also create the appearance of thicker hair by adding highlights to the top layers of hair.

Let your stylist know you want to add balayage for the sole purpose of having hair that appears thicker.

Ombre

Ombre is a hair coloring technique where the hair is gradually lightened from the roots to the tips. This can create the illusion of fullness by making the hair look thicker at the roots and gradually lighter at the tips. Ombre can also create the appearance of thicker hair by adding highlights to the top layers of hair.

The ombre technique can be used to create a variety of different looks, from subtle and natural to bold and dramatic. The most common ombre technique is dark roots that gradually fade into lighter ends. However, it can also involve different colors, creating a multidimensional look.

Note: balayage is a technique used to creat ombre. Typically when people ask for ombre, they color every strand of hair, whereas balayage uses less product and is done by selecting specific pieces of hair. When done right, baylage looks more natural than ombre.

Root Touch-Up

Coloring your roots can make your hair look fuller and thicker by creating the illusion of thicker hair at the roots. This technique can be used to cover gray roots and to create a more youthful look.

There are products at the store you may want to buy to color your roots at home. If you are going to attempt anything at home (not advised, but if you’re desperate), then a root touch-up is the one I would recommend out of all the coloring techniques. You can also purchase root touch-up sprays that will hold you over until you can get into your stylist.

Color Melting

Color melting is a technique that involves blending different shades of hair color together to create a seamless transition of color. Adding depth and dimension to the hair can create the illusion of fullness.

It’s important to note that when coloring hair, it’s best to consult a professional colorist who can help you achieve the look you want and that is suitable for your hair type. It’s also essential to properly maintain and care for your colored hair to keep it looking healthy and full.

You will also want to consider the amount of upkeep you want to do with your hair color because each coloring technique will require more or less maintenance. High and low lights will require you to go into the salon more, whereas balayage will grow out perfectly as your hair grows.

A professional stylist will know what colors and tones to use to make your hair thick while also complimenting your skin’s pigmentation.

5. Pick The Right Haircut

Picking the right haircut can make a big difference in making your hair look thicker. Here are some haircuts to make your hair appear thicker.

Layers

Layers can add volume and movement to thick hair, making it look thicker. Long layers can also help to lighten the weight of thick hair, making it appear more manageable and bouncy, which equates to fullness.

You can ask your stylist to cut layers using a razer, making the ends a bit more blunt and full while also helping give your hair texture, especially at the ends.

Bobs

Bobs are a great option for thick hair, as they can create the illusion of thickness by adding volume at the crown and providing a clean, structured look. A bob that falls just above the shoulders can be especially flattering for thick hair, as it will not add bulk to the sides.

The best type of bob will have a blunt straight edge, one of the most common cuts for people with naturally thin hair. A blunt cut can add volume to the hair by removing any feathering or layering that can make the hair appear thinner.

Pixie cut

A pixie cut can also be an excellent option for thick hair, as it can create a short and sassy look that can make hair appear thicker. This cut can also provide a low-maintenance option, as it requires minimal styling.

Pixie cuts hold almost zero weight, allowing you to style your hair anyway, and it won’t get weighed down by the hair’s length. It will also require a very minimal product which can sometimes wear the hair down, thus making it appear thin.

Adding Bangs

Adding bangs can make the hair appear thicker, as they can frame the face and add volume to the hair. Side-swept bangs can also add movement and dimension to thick hair.

Any bang will give the illusion of having more hair since it diverts the eyes in other directions besides just to a side or middle part.

If you don’t want to commit to bangs, you can always wear clip-in bangs.

Stylist Will Know Best

When getting a haircut, it’s also key to communicate your goals and preferences to your stylist. They will be able to recommend the best cuts and styles that will work for you and make your hair look thicker.

6. Use Hair Growth Supplements

Hair growth supplements can be beneficial for achieving thick hair, as they can provide the necessary vitamins and minerals that the hair needs to grow and thrive. Here are a few reasons why you should consider using hair growth supplements to get thick hair:

Promote hair growth:

Hair growth supplements can provide the body with the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients required for healthy hair growth. These supplements can help strengthen the hair shaft, leading to thicker and healthier hair.

Supplements will benefit those not getting enough vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from their diet.

Most hair growth supplements contain biotin, also known as Vitamin H, which is a B vitamin that plays an important role in hair growth. Biotin stimulates keratin production in hair and can increase follicle growth rate.

Biotin also reduces hair dryness, increases hair elasticity, and lays a crucial role in the production of keratin, a protein that makes up the hair shaft.

How much biotin should I take for hair growth?

The amount of biotin suggested for hair growth usually ranges between 100 – 1,000 micrograms (mcg) daily, but this number varies based on your body’s reaction to biotin.

Prevent hair loss

While several factors can contribute to hair loss, such as genetics, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions, one way to combat hair loss is using hair growth supplements.

Hair growth supplements can also help to prevent hair loss by providing the hair with the necessary nutrients to grow that you may be lacking. This can help to maintain the thickness of the hair, as well as promote new growth.

Support natural hair growth: Hair growth supplements can support natural hair growth by providing the body with the necessary nutrients required for healthy hair growth. This can lead to a natural and sustainable increase in hair thickness.

Iron, found in hair loss supplements, is essential for producing hemoglobin, which is necessary for delivering oxygen to the hair follicles. Iron deficiency can cause hair loss, so by providing the body with adequate amounts of iron, it can help to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.

Easy to use

Hair growth supplements are easy to use; they are usually taken orally as gummies.

The most popular hair growth supplement system right now is vegamour. I used this product when I had thin hair issues due to stress, and I couldn’t believe the baby hair that started to grow. They offer both gummies and hair oil you massage into your scalp.

They have a whole line of serums, gummies, and other hair products, including solutions for thinning eyebrows and eyelashes.

It’s important to remember that hair growth supplements may not be suitable for everyone, and it’s best to consult a healthcare professional or a trichologist before taking any supplements, especially if you have any medical condition or are taking any medications. Also, it’s important to note that hair growth supplements should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a good hair care routine for best results.

Hair typically grows 1/2 inch per month, so be patient when using supplements and give it enough time before you may think the supplements aren’t working.

7. Wear Extensions

This one is a no-brainer but is often overlooked. You might automatically think length when you hear the word extension, but many people get extensions to help with fullness. When you are wearing extensions, you are literally adding more hair onto your head. It is the fastest and most effortless approach to making your hair appear thicker.

There are many different types of extensions ranging from clip-ins to permanent options that grow out with your hair naturally, and you simply have to go in to get them moved up. Different textures of extensions can be used to add movement and volume to the hair, making it appear more full.

Different types of extensions can be used to create different looks, such as braids, ponytails, and updos, making the hair appear thicker. There are plenty of fake ponytails on the market you clip directly onto your head for an effortless full and thick ponytail look.

If you don’t want to color your hair chemically, you can use different colored hair extensions to give you color and add dimension while not changing the integrity of your hair.