How to Thicken Hair: 6 Simple Tips and Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

There are several effective methods to make your hair look and feel thicker. Here are the most important steps you can take:

1. Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

Use shampoos that are specially made for thin hair. Volumizing shampoos help lift your hair at the roots and create more body. Thickening shampoos make each hair strand look bigger and fuller. According to Hers, thickening shampoos and conditioners have special ingredients that make each hair strand bigger, which helps hair appear thicker and more full.

2. Be Gentle with Your Hair

Always treat your hair with care and avoid rough handling. Aggressive washing, brushing, or styling can break your hair and make it look much thinner over time. IPSY experts explain that all hair care should be done gently, including washing and conditioning, and recommend using wide-tooth combs for detangling to minimize pulling on hair.

3. Take Care of Your Scalp

A healthy scalp is the foundation for growing healthy, thick hair. Wash your hair regularly to keep it clean, but don't overwash as this can dry out your scalp. Massage your scalp gently when you wash to improve blood flow to your hair roots and promote better growth.

4. Use Hair Supplements

Certain vitamins and minerals can help your hair grow thicker and stronger. Biotin, iron, and vitamin D are especially important for healthy hair growth. However, always talk to a doctor before starting any new supplements to make sure they are right for your specific needs.

5. Consider Professional Treatments

If natural methods don't give you the results you want, you might need to consider medical treatments. Minoxidil is a proven treatment that can help stimulate hair growth and make hair thicker. Always consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment options for your situation.

6. Avoid Heat Styling

Excessive heat from styling tools can seriously damage your hair and make it weak and brittle. Try to air dry your hair whenever possible instead of using a blow dryer. If you must use heat tools, always use the lowest temperature setting and apply a heat protection product first.

What you eat affects how your hair grows and looks. These foods can help make your hair stronger and thicker:

1. Eggs

Eggs are packed with protein and biotin, two essential nutrients that your hair needs to grow strong and thick. Since your hair is made mostly of protein, eating enough protein daily is crucial for healthy hair growth. According to Healthline, eggs provide excellent amounts of protein and biotin, which are both essential for hair growth, since hair follicles are primarily composed of protein.

2. Fatty Fish

Salmon, mackerel, and other fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that can significantly improve your hair health. These healthy fats help nourish your hair follicles from the inside. Fish also provides high-quality protein and important vitamins like vitamin D that your hair needs to grow properly.

3. Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are excellent sources of vitamin E, zinc, and healthy fats that support hair growth. These nutrients help protect your hair from damage and make it stronger over time. Eating a handful of mixed nuts daily can provide many of the nutrients your hair needs.

4. Leafy Green Vegetables

Spinach and other dark green vegetables contain iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which are all important for healthy hair growth. These vegetables help your body produce the natural oils that keep your hair moisturized. MD Hair explains that dark leafy greens like spinach contain many valuable nutrients, with vitamin A being particularly important for healthy hair growth.

5. Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, and other colorful berries are rich in vitamin C and powerful antioxidants that protect your hair from damage. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron more effectively, which is essential for preventing hair loss and promoting healthy growth.

6. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A for healthy hair growth. This vitamin helps your scalp produce the natural oils that keep your hair soft and shiny. Sweet potatoes are also rich in other vitamins that support overall hair health.

7. Avocados

Avocados contain healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E that help moisturize your hair and scalp naturally. These nutrients can make your hair look shinier, feel softer, and become less prone to breakage. Eating avocados regularly can improve your hair's overall texture and appearance.

Many people do things that harm their hair without knowing it. Avoiding these mistakes can help your hair stay thick and healthy:

1. Washing Hair Too Much or Too Little

Finding the right balance for washing your hair is important for keeping it thick and healthy. Some people wash their hair every day, which can strip away natural oils and dry it out. Others don't wash enough, allowing oils and dirt to build up. According to The Healthy, people should wash their hair at least every other day to prevent oils and pollutants from building up on the scalp, which can cause inflammation and dandruff.

2. Using Too Much Heat

Blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can seriously damage your hair when used frequently or at high temperatures. This heat damage makes your hair weak, brittle, and more likely to break off. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests letting hair air dry whenever possible, using the lowest heat settings on styling tools, and limiting contact time with hot styling tools.

3. Pulling Hair Too Tight

Tight ponytails, braids, and buns put constant tension on your hair follicles, which can cause permanent damage over time. This type of damage can lead to a condition called traction alopecia, where hair stops growing in those areas. Always wear your hair loosely when you tie it back and use soft hair ties.

4. Not Eating Enough Protein

Your hair is made primarily of protein, so not eating enough protein in your diet can make your hair become weak and thin. Without adequate protein, your body cannot produce strong, healthy hair strands. Make sure to include protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, beans, or meat in every meal.

5. Brushing Wet Hair

Wet hair is much more fragile than dry hair and breaks more easily when you brush or comb it. This can lead to significant hair breakage and make your hair look thinner over time. If you have straight hair, let it dry partially before gently combing with a wide-tooth comb.

6. Ignoring Hair Changes

Many people notice their hair getting thinner but choose to ignore the problem instead of taking action. The sooner you address hair thinning, the better your chances of improving the situation. Don't wait - see a doctor if you notice sudden hair loss or other concerning changes in your hair.

7. Using the Wrong Hair Products

Some hair products contain harsh chemicals or high amounts of alcohol that can make your hair dry, brittle, and more likely to break. Products that promise extra-strong hold often contain ingredients that damage hair over time. Choose gentle products that are specifically designed for your hair type and avoid harsh chemicals.

8. Skipping Regular Trims

Even if you want to grow your hair longer, you still need regular trims to maintain healthy hair. Damaged ends can split and break, causing your hair to look thinner and unhealthy. Getting a small trim every 8-10 weeks removes damaged ends and prevents further breakage from traveling up the hair shaft.

9. Not Protecting Hair from Sun

Just like your skin, your hair can be damaged by the sun's harmful UV rays, making it dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. Extended sun exposure can also cause your hair color to fade and look dull. Wear a hat when you're outside for long periods or use hair products with UV protection.

10. Smoking

Smoking is harmful to your hair because it reduces blood circulation to your scalp, which means your hair follicles don't get enough nutrients and oxygen. This poor circulation can make your hair grow more slowly and become thinner over time. Quitting smoking can help improve your overall hair health and growth.