15 Proven Ways to get Thicker Hair

A full head of thick, luscious hair is something we all aspire to. Thick, voluminous hair refers to the strength and width of individual hair strands. If someone has “full” hair, it’s usually due to the amount of strands on their head.

Over time, you may notice your hair becoming thinner. Experiencing hair loss or thinning can lead to low self-esteem or a lack of confidence. By addressing these issues and taking steps to overcome your hair thinning, you’ll regain its thickness and get your sparkle back. 

Maintaining a balanced diet and opting for volumizing shampoos and conditioners are effective ways to thicken your hair. With a balanced diet, you’ll fuel your body with essential nutrients, like biotin, proteins and vitamins, essential for hair health. Or, choosing shampoos and conditioners that cleanse the scalp and hydrate your hair will keep it in good condition and promote thickness. 

Some people are naturally blessed with thick hair genetics, others aren't as lucky. In this blog, we’ll look at 15 proven ways to get thicker hair. 

Here is a table of the strategies we’ll explore:

Method	Pros	Cons
Maintain a balanced diet	Promotes overall health and wellness	May require lifestyle changes
Use volumizing shampoos and conditioners	Designed to improve hair thickness	Could be costly
Keep your scalp healthy	Enhances and stimulates blood flow	Requires time and effort
Limit chemical treatments	Improves overall hair health	Limits options for treatment
Reduce heat styling	Reduces hair damage	Limits options for styling
Use serums and topical products	Designed to improve scalp and hair health	Overuse could cause irritation
Use natural hair masks	Uses ingredients that strengthen and thicken hair	May require preparation time
Limit tight hairstyles	Less pulling on the hair keeps it healthy	Limits options for styling
Protect hair from environmental damage	Improves overall health of hair	Requires strategies and hair care
Take hair growth supplements	Packed with essential ingredients for hair growth	Requires research or advice from a professional
Reduce stress	Improves overall well-being	Requires lifestyle changes or a change in routine
Trim hair regularly	Keeps hair healthy and in good condition	Can be costly
Avoid overwashing	Improves hair condition without stripping the natural oils	May require a new routine
Use colour illusion	Strategic techniques can create the illusion of thickness	May be expensive and require maintenance
Consider hair extensions or toppers	Creates instant thickness and volume	Expensive and requires maintenance

Below is a useful guide to help improve the condition of your hair.  We’ll investigate the science behind hair growth, thickness and the role of Bloommies hair vitamins in your hair-care journey. Let’s get into it. 

The Science Behind Hair Growth 

Hair growth is a biological process that occurs naturally in our bodies. Humans experience a hair growth cycle that happens sporadically throughout the year. 

The hair growth phases are as follows:

• Anagen Phase- the active phase of the hair growth cycle. During this phase the strands grow about a centimetre a month. According to Healthline, this phase lasts about 3-5 years. During this stage, the hair follicles push the hairs through until they fall out after reaching the end of their lifespan. 
• Catagen Phase- the transition phase. It begins after the anagen phase and lasts about ten days. Hair growth slows during this stage as the follicles shrink.
• Telogen Phase- the resting phase. At this stage, the hair rests in place without growing or shedding. It lasts about three months. 
•  Exogen Phase- the shedding phase. Your hair will shed about 50-100 hairs per day, according to Healthline. New hairs grow during this phase as the old hairs fall out and shed. 

If you notice an increase in hair thinning or shedding, it may be due to a disruption to the cycle. According to Medical News Today, some common reasons as to why hair shedding occurs are stress, certain medications, illnesses and genetics. 

If you’ve noticed that your hair has become thinner, looks weak and is shedding, it may be time to intervene. We’ve compiled a list of 15 proven ways to get thicker hair. So, if you want to swish your luscious locks about, you’ve come to the right place. 

Here are 15 proven ways to get thicker hair:

1. Maintain a balanced diet

A  balanced diet ensures you get enough nutrients in your body to support your overall health, hair and skin. According to Medical News Today, “Certain proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are especially important for strong, healthy hair.”

Some examples of good foods for healthy hair are:

• Eggs - a good source of biotin
• Fatty fish - full of omega-3 and vitamin D
• Berries - a good source of vitamin C
• Spinach - full of vitamin A, iron and vitamin C 

According to “Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use”, low iron in a person’s diet is highly linked to hair loss. It states, “Iron deficiency (ID) is the world’s most common nutritional deficiency and is a well-known cause of hair loss.” So, to up your iron intake, eat your spinach, dark chocolate, red meat and nuts. 

2. Use volumizing shampoos and conditioners

Volumizing shampoos and conditioners are products formulated to increase hair volume and create the look and illusion of thicker hair. The shampoos target the hair at the shaft and root, lifting them from the base to make them appear thicker. 

3. Keep your scalp healthy 

Gentle massages to stimulate blood flow and hydrating products will keep your scalp healthy and encourage hair growth. Use an exfoliator to get rid of the dead skin, gentle hair products and a hydrating scalp serum to keep it nourished. 

Certified trichologist, scalp therapist, and CEO and founder of Scalp Therapy, Bridgett Hill, expresses the importance of a healthy scalp. She states that ‘in order to achieve a healthy head of hair, it is mandatory that the hair follicles are kept clean, clear, and well-maintained, meaning they aren’t weighed down by sebum, products or obstructed by things like dead skin, dandruff, or inflammation.”

4. Limit chemical treatments 

Chemical treatments like coloured dyes, perms and relaxers can damage and weaken hair. The chemicals weaken the natural structure of hair, reducing its thickness. By reducing the amount of chemical treatments you have, you won’t put your hair through as much damage.

According to experts at Dove, “Chemicals tend to strip our strands of lipids. These are little protectors that keep our hair cuticle – the outer layer – smooth and shiny. When this layer is damaged, it cracks and lifts causing even more damage within the hair shaft.”

5. Reduce heat styling 

Similarly to chemical treatments, heat styling tools like straighteners and curling irons can cause damage by removing moisture from hair. Reducing heat styling is something you can do at home by letting your hair dry naturally.

According to Dyson, experts in the styling tools industry, “When heat is applied, the natural oils are stripped from your hair, and the water molecules evaporate, changing the hair’s protein structure.” If your hair feels dry due to heat damage, try using a hydrating hair mask to restore your hair’s moisture.  

6. Use serums and topical products 

Serums and topical products are designed to stimulate the scalp follicles, encouraging growth and thickness. For the most effective results, invest in high-quality products specifically designed to improve hair condition. 

Look out for ingredients like argan oil, virgin coconut oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E. These ingredients are recommended by Medical News Today, as they’re “active ingredients that nourish the hair.”

7. Use natural hair masks  

Natural hair masks utilise ingredients like coconut oil, avocado and egg that strengthen and nourish hair. This home remedy is a highly effective way of hydrating your hair.

A study in the International Journal of Trichology states that coconut oil “has a high affinity for hair proteins and because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain”, it’s “able to penetrate inside the hair shaft”, creating healthier, shinier hair. 

8. Limit tight hairstyles

Tight hairstyles like plaits and ponytails can cause stress to the hair and weaken it. Tight hairstyles pull on the hair shaft and create damage over time. Alter your routine and opt for looser styles.

The American Academy of Dermatology discourages people from using tight hairstyles, stating, “The first sign of hair loss may be broken hairs around your hairline or thinning hair where your hairstyle pulls tightly.” 

9. Protect your hair from environmental damage 

Environmental damage like UV radiation and chlorine can cause damage. By wearing a hat or using special protection to shield your hair, you’ll keep its condition intact. 

According to Wilma Bergfeld, MD, “Sun damage can come in the form of discolouration, dry and brittle strands, broken or split ends, thinning and frizziness.” By wearing hair protection, like a hat or scarf, you can protect your hair. 

10. Take hair growth supplements and vitamins 

Hair vitamins are packed with essential ingredients for hair growth. Bloommies hair vitamins are gummies designed to supercharge your locks by strengthening them from the inside, activating scalp circulation and accelerating hair growth. 

Michelle Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York, states, “Vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth and may help in preventing hair shedding and thinning.” Green goes on to say, “The best vitamins for hair growth include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, biotin and iron.” 

11. Reduce stress

Chronic stress can have a significant impact on hair health, leading to hair thinning and loss. By finding stress-reducing strategies, you can maintain your hair’s condition and improve its thickness. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, “significant stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase.” By taking time for self-care, getting enough sleep or doing regular exercise, you can take steps to overcome your stress and maintain your hair’s health.

12. Trim hair regularly 

Regular trims get rid of breakage and split ends, keeping your hair in good condition. Regular trips to the salon and getting your ends clipped, keeps your hair healthy for longer. It’s recommended that you get your haircut every 6-12 weeks, depending on your hair type. 

Top trichologist Stephanie Sey says, “Get your hair cut when the ends become weathered and split”. You could also go right before this stage to prevent this from happening as Sey states, “Not tackling split ends means it will travel up the hair shaft, causing more damage.”

13. Avoid overwashing 

Excessive washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it dry and prone to damage. Avoiding overwashing is a home remedy for creating thicker, more voluminous hair. 

Cleveland Clinic states that washing your hair too much can cause a dry scalp, leading to “increased hair shedding.” So, gradually limit your amount of hair washing.

14. Use colour illusion 

Strategic placement of colour can make your hair appear thicker. Skilled colour technicians or hair stylists can add colour to your hair to create a fuller look. All you need to do is pop to a salon and leave it to the experts.

According to Luke Hersheson, a professional stylist speaking with Vogue, “The minute you start adding texture or contrast with colour, you start to see more depth, and that can give the illusion of thickness.” 

15. Consider hair extensions or toppers 

If you want a quick fix and instant solution to make your hair appear thicker, try using hair extensions or toppers. If you have fine hair and want to create a fuller look, these products are designed to give you immediate results. 

A consultation with a professional will help you find the extensions or toppers that’ll work best with your hair type and style. Charlie Taylor, a salon in Scotland, states, “Extensions can add volume and thickness to thinning hair, making it look fuller and healthier. They can also help disguise thinning patches or bald spots.”

In your quest for thicker hair, you now have 15 proven ways to improve its health, condition and thickness. By using a mixture of these home remedies and products and following our tips, you’ll notice thicker hair in no time. 

Thick Hair Tips Exclusively for Men

For many men, the path to achieving and maintaining thick hair can seem elusive, especially with the added concerns of receding hairlines or balding. However, understanding the specific hair needs and challenges faced by men is the key. Men often have hair types that can range from straight to wavy, curly, or coiled. Each type requires its own care.

Here are the thick hair recommendations for men:

• Shorter Hairstyles: For men with thinning hair, shorter hairstyles can often give a fuller appearance. It reduces the weight, allowing the hair to stand up more easily.
• Use Lightweight Styling Products: Avoid heavy gels or pomades which can weigh hair down. Opt for light mousses or sprays which give volume without residue.
• Avoid Over-shampooing: Shampooing every day can strip the natural oils of the scalp. Try shampooing every other day or using a dry shampoo in between.
• Hair Growth Shampoos: There are shampoos specifically designed to promote hair thickness for men, often with ingredients like caffeine.
• Scalp Massages: Regular scalp massages can stimulate blood flow, promoting growth and thickness.

Thick Hair Tips Exclusively for Women

Women's hair, with its many styles and treatments, can often face a lot of wear and tear. Hair types can vary extensively among women, from pin-straight to wavy, curly, and kinky. Each type comes with its distinct challenges and requirements.

Here are the thick hair recommendations for women:

• Layered Haircuts: For those with straight to wavy hair, layers can add volume and give the illusion of thickness.
• Deep Conditioning: Women with curly or coiled hair should invest in regular deep conditioning to maintain hair health and minimise breakage.
• Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Constantly pulling hair back into tight ponytails or buns can stress the hair and contribute to breakage. Alternate with loose hairstyles.
• Protective Styles: For coiled or kinky hair, protective styles like braids or twists can prevent damage and promote thickness.
• Limit Heat Tools: Constantly straightening or curling hair can lead to damage. Use heat protectants and limit the frequency of heat styling.

Tips for Maintaining Thick and Healthy Hair

Achieving thick hair is only half the battle; the real challenge lies in maintaining it. Here are some universal tips to ensure the health and thickness of your hair remains consistent:

• Regular Trims: Even if you're growing out your hair, regular trims help prevent split ends and breakage.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water. Hydration benefits not just your body but your hair as well.
• Silk Pillowcases: They reduce friction, which can lead to less breakage compared to traditional pillowcases.
• Avoid Chemical Overload: Limit the number of chemical treatments, and always ensure they're spaced out.
• Balanced Diet: Ensure your diet is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially those known to promote hair health.
• Protection from Elements: Use hats or scarves in extreme sun or cold, as both can strip hair of its natural oils.
• Gentle Brushing: Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft bristles to prevent breakage.

With the right care tailored to your specific hair type and needs, achieving and maintaining thick, luscious locks is within reach. Whether you're a man or a woman, embracing and caring for your natural hair will always bring out its best potential.