No one wants thin, flat, limp hair, so we get why you're a little envious when you run into that woman with the impossibly thick and bountiful strands. Well, that can be you, too. Just follow these tips straight from Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists and hair pros for how to permanently thicken fine hair naturally, including home remedies and what to eat to grow hair faster and get thicker, fuller, longer hair overnight, in a week, and in a month. Show
This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. 1. Pick a thickening shampoo and conditionerIf you don't want to try expensive extensions or experiment with supplements, there's always the tried-and-true method of volumizing: opting for a thickening or volumizing shampoo and conditioner. "I prefer to go with the work-with-what-you-have approach by using hair products and styling tools to create volume, thickness, and texture," says Devin Toth, celebrity stylist at Salon SCK in New York City. "Shampoos and conditioners labeled volumizing or thickening usually contain fewer conditioning ingredients, so they don’t weigh hair down,” explains GH Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek. They’re a good foundation (but not a replacement) for styling products; the GH Beauty Lab recommends using the matching shampoo and conditioner set for best results, as they are formulated to work together. Kérastase Bain Densité ShampooCredit: Kerastase Garnier Fructis Full & Plush ShampooCredit: Garnier Fructis Frederic Fekkai The One Uplifting ShampooCredit: Amazon.com Briogeo Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing ShampooCredit: Briogeo 2. Keep your hair and scalp healthyThis seems like a given, but getting great-looking hair is nearly impossible when you're constantly damaging it. "If women want thicker-looking hair, they should
minimize the use of heat styling tools and refrain from using too much conditioner in the shower," Toth advises. Taking precautions like using heat protectant
spray and not over-washing your hair can help it look thicker and stronger over time, too, by minimizing breakage and
hair loss. And lay off the tight hairstyles, too! 3. Eat to benefit your hairRegularly consuming certain nutrients and foods can make a difference when it comes to having thick, lush strands. Seek out lean proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, B-complex vitamins, and iron, suggests GH Nutrition Director and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CSO, CDN. Top sources to support healthy hair growth include:
4. Add hair thickening products to your regimenStarting your style with volumizing or thickening styling products can go a long way toward making your hair look fuller, fast. Here are a few to try:
Top-Tested Volumizing and Thickening Hair ProductsColorProof SuperPlump Thickening Blow Dry Spray Now 71% Off Credit: ColorProofKristin Ess Instant Lift Thickening SprayCredit: Kristin Ess Aloxxi Thickening SerumCredit: Aloxxi Bumble and Bumble Go Big Thickening TreatmentCredit: Bumble and Bumble 5. Use color to create the illusion of fullnessJoin Our Membership Club to Get Unlimited AccessJoin Our Membership Club to Get Unlimited AccessIf you're open to
coloring your hair, adding a few subtle streaks into the mix could be the right way to go.
"highlighting hair adds the look of depth to strands," Penna says. "It gives your mane dimension, which creates the illusion of fuller locks instead of flat, single-toned
hair." Talk to your stylist about the most flattering highlights for your face, or bring a photo of a style you already love to your consultation. Prefer to skip the color? Keep in mind that the more of your scalp that's visible, the thinner your hair will appear. Fill it in a bit with a powder eyeshadow in a shade close to your hair color or a using a hair color spray, like Bumble and bumble Hair Powder. Hold it out about 10 inches from your scalp and spray it onto your roots. 6. Get a strategic cutThough "longer hair" and "thicker hair" are sometimes used interchangeably, in reality, they're totally different. "If you have thin hair, opt for a cut that is short to medium length," advises Nick Penna Jr., owner and lead stylist of SalonCapri in Boston. "Often thin or fine hair that's very long can look stringy and even thinner since it's weighed down by the length."
7. Consider a dermatologist visitOne in four American women reports thinning hair — and that doesn’t count those born with wispy or sparse strands. For serious thinning hair or hair loss, a session with a dermatologist (they also specialize in hair) may be needed. “Hair that’s naturally thin in diameter [fine] or sparse is genetic,” says Joyce Davis, M.D., a dermatologist in NYC. “Hair loss is often hereditary (or androgenic) thinning, which tends to be patchy.” Another common type is telogen effluvium (TE), or allover shedding due to hormones or health issues such as thyroid or autoimmune disease and anemia. With TE, hair generally grows back once the problem is treated; see a doctor for diagnosis. While shelves are packed vitamins and supplements claiming to stimulate hair growth, a RX is your best bet for something that truly works. "Female-patterned hair thinning is related to our hormones and the sensitivity of the hair follicles to the hormones," explains Hadley King, M.D., a dermatologist in NYC. "Hormonal prescription medications such as some oral contraceptives and spironolactone can be very effective in making hair thicker." For androgenic loss, the over-the-counter topical minoxidil (most well-known in
Rogaine) is proven to grow hair with continued use. For all
types of hair loss, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), a newer dermatologist's-office treatment, stimulates growth with scalp injections of your blood’s growth factors, Dr. Davis says. Blake is a former Associate Editor for GoodHousekeeping.com covering beauty, celebrity, holiday entertaining, and other lifestyle news. April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. How can I make my thin hair look fuller?9 Easy Hairstylist Hacks That Make Thin Hair Look Thicker. Don't rely on shampoo and conditioner. ... . It's all about a great haircut. ... . Ask for shorter pieces. ... . Make use of “hair filler” ... . Flip your parting. ... . Tease hair at the crown. ... . Find the right product for your hair. ... . Blow dry upwards.. How can I make my hair fuller naturally?Remedies to thicken hair. Eggs. Eggs are rich in protein, which is essential for strong, thick hair. ... . Olive oil. Olive oil is rich in omega-3 acids and other nutrients that are essential for overall health, including hair health. ... . Proper nutrition.. Orange puree. ... . Aloe gel or oil. ... . Avocado. ... . Castor oil. ... . Coconut oil.. How can I plump up my hair?Lightly blow-dry your hair until it's slightly damp, then apply a volumizing product to the roots to set the 'lift' created with the blow-drying. This keeps hair from sticking to the scalp. You can also use a curling iron, roller set, or electric curlers at the roots to add volume.
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