Sure, you can fake the fullness (cough, clip-in extensions) or you can get it the natural way. There’s nothing wrong with the former, but we’re fans of focusing on the latter. Here, our best tips. “Staying clear of sulfates in a shampoo is always a good call,” says Andi Scarborough, stylist and co-owner of Framed salon in Santa Monica, California. “These aggressive lathering agents can dry the hair out and strip color and natural oils.” Luckily, there are sulfate-free options for every budget—check out our favorite sulfate-free shampoos here. “Overuse of dry shampoo is not only cheating your scalp out of the TLC it needs, but it can also cause detrimental buildup on the scalp and suffocate follicles, which can lead to thinning hair and hair loss,” warns Scarbrough. “If you love a good second- (or third- or fourth-) day refresh, as I know I do, opt for a mineral-, oat-, or rice-protein-based dry shampoo.” And when it’s time to wash, don’t skip on that second shampoo, and scrub it like you mean it! You may even consider a scalp exfoliator to help remove buildup. RELATED: Hair Density: What It Is, Why It Matters & How You Can ID Yours Another proven way to increase hair thickness: Give yourself a relaxing scalp massage (just four1 minutes a day has been shown to increase hair thickness). Even better, add peppermint oil to the mix—animal research has found2 that this essential oil can actually increase the number of hair follicles when applied topically. For a DIY scalp massage oil, simply combine a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil with argan oil. (Note: Always use your essential oils with a carrier oil.) Another defense: Safeguard hair before you straighten it with a nourishing heat protection spray such as the a bit of plain old argan oil. Even better, skip the tools altogether and go au naturel with these air dry techniques. RELATED: 6 Vitamins to Boost Hair Growth, According to a Trichologist RELATED: The 15 Best High-Protein Foods To Include In A Healthy Diet One supplement that may hold promise for hair growth is biotin and collagen, both of which are packed with amino acids. It’s not something that will have instantaneous effects, but considering collagen’s numerous full-body benefits and minimal side effects, it may be worth adding to your supplement rotation. Low levels of biotin have been linked to hair loss9, and other studies show that taking these supplements does support increased hair growth11 in women in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. For the best collagen supplements, check our our all-time favorites. RELATED: Do Hair Vitamins Work? Supplement Facts & Hair Growth Tips The procedure can be a bit costly, but it works: As it’s a relatively new treatment, research is still in its infancy, but the most promising of the research points to its hair regrowth properties. One randomized, placebo-controlled human trial found that after three sets of injections, the patients had significant improvement in hair density12. If you’re interested, consult a board-certified dermatologist who can walk you through your options. Beyond the usual shedding, there are reasons for hair loss. “When I see clients who come to me with hair concerns, most often it’s caused by high stress levels, hormonal issues, and/or a combination of lack of nutrients or not eating enough food,” says Hill. Other culprits include aging, thyroid problems13, some prescription drugs14, smoking15, and genetics16. Of course, how you treat your tresses matters too, from washing your hair with more natural products to how you style it. But as complicated as the causes may be, thicker hair solutions can be simple and even better for your hair and overall health. Note: Contact your health care provider if you have sudden hair loss. This can be a symptom of a health problem. RELATED: 13 Best Hair Growth Serums Of 2022 That Actually Work
