Thick hair is a point of pride, and it's not just reserved for fairy-tale princesses like Rapunzel—or actual princesses for that matter (just look at Kate's and Meghan's manes). It's totally achievable for us common folk, too. Sure, you can fake the fullness (cough, clip-in extensions) or you can get it the natural way. We vote the latter.
But first, "It's important to know that most people lose up to 100 hairs per day. If you don't regularly brush your hair, this can feel very dramatic in the shower," says Andi Scarborough, stylist and co-owner of Framed salon in Santa Monica, California.
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 McKel Hill, registered dietitian and founder of Nutrition Stripped. Other culprits include aging, thyroid problems, some prescription drugs, smoking, and genetics.
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.
But first, "It's important to know that most people lose up to 100 hairs per day. If you don't regularly brush your hair, this can feel very dramatic in the shower," says Andi Scarborough, stylist and co-owner of Framed salon in Santa Monica, California.
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 McKel Hill, registered dietitian and founder of Nutrition Stripped. Other culprits include aging, thyroid problems, some prescription drugs, smoking, and genetics.
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.
8 ways to naturally thicker hair.
Thicker hair doesn't have to be a pipe dream. Here's how to add va-va-volume:
1. Skip the sulfate shampoos.
When it comes to thicker hair, sulfates are not your friend. These potentially toxic chemicals might give shampoos that sudsy quality, but they can also strip hair of volume. "Staying clear of sulfates in a shampoo is always a good call," says Scarbrough. "These aggressive lathering agents can dry the hair out and strip color and natural oils." Luckily, there are sulfate-free options for every budget, from Burt's Bees Very Volumizing Pomegranate Shampoo ($7.59) and my new favorite WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampo ($18.84).
2. Don't overdo dry shampoo.
Not washing your hair every day can increase hair thickness (hello, natural oils!); however, always reaching for the dry shampoo can do the opposite. "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 like R+CO Death Valley ($32)." When it's time to wash, don't skip on that second shampoo, and scrub it like you mean it!
3. Give your scalp some love.
When it comes to thicker hair, it's not just your locks that need attention. "Dry skin on your scalp or product buildup can choke out the follicle, reducing the diameter of the hair growing out, and in some cases reducing the follicle's ability to produce hair at all," says Scarbrough, who suggests a scalp scrub or shampoo brush to help turn over dead skin cells and stimulate blood flow to the hair follicle. Another proven way to increase hair thickness: Give yourself a relaxing scalp massage (just four minutes a day has been shown to increase hair thickness). Even better, add peppermint oil to the mix—animal research has found 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.
4. Put the heat styling on low.
Are you guilty of blasting your hair with hot hair dryers, curling wands, and straightening tools? "High-heat styling habits are another major culprit, and can essentially strip away the outside cuticle layer of the hair, or burn it, rendering it incapable of holding body or wave," warns Scarbrough, who suggests running your iron at medium heat and taking smaller sections. Another defense: Safeguard hair before you straighten it with a nourishing heat protection spray such as the Smooth & Control Hair Oil ($32), or even a bit of plain old argan oil. Even better, skip the tools altogether and go au naturel with this beachy wave technique.
5. Skip the overly restrictive diets.
Not getting enough nutrients or the right nutrients can affect both hair growth and fullness. That's why it's important to eat a range of healthy foods, such as nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. "Your body needs adequate nutrients to support healthy hair," says Jessica Cording, R.D., author of the forthcoming Little Book of Game-Changers: 50 Healthy Habits for Managing Stress & Anxiety, who warns against diets with more forbidden foods than permitted foods. "If you're only eating the same few foods, and cutting out a lot, you're setting yourself up for being deficient in certain nutrients."
6. Think beyond protein.
"Protein is a key macronutrient in overall hair health," says Hill. In fact, hair consists mainly of protein, and research shows not getting enough can mean thinning hair. Just like you should eat a variety of nutrients, getting a mix of proteins can help build healthier hair. In addition to consuming the usual protein-rich foods, oysters and pumpkin seeds deliver zinc, salmon and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and eggs contain biotin—nutrients that have all been linked to hair health or growth.
7. Don't forget vitamin C.
Vitamin-C-rich foods can act like an anti-ager for the scalp. Not only can the antioxidant protect hair follicles from free radical damage, which research shows can sabotage hair growth and thickness, but it can encourage fuller hair. "Vitamin C plays a really big role in collagen production and that helps strengthen hair," says Cording. Citrus isn't the only super source of vitamin C, though—Brussels sprouts, broccoli, red pepper, kale, strawberries, and kiwi also deliver.
Consider a supplement.
Yes, there are hair supplements out there that promise all kinds of amazing things, but do they deliver? "If you're deficient in minerals or certain vitamins involved in hair growth, it could be beneficial working with a dietitian to get you on a supplement routine," says Hill.
One supplement that may hold promise for hair growth is collagen. 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.
"Otherwise, for most of us, as non-sexy as it sounds, it's about an overall lifestyle change and making long-term habits with your health that can contribute to hair growth, from stress management to better food choices,"
One supplement that may hold promise for hair growth is collagen. 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.
"Otherwise, for most of us, as non-sexy as it sounds, it's about an overall lifestyle change and making long-term habits with your health that can contribute to hair growth, from stress management to better food choices,"
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