That means that with the exception of specific illnesses or conditions , the thickness of your parents' hair "is likely similar to the thickness of hair you have," says Angela Lamb, MD, a dermatologist at Mount Sinai in New York City.

A few other external or individual factors have also been shown to marginally impact hair thickness. These include " hormonal fluctuations , age and overall health," explains Henry. Some people think that diet can make thin hair thick, but the experts say such misconceptions are likely rooted in misunderstandings about nutritional deficiencies and healthy hair.

Instead, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as "biotin, zinc , iron and vitamin D can lead to hair loss and thinning," she says. For this reason, it's important to include certain foods in one's diet to help maintain healthy hair.

The best foods that are known to help include " whole grains , bright vegetables, nuts and legumes," says Lamb. Coconut oil and your hair: Is coconut oil good for your hair? The answer may surprise you. Beyond dietary choices, there are other tips and techniques known to thicken, strengthen or protect one's hair.

She recommends selecting gentle hair care products that are suitable for your hair type and to avoid over washing "as it can strip away natural oils. Leave-in thickening and volumizing products including dry shampoo , mousses, serums, coconut oil , gels and sprays may also be helpful.

In some cases, medication may also be suggested which can be taken orally or applied topically. Beauty vitamins: Looking for info on the benefits of vitamin E?

What to know before taking the supplement. Home Wellness Food Humankind Problem Solved Holidays Comics. Thinning hair is the first sign. Some hair follicles stop producing hair altogether," says Dr. Kathie Huang, co-director of the Hair Loss Clinic at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital and assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School.

This type of hair loss can result from genetics or age-related hormone changes. It occurs gradually, in patterns specific to men and women. In women, it can involve most of the scalp, or affect certain areas such as the middle part, the temples, and the frontal scalp area," Dr.

Huang says. Another common type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium. This type of thinning occurs suddenly, often as a reaction to emotional or physical stress. Shedding can also occur as a reaction to an underlying medical condition or from taking a new medication," Dr.

Your primary care physician can assess whether you have hair loss caused by an underlying condition, medication, hormone changes, or aging. The doctor may order blood work or prescribe treatments. If you want to see a specialist, visit a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in hair loss treatment and is well versed in the many options available to help regrow hair.

The type of treatment your doctor prescribes will depend on the cause of hair loss. Telogen effluvium corrects on its own or once the underlying cause is treated.

For people with androgenetic alopecia, treatment aims to enhance the hair follicles, so the hair strands become thicker and your hair appears to be denser over all. The following treatments may help. Topical drugs.

The FDA has approved minoxidil Rogaine , available over the counter, as a hair loss treatment for both men and women. It helps thicken hair follicles and promotes hair lengthening.

It comes in a liquid or foam that's applied to the scalp.

Strands can become thin for a slew of reasons, which means that an approach to restoring thickness that worked for somebody else won't necessarily make a difference in your unique hair. To help you avoid wasting your time with tips for getting thicker hair that are unlikely to help, Brendan Camp, M.

A: Adjusting your lifestyle habits or hair styling practices or seeking out hair loss treatments are the best answers to how to get thicker hair, according to Dr. But before you start studying how to get thick hair, it's helpful to get some background on why you might be noticing thinner hair in the first place.

Strands of hair grow out of pores in your skin called follicles. Those follicles can become narrower for a variety of reasons, at which point thinner strands start to grow out of that follicle, according to Dr. Note, hair volume loss can also result from hair shedding , which refers to the rate at which strands are falling out of your scalp rather than the thickness of individual strands.

Below, a summary of the most common reasons that people experience decreased hair thickness from Dr. The below strategies are typically the most effective routes for those who are wondering how to get thicker hair, according to Dr.

The final word on which interventions will help you may depend on the cause of your hair thinning. Depending on what your day-to-day habits look like, making a few adjustments to your lifestyle might help you get thicker hair.

Reminder: decreased hair thickness often stems from always wearing your hair tightly pulled back. It follows that snatched buns and ponytails are best worn in moderation if you're hoping to get thicker hair. Instead, try wearing your hair down or opting for loose braids.

Even switching up how you detangle your hair can prove beneficial. On a related note, "thickening" hair products won't actually increase the diameter of your hair follicle, and have more of a cosmetic benefit, according to Dr.

Various hair loss treatments can be helpful depending on whether you're concerned with getting thicker hair, reducing shedding, or both. You must take this medication daily to maintain benefits. Finasteride is not approved for use in women, and women should avoid touching crushed or broken finasteride tablets.

This drug may cause significant side effects in men, including:. Hair loss may be common, but there are various treatments that can help slow hair loss and may even cause hair regrowth.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. If you find that your hair has stopped growing or is thinning, it may be due to age or genetics. But there are things you can do. Learn how to use keratin for your hair, along with its benefits and side effects.

Read our review of Nutrafol for Men to see if these hair loss products really work. Hair training is a beauty hack that involves not washing your hair for long periods of time in hopes that it can improve hair and scalp health, but….

Some people apply egg yolk to their scalp as a hair treatment. We explain the reasons why and how to make an egg yolk hair mask. Happy Head offers a variety of prescription and over-the-counter products to treat hair loss and hair thinning. But does it really work and what can…. In a new study, researchers published findings that could pave the way for molecular therapies for androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or….

The FDA has now approved a new drug to treat hair loss caused by alopecia. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Erica Cirino — Updated on August 15, Home remedies Products Bottom line So, you want thicker hair.

Home remedies. Products to boost hair thickness. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We also love Nutrafol , which won a Bazaar Hair Award in Nearly every dermatologist we interviewed agrees: In a sea of powders, gummies, pills, and shots promising thicker and fuller hair, Nutrafol is the one that most consistently delivers expert-level results.

We know it can be hard to break up with your hair dryer or flat iron. But if you truly want healthier hair, start writing that breakup text. We also love the Dyson Airwrap , a styling tool-and-dryer hybrid that uses air and minimal heat to dry and curl hair.

Brushing every day, regardless of your hair texture, will also help exfoliate the scalp and remove dead hair. Flora likes using a round ceramic brush like the Ibiza Hair Cork Series to help create shine while doing a blowout.

Zeeuw suggests using a boar-bristle brush, like the cult-favorite Mason Pearson. As for the biggest brushing faux pas? When creating the illusion of thicker hair, Flora says to use something lightweight that will plump the hair at the root without weighing hair down we like GHD Body Goals Total Volume Foam.

To finish off a look, she likes to use a thickening texture spray, like Fekkai Full Blown Volume Dry Texturizing Spray , for even more added volume. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts. You Need a Heated Eyelash Curler Trust Us.

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From clever cuts and innovative products to smart styling and even small changes to your diet, there are countless ways to thicken up your hair. In most cases, it will be a combination of things that yields visible results. However, in all instances, you want to be optimising each possible factor that can affect your hair growth cycle, such as health, nutrition, thyroid function, stress levels and scalp health, as well as the condition of your hair itself.

One of the most common types of hair loss in women is Androgenetic Alopecia, which is characterised by an overall thinning of hair. This is why seeking help as soon as you notice changes is really important.

Another very common cause of hair loss, especially in women, is Telogen Effluvium, which is characterised by excessive or daily hair shedding. This is not genetic and can happen to anyone.

It is a reactive hair loss caused by an internal imbalance or shift. For cases of Telogen Effluvium, the underlying cause needs to be identified and then addressed. If your hair loss is due to hypo or hyperthyroid, this must be addressed with the appropriate medication.

Self-care and plenty of sleep are key. Read more: The Best Hair Straighteners For Silky Smooth Locks. Another culprit behind thin hair is over-styling and over-colouring. Heat-based styling products and bleach-laden colouring agents can strip your hair of all its strengthening fibres, leaving it weak.

By Vogue. By Emma Spedding. By Plum Sykes. If you can bear to, take a break from colouring your hair and step away from the styling products. Products with natural ingredients here are key.

Read more: How To Use The Dyson Airwrap Styler. One of the easiest ways to thicken hair is through diet and supplements. For a good general multivitamin, try Lumity Morning and Evening Female Supplement Starter Kit. Nutritionist Moon Bedeaux recommends biotin. I recommend taking this in a minimum 5, MCG liquid form daily in order to get the most recognisable results.

I like to use Life-flo. Or opt for routine biotin vitamin injections, such as Get A Drip. VIDA GLOW Hairology Advanced Repair food supplements 30 capsules.

Aside from clever cuts and dietary changes, there are a wealth of volumising products on the market to try at home. To maintain hair thickness in the long term, and promote overall healthy hair growth, Ohta recommends paying particular attention to the scalp, cleaning it every two to three days and incorporating a good scalp oil into your hair care routine.

HairBurst Multi-Active Scalp Serum. Leonor Greyl Régénérescence Naturelle. Active and pronounced genetic hair thinning is more complex to treat, but can certainly be managed with medical-grade solutions which are available at our London Clinic.

Philip Kingsley Density Preserving Scalp Drops. For those looking for a short cut, a quick trip to the salon can solve even the most stubborn of hair woes. What to ask for? Try a shoulder length bob or any kind of blunt style to create a thicker, fuller appearance.

A micro-trim is another great cut for fine hair, simply taking the most minute ends off your hair every six weeks can help the hair look more thick and healthy.

As for styling, Northwood recommends rough drying the hair upside down to create volume at the root. And be smart about colour. Avoid anything too one-dimensional — multiple tones in highlights or lowlights will give the hair depth and avoid it looking too thin.

And to round out your care essentials, we've also included some expert-approved products you can seamlessly add to your routine. We have great hair news for avocado fanatics. According to Michelle Blaisure, product and technical specialist and certified trichologist for Bosley Professional Strength , a diet full of healthy fats is essential for thick and healthy hair.

It sounds obvious but bears repeating: Different hair types require specific products that cater to their exact needs. Cutler x Arlo Salon co-owner Jenny Balding says those with fine hair should look for volume-building shampoo and conditioners, such as the Kérastase Bain Densité Shampoo , to boost the appearance of thickness and add shine.

A good rule of thumb is to pick a shampoo that gently cleanses the scalp and a conditioner that boosts hydration applied to the mid-lengths to the ends , says Lars Skjoth , the CEO and founder of Harklinikken. Too much of a good thing can harm your hair. According to Lucy Flora , stylist at Suite Reyad at the Pierre Hotel in New York City, the number-one mistake she sees clients make is over-washing.

You can help distribute the natural oils by gently brushing your hair regularly more on that below. Well, you know what we mean. The scalp has a rich microbiome of bacteria and fungus necessary to keep the skin—and hair it grows—healthy, explains Blaisure. She recommends limiting thickening products that leave behind a heavy residue and make hair look dull, as well as anything with a high pH level.

Linda de Zeeuw, master stylist at Rob Peetoom in Brooklyn, suggests massaging your scalp to activate blood flow and to avoid washing your hair more than three times a week. De Zeeuw also warns against overusing dry shampoo—heartbreaking, we know—as it can build up a layer of residue on your scalp and clog hair follicles, preventing new, healthy hair from growing.

Before you stock up on promising products, try giving yourself a scalp massage, which encourages blood flow and helps break up scar tissue in the hair follicle to promote thickness.

With your fingertips, move in small circular motions with a moderate amount of pressure. And although scalp massaging tools have grown in popularity, Skjoth warns that sharp rubber devices or metal massaging devices can potentially damage the follicles and prevent hair growth.

Skjoth recommends avoiding products that contain silicones, artificial colors, or—if you're sensitive—fragrance. Instead, look for ingredients that boast anti-inflammatory properties, which stabilize the scalp microbiome and balance excess sebum that often plays a part in hair thinning.

The Harklinikken Stabilizing Shampoo features extract from burdock root to sooth and reduce inflammation. Taking a daily multi-vitamin along with a hair supplement can make a big difference, according to Balding.

Blaisure agrees, adding that certain vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are necessary for healthy hair follicle function and growth. Choose something like the Bosley Professional Strength Healthy Hair Vitality Supplements , which are high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 and horsetail and pumpkin seed extract, or Viviscal , which contains a proprietary collagen complex to support healthy hair growth.

We also love Nutrafol , which won a Bazaar Hair Award in Nearly every dermatologist we interviewed agrees: In a sea of powders, gummies, pills, and shots promising thicker and fuller hair, Nutrafol is the one that most consistently delivers expert-level results.

We know it can be hard to break up with your hair dryer or flat iron. But if you truly want healthier hair, start writing that breakup text. We also love the Dyson Airwrap , a styling tool-and-dryer hybrid that uses air and minimal heat to dry and curl hair.

Brushing every day, regardless of your hair texture, will also help exfoliate the scalp and remove dead hair. Flora likes using a round ceramic brush like the Ibiza Hair Cork Series to help create shine while doing a blowout. Zeeuw suggests using a boar-bristle brush, like the cult-favorite Mason Pearson.