No matter your hair type, everyone can struggle with thinning hair. As someone with afro-textured hair, the first time I straightened it, I expected it to look as thick and full as it did in its natural curls. Reader, it did not. Since then, I’ve learned all the tricks of the trade to get naturally fuller, thicker hair. From extensions to hair thickening serums to rice water treatments and more, I’ve tried it all. But to truly understand the science behind hair volume and density, I sought expert guidance to help me find the best hair thickening products.
I spoke with Devin Graciano, hair stylist and Head of Product Development at Goldie Locks. Graciano enlightened me about the difference between hair density and hair thickness. Density is the number of strands on your head, while thickness is the width of each strand. Collectively, both create the appearance of your hair volume. So, to achieve thicker hair, it’s key to understand your hair type, as well as what’s causing your hair’s thinness.
Featured image of Babba Rivera by Belathée Photography.
In this article
- How to Get Thicker Hair, According to an Expert
- Is there anything proven to thicken hair?
- Ingredients That Can Help Thicken Hair
- Do thickening products damage hair?
- How long does it take for a hair thickener to work?
- Daily Routines That Can Help Prevent Thinning
- The Best Hair Thickening Shampoos and Conditioners
- The Best Hair Thickening Styling Products
- The Best Hair Thickening Serums and Sprays
How to Get Thicker Hair, According to an Expert
Thick or thin strands are the gift of genetics. For naturally thinner hair, giving your hair the nourishment it needs—both inside and out—keeps it healthy and full. If your hair is losing its density, this could be a sign of a few different things. As we get older, slower hair growth is normal and might result in thinning. Some people also experience hair loss from stress, childbirth, or nutritional deficiencies, as well as genetic conditions like alopecia. Or you could just be suffering from a clogged scalp—in which case, add a scalp scrub to your routine to boost circulation. Soon, you should start seeing a fuller head of hair in the mirror.
As we get older, slower hair growth is normal and might result in thinning. Some people also experience hair loss from stress, childbirth, or nutritional deficiencies, as well as genetic conditions like alopecia.
With all these contributing factors to hair loss or thinning, many of us will likely ask ourselves: can you fake it until you make it? When it comes to creating texture and volume, you’re in luck. Read on for Graciano’s insights on the best hair thickening products to give your tresses a more voluminous look.
Is there anything proven to thicken hair?
There have been countless studies made when it comes to thickening hair from hair density (how many hairs on the head) to thickening each strand of hair temporarily. There are DIY methods as well as some promising ingredients to look for when you’re on the hunt for thicker hair.
Ingredients That Can Help Thicken Hair
Ingredients that show a great improvement in hair thickness include:
- Saw palmetto
- Rosemary
- Scutellaria baicalensis
- Soy
- Wheat
To increase hair density, you will need to look internally as well as externally to ensure you are addressing anything that could be disrupting your hair growth. Our hair is made up of sulfur, iron, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen so it’s important that we are taking in these minerals that will support new hair growth.
If you are lacking these minerals and are suffering from other ailments like inflammation, poor diet, sleep, and hydration, your hair will reflect that.
Do thickening products damage hair?
I cannot speak for all brands and all ingredients in existence on this one, but generally speaking, no. Hair thickeners generally consist of either hair fibers that attach to the hair or water-soluble polymers that don’t have the ability to overtake your hair’s overall integrity.
How long does it take for a hair thickener to work?
When you are working with preparation or styling products, they usually carry active ingredients that will either attach themselves to the hair creating a film over each strand, or hair thickeners with ingredients similar to hydroxyethylcellulose which only needs a few minutes before it starts working on the hair to help plump each strand.
When looking within from a supplement standpoint, you will want to prepare yourself for a full hair growth cycle (approx. three months) before you start seeing impactful results.
Daily Routines That Can Help Prevent Thinning
Taking a balanced supplement like Goldie Locks Supplements is a great daily routine to help prevent hair from thinning and encourages new hair growth and faster growth overall.
Ensuring that you are maintaining a balanced diet while staying hydrated will really show a difference. In addition to this, managing stress. People often underestimate the negative effects stress takes on our bodies which directly impact hair thinning.
For thickness in hair strands, a method that has been shown to help is a simple scalp massage. Four minutes daily will help increase blood circulation and exercise the tissue along the scalp that has been shown to thicken the hair.
The Best Hair Thickening Shampoos and Conditioners
Leonor Greyl Bain Restructurant a la Banane Restructuring Volumizing Shampoo
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eDefine your natural texture with this fortifying shampoo for curly hair types. Plantain extract helps restructure your strands and smooth damage.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Ranavat Regenerative Veda Bond Repair Conditioner
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eRanavat is slowly taking over my top shelf—and this conditioner is just another reason why. Transform all hair types with this scalp-driven formula, clinically tested to strengthen and protect your hair follicles to regenerate and strengthen each and every strand.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
As I Am Classic Co-Wash Cleansing Cream Conditioner
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eYour hair might be thinning because the ingredients you put in it are too harsh or heavy. If that’s the case, try this conditioner for hair types that are prone to breakage or sensitive to protein. Coconut oil, castor oil, and tangerine fruit extract strengthen hair from root to tip for thicker, stronger strands.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Kaia Naturals Overnight Dry Shampoo
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eDon’t pull the plug on dry shampoo yet. This clean haircare formula works overnight to refresh your styles and boost volume in all hair types.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
SHAZ u0026 KIKS Back to Your Roots Scalp + Hair Prewash
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eIf you have fine hair, prep your wash day routine with this creamy, plant-based prewash. Feed your hair vitamins A, B12, C, E, and K, iron, magnesium, and zinc plus anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ingredients to improve scalp dryness and sensitivities.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
The Best Hair Thickening Styling Products
adwoa beauty Baomint Leave In Conditioning Styler
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eThis hydrating leave-in conditioner doubles as a powerful styling agent that uses rosemary leaf oil to stimulate growth for kinky, curly, and wavy hair textures.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Lift Volumizing Foam
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eAll hair types need this styling foam that does it all. Add height and texture, boost volume, define curls, hold any style, and enjoy as a root refresher between washes.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumizing Paste with Rose Extracts
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eThis volumizing must-have magically transforms from a paste to a foam to make your hair look thicker and denser without any tacky residue or weighty finish. Cleanse as you style with the volcanic clay and exfoliating sugar crystals that invigorate the scalp to boost circulation and natural volume.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
REVERIE RAKE Styling Balm
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eDon’t sacrifice hydration and hair health for an all-day hold. This lightweight balm castor oil is designed for rebuilding and nourishing. With its pomegranate seed oil-infused formula, it’s effective at revitalizing fine and thinning hair.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Gisou Propolis Infused Polishing Primer
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003ePolish and prime your hair for any style with mirsalehi propolis, a rich composition of oils, vitamins, and minerals. Fortify while enhancing volume in one sleek product.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
The Best Hair Thickening Serums and Sprays
Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eRun, don’t walk and pick up this cult-favorite spray. You won’t believe its lock and hold for effortlessly more voluminous hair thanks to its concentration of amino acids to restore strength to thinning or damaged hair.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Boldify Hair Thickening Spray
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eCamille can’t get enough of this thickening spray—and for good reason. This thickening tonic doesn’t just pile on product to your scalp. Instead, it absorbs excess oil to add texture and volume with natural ingredients.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Ceremonia Guava Beach Waves
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eFine hair, don’t care. Perfect the coveted beachy look with this texturizing spray that gives you effortless styling assistance for instant bouncy waves.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Maya Chia The Mane Agent
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eThis deeply enriching serum addresses your hair concerns like you would your face. Suitable for all hair types, it’s a bonding treatment that deeply repairs and adds volume at once.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Nioxin Diamax Hair Thickening Treatment
u003cpu003eThis clinical-strength thickening treatment is a classic for a reason. Increase the thickness of each strand of hair, no matter how fine your locks. HTX technology contains ingredients like caffeine, niacinamide, and panthenol to thicken hair at the roots, while also protecting against breakage.u003c/pu003e
Sunday II Sunday Edge Flourish Daily Nourishing Serum
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eApply this serum to your edges or any thinner spot of hair for miracle growth. Biotin and banana extract restores, protects, and repairs hair prone to thinning or experiencing breakage caused by pulling or tight styles.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Evolvh Instavolume Volumizing Elixir
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eFine, oily hair needs this plant-powered elixir that beats oiliness and boosts volume. It’s your everyday solution to detangle, refresh, and add instant volume.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Grow Gorgeous Intense Hair Density Serum
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eClinically proven to increase hair density by 13%, this serum is made with biomimetic peptide, red clover extract, and green tea. It works from the scalp and the roots to promote hair density and create a fuller, healthier halo of hair.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
The Nue Co. Supa_Thick Hair Treatment
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eThis anti-shedding solution builds more full-bodied hair by supporting the health of the scalp, aiding circulation, rebalancing the scalp microbiome, removing product build-up, and protecting follicles.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Textured Press Black Magic Oil
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eA cult favorite, this serum is bound to sell out. This expertly crafted blend of peppermint and eucalyptus helps cleanse the scalp while organic oils nourish to promote growth and thickness.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
Iles Formula Scalp + Rejuvenating Booster
u003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; color: initial; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, u0026quot;Segoe UIu0026quot;, Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, u0026quot;Helvetica Neueu0026quot;, sans-serif;u0022u003eTarget both hair thickness and density with this leave-in treatment featuring Procapil to reduce signs of hair loss and boost the growth of thicker, stronger hair.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
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