Daily Care

Effective Ways to Improve Hair Thickness

By Upasana KakatiAug 13, 2024 6 min read

Understanding Hair Thickness

Factors Playing a Role in Hair Thickness

How to Increase Thickness of Hair - Proven Tips and Ways

FAQs

References

Losing that bounce in your hair? Do you feel the change in hair volume? No matter the clever cuts and styling, if your ponytail feels limp or your scalp starts to show, perhaps hair thinning or hairfall is knocking relentlessly at your doorstep. Addressing thinning and hairfall as combined issues are common, but both are different.

Before picking up the best hair thickening products or opting for DIY home remedies, knowing the difference between hairfall and hair thinning is crucial. As there is no one-solution-fits-all, it takes first understanding the underlying problem and customizing what works for you. Scroll down to learn all about hair thinning, underlying factors, how it differs from hair fall, and the combination of practical ways to thicken hair.

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Hair Care Routine

Understanding Hair Thickness

Before discussing hair thickness, let's examine the basic structure of hair strands. Each strand has three main layers : cuticle, cortex, and medulla.

Cuticle — This is the strand's outermost layer, made of overlapping cells that give it a scaly appearance under the microscope. The layer of dead cells covers the strand and protects it from damage.
Cortex — This is the middle layer of the strand known to strengthen hair, improve vitality, and improve overall elasticity. It contains melanin, the major hair pigment that gives natural hair color.
Medulla—This is the innermost layer of the strand and is known to contribute to the hair's structure. However, this structure is often missing from fine or thin hair strands.

Hair thickness refers to the diameter of a single strand, whereas hair density refers to the number of strands that grow per square inch of scalp. According to hair industry expert Eric Spengler , "Hair with a small diameter—or fine hair—has a typical diameter of about 50 microns. Hair with a large diameter—or coarse hair—has a typical diameter of about 120 microns."

Factors Playing a Role in Hair Thickness

Numerous factors play a role in the thickness of the strand. Before stocking shelves with multiple hair-thickening products , it is wise to discover the underlying cause of hair-thinning. Here are some significant factors:

Genetics: It may be genetics if you come from a family with premature balding or hair thinning. For example, conditions like Alopecia areata, patterned baldness in which one starts to lose patches of hair from the scalp, are often genetically linked. It is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks its own cells and affects the hair follicles. In the same way, Androgenetic Alopecia triggers hair thinning and loss in women due to follicles being sensitive to circulating androgens.
Hormonal imbalance and stress - These are other factors that trigger hair thinning; however, this can be controlled. With the drop in estrogen and progesterone levels in women, hair grows slower, which might contribute to hair thinning. Stress pushes hair follicles into resting phase, a condition known as Telogen effluvium, leading to disrupted hair growth and eventual loss of thickness. According to Ya-Chieh Hsu , Associate Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University - "Elevated stress hormones indeed have a negative effect on hair follicle stem cells."
Nutritional deficiency/excess styling: Another culprit leading to hair thinning is over-styling and the use of excessive products. Using hot styling tools also damages cuticles, weakening fibers and leading to thinning. Deficiencies in zinc, biotic, essential fatty acids, and vitamins A, B, C, D, and E tend to cause thinning.

Also Read: What Causes Hair Loss? Reasons & Solutions

How to Increase Thickness of Hair - Proven Tips and Ways

Tips to increase hair thickness | Moehair Blogs

Once you have tapped into the root cause of hair thinning, it is time to hold up the guard and take adequate measures. We have spoken to numerous experts to find out ways that help with reduced hair thinning:

Professional hair thinning treatments

If hair thinning is genetically linked or due to inflammation, it is better to consult a trichologist for a customized solution. According to William Gaunitz , a Certified Trichologist and Founder of Advanced Trichology, "Symptoms of genetic thinning would be hair loss prominent on top of the scalp rather than the sides." However, he also indicated that inflammatory thinning triggers burning, itching, and redness around the hair loss area.

Dermatologists or trichologists take a complete test and suggest an appropriate treatment based on the result analysis. The medications are based on whether someone needs hormonal treatment or an elaborate procedure that treats genetically-trigger thinning. For example, topical minoxidil is a commonly used FDA-approved medication to curb androgenic loss. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) involves injecting platelets extracted from your blood on the scalp to stimulate growth. Low laser therapy also boosts follicles and helps increase blood circulation, leading to thicker hair growth.

Opt for hair-thickening products

Pack of hair growth products - buy now | moehair blogs

Pick the best hair-thickening products that stimulate the scalp, boost blood circulation, and promote thicker, denser hair growth. Hair thickening products are usually formulated with active ingredients that aid in thickening strand diameter and giving a fuller appearance. Here are some recommendations that give volume to hair:

Volumizing shampoo and conditioner — These products usually contain fewer conditioning ingredients and don't weigh down hair. Opt for haircare products rich in collagen, biotics, glycoproteins, etc., which strengthen hair and add to its volume. Hyaluronic acid is an excellent active substance that has a plumping effect through moisture retention.
Hair loss products - Suffering from hair loss and thinning can harm your hair health. If hair loss is your concern, opt for suitable anti-hairfall products like Moehair Hair Guard Shampoo, Conditioner, and Tonic to reduce hairfall and boost cell regeneration.
Leave-In Hair Thickening Products - Besides bare essentials like shampoo and conditioner, adding leave-in densifying products like sprays, mousses, serums, and gels adds fullness and gives a thicker look. Also, using a root lifting spray gives the hair shaft the much-needed bounce.
Dry shampoo — If you have dry, limp, and thin hair, add dry shampoo to your cleansing routine for an instant boost. Formulated with minerals and starches, it reduces friction between strands, absorbs oil, and helps volumize hair.

Take the right kind of nutrition

Diet plays a crucial role in overall hair health. Deficiency in specific vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids might cause hair thinning. A combination of haircare supplements and diet can reverse hair issues and help with the thickening of hair. Take supplements rich in zinc, folate, vitamin D3, ferritin, vitamin B12, biotin, collagen, etc., to help boost hair growth. Add the below to your daily diet for healthy hair growth:

Nuts and seeds (rich in omega fatty acids)
Salmon, eggs, tuna, mackerel, and other fatty fish
Vegetables like broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, etc.
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, etc.
Citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin-C
Berries are rich in collagen, antioxidants, etc.
Avocado (rich in omega fatty acid, Vitamin E, etc.)

Keep scalp healthy and clean

Hair thinning and hindered hair growth might also be due to an unhealthy scalp triggered by clogged follicles. Scalp infection and inflammation might also cause hair loss. For thicker and voluminous hair, keeping your scalp clean and avoiding using products that lead to buildup is essential. Use a clarifying shampoo at least once a month for deep cleansing and eliminating product buildup. Using hot styling tools, use a heat-protectant spray to defend your strands.

Style hair accordingly

A haircut or a specific coloring technique helps give hair a fuller and voluminous look. While working on your hair-boosting diet goals or using the best hair-thickening products and treatments, you can use a clever haircut that gives the illusion of dense, thick hair. A blunt bob can add volume to straight hair. Also, you can cut hair in layers or opt for a butterfly haircut to give your hair a dense look. Highlighting hair and using the right choice of color adds dimension and texture.

Curbing hair, thinning, and getting thicker hair can be a patience game, with periods varying depending on underlying issues and hair type. Nevertheless, getting dense hair is getting good nutrition, using the best hair-thickening products , and consulting a dermatologist to customize a treatment plan.

FAQs

1. Can hair thickening products help in reducing hair thinning?

The product ingredients are sometimes helpful in thickening hair. However, hair thinning might be caused by numerous factors, such as genetics, lack of nutrition, excess styling, etc. It is essential to find the root cause to address the issue.

2. What are some of the signs of hair thinning?

Some signs of hair thinning include a receding hairline, widening hairline, scalp visibility, patchy bald spots, and strands breaking off easily.

3. Is it recommended to use DIY options for hair thickening?

You can try homemade remedies. However, it is strongly recommended to consult a dermatologist or trichologist for the proper treatment.

4. How long it takes to get thicker hair?

Improving hair density combines different things, including - proper haircare, treatment, good nutrition, and the use of safe products. Usually, improvements start to show within 90 days, depending on hair type and root cause.