For most people, their hair is literally their crowning glory. Men and women alike understand that a thick, full mane is a sign of youth and vigor, while thinning hair is often associated with aging or illness. There are plenty of reasons why hair might start to thin, and some may require medical intervention, while others may self-correct in time (think post-pregnancy hair loss or stress-related alopecia).
If, however, thinning hair is hereditary and/or linked to aging, you might despair of renewing the bounce and volume you once enjoyed. The good news is, there are several ways to make thin hair thicker, or create the appearance of a fuller head of hair. Here are six great ways to get the thickness you crave, or at least the illusion of it.
Thickening Products
Limp locks can get a quick pick-me-up from a range of thickening products like careprost designed to deliver added volume. Shampoos and conditioners are the most common for daily improvement, and they tend to eschew heavy conditioning ingredients that are known to weigh hair down and cause it to look even flatter than it actually is.
Fine or thinning hair can also get a boost from leave-in products like volumizing sprays or dry shampoos, especially when applied at the roots to add lift. Or you might be interested in sprays that color your scalp with tinted product to not only hide root growth if you dye, but fill in sparse patches that show through. You can even find supplements in-store or via prescription that can help to thicken hair from the inside out, so you may want to visit a dermatologist to learn more about these options.
Rejuvenate Follicles
For many men and women, the appearance of thicker hair just isn’t enough, and thinning might eventually reach the point where no amount of salon processes or targeted products provide adequate improvement. The good news is, technology has supplied the advanced solutions necessary to meet demand, thanks to low-level light therapy (LLLT).
With a laser cap, you can safely and conveniently restore thinning hair. This product is portable, hands-free, and FDA-cleared to successfully and safely regrow hair on the scalp. For those who have passed the point where haircuts and thickening shampoos can help, or anyone who wants thicker hair for real, cutting-edge LLLT is a great option to explore.
Shorter Hair Styles
Sure, you wish you could hang on to your rock-star locks forever, but as we age, our hair naturally thins, leaving long tresses looking straggly and sparse. The quickest way to add the illusion of volume is by cutting off damaged ends, and indeed, considering significantly shorter ‘dos’, in some cases.
By losing several inches off longer locks, you reduce weight that pulls hair down, highlighting thinning and flattening your hairdo. You’ll see more volume and bounce immediately when you chop to a shoulder or bob length, and when you eliminate split ends, your hair will look a lot healthier, as well.
For men or women unafraid of a pixie, cropping closer to the scalp is a great way to camouflage thinning hair. This might sound counter intuitive, but unless you have significant bald patches, this trick actually makes the hair you have look much thicker.
Avoiding Damage
Chemicals and heat are the harbingers of doom for thinning hair, as they cause drying and breakage that exacerbate existing hair woes. If coloring your hair is a way of life, consider natural dye alternatives, like henna, that won’t cause the same damage as bleach or other chemical concoctions. In terms of styling with heat (blow drying, curling, flat ironing, etc.), try to skip it as much as possible, or at least opt for protective products and high-end tools that reduce the potential for damage.
A Hint of Tease
Teased hair can be tricky. You don’t want to end up looking like you came straight from the cast of Hairspray. That said, with a little finesse, you can add tasteful volume by backcombing at the crown for a subtle poof, a la Brigitte Bardot, or teasing around the roots for all-over volume, then finishing with a smoothing pass to hide the tangles. The trick to subtle teasing without damaging hair is to start with dry hair, use a texturing spray, and spring for a fine-tooth comb or bristle brush specifically designed for teasing.
Adding Depth
To be honest, you don’t necessarily need a fuller head of hair if you’re okay with the illusion of extra volume, and this could be accomplished easily enough with the right salon treatments. If you’re open to coloring your hair, adding highlights and low-lights can boost the dimension that makes your hair appear fuller than it actually is. Of course, adding dye goes against the edict to avoid damage, so you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of this approach before you pull the trigger.
However, one of the safest and best ways to increase the fullness and thickness of your hair is by using laser caps with low level light therapy. This treatment is an all-natural, clinically proven treatment to regrow hair.